Coach Godding talks Bethany game
Quotes after 13-12 season-opening setback
Positives, surprises, working areas targeted
WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- After taking the nation’s #24 ranked team, Bethany College (Ks), to the wire before coming up a point short, Southwestern Assemblies of God University football Head Coach Jesse Godding was candid and objective about his team’s season debut.
This was not the usual “silver lining behind the dark clouds” kind of ‘coach speak.’ Observers feel this team could be onto something good.
A win, as Stephen King once wrote, would have “been as big as a circus strongman’s fist.” The sideline veteran, however, sounds as though his ‘team gauge’ is as true as a compass.
Godding believes his Lions are getting there; that the compass is pointing north!
His post-game comments ranged several subjects:
About the SAGU defensive unit
“Defensively it was pleasing to see ‘great effort’ coupled with ‘great play.’ As (training) camp progressed we thought we were better defensively than we had anticipated over the summer.”
“In the scrimmage versus SNU (Southern Nazarene University), we felt our unit came together. Tonight versus Bethany was a great start to attempting to become a dominant defense in the 2012 season.”
“I think our speed, defensively, is a positive. Bethany attempted to get us running side to side with their screen game and we did a
good job of running to the ball.”
Freshman CB makes first start
“Shakeem Taylor (Mesquite, Tx / Poteet HS) made his first start as a redshirt freshman and came up with two interceptions! He unfortunately was the victim of a freshman mistake on the last touchdown, but (he) played tremendously throughout the game.”
SAGU turnovers
The Lions averaged losing possession of the ball by a fumble or interception three times per game in 2011.
There was a tipped (first quarter) pass that was picked off, leading to a Swedes TD. Then there was a fumble on a first down run at the goal line that prevented three or seven points.
“The fumble just before the half in the end zone kept us from going in with a lead (at intermission). That would have been a tremendous momentum builder.”
“Overall we made too many mistakes mentally to take down #24 in the nation. That is reflected in us grossing 12 penalties for 77 yards; many of them false starts or offside penalties.”
“You can’t beat a team of Bethany’s caliber with a mental performance of that nature. The good news in this is that it can be fixed.”
Offensive hiccups
“Offensively, there are some playmakers that we need to get better involved. The offense was new and we’re learning from a new Offensive Coordinator (Frank Tristan). Along with a lot of new faces (six or seven new starters), we need to realize we’re very much a work in progress.”
“I think we will become more explosive as the season develops; as the comfort level rises between coaches and players.”
Pleasant progress
“A bright spot was our special teams. Justin Fox (Waxahachie, Tx / Waxahachie HS) made his first start as a freshman in the snapping duties. He did a tremendous job.”
“James Gish (Waxahachie, Tx / Waxahachie HS) set a school record with four field goals in one game. He also had a solid game kicking off.”
“Our coverage teams were solid with one exception on a kickoff return (38 yard run-back) in which they broke contain. It was a good first game for these teams and hopefully we will improve from here on out.”
Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.
SAGU Athletic Photo Gallery
Fans can view and/or purchase high resolution photos of all Southwestern sports team. Steve Patterson, a local freelance photographer, posts hundreds of pictures on-line following SAGU home games. Nearly 400 are available now from Saturday's football game, including fans, the cheer team and broadcast crew.
Photos in this article are from Moving Pictures.
Visit Web Site: http://www.movingpictures.photoreflect.com
