After holding a mock game yesterday afternoon at McMahon Stadium, the team got to rest their legs with a rundown this afternoon.
After reviewing the game tape from yesterday’s scrimmage, head coach and general manager John Hufnagel says he was satisfied with what he saw, but admitted the offence could have been more productive.
“Offensively we weren’t as consistent as we would like to have been,” says Coach Huff. “I’d have liked to see some big plays made down the field, but we underthrew some balls. Receivers had opportunities; we just didn’t get the ball to them.
“My biggest concern is just getting assignments. There were too may assignment mistakes which usually occur in that type of game. It was the first time we held a practice by making it a mock game. It was faster. They have to be able to run and think at the same time and it was just a faster pace. It takes a bit to get used to.”
He also thought the offensive line’s first team did an excellent job on their pass protection and knows the new players will get better with more time and practice.
“Our defence has a lot in,” he says. “They did a lot of movement which is very confusing. So that was the main problem that we had, but we always need to get better in that area.”
Much to the delight of the players, the team has just two more days of two-a-days left in camp on Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be a walk-thru on Thursday, followed by the Stamps’ first pre-season game on Friday at home against the BC Lions. The game will not be televised, so be sure to be in the stands as the players battle it out for a spot on the 2013 roster.
O Canada
In case you missed it, check out the video below to watch Stampeder players sing the National Anthem to kick off yesterday’s mock game. When asked how this group of players was chosen, Coach Huff replied, “They earned it. They were all injured.”
>> Video: Stamps players sing O Canada
A day in the life of a football coach
Stampeders.com followed offensive line coach Mike Gibson around for an entire day to see what it’s like to be a football coach during training camp. Check out part one of our two-part series below.
>>Video: Day in the life of coach Mike Gibson Part 1
Welcome to the show
The sudden downpour at the end of Sunday’s mock game did little to dampen the spirits of the Stampeders players as the vets were treated to the annual rookie show later in the day.
Punt specialist Rob Maver spearheaded the planning for this year’s festivities, featuring a buffet of skits, story-telling and songs by rookie players.
“Like a good football team, you have to prepare for it,” says Randy Chevrier, another of the seasoned players who helped plan the spectacle.
“If you show up to the rookie night (unprepared), you’re going to get booed off the stage, because it’ll show.”
According to Maver, there are key elements to having a good rookie show. Those elements include rookies who aren’t afraid to poke fun of coaches and vets or who try for something original.
“You’ve really got to think outside the box and not be afraid to go after somebody in a goodnatured way,” says Maver.
When one or a group of newbies get up and perform, their success is gauged by crowd response, which can range anywhere from hysterical laughter to booing and catcalls.
The pressure can be immense, but the payoff rewarding as veterans accept you and bring you into the fold.
This year’s highlight winner came from the most unlikely source in Brett Jones, the quiet-by-nature offensive lineman drafted this year out of the University of Regina.
“I’ve been talking to a lot more guys today, they’re all saying I was pretty funny,” says the reluctant comedian.
It appears Jones is adding to his already deep list of career options — petroleum engineer, doctor, professional football player and now stand-up comic.
And the content of his winning entry? Well, lips are locked on the details but word around McMahon is it had to do with Jones’ fellow o-lineman — and team joker — Na’Shan Goddard’s quirky personality.
“How can I put this? He illustrated how Na’Shan has earned the moniker ‘dirtbag’,” quoted one anonymous source in regards to Jones’ monologue. “It was hilarious.”
While the rookie show is often fun and games, there is a real value to this short time when players are able to let their hair down in the midst of a very intense training camp where possible career opportunities are on the line.
“It’s a way for guys to just bond outside of football,” says Maver. “It’s these kinds of activities that bring a team together and help you down the stretch, because you know your teammates that much better.”
For a veteran like Chevrier, the importance of this opportunity is not only helpful in bringing players together, but also giving some of the import rookies an opportunity to forget about all the pressures that come from factors outside of football.
“A lot of guys come here from the middle of nowhere, or come not knowing what Canada is about,” says Chevrier. “And they’re dropped in here and are playing tons of football with little time for a social aspect.”
The players take the opportunity to build some relationships with players they may not have known before, and some who they may not see again once the roster is finalized.
For the veterans who took in the show last night, they were entertained and came to know their new teammates better.
For the rookies, a lasting memory was created and a rite-of-passage realized, as they continue on their journey to earn the right to wear the red and white.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
The Stamps return to regular workouts on Tuesday, June 11 with two practices at McMahon Stadium. The morning practice runs from 9:05 a.m. to approximately 10:55 a.m. while the afternoon session runs from 4:20 p.m. to approximately 6 p.m.