Morays training camp week one wrap-up
March 7, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Miami Morays News Release
Hitting Hard: The action got physical Saturday for the first time as the players strapped on the full pads. A good sized crowd gathered to watch the positional battles and hard-hitting action taking place at Gibson Park.
Equal Arms: With only two quarterbacks in camp, competition for the starting job is sure to heat up in the final week. Travis Wilson and Derrick Vickers are both still on equal terms when it comes to winning the starting role. Receiver Ethenic Sands is also being considered to take some snaps due to his versatility and previous experience throwing the ball.
Tilting the Field: Offensive coordinator Tony Wells is excited at the prospect of having a "big" package as part of offensive arsenal. Showing up strong in camp has been Ben Labelle and Leroy McFadden. Labelle brings strong blocking and powerful running, while McFadden is a threat out of the backfield as a receiver. Labelle and McFadden together weigh a combined 515 pounds.
Sure-Handed: Two standouts through the first week of camp has been Ethenic Sands and newcomer Kevin Heard. Sands has shown exemplary route-running and quick feet, while Heard has been making excellent catches all over the field.
Making the Wall: Standing out among the rest of the linemen has been a veteran of the Canadian Football League, Donald Heaven. Head Coach Coach Larry Little feels that an area of major concern is the overall conditioning of the offensive linemen. The next two weeks focus will be on their conditioning.
Mucking it Up: What has stood out the most to defensive coordinator Ray Isaac has been the overall strength and speed of the defensive line. Veteran Deryl Lane has been instrumental in providing guidance to some of the younger players, and local products Daniel Hernandez and Arpedge Rolle have been consistently getting better as the practice sessions progress.
Backing the Line: With two roster spots available and three linebackers in camp, coach Isaac will have to make some tough decisions soon. Jimmy Williams has made some notable hard hits in practice, while Lernard Mack and Mike Ziccardi have shown steady consistent play all through camp.
On the Island: Another skill position on the Morays with only four open roster spots and an abundance of talent in camp is at the defensive back position. University of Michigan graduate Jon Shaw has stood out with consistent play. Antwon Robinson, a veteran of the indoor game, came into camp and has not missed a step. Two key components at the DB position has been the overall experience and consistency.
I Kick the Ball: The battle for the kicking spot will be focused on in the latter part of training camp. Michael Elorreaga and Iztok Plevnik will be competing in a competition to show off accuracy and consistency, with the winner earning the kicking spot.
New Face: Two new faces were welcomed to Morays camp. Former University of Miami lineman and arena league veteran Alan Symonnete came to camp this week, and NIFL all-star receiver Kevin Heard, formerly of the Huoma Bayou Bucks, was invited to camp. Heard attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he played alongside NFL players Todd Pinkston, Sherrod Gideon, and Harold Shaw
Injuries: OL Terrence Gattling (dislocated thumb) was held out of practice for a few days. Mike Hill (strained hamstring) practiced lightly during the week, and OJ Farlow (strained hamstring) sat out of heavy action for a few days. All players are now cleared to resume practice.
Saying Goodbye: After one week of training camp, several players left camp voluntarily or were cut by the coaching staff. Turning in their pads this week were LB Andre McNeal, CB Harold Jacobs and Jocelyn Borgella, and WR Reggie Haugabouck.
This Week: Every session of Training camp is open to the public this week. Practice goes from 6 PM to roughly 8:30 PM at Gibson Park, located at 350 NW 13th Street in Overtown.
Scrimmage: An intra-squad scrimmage will be held on Tuesday, March 8th at 6 PM and on Saturday, March 12 at Gibson Park at approximately 3 PM to 5 PM.
The Miami Morays will play in the National Indoor Football League, entering its fifth season with 21 teams located across the United States. The NIFL provides players with an opportunity to develop their skills and continue their careers in professional football.
Morays season, group, and game night tickets are on sale now. Don't miss out on the return of professional hard-hitting indoor football this season, get your tickets now by visiting www.miamimoraysfootball.com or www.ticketmaster.com
For additional information about the Miami Morays, please call Mark Fischel at 305-374-8950 X309 or visit us at www.miamimoraysfootball.com.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from March 7, 2005
- ThunderBolts one step closer to a great season - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- Hawgs encourage fans to travel for first game - Daytona Beach Hawgs
- Kreatures encourage fans to support their team - Kissimmee Kreatures
- Morays training camp week one wrap-up - Miami Morays
- Fayetteville Guard Team Members Serve Students - Fayetteville Guard
- Rage Honour True American Heroes - RiverCity Rage
- Guard looking for anthem singers - Fayetteville Guard
- Rage releases pre-season roster - RiverCity Rage
- Pick Your Seat Night postponed - Fayetteville Guard
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
