Sports stats

Murray: Is this not why you are here?

May 19, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


Editor's Note: One of the most significant moves the Coyotes made during the 2004 off-season was acquiring Doug Murray as defensive coordinator. Murray spent the pas two seasons at UC Davis as the secondary coach.

In Central Valley, Murray inherits a defense that finished 3rd in the af2 last season. The team also acquired talented players in the off-season, including linebacker Kevin Nelson, defensive specialists Halakilangi Muagututia, and Jermaine Smith to add to the veteran leadership of defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai, defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer and linebacker Howard Maxwell.

Murray's comments will appear regularly on Centralvalleycoyotes.com throughout the 2004 season.

How good does it feel to get your first win?

"Relief is probably the first thing that comes to mind. As a coach I can't always judge our play by a win or loss, I have to look at our play as a whole defense and see where we can improve. We didn't play a perfect game against the Dorados, so there are a few things we still need to work on. However, it's nice to get that first win behind us and move on. A lot of the kids like to quote Russel Crowe from the movie, Gladiator. Their favorite line seems to be. ‘Is this not why you are here', I've been thinking about that line for a while now and it's starting to make sense. We are all here for one reason, and that's to win football games."

Defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai was selected as ADT Defensive Player of the Week, what does that mean to you as a coach?

"Ricky was one of the main reasons why we were able to get a win last Saturday. He was able to get three sacks on the night, but there was also numerous times when he forced the quarterback to make a bad throw or hit him as he was throwing. He's a great player, it means a lot to us as coaches and to him individually."

What do you need to do in practice this week to build on your win last weekend?

"I think when you get a win, people are more willing to come into practice and correct some deficiencies. Hopefully we can work hard this week and correct those mistakes and get ready for Hawaii."

You face the fourth best offense in the league right now, how has that factored into the defensive scheme?

"Even if they weren't the fourth best offense in the league, we would still prepare for them the same way. They're a very good and well coached team who are patient in their offense. We need to evaluate tape this week and try to key on some of their formations and signals. You have to get excited about the challenge, they're tied for first place, and we're fourth in the division, so we're coming in with nothing to lose."

How has Danrell Lacy added to the defense?

"He was a significant addition to our team, he's an experienced player who knew how to fit in, and compliment what we were doing on defense. His addition has been welcomed and has helped out our team in general."

Halakilagni Muagututia had a breakout game last weekend what do you attribute that too?

"He has been playing consistently throughout the entire season. Last weekend he had a lot of balls thrown his way and he made plays. He a very smart player, who can read offensive formations well, and begin to break down receivers routes early. I'm just glad to see him get the notoriety that he has deserved all season long."

How is VonKeith Spencer's injury, will he play this weekend?

"VonKeith is a tough athlete, he would play on two broken feet if it was up to him. He's doing alright, last weekend having such a comfortable lead early in the second half, we as a coaching staff felt it was best if we rested him for the remainder of the game, and get him healthy for Hawaii. He will play this weekend, he's been in the office everyday watching film on the Islanders trying to mentally prepare for the game."

This is the second time around you are facing the Islanders, in watching film are they doing anything differently on offense?

"They are sophisticated enough to take what the defense gives them. They evaluate a defense really well, and run plays that will hurt that certain defense. We're going to have to be on our toes this weekend in Hawaii. They spread the ball out to a lot of different receivers, so there's not one specific guy we need to key on this week. We just have to play consistent and not give up the big play."



arenafootball2 Stories from May 19, 2004


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.

Other Recent Central Valley Coyotes Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central