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Murray: We need to work just as hard off the field as we do on the field

July 8, 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 and defensive specialist Jermaine Smith to add to the veteran leadership of defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai, defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer and linebacker Howard Maxwell.

Murray enters this Week 15 contest with the best pass defense in the West Division. His comments will appear regularly on Centralvalleycoyotes.com throughout the 2004 season.

Do you believe that the mental part of the game is won or lost prior to kickoff?

"It can be if you're not mentally or emotionally prepared to play the game. I'm not sure if you can gain it by going through a game. That's not to say you can't go into a game with a sense of uncertainty about how you might play and what strategies you might employ, but I think it is won or lost prior to kickoff. That's why studying film and working just as hard off the field as on the field is important."

Do you think the lack of consistency has been attributed to the different personnel all season?

"Personnel is a factor, but I also think it's the inability to be disciplined and mental mistakes."

Talk about the challenge of having so many injuries on defense?

"It just means that the backup players need to rise to the occasion and fill in where our starters have left off. Obviously if affects your continuity and your ability to evolve as a defense."

Do you scheme differently when you have injuries to the defense?

"No, I've thought about doing that, but I haven't. I don't think I'm smart enough to do that."

Will you limit the play of VonKeith Spencer because of his previous injuries?

"No, not by design, but if he comes and tells us he's limited in some way, or not playing at one-hundred percent then we'll try and do what we can to get quality reps and not just quantity reps out of him."

How dangerous is the Riptides offense?

"Extremely dangerous, they're highly skilled, pose numerous problems for us on defense and are firing on all cylinders."

Are more teams apt to throw the deep ball, knowing your secondary is young and has been banged up?

"That could be a consideration. I'm not sure what they're thinking, in terms of taking advantage of certain opportunities that they think they may have. When your playing with guys that are not comfortable playing, you may be more vulnerable to those types of strategies."

Talk about the return of Marvin Brown defensively?

"Marvin provides intensity, pure athleticism and speed. You know you can't replace speed. He's excited about being back and he will be ready to go."

Having sat out eight weeks, what kind of shape is Brown in and how can he add to the defense?

"He's certainly not in one-hundred percent game shape, but he's certainly athletic enough to make up for it. He brings fresh legs which are vital at this point in the year."

Other News

2,000 COYOTES RALLY TOWELS TO BE GIVEN AWAY SATURDAY NIGHT

The first 2,000 fans through the doors on Saturday, July 10th, will receive an official 2004 Central Valley Coyotes Rally Towel. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

KIDS UNDER 14 IN FREE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON

Kids under 14 will be able to get into the 2 remainder Coyotes home games for free with a purchase of a paid adult. For more information please contact the Selland Arena box office at (559) 621-4700

FREE COYOTES HAT TO BE GIVE AWAY AT THE JULY 24TH GAME

As they Coyotes host the Hawaiian Islanders Saturday, July 24th, the first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive an official 2004 Central Valley Coyotes Hat courtesy of Brett's Auto Center in Dinuba. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

COYOTES TICKETS

For ticket information and purchases please call the Selland Arena box office at (559) 621-4700 or purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com

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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.

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