Ninjas still learning discipline

by Marc Viquez
Published on May 31, 2002 under arenafootball2 (af2)

The art of the game at the arenafootball2 level may take some time to get adjusted to for some of the players on the New Haven Ninjas. The team's roster consists of many first year players who are learning the arena brand of football that features quick passing, rebound nets, and plenty of scoring. However, it is the simplicities of the sport that can sometimes be overlooked, and if the Ninjas expect to win consistently they are going have to put an end to their mistakes mistakes.

"They're still learning the game," said Ninjas Head coach Rick Buffington after penalties and mistakes cost his team a 36-30 lost to the Mohegan Wolves recently. "They have been told about the personal fouls and it hurts because a lot of them just don't understand this game still."

The Ninjas committed 15 penalties for 85 yards and during overtime it seemed as if penalty markers were being tossed even before the play ended. The Wolves did not go without their share of penalties, either, finishing with 13 for 70 yards. The mistakes were demonstrated on the Ninja's last touchdown that could have led to the team's third win of the season.

After QB Jarrod Rouanzoin scored from the two-yard line Dennis Wuestcamp's point after attempt was missed, but a Mohegan penalty allowed a second attempt, which was blocked. There might have been a third attempt, but a New Haven penalty ended the hope. In the end, the extra point would have given the Ninjas a one-point advantage and a chance to wrap up the game in regulation.

"It is a matter of practicing and building up chemistry as a team, developing discipline that when you get to the game you won't make mistakes like that," said DS Damon Richardson whose interception in overtime preceded another lapse by the team.

The Ninjas looked primed for the game winner, but a mishap on the play left Rouanzoin unprotected for a sack by OL/DL Brandon Stoker. Chris Smith picked up the resulting fumble and rumbled 40 yards for the game winning score.

"The play was supposed to be a play action, and the line thought it was a run play and that lead to the ball being knocked out of his [Rouanzoin] hands," added Buffington who probably would have been upset with his team's play even with a victory. "It's a discipline thing and maybe when we were running that play some of the players were not in practice to learn that play since many players thought it was a run."

The team consists of only two players with previous Arena Football League experience. OS Chris Ortiz and WR/LB Eric Wise both played for the New England Sea-Wolves during the 2000 AFL season. Experience and picking up the game quickly are essentials in arenafootball2 where players are not going to be given much time to learn.

"They were calling everything from celebrating to being out of the box," said DS Peter Clarke who hopes to minimize the mistakes for the future. "There were a lot of penalties called in the game and if you minimize on the penalties you definitely win, definitely"

arenafootball2 Stories from May 31, 2002

• Ninjas still learning discipline - OSC Original by Marc Viquez
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