Sports stats



Spencer goes on the defensive

April 21, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


As Central Valley sits at 0-2 going into this weekend's divisional game against the San Diego Riptide, defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer has no doubts in his mind about the Coyotes getting back on track.

"I'm not worried at all about our squad," said Spencer. "We made a few mistakes here and there during our first two games, and now we have corrected them. Our home crowd has supported us through each game and now we need to go out and get them a victory. San Diego is a very good team, but so are we. I can't wait to get on the field Friday, it's going to be a slugfest."

Spencer has been a huge lift to the secondary this season for the Coyotes. He has recorded 6.5 tackles (3-solo), 4 pass deflections and one interception for three yards thus far. His defensive leadership on and off the field has helped mold the young rookies like LaMonte Jones, Kevin Nelson, Marshall Blount and Nathan Frowsing.

"Having played in this league before, I try and help out the rookies as much as possible so they can adjust quickly," added Spencer. "In this game you have to be physical but you also have to be strong mentally. We have a lot of good player's on this team and we haven't even hit full stride yet. Once we hit full stride I know I wouldn't want to face our team."

Prior to joining the Coyotes this off-season Spencer spent the 2002 season in Rochester leading the Brigade in tackles with 57 (47-solo), interceptions 8, three forced fumbles and 15 pass deflections. He also hauled in 22 receptions for 191 yards and 3 TD's. Spencer returned 11 kickoffs for 261 yards and two touchdowns despite the team going 7-9.

Defensive coordinator Doug Murray has been especially impressed with Spencer.

"VonKeith is a guy that every coach wants on his defense," said Murray. "He gives you everything he's got whether it's practice or in the game, and that's what you need. The guy loves the game of football and he has the heart of a champion. He has helped out our rookies tremendously and he will get you fired up when you step on that field. Each game I see him improve and that is something that excites me as a coach."

"He's not scared to get in there," added Murray. "He'll make a mistake, but it doesn't matter to him because he has to concentrate on the next play. That's what you've got to have as a defensive back. You've got to have a short memory. If something bad happens to you, you just come back and make a play after that.

"He's been tight on his coverage's and in the right spot at the right time. He's aggressive. He has quickness, agility, and he's mentally tough."

But experience doesn't explain all of Spencer's talents. What Spencer wasn't blessed with in terms of height, he was compensated for in other areas, as his speed and strength will attest to.

"There are instinctive things that are hard to coach," said head coach Cree Morris of defensive specialist. "He has got a lot of the abilities that it takes, the quickness and the speed. He operates with a high motor and he plays relentless. I think that is what gets him around a lot of those plays."

Central Valley will square off against the Riptide Friday, April 23 at the San Diego Sports Arena. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. The Coyotes will then return home May 1st to take on the Peoria Pirates at 7:30 p.m. at Selland Arena.

• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...

arenafootball2 Stories from April 21, 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