The OSC interview: Memphis Xplorers Head Coach Danton Barto
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on August 30, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers
OurSports Central correspondent Fran Stuchbury had the opportunity to talk to Memphis Xplorers head Danton Barto following his team's 63-41 win over the Louisville Fire in ArenaCup VI. Barto complied a regular season record of 13-3 that helped him earn arenafootball2 Coach of the Year honors.
Fran Stuchbury: Coach, as they say defense wins championships. Was that the case with the Xplorers?
Danton Barto: Yes, that's what we are built on defense. Sometimes I think our offense gets overshadowed. One thing we had as a mission this week was all the talk was about Matt Sauk. He's a great quarterback but nobody wanted to talk to Brian Jones who I think has put together one of the best af2 seasons this year. I thought our offense played pretty well, too.
FS: How did you prepare the team to slow down the Fire's high power offense?
DB: We tried to show Fire QB Matt Sauk a different look every time. Matt likes to do short three step drops and get off quick passes. We rushed him as much as we could. I told the guys we're going to get frustrated but let them keep feeling there is some type of pressure there. Once we got the lead, Matt had to start five stepping and that's not what they want to do.
FS: You must have been happy with WR/DB Terrance Quattlebaum and his ArenaCup record two-interception performance.
DB: Terrance has been great. That's the thing about this team that makes me so excited. There are so many unselfish guys here because they are willing to accept the roles they have on the team.
FS: Are you happy to see players on your team move up to the AFL?
DB: Always, I'm not scared to rebuild. I told these guys I don't want to see you again next season. I'm different from a lot of coaches here. Not because I don't love you, but I want you to make a living and do what you love doing.
FS: Do you feel winning the ArenaCup will help increase the fan support in Memphis?
DB: I hope so, all we can do is handle our business on the field and we tried to do that. I think it will come around. We hired a new general manager in Trey Medlock. I feel optimistic about our future.
FS: Down the road would you be interested in getting a coaching job with the AFL?
DB: That's something I'll sit down and think about after the season. Right now I don't think about that stuff during the season. I have thought about the team. I have aspirations just like everybody else. I'm in no hurry to do anything.
If you have any questions or comments about this interview feel free to drop me an email at arenazone@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to get back to you.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
