Proper tackling technique has always been part of Bradford
High’s practice routine.
Last weekend a story concerning tackling in football games was
sent out by The Associated Press. It also included information
about obtaining a DVD to help coaches impress on their players the
importance of proper tackling.
Ironically, over the weekend tackling technique drew national
attention at the professional level when Buffalo’s Kevin Everett
sustained a life-threatening spinal injury while making a special
teams stop.
Everett showed signs of improvement earlier this week following
emergency surgery, but his future is still very much in doubt.
“I was given the information (AP story) by Tim Walter (athletic
director) who received it from Joe Vinelli (Era Sports Editor). It
was very timely, especially in view of what happened on Sunday in
Buffalo,” said Owls coach Steve Ackerman during his weekly
interview Wednesday night.
“The national federation (high school sports) has been
emphasizing proper tackling this year, and obviously it really came
into the limelight this week following the injury to the Buffalo
player.
“We teach our kids to keep their heads up and see what they’re
tackling. We don’t want them to lead with their head, or, use their
facemask,” he stated.
The coaching staff has had plenty of time to work with the Owls
since Bradford was idle last week, but Ackerman doesn’t feel the
time off will hamper his team.
“We got a lot of things accomplished with the week off,” he
explained. “We tried to polish up some things that we didn’t do
very well against Olean. We worked on finishing off blocks and
containing the quarterback.
“Our schedule this year is a little different because of the
week off and some Saturday games. Right now they (players) just
want to get back on the field and play. It’s also our home opener
and that’s a big deal for us. The kids are ready to go,” he
added.
Friday night the winless Punxsutawney Chucks come to town.
Despite their 0-2 record, Ackerman is by no means taking them
lightly.
“We saw improvement last week when they played DuBois,” Ackerman
commented. “In the second half they were inside the DuBois 20 three
times and came away with no points. But they were right in the game
and had opportunities to win it.”
Ackerman feels the Owls and Chucks are pretty evenly matched
size-wise and in overall team speed and quickness.
“They may even be a little bigger than us up front,” said the
Bradford coach. “So the way we see it, this game could be a little
more physical.
“Punxsy has a terrific running back in the Smiley (Mike) kid.
He’s a very hard runner and tough to tackle. They have some pretty
quick backs. Their quarterback Smith (Zach), throws the ball well.
He has a good awareness of the pocket and hits his open
receivers.
“Defensively, their inside linebacker, No. 46, (Kyle Steffey)
does a very nice job. He reads his keys well and plugs holes.
Wingert (Bob), their defensive end and tight end on offense, plays
pretty decent on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve been playing all of those guys I mentioned for the last
two, or, possibly three years, so they’ve been there. Things are
going to be pretty even,” Ackerman pointed out.
OWLS NOTES: Bradford is healthy and will pretty much stick with
the lineup that proved successful two weeks ago against Olean.
Friday’s game will be a District 9 League contest. Last year the
Owls crushed the Chucks, 28-7. Kickoff at Parkway Field is set for
7 p.m. For Bradford’s older fans who may not be able to attend the
game in person, Frank Williams and Kevin Teribery will have all the
play-by-play action live on WESB Radio 1490 on the AM dial. The
pre-game show will begin at 6:40 p.m.
