2008 Woodie Awards
Hens look to overcome first loss Homecoming weekend
by Greg Arent
Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Sports
Delaware faces a new challenge this weekend against Northeastern. The Hens (5-1, 3-1 Colonial Athletic Association) must recover quickly after the 35-30 loss at New Hampshire last week, as Delaware faces a resilient Northeastern team (1-4, 0-2 CAA) that only lost 21-14 to James Madison last Saturday.
"It doesn't matter who you play. [New Hampshire] can take care of business and we didn't play well," Delaware junior tight end Robbie Agnone said.
Agnone said the loss will be beneficial for the team as the Hens progress in the season because it will light a fire under them to win each week and not overlook weaker opponents.
Sophomore safety and Delaware's leading tackler Anthony Bratton said the team has not lost its luster and knows how to succeed when they play well.
"We are capable of doing what we have been doing all season long, which is playing physical and having very few mental mistakes during the game," Bratton said.
Head coach K.C. Keeler said Northeastern (1-4, 0-2 CAA) is very different from New Hampshire. The Wildcats are an open offense that spreads the field, while Northeastern likes to run up the gut and play two tight-end sets.
Bratton reiterated that the team must be physical up front, as the Hens expect a real smash-mouth game. He said Delaware has a strong front line accompanied by a strong linebacker core that should be able to take over the physical aspect of the game.
The secondary will not be afraid to elevate their play and make hits, Bratton said, who has 42 tackles on the season.
Although Northeastern looked unimpressive in its games against Northwestern, Richmond and UC Davis, the Huskies had a better performance last weekend against James Madison.
Keeler said after watching Northeastern's game tape, he was overwhelmed with the physical play from the Huskies' linebackers and their ability to make plays.
He also said the Hens have to worry about the solid Northeastern offensive line and the strong arm of junior quarterback Anthony Orio, who threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns against a sound Dukes' defense. Keeler said he is impressed with the Huskies' power run game.
"It doesn't matter who you play. [New Hampshire] can take care of business and we didn't play well," Delaware junior tight end Robbie Agnone said.
Agnone said the loss will be beneficial for the team as the Hens progress in the season because it will light a fire under them to win each week and not overlook weaker opponents.
Sophomore safety and Delaware's leading tackler Anthony Bratton said the team has not lost its luster and knows how to succeed when they play well.
"We are capable of doing what we have been doing all season long, which is playing physical and having very few mental mistakes during the game," Bratton said.
Head coach K.C. Keeler said Northeastern (1-4, 0-2 CAA) is very different from New Hampshire. The Wildcats are an open offense that spreads the field, while Northeastern likes to run up the gut and play two tight-end sets.
Bratton reiterated that the team must be physical up front, as the Hens expect a real smash-mouth game. He said Delaware has a strong front line accompanied by a strong linebacker core that should be able to take over the physical aspect of the game.
The secondary will not be afraid to elevate their play and make hits, Bratton said, who has 42 tackles on the season.
Although Northeastern looked unimpressive in its games against Northwestern, Richmond and UC Davis, the Huskies had a better performance last weekend against James Madison.
Keeler said after watching Northeastern's game tape, he was overwhelmed with the physical play from the Huskies' linebackers and their ability to make plays.
He also said the Hens have to worry about the solid Northeastern offensive line and the strong arm of junior quarterback Anthony Orio, who threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns against a sound Dukes' defense. Keeler said he is impressed with the Huskies' power run game.
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