2008 Woodie Awards
Commentary: Striefsky for MVP
by Matt Gallo
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports
Hobby specialized in kickoffs, booting nine out of the endzone and averaging 57 yards during each kickoff. Striefsky has lessened the void of Hobby's departure in the kickoff department averaging 56.9 yards per kick.
Striefsky described in the post-game conference Saturday, he has proved to Keeler he can succeed in the "what-have-you done-for-me-lately" position. Striefsky has accomplished plenty for the Hens lately, nailing a 42-yard field goal into the wind against Richmond, putting Delaware up by three in the second overtime.
Not only does Striefsky's action show on the field, but also off the field as well, as he shows the poise and confidence of a veteran kicker. After the 62-56 loss to Richmond, he was asked about the 22-yard field goal that hit the upright, ending his streak of 15-straight field goals. Rather than placing blame on the high snap, Striefsky took the blame.
"If I kick the ball and it doesn't go in, it's on me," he said.
While the young kicker was disappointed in the outcome and not ensuring a final regular-season home victory for the seniors, he failed to realize that without his career day, the Hens would not have been in the position they were in during that game. Striefsky nailed a 20-yard chip shot with no time remaining in the third quarter to tie the game at 31. Without the successful conversion, the Hens would have had their backs against the wall, as Richmond quarterback sophomore Eric Ward would have exploited the defense and prevented overtime.
Many people overlook that special teams make up one-third of the game and with the Hens' offense scoring on almost every possession, forcing punter Stuart Kenworthy to watch from the sidelines, it was up to Striefsky to win the battle on special teams.
Judging by the past three CAA games, which were all decided by less than 10 points, Delaware needs Cuff and Flacco to continue their successful seasons, but in order to make a run into the Football Championship Subdivision Tournament, the season rests on the right leg of Striefsky.
So when you see Striefsky trot onto the field, do not panic or hold your breath, because he is automatic.
Striefsky described in the post-game conference Saturday, he has proved to Keeler he can succeed in the "what-have-you done-for-me-lately" position. Striefsky has accomplished plenty for the Hens lately, nailing a 42-yard field goal into the wind against Richmond, putting Delaware up by three in the second overtime.
Not only does Striefsky's action show on the field, but also off the field as well, as he shows the poise and confidence of a veteran kicker. After the 62-56 loss to Richmond, he was asked about the 22-yard field goal that hit the upright, ending his streak of 15-straight field goals. Rather than placing blame on the high snap, Striefsky took the blame.
"If I kick the ball and it doesn't go in, it's on me," he said.
While the young kicker was disappointed in the outcome and not ensuring a final regular-season home victory for the seniors, he failed to realize that without his career day, the Hens would not have been in the position they were in during that game. Striefsky nailed a 20-yard chip shot with no time remaining in the third quarter to tie the game at 31. Without the successful conversion, the Hens would have had their backs against the wall, as Richmond quarterback sophomore Eric Ward would have exploited the defense and prevented overtime.
Many people overlook that special teams make up one-third of the game and with the Hens' offense scoring on almost every possession, forcing punter Stuart Kenworthy to watch from the sidelines, it was up to Striefsky to win the battle on special teams.
Judging by the past three CAA games, which were all decided by less than 10 points, Delaware needs Cuff and Flacco to continue their successful seasons, but in order to make a run into the Football Championship Subdivision Tournament, the season rests on the right leg of Striefsky.
So when you see Striefsky trot onto the field, do not panic or hold your breath, because he is automatic.
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