On March 31, the Morehead State Football Eagles will open 15 days of spring practice that will conclude with a spring game on April 25. Also, the 11-game 2009 schedule has also been announced.
Coach Matt Ballard’s Eagles finished the 2008 season with a 6-6 overall record and a 4-4 Pioneer Football League mark. MSU ended the season with wins at Dayton and at home against Campbell.
The 2009 schedule includes eight PFL games and non-conference contests against Southern Virginia, Saint Francis (Pa.) and North Carolina Central. The complete schedule, with times to be announced later, follows: Sept. 5 – Southern Virginia, Sept. 12 – at Saint Francis (Pa.), Sept. 19 – at North Carolina Central, Sept. 26 – Butler*, Oct. 3 – Dayton*, Oct. 10 – at Davidson*, Oct. 17 – at Jacksonville*, Oct. 24 – Marist*, Oct. 31 – at Campbell*, Nov. 14 – San Diego*, Nov. 21 – at Valparaiso*
“There are several concerns and goals that apply to spring practice every year,” Ballard said. “We have to make sure we have all our personnel moves in place. We always want to avoid key injuries that require surgery or long rehabs.
“We got to adjust and tweak our schemes based on our personnel. And, we want to end spring practice with everybody in place and knowing what we can hang our hat on offensively and defensively.”
Offensive coordinator Gary Dunn mentioned the offensive line, wide receiver spots and fullback as key areas to be addressed during the spring.
“We lost two key members of the line in Nick Schoenfeld and Chris Setters,” Dunn said. “We have a couple of probable starters who will miss spring practice due to injury. So, we will be able to evaluate several guys who have been in our program for a couple of years who should be ready to step up and earn starting or key reserve roles.
“We have to replace Nick Feldman at wide receiver, but we have a lot of good, young talent. We’ve got to identify who our fullbacks are going to be. Evan Sawyer is our leading candidate at quarterback, but Jared Phillips is also experienced.”
Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator John Gilliam returns several key members of the 2008 Eagle defensive unit that ranked sixth nationally in rushing defense and eighth nationally in total defense.
“We’re excited about our guys up front,” Gilliam said. “Wes McDermott anchors our linebackers and Derik Steiner our defensive line. I told them that I was excited and that they could be among the national leaders in rushing defense again.
“We’ve got to answer some questions in the secondary, especially at cornerback. We lost a great player in David Hyland, but we do have some talented players returning. We have to identify a starter at cornerback and establish some depth.”
While weather adjustments may be necessary, the Eagles are scheduled to practice on Tuesdays (March 31 and April 7, 14 and 21), Thursdays (April 2, 9, 16 and 23), Fridays (April 3, 10 and 17) and Saturdays (April 4, 11, 18 and 25) during the spring practice period. Weekday practices are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT. Saturday practice times vary, and the spring game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT on April 25.
Rowan County Sports
Related Photos
-
MSU file photo
Football Eagles open spring practice on March 31, announce 2009 Fall Schedule
- Rowan County Sports
-
-
Lady Vikings roll Menifee, ready for Ashland
After Menifee County gave Rowan County a run for their money a couple of weeks ago, there was no messing around in Friday night’s home rematch.
-
Rowan catches fire against East
As a struggling East Carter squad entered the Vikings domain Friday night, not many expected to see the Raiders give Rowan much of a game.
-
Falcons fly high against Winchester
It was a big night offensively for Lakeside’s boys varsity basketball as they put up big numbers against big numbers against visiting Winchester Christian Academy, winning, 81-67.
-
Lakeside girls win big in Lexington
At 17-1, the Lady Falcons are currently riding a six-game winning streak following its win on the road Saturday against Trinity Christian Academy, 47-18.
-
7th and 8th Vikings advance in OVC
Following big home wins to cap off the regular season against Russell on Thursday, the middle school Vikings continued its sweet success.
-
In The Post: VIDEO - Viking senior night exclusive
The Rowan County Vikings had a successful senior night as they defeated the Fleming County Panthers 75-64 on Monday.
Following the game, The Morehead News spoke with the Viking seniors about the win.
Click headline for video.
-
Viking seniors celebrate with Panther hunt
A pre-game ceremony marked the accomplishments of four years of hard work, determination and accomplishments for Rowan County basketball’s senior players, Adam Wing, D.J. Townsend, Phillip Hodge and Jason Egan.
-
Lady Viking seniors sail away with win
Rowan County celebrated its seniors with a girls/boys doubleheader against Fleming County on Monday night. The Lady Vikings were up first, as they held on for the win despite a late comeback effort by the Lady Panthers, winning 65-58.
-
In the Post: Coach Baldridge visits Baltimore
Former Morehead State football coach Bill Baldridge is a man of many friends, travels and talents. Baldridge holds a high school state championship, a Kentucky high school coach of the year honor and has even coached some of the game’s greatest players, such as NFL legend Phil Simms.
-
Hughes signs with Georgetown
It is every high school athlete's dream to play at the next level. For Viking senior kicker Rhett Hughes, this was a dream that came true as he signed on Thursday afternoon to handle field goal and kickoff duties for Georgetown College.
- More Rowan County Sports Headlines
-
