Titans defensive spots up for grabs

[KFDM COOP]

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Titans defensive spots up for grabs

By Tom Halliburton

The Port Arthur News

  Plenty of important repetitions remained before Curtis Viola seemed quite ready to announce Memorial's complete set of starting defenders.

  The new Titans defensive coordinator Viola has wanted a quicker, more intense practice approach from some of his defensive players as Memorial fine-tuned this week before next week's season opener at Beaumont Ozen.

  Although he casually chats with visitors and onlookers, second-year head coach Ronnie Thompson figures to direct a keen eye onto the work of defenders during the next few days around the Titans' practice field. Plenty of position swapping may occur during the next 10 days.

  "Curtis (Viola) is making some moves and I can tell you that the competition really brings out your learning skills," the Titans coach said.

  Viola switched 6-1, 190-pound sophomore Earl Hines into a first-team left linebacker position. Hines had been backing up Terry Coleman at the middle linebacker job before this week.

  Thompson believes that Hines raised his performance level from practices to the actual scrimmage game situation.

  "Hines picked it up when they turned the lights on," the Titans coach said. "Our tempo was much quicker. Our people were running a lot better. Keep an eye on Hines."

  The open weekend in Memorial's schedule may not become completely open because Thompson is still toying with the possibility of a late-week intrasquad scrimmage.

  "That depends how well and how often we practice this week," Ronnie said. "The good part is we're open. The bad part is the weather. Thursday or Friday might be the best weather day.

  Memorial's defense engaged in two running quarters last Saturday morning in the big stadium, while outscoring Beaumont Central, 14-6. Running back Patterson Clay accepted two different screen tosses and converted each into a long-distance touchdown play of 75 and 80 yards.

The Titans defense opened the scoring by converting a safety. No kicking plays were involved at all.

  "I thought our kids performed very well," Thompson said of the scrimmage. "I thought Central was better than last year. Both sides had a few busts but they're correctable."

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

i hope that D gets it act together