The Seahawks traveled to Boca Raton, FL this past week to take on the Owls of Florida Atlantic University. Their second FBS game of the season, the Seahawks played a hard-fought, physical game, but struggled at times, ending with a 42-7 loss in non-conference play.
""We're never OK with losing. Our guys know that. It ends now."
~Coach Hoss
I sat down with Coach Hoss this week to discuss the Seahawks loss to FBS opponent FAU, as well as the team's preparation for the NEC conference.
"Our guys are excited to play. We believe that we will be right in the mix for the NEC championship! We need to work on some outside distractions, but we turn it up and lock in when we need to."
On QB Christian Alexander-Stevens (#1): "Christian's quick passing game is really good. This was by far his cleanest game to date, and he gets better every week. He has a quick release and recognizes coverages really well. We're looking to incorporate more of a QB run in conference play."
Alexander-Stevens completed 22/38 passes, for 218 yards, including the Seahawks only touchdown for 28 yards on a 4th and 9 to junior WR Josh DeCambre (#3) in the second quarter.
"Everyone is excited for the opportunity that's in front of us. The first four didn't go our way and we know that, but we learned from it all. We are ready to bounce back and start playing Wagner Football like we know how!
~Alexander-Stevens
"Our tight ends are a big part of our offense, especially for conference play. We want to make sure we utilize them"
On Josh DeCambre: "Josh had a great game! He had a great play on special teams. He's been working hard every day, has learned to control his emotions on the field, is well respected by his teammates and holds himself accountable. He has matured, and it's changed how he's produced. He's athletic and strong; blocks well. Christian trusts him."
DeCambre on going into NEC conference play: "Our energy has been the same since camp, and we are all focused on getting better each day. Everyone is locked in at practice- guys flying around giving max effort. We all know what we have to get done this week. People should know that we are fast, physical and finish! Being local, I pride myself on representing not just Wagner, but my hometown [of Staten Island] in the right way and being blessed with the opportunity to play for my community is a great honor."
I asked coach Hoss on the struggle with the run game. "They were not going to let us run the ball. We wanted to speed the game up to keep possession for as long as possible, away from them. They played really great man coverage and there wasn't a lot of gaps for us."
"Our offense held the ball for 36 minutes- which helped keep them off the field. It was important for us to stop their run. We struggled a little in our blitz game, but we are getting better playing man coverage. We're working on getting to the QB- but we kept him under duress for most of the game, which is good. I think we definitely won the battle up front, defensively."
On Junior WR, Jeremiah Lorick (#10) and RS Junior WR, Noah Ellison (#9): "We have some great receivers. Lorick is a tough kid. He plays hard and is a great route runner. He had 8 receptions against a strong defense. He's definitely our guy."
"Noah is a transfer from ODU. He's physical and gritty- makes him a great player. He makes himself available to create explosive plays. He came down with 3 receptions. I foresee a lot more going forward."
I asked both Lorick and Ellison their thoughts on being new to the NEC conference and what they are most excited about playing with this team.
"We get a fresh start this week with an 0-0 record, where it's important- the conference. We've been working towards this all along. This team is prided on being tougher than the rest, so the vibe is up and are working with a purpose. People should know that this team is one with leadership that has been through ups and downs and we don't shy away from adversity. Practices are up tempo and we've kept great effort with what's at hand with LIU. Our focus is there and we are trying to be 1-0 and forward from here on out."
~Jeremiah Lorick
"It's strictly business for the rest of the season and conference play. We need to dig deep and unleash our inner 'dawg' on the field. Everyone is overly focused and if not, then we don't tolerate the lack of effort. At this point, if you don't want to win then you shouldn't be on the field participating. It has to mean something to everyone on that field. Practices are hard, even harder than the games, and we are all creating a winning environment by limiting mistakes and making plays. People should know we have some real elite talent on this team and players that will fight for the man next to them- win, lose or draw."
~Noah Ellison
Coach Hoss on moving forward towards LIU: "They are good- athletic. They were the D2 Top 10 Offensive and Defensive team last year. Went 9-2 in the ECAC. We will be focusing on our run game, pass protection, open field tackling, getting to the ball, and pass coverage on the back end. We also need to work on grabbing those picks when they come our way. We had two that we missed against FAU. They've got some big, strong and purely physical players. We'll be prepared."
"All roads lead to the NEC Conference Championship. Being 0-4 doesn't feel great, but from a win-loss stand point, the season starts now!"