Sports
Southern Seeks Consistency on Both Sides of Ball
By: Joe Cooke
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Despite amassing a 4-6 record and missing out on the postseason, Southern is heading in the right direction. Their offseason has been an analytical process of determining where they were in the past and where they want to be in the future.
Head coach Kyle Wickline said injuries, the most uncontrollable factor of all, played a role in his team’s record. He also stated taking care of the ball, a factor within the team’s control, as a downfall.
“Big thing with us is that we turned the ball over too many times,” Wickline said. “We had 33 turnovers and 15 takeovers.”
That stat is a far cry from the season prior when Southern committed only 15 turnovers and recorded 33 takeovers. The Tornadoes reached the playoffs that season. Limiting turnovers could held Southern return to playoff form after averaging only 17.9 points per game.
Getting back to that form begins with establishing consistency on both sides of the ball.
“Our defensive and offensive scheme hasn’t changed,” Wickline said. “This is probably one of the first years we haven’t changed. We just used to the offseason to get stronger and get in better shape.“
“We want to get better every day. Our goal is to get back in the championship.” Wickline added.
The well-tenured Wickline admitted it will be easier said than done in a conference in which they were (1-4) against teams.500 or better.
“It’s going to be tough with Trimble and Wahama,” Wickline noted. “They have a very (strong) offensive line and receivers. We’ll have to get stronger and really work hard.”
Southern’s season opener is right around the corner. The Tornadoes face Notre Dame on August 29th.