Britons 'experience' a new strain of season
By Ben Colmery
Staff Writer

The Britons play the season's first MIAA game tomorrow with something they did not expect on their record: a loss.

Why expect a loss? The defending Division III National Champions began the '95 season as MIAA favorites. There was even talk of repeating as national champions. A team with this much talent should have little difficulty filling holes left by graduates, right?

The Britons learned that filling holes left by Jeffrey Robinson and Todd Morris is difficult.

"Offensively, it is just taking us some time to get things clicking," said Pete Schmidt, head coach and associate professor of physical education. "Our running game has been what's bothered us the most. It hasn't been what it has been in the past. We have a number of tailbacks rotating back there. It's been more of a committee if you look at yards gained by people. We've got some young backs that have been running very well. We don't have the experience that Jeff had. We haven't run the ball effectively."

To make matters worse for the offense, Michael Cabana, Brighton sophomore and running back, sprained an ankle playing DePauw, and re-injured it in practice. Even if he is able to play against Kalamazoo, his ankle may be a factor The MIAA is looking tough this year, Schmidt said.

"The league, top to bottom, looks to be a little stronger than we had anticipated," Schmidt said. "Kalamazoo is leading our league statistically in offense and defense." Earlier in the season, Schmidt projected Hope as the team to beat.

DePauw exploited a definite Briton weakness: fundamentals.

"We've made a number of mistakes on offense and defense that just hurt us," Schmidt said. "And when it came time for us to execute a big play we weren't able to do it. We really hurt ourselves with mistakes, penalties and turnovers."

Off last Saturday, the Britons had an extra week to iron out wrinkles. According to Schmidt, those wrinkles also included improving tackling ability and putting more pressure on the opponent's quarterback.

Although the Britons have struggled compared to last year's season, there are people playing very well. "The most consistent player we've had on defense so far has been Timothy Schafer [Holt senior] at cornerback," Schmidt said. "Robert Taylor [Grosse Ile senior] at defensive line has done a great job there. Offensively for us, Christopher Barnett [Genesee junior] at wide receiver is playing extremely well." He also cited Casey Sivier, Standish senior, and Darrel Stine, Charlotte senior, as standouts on the offensive line.

"We have outstanding freshmen," Schmidt said. "We have traveled with 17 freshmen, the most we've traveled with in a long time. There are a number of them, and a number more that are going to get some opportunities."

No one likes losing. But losing to DePauw may have been a fortunate turn of events.

"There has been a lot of pressure on the players because the expectations have been so high. We've been playing not to lose, while last year we played to win."

This loss may lessen the stress of being the defending champs and help them focus on the MIAA. With one loss, it will be difficult to return to the NCAA tournament. The teams in this region would also have to lose. Typically, regional representatives are undefeated.

The Britons are still MIAA favorites, though. This is a good team that needs experience.

Their homecoming game against Kalamazoo begins at 1 p.m. tomorrow.