Hawks face prolific offense

Published 9:00 pm Friday, April 6, 2007

SNOHOMISH – Everett Hawks coach Cedric Walker faced high-powered Central Valley four times last season when he was defensive coordinator of the Bakersfield Blitz.

So, coach, what’s the key to beating the Coyotes?

“You just make sure you have the ball last,” said Walker, whose arena football team plays Central Valley in an af2 West Division game at 7 p.m. today.

Everett (0-1) did not have the luxury of reviewing game film of Central Valley, which had a first-week bye. “We’re going in blind,” Walker said.

Central Valley coach Fred Biletnikoff, Jr., on the other hand, said the advantage is to Everett, which has already played a game.

“I think we’re a week behind,” said Biletnikoff, son of the NFL Hall of Fame receiver. “Everett has had a chance in practice to correct mistakes.”

Central Valley can be expected to rely on the same tactics that caused havoc for opponents in 2006, when the Coyotes marched into the playoffs with a 12-4 regular-season record.

“Freddie B. is going to be looking to throw it down the field,” Walker said of Biletnikoff, whose 2006 team was No. 4 in the league in total offense (292.5 yards per game) and No. 5 in scoring (56.6 points per game).

“He’s going to try to put up a lot of points. If we just play solid, disciplined football, there will be a very good chance for us to win.”

Central Valley – ranked No. 8 in this week’s af2 coaches poll despite a roster that includes 12 rookies – must overcome the loss of quarterback Scott Rislov, whose prolific numbers in 2006 (No. 3 in af2 at 268.9 yards passing per game) resulted in a promotion to San Jose of the Arena Football League.

Biletnikoff said National Indoor Football League experience led to Clay Groefsema (University of Redlands) getting the starting nod at quarterback ahead of fellow af2 rookie Brian Luke (Kansas).

“Clay has a quick release and good legs,” Biletnikoff said of Groefsema, who played for the NIFL’s River City Rage in 2006.

Despite the defection of its top two receivers, LaMonte Jones and Marvin Brown, and fullback/linebacker Vai Notoa to Everett, the Coyotes retain potent weapons. Wide receiver Wes Borba returns after catching 70 passes for 773 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. He also made 49 tackles, recovered four fumbles and intercepted two passes.

“(Borba) is one of the premier big, fast receivers in the league,” Walker said.

Everett offensive coordinator Steve Papin is familiar with Biletnikoff, having served as defensive coordinator at Central Valley in 2006.

“With Freddie B. it’s going to be a barn-burner,” Papin said. “He’s going to try to score 100 points and he’s not going to care about the defense.”

Perhaps, but under Papin Central Valley was No. 6 in total defense (249.8) last season. The unit’s top returnees include linemen Doug Langenfeld (6-foot-3, 255 pounds, Auburn), who led the Coyotes with 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, and Donyell Booker (6-2, 290, Fresno State).

Everett is looking for a turnaround after an opener in which the Hawks tied the team record for turnovers (five) and set a mark for penalties (18), essentially handing Tulsa a 61-30 victory last Saturday.

“Everett got a lot of bad breaks at Tulsa,” Biletnikoff said. “I expect them to be better. Usually when a team loses and it’s self-inflicted, players are more apt to step up and be accountable in the next game.”

“Mad Dog” wants more bite: Everett line coach Madison “Mad Dog” Johnson was not satisfied with the performance of the defensive line last week. The Hawks recorded only one sack and failed to consistently pressure Tulsa quarterback Josh Blankenship.

“We’ve got to get guys going up-field,” Johnson said. “We need pressure in the quarterback’s face.”

Van Brown, brother of former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Chad Brown, will see action today after missing the opener with a groin injury.

“That’s a big plus,” Johnson said. “He’ll play nose, end, Mac linebacker … whatever it takes to win.”

Hawks announce Internet partnership: Everett has partnered with All in Broadcasting to provide audio of its games on the Internet at no cost to fans.

To access the audio, go to www.everetthawks.com and click on the “Listen Live” link on the right-hand side of the front page. Windows Media Player is required.

Game of the week: No. 3 Quad City (1-0) at No. 2 and defending ArenaCup champion Spokane (1-0), today.