Everett Hawks coach Cedric Walker is a stand-up kind of guy, but he’s not going to take the af2 team’s dismal 0-2 start sitting down.
After starting out 0-7 in 2006, but regrouping somewhat to finish 4-12, the Hawks have opened their second af2 campaign with the two most lopsided losses in franchise history.
At the center of the resulting storm are quarterbacks Ben Bowling, a fourth-year af2 veteran, and Jason Campbell, a rookie from Arkansas Tech.
Each has made a forgettable start for the Hawks, who have a bye this week before traveling to play Boise (1-0) for what will be their third consecutive road game on April 21.
Bowling started in the 61-30 season-opening loss at Tulsa. Campbell started last Saturday’s 74-31 meltdown at Central Valley.
The pair have split time behind center in each of the two games and have been largely ineffective and plagued by turnovers.
“They’re both on the hot seat,” Walker said on Tuesday. “I’ve had discussions with both of them. I’m not happy with the turnovers, the lack of leadership and they’re not getting us into the end zone.”
In two games Everett has committed a league-worst 11 turnovers, which has sent Walker shopping for a veteran arena football quarterback to rally the team out of its funk.
“I’m checking the waiver wire everyday,” Walker said, referring to both af2 and the higher level Arena Football League.
Walker said it’s possible that Bowling and Campbell could both be waived, traded, or remain with the team, depending on what happens this week with his quarterback search.
The most intriguing quarterback available is Mark Radlinski, the former Tulsa star who was promoted to Grand Rapids of the AFL after leading the Talons to a 12-4 record in 2006.
Radlinski was waived by Grand Rapids on April 3. Aside from the fact Radlinski is probably seeking an AFL opportunity, it is not clear if the Michigan native could be enticed to af2 Everett.
“He’s one of the guys I’m really trying to get in touch with,” Walker said.
Walker indicated he is pursuing at least one other quarterback, but declined to elaborate.
Everett is not practicing this week. Walker has scheduled a team meeting for Sunday, before resuming practice Monday.
Along with the problems at quarterback, Everett’s line play has been mediocre. The defensive unit has one sack in two games and has not generated any consistent pass rush.
After an encouraging performance at Tulsa, the offensive line gave up five sacks against Central Valley, including blindside tackles on both quarterbacks that resulted in two lost fumbles.
“We’ve got to get better at a lot of positions,” Walker said on Tuesday.
“I’m not happy with our quarterback situation or the offensive and defensive lines…we’re looking at making changes.
“I thought in camp we had the personnel we needed,” Walker continued.
“There’s nobody to blame, but as coaches we have reassessed ourselves and our players … things are going to change when we get back.”
Bright spots: Wide receiver/defensive back LaMonte Jones is No. 2 in af2 in receptions and total yards (19 catches, 190 yards). Jones has 181 yards in kickoff returns and is No. 3 in all-purpose yards with 368.
Defensive specialist Charles Ealy leads Everett in tackles with nine and has one interception.
Fullback/linebacker Vai Notoa is No. 4 in the league in rushing with 11 carries for 37 yards and three touchdowns.
“No matter what, Vai is one of my leaders I can lean on,” Walker said of Notoa who was second-team all-af2 in 2006 for Central Valley.
Little big loss: Defensive back Ray Little suffered a strained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the first half against Central Valley and is expected to be out four weeks.
“It’s tough … he was having a great game,” Walker said.
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