SNOHOMISH – When expectations are high, failure to achieve the desired result stings all the more.
“We knew there would be some ups and downs, but we didn’t expect to start like this,” Everett Hawks quarterback Ben Bowling said after the winless af2 team wrapped up preparations for Saturday’s West Division game at Boise (1-1).
Despite two lopsided defeats to open the season, hope is very much alive.
“We came back and had our best week of practice,” said Bowling, who coach Cedric Walker named to start against Boise ahead of rookie Jason Campbell, with whom the four-year veteran has split time in the first two games.
“I think, and a lot of the guys here agree, that all we need to do is play a solid game,” Bowling said. “We’ll get a lot of confidence, a little swagger and get rolling.”
Everett has been plagued by a league-high 11 turnovers. It started in Week No. 1 in Tulsa when Bowling’s pass on the first play from scrimmage was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
“I had a bad game, no doubt about that,” Bowling said. “In arena ball, especially, you can’t have turnovers because possessions are huge.”
Bowling is confident things will change against Boise.
“Now our receivers and quarterbacks are getting on the same page,” Bowling said. “Come Saturday night we hope to capitalize.”
Campbell agreed.
“We haven’t held onto the ball and hopefully that will change this week,” the rookie from Arkansas Tech said.
Wide receiver Phil Goodman said Bowling and Campbell have supported each other and earned the respect of teammates during the difficult start.
“They’ve banded together real well,” Goodman said. “They are in the most competitive spot and they’ve boosted each other’s morale. Whoever is behind the helm, we’ll be ready.”
Trench work needed: As far as lineman Shakorr Bryant is concerned it all starts up front and therein lays the problem.
“Up front we’ve been flat out terrible and I take full responsibility for it,” Bryant said.
The defensive line has failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks and the team has managed a single sack, but Bryant is certain change is in the wind.
“We got back to basics,” Bryant said. “Mad Dog (line coach Madison Johnson) and coach Walker worked with us on making the right steps, using our hands, playing with low pads.
“We have the right talent here. Chuck Jones (nose tackle) is strong as a beast, Markus Pratt (linebacker) is a speed rusher, Johnny Jackson (defensive end) does a combination of things. We all know what we have to do and it should be a good turnaround.”
Walker said the good work in practice has to be carried over to game situations.
“One sack and no pressure, that’s not good,” Walker said. “If the opposing quarterback is just standing back there and throwing on timing that’s not good.
“Guys know there are no more excuses,” Walker continued. “We’ve just got to do our job and beat the other guy every play.”
Two thumbs up: During the bye week the Hawks found inspiration over popcorn and a movie.
“We watched “300” as a team,” Pratt said, referring to the epic movie about the Battle of Thermopylae. “We call ourselves Spartans after the way they fight together and care for one another like brothers.”
“It’s a perfect example of a team coming together,” wide receiver LaMonte Jones added. “They worked together and took out half an army. We’ve got to come together and take out this whole league.”
Reed, Brown suspended: Veteran wide receiver Robert Reed and underachieving defensive end Van Brown were suspended after failing to report for practices this week.
“I don’t have time to think about guys who don’t want to be here,” Walker said.
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