Shop LocalFriday, September 30, 2011
For three quarters against the Moberly Spartans last week, Fulton head coach Pat Kelley saw his team play with focus. He saw the Hornets’ defense play tough against a multi-faceted Moberly offense and go into halftime down 14-0.
Fulton even closed within 21-7 midway through the third quarter thanks to a 3-yard scoring run by sophomore running back Kegan Lee. And from there, the inability to close in on, or close out an opponent — something the Hornets have struggled mightily with this season — reared its head.
“With a young team, it’s about playing four quarters and not letting your guard down,” Kelley said Tuesday afternoon. “We have to learn by experience and we talk about if you get a lead, you have to put it away.”
North Central Missouri Conference opponent Kirksville, a team Fulton is accustomed to playing in tight games, comes to Robert E. Fisher Stadium for the annual homecoming game tonight. Kickoff is at 7.
Fulton (1-4, 1-3 NCMC) gave up 26 unanswered points in last week’s 47-7 loss to Moberly last week, its third loss of 40 or more points this season. After notching their first win of the season at Marshall 10-8 the previous week, the Hornets withstood momentum-killers with their special teams in the kickoff game, both in return and coverage.
Comments
albelcher 1 year, 7 months ago
Sorry Coach didn't see it, but the main thing I saw was not a lack of heart, it was lack of fundamentals. I think it's time for new leadership in Fulton Football. I even heard kids talking about it on the way into the homecoming game. When the players are lacking basic fundamentals, ie. good stances, tackling techniques, gap coverage etc., there is no one to blame but the coaching staff. In the two seasons I have been back home, I haven't seen much in the way of fundamentals or intensity. Sorry Coach, you may be a great guy, but it's time to move on. These players deserve better leadership in what for many of them is lifelong memories of what they did as a Fulton Hornet.
Al Belcher
calracefan 1 year, 7 months ago
I agree 100% with Al's assessment, the kids are giving the best they know. The coaching staff hasn't provided them with the fundamental tools they need to succeed.What little success they have is on their athletic ability alone.To top it off when they fail the coaches scream and yell and berate the kids, come on guys these are 15 to 18 year old kids!
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