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News you can use
The Montana State University- Northern Lights football team has been hard at work this off season.
And now, smack dab in the midst of two-a-day practices, the Lights look to be well on their way to a positive turnaround after a season a year ago that left players, coaches and fans with a bad taste in their mouths.
Senior Casey Varner will be a threeyear starter as a Lights safety, and is also positive after what he has seen this summer.
"A lot of good things have happened this summer," Varner said. "And I like the enthusiasm. After a tough year last year all the guys came out with a lot of enthusiasm and that's what we needed.
"You always hope for that (a positive turnaround after a tough season)," Varner added. "But we just have to see how he season goes. A lot of guys have to step up because we have a lot of tough teams in the conference. We hope to contend with them and we know there are going to be a lot of close games and we definitely have a chance to win them." As of now 85, names fill the Lights roster. But with a handful of names still expected to join the team a little later, the total should increase before the season kicks off. And though 85 is about average for the Frontier Conference, the Lights are more focused on the talent they have in the numbers.
"Some places really get hung up on the numbers," MSU-N head football coach Mark Samson said. "But realistically, at this level if you have 40 good football players that's all you need." Overall the Lights are sitting in good position at this point in their season as far as numbers go. But that's not to say a little more depth wouldn't be nice in areas such as the offensive line. Skill positions look good at this point, but show signs of youth as well.
The defensive line and secondary also lack a little in depth, but have the talent to fill the positions.
"What happens is we have a lot of kids getting a lot of reps which helps them become better football players." Samson said. "People are going to find out that we have some good athletes out here. "And on defense, you don't necessarily need 300-pounders, you need kids that can run and get to the ball, and we do have that up front." Being a young team has drawn a lot of focus in practice.
On the squad there are only six seniors total, and only two on offense.
And with a scrimmage coming up this Saturday, and the season opener against Western rapidly approaching on Saturday, Aug. 28, one of the main goals is to just get everybody on the same page.
Samson said the younger kids are learning quickly and catching on fast.
And with the veterans stepping up their leadership, Samson also sees the team coaching itself at times. As of now, the Lights are right where they need to be, and things are running very smoothly.
Tuesday morning marked the first day of full pads and full contact for the Lights. It was an opportunity well received by players, especially after really buckling down on repetition, the play book and other mental aspects of the game in prior practices.
Summer workouts began Saturday when players reported to Northern.
And since then it's been nothing but football for new and returning athletes.
With days beginning as early as 7 a.m. and meetings lasting past 7 p.m., the Lights have spent every minute of every day focusing on the upcoming season.
"We are throwing a lot of stuff at these kids," Samson said. "Trying to really get them involved in the offense and defense. And during two-a-days this is where the mental part of the game comes in. All they are doing is eating, drinking, sleeping and playing football, so they are mentally tired. We have to keep working." Building towards Saturday's scrimmage, the Lights are basically focusing on Northern versus Northern. They want to have a good grasp on the game and want to be as close to game ready as possible.
But af ter the scrimmage on Saturday, the Lights turn their focus to Western.
At practice they will work on putting together scout teams, and turn their focus to what Western will bring
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