Andrean prefers practicing on defense

Updated: September 14, 2011 9:48PM

It’s no secret, but it’s definitely somewhat of a mystery.

Andrean football coach Phil Mason just wants to make sure it gets resolved.

“We don’t like to practice and we’re just not a very good practice team,” Mason said of his 59ers (4-0).

“Don’t get me wrong, the kids love playing the game. They love sliding around on defense and they love having fun. They love defense and they love to practice defense, but when it comes to offense. … It’s like I feel that sometimes I’m pulling teeth out there at practice.

“I think part of it is, that there’s so much enthusiasm on defense. For some reason, though, that same enthusiasm seems to be missing when it comes to practicing offense.’’

One look at Andrean’s offensive statistics, and it appears Mason is just looking for something to fret about.

Through the first four games, the 59ers, ranked No. 2 in the latest coaches poll, are averaging 468 yards and just more than 43 points per game.

Tailback Mason Zurek has rushed for 616 yards (8.5 per carry) and scored nine touchdowns. Ricky Johnston has rushed for 273 yards on 24 carries and scored twice. Shamir Johnson has scored five touchdowns and rushed for 303 yards on 34 attempts.

Sophomore quarterback Matt Desomer has completed only 42 percent of his passes (26 of 42) but has managed games well, while throwing for 404 yards and three scores with just one interception.

“The execution on offense isn’t where we want it to be, and we relate that to the way we practice,’’ Mason said. “We’re really trying to get them to understand that they need to bring that same concentration, enthusiasm and intensity level they have on defense to our offense.’’

Mason said part of the problem is the 59ers had to replace four out of five offensive linemen, while bringing along a new quarterback.

“We knew this was going to be an issue,’’ he said. “We’re emphasizing fundamentals, being smart and doing everything right, but still, they don’t practice well. I think the players are thinking: ‘We have two stud running backs, so the offense is going to happen, anyway.’

“We’ve done everything within our coaching power to get them to respond, but at times, it’s just up to them to go to work. We’re pushing perfection and we’re pushing work ethic. There are times when you just have to buckle down and go to work. We hold all of them accountable, but they also have to hold themselves accountable.’’

One of Mason’s concerns is Desomer might need more help understanding the offense.

“I think he needs a little bit of help, but sometimes with the way we’re practicing, I don’t think we’re giving him that help,’’ Mason said.

Looking for a ‘W’: One team will notch its first victory Friday night when Calumet (0-4, 0-2) hosts Lake Station (0-4, 0-2) in a Greater South Shore Conference game.

“We’re trying to work some things out,’’ Calumet coach Ivan Zimmer said. “We’re not an 0-4 team. The kids are working hard. We’re better than we were last Friday (in a 37-7 loss to River Forest). We controlled the ball 16 out of the first 24 minutes. We need to put together a game like we did against Clark, where we played four quarters.

“We played like a bad freshman team against Gavit (a 47-7 loss) and played like a good varsity team against Clark. It’s tough on me and it’s tough on the kids. We just don’t seem to have great football sense, but they’re good kids and they’re working hard. I certainly hope that we play better.’’

Zimmer said this week’s matchup with Lake Station is a big challenge.

“Mike Hepp is a heck of a football coach,’’ he said. “He and his staff do a great job. They’re like us, they’re struggling. It’s a great opportunity for us. I’m sure they’re looking at it that way, too.’’

Calumet has been outscored 138-38, while the Eagles have been outscored 137-56.

Speed kills: Crown Point will try and snap a two-game losing streak in its Duneland Athletic Conference game at Portage.

The Bulldogs (2-2, 0-2) have lost to Merrillville (21-20) and Lake Central (26-7) the first two weeks in DAC play, while Portage (1-3, 1-1) hopes to build on last week’s 17-16 road upset of Merrillville.

“We need to keep everything in front of us, especially with (Rashaan) Coleman playing quarterback and running out of the shot gun,’’ CP coach Chip Pettit said. “He’s going to be a handful. We need to try and get as many of our defenders to him as we can.’’

Coleman rushed for 115 yards and a TD in his team’s win over Merrillville, while sophomore running back Hashim Simpson rushed for 122 yards.

Alvin Best, another speedster, returned a kickoff 94 yards for a TD against the Pirates.

“They’re all very fast and very explosive athletes,’’ Pettit said. “We need to make sure we do everything we can to keep them in front of us.’’

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