Practice Photos
WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The first day of full pads for the West Liberty University football team gave head coach Roger Waialae the opportunity to make a point at the end of Monday’s session.
“We need to be going full speed from start to finish,” Waialae said. “I thought we stepped up the tempo and got after it pretty good today in the 7-on-7 and team stuff but there shouldn’t be a change in pace when we go from one segment to the next. We have to practice fast to play fast.”
The coaching staff split the team into two groups for 7-on-7 work in order to cut down on the number of players standing around waiting for reps.
The No. 1 offense performed pretty well with QB Zach Amedro spreading the ball around to an assortment of receivers. Returning WRs Willie Walker and Ryan Travis came up with several nice catches while returning TB Kevon Calhoun continued to impress with some dazzing RACs (runs after catches). RBs DeVaughn Gordon and Arvin Bell also got in the mix.
The defense got its licks in, too. LBs Clay Beeler and Mike Buffo performed well in coverage along with FS Lawrence Robinson. Transfer SS Alec Wood saved a score by flying in to tumble Travis out of bounds inside the 5.
Meanwhile in the south end zone, the linemen were banging heads in another spirited 1-on-1 session. Redshirt junior OG Jose Baez continued to excel against all comers. Senior OL Ralph Petrella’s comeback rolled on with another series of strong showings as he battles back after missing the 2009 season. OL Josh Varney, another player who sat out last year, and returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also looked strong. Starting DT Matt Betz returned to the field after sitting out a couple of days with hamstring problems and showed no ill effects, winning all of his matchups except for one with Baez. Returning starters DE Ryan Mirich and DT Leonidas Redding more than held their own along with returning DE Raphael Johnson and transfer DL Nick Augustyn.
A water break was followed by some special teams work. Kickers Mike Blewett and Jeff Hoak were a bit erratic, at times, but Blewett did connect on several kicks from 40+ yards. Blewett also performed pretty well during the punt session.
Monday’s practice wrapped up with an extended team session of offense vs. defense with split squads in use once again.
Highlighting this sequence were a pair of 40-yard TD strikes from Amedro to Walker. Each time, Walker slipped off press coverage and got separation down the sideline, catching the perfectly-thrown passes without breaking stride. Transfer WR Brandon Carver showed good hands and route-running ability in his first extended work. The coaches were also pleased with the protection Amedro received from an offensive line unit that is off to an impressive start in camp.
Returning starters WS Jayson Keyser and CB Josh Madrid made some plays on the defensive side of the ball along with newcomers Wood and CB Justin Black. Redding and Betz were strong against the run on the interior.
The Hilltoppers will have their first double session of the preseason on Tuesday, going in full pads at 9 a.m. before coming back in tops (helmet and shoulder pads) at 3 p.m.
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