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Improved Waldorf Faces Tough Task

The past two years, the SAU/Waldorf game has been a lot like the relationship between two brothers, with Waldorf tagging along and hoping to someday reach the level of play that their big brother is at.
St. Ambrose has dominated both games in the series, winning 70-0 two years ago, and 71-7 last season. SAU has out gained Waldorf in the two games by an average of 670 yards to 91.

However, the gap between the two schools, albeit a large one, may be closing slowly, but surely

"Waldorf's much improved. They're getting better each and every year. They're playing with a lot of momentum right now and already have a couple wins this year," head coach Todd Sturdy said, "They have a lot of returning starters this year, and are playing with a lot of confidence right now."

The Warriors are already one win shy of matching last season's total for the year. They are led mainly by their defense and special teams. The Warrior's 'D' has only given up 17 points per game in their three contests this year. One guy SAU may want to stay away from is Eric Gay, who has three interceptions so far.

In addition to their defense, Waldorf's special teams has kept them competitive. Dan Steffen is averaging 32.3 yards per return on kickoffs, including an 84 yard return for a touchdown.

Waldorf is not the only team riding a wave of momentum into this game. The Fighting Bees are still on an emotional high from last weekend's 29-28 come-from-behind victory over Loras at Brady Street Stadium in which freshman Evan Gutierrez kicked the game winning 47-yard field goal with no time left on the clock.

"We've lost some games like that and we've won some like that," coach Sturdy said, "A win like that could make the whole season and we're just fortunate that we got that opportunity and that we did get the win."

The entire season outcome may have been affected by that one play in what was the Fighting Bee's season opening game.

"If you lose a close game like that, sometimes it takes the wind out of your sails, so that really helps a team's confidence," coach Sturdy said. "It's given us a lot of momentum and I think it's could be a huge factor in the season and in what we do this year."

Even though SAU got the win last week, there is always room for improvement. St. Ambrose won the game, despite their carelessness at times with the football. The Fighting Bees turned the ball over six times, including four interceptions, something they can't do if they hope to continue winning.

"The biggest thing we have to focus on is our turnovers, and how we can cut them down, which is something that really hurt us against Loras," coach Sturdy said.

That's one thing they'll try to fix before Saturday's game in Forest City, Iowa, but definitely won't be the only adjustments they will make.

"Defensively, we gave up a couple big plays last week that were mental mistakes and we need to eliminate that," coach Sturdy said, "We also have to continue to do good things on special teams. Those are the three main things any team needs to do to win. We've got a little bit of work to do everywhere and hopefully we can just focus on that and get better."

One concern going into this season was all the new faces in new places, after 25 seniors graduated off last season's squad. Several players have already stepped up in their new roles, and the team expects to see more of that as the season goes on.

"We're really focused on getting better as a football team. We got a lot of young players and a lot of young starters that are trying to make a name for themselves and are getting the opportunity to make big plays," coach Sturdy said.

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