What does St. Xavier need to do to improve in 2014? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

Bueller???? Bueller????

From a defensive perspective they need to get more speed on the field. Since high school has gone to much more spread orientated offensive the Tiges in my opinion have lacked the foot speed to keep up. If a kid is not fast enough to play in the secondary then move him down to LBer and same goes with every other position. I believe Coach Bruner is sticking to the 3-4 scheme, which I am a fan of when used correctly.

 

From an offensive standpoint, need a signal caller who is consistent. While Nagle performed better towards the end of the year, but too many costly mistakes led to the offense not being as productive as it could have been. Houk hopefully will be that stabalizing force under center and will take the Tiger offense to new heights. The biggest area of concern from me about the offense is the offensive coaching staff. Last year I never felt that the offensive coaches were on the same page, and I hope that Coach Wolford has made the needed adjustments to solidfy the staff that he feels gives the offense the best opportunity to be successful. Like most years, there is great turnover so it will be a process for the players and staff to work through.

 

At the end of the day, if they continue to do what they do they will win 6 games, but if they want to get over the hump they have to be able to make the big play when it is needed against top competition.

 

Good luck Tigers in 2014!!

I think this next season is a big one for the program......

This season is HUGE. Average seasons since 2010 and with changes made heading into last year strides have to be seen on both sides of the ball to keep the doubters away from Wolford and Co.

This season is HUGE. Average seasons since 2010 and with changes made heading into last year strides have to be seen on both sides of the ball to keep the doubters away from Wolford and Co.

 

Doubters are already firmly in place, trust me. He got a pass of sorts this past year (although the team should have been a true state contender), so he needs to take it to the next level this season. Of course, how you define the 'next level' is key, because Trinity is at a much different, elite level and is not returning to earth any time soon. Nagel Sr. leaving the staff made a difference in Nagel Jr.'s performance, but we'll see if they can get the offensive consistency mentioned by the earlier post.

According to a St Xavier Chain Gang member, the Tigers appeared small on defense in their scrimmage. The offensive line is large as usual. Houk will be the starting QB. He did throw a pick-six in the scrimmage. The other skill position players on offense are serviceable. In his opinion, he feels the Tigers have a long way to go to reach their lofty goals.

 

His credentials: Alumnus and follower of Tigers football for 40 years. His son was a back-up QB within the past 8 years. He's been around the program enough to offer intelligent observations.

According to a St Xavier Chain Gang member, the Tigers appeared small on defense in their scrimmage. The offensive line is large as usual. Houk will be the starting QB. He did throw a pick-six in the scrimmage. The other skill position players on offense are serviceable. In his opinion, he feels the Tigers have a long way to go to reach their lofty goals.

 

His credentials: Alumnus and follower of Tigers football for 40 years. His son was a back-up QB within the past 8 years. He's been around the program enough to offer intelligent observations.

 

Wolford said last year was rough because it was the first year, and learning that transition and everything else was tough. But now it's easy and going to be fun.

Doubters are already firmly in place, trust me. He got a pass of sorts this past year (although the team should have been a true state contender), so he needs to take it to the next level this season. Of course, how you define the 'next level' is key, because Trinity is at a much different, elite level and is not returning to earth any time soon. Nagel Sr. leaving the staff made a difference in Nagel Jr.'s performance, but we'll see if they can get the offensive consistency mentioned by the earlier post.

 

How can you say this when they got swept by Male last season?

Wolford said last year was rough because it was the first year, and learning that transition and everything else was tough. But now it's easy and going to be fun.

 

Most teams show tremendous improvement from year 1 to year 2.

I am just hoping that the coaching change was not the mistake many thought it was.

I know I'm not the only one who thinks this because I'm friends with many X grads, I honestly feel like X pulled the trigger on the coaching change 1 year too early. Last years X team was the perfect Glaser built team, huge Oline, great backs, a serviceable QB, he would've pounded opposing teams with the run game into submission. I honestly believe had Coach Glaser been in charge last year they would've had a real shot at the Championship, no doubt in my mind, they should've gave him that 1 more season to have a shot to cap his career off w/ that senior class, just my humble opinion.

How can you say this when they got swept by Male last season?

 

i don't necessarily agree with the whole statement but the fact is, St. Xavier has a long way to go to get to where Trinity is now...Male had a great team last year, but the issues Trinity had were more to do with scheme/coaching, not talent or depth...

 

Male will be good again and Trinity's new scheme and defensive staff will have them in the right direction...I'm not sold on the Tigers and Wolford

RockNation, I agree with you. Since 2010 X has been a bit above average. They have taken baby steps to adjust what they do, but they just can't seem to get it clicking together.

 

Wolford causes me great anxiety because I'm not sold that he knows exactly how to coach a high school team. I will be honest, I drank about half of the Kool-aid and after what I saw/read last year I was dead wrong. Can he "turn it around", yes, but he better get coaches he believes in to help him get his philosophy across.

 

I will say this, this group of seniors at X beat T as freshmen. I don't thnk that means much, but when an X football team hasn't beaten T in a long time at level I'll take what I can get.

How can you say this when they got swept by Male last season?

 

As did St. Xavier. Remember, St. Xavier never truly threatened Trinity in their game last season. The score was 29-17 and Trinity outgained St Xavier in pass and run yardage 358-207. As I recall, it was a clean sweep for the Rocks at all three levels.