2008 Woodie Awards
Solid defense propels football
Justin Wolter
Issue date: 11/7/02 Section: Sports
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The Muskies football team didn't let a tough loss against Aurora keep them down too long, as they trounced visiting Greenville 39-7 this past Saturday at Taylor Field. The win puts the Muskies at 4-4 overall, and 3-3 in the Illini-Badger Football Conference.
Saturday not only had sunny weather, but it also featured a quality brand of Muskie football. After an interception by freshman Mike Gibson, the Muskies sold themselves to the fans first as junior Jeff Taff caught an 8-yard pass from senior quarterback Kevin Cox.
Cox, filling in for injured Brent Luebke, looked phenomenal going 20 of 31 for 314 yards passing and two touchdowns. Head coach Jeff Hynes wasn't surprised by the effort. "Cox is an extremely accurate passer. He's started over the years before, and I knew we could depend on him."
After holding a 7-0 first quarter lead, the Muskies came right back with more offense. Taff again found the end zone from a yard out after a nine-play, 73-yard drive. A botched snap allowed holder Shaun Behrend to use his Randy Moss-like speed to get the ball across the pylon for a two point conversion.
Lakeland fans were also treated to a record-setting kick as sophomore Matt Cook booted a 46-yard field goal just before the half. The field goal is the longest ever recorded by a Muskie. Hynes was confidant he could make it, but was surprised of how far it was from. "I had no clue it was from 46 yards. If I had known, I may not have attempted the kick, but making a kick like that means I can depend on him." The kick gave Lakeland an 18-0 lead into the half with a little extra fire power to start the third quarter.
The start of the third quarter was full of action Gibson returned a kick 85 yards for a touchdown. The kickoff return was the first by a Muskie since 1999 against Greenville.
"Gibson is a special athlete for us. He had an ankle injury early on, but has come back strong. He followed his blocks well and just took over with his speed," said Hynes.
Saturday not only had sunny weather, but it also featured a quality brand of Muskie football. After an interception by freshman Mike Gibson, the Muskies sold themselves to the fans first as junior Jeff Taff caught an 8-yard pass from senior quarterback Kevin Cox.
Cox, filling in for injured Brent Luebke, looked phenomenal going 20 of 31 for 314 yards passing and two touchdowns. Head coach Jeff Hynes wasn't surprised by the effort. "Cox is an extremely accurate passer. He's started over the years before, and I knew we could depend on him."
After holding a 7-0 first quarter lead, the Muskies came right back with more offense. Taff again found the end zone from a yard out after a nine-play, 73-yard drive. A botched snap allowed holder Shaun Behrend to use his Randy Moss-like speed to get the ball across the pylon for a two point conversion.
Lakeland fans were also treated to a record-setting kick as sophomore Matt Cook booted a 46-yard field goal just before the half. The field goal is the longest ever recorded by a Muskie. Hynes was confidant he could make it, but was surprised of how far it was from. "I had no clue it was from 46 yards. If I had known, I may not have attempted the kick, but making a kick like that means I can depend on him." The kick gave Lakeland an 18-0 lead into the half with a little extra fire power to start the third quarter.
The start of the third quarter was full of action Gibson returned a kick 85 yards for a touchdown. The kickoff return was the first by a Muskie since 1999 against Greenville.
"Gibson is a special athlete for us. He had an ankle injury early on, but has come back strong. He followed his blocks well and just took over with his speed," said Hynes.