BLOG 58: Visser - - We still have a lot to play for this season

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State defensive tackle Jake Visser tries to knock the ball free from a teammate during a practice drill (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Senior All-American defensive tackle Jake Visser knows that he and his fellow Bulldogs have plenty to play for at this critical part of the campaign.

The Coopersville native, in his final campaign in Ferris’ crimson and gold colors, can see the team’s 5-2 record and understand there is little margin for error if the team is to remain in the playoff hunt. The next slip could be a big one for the Bulldogs (5-2) who want to keep momentum going as they host Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival Wayne State (5-2) in a 2 p.m. contest at Top Taggart Field as part of Homecoming weekend.

Visser, like his teammates, had to reach deep last weekend to survive with a 31-24 road win over Indianapolis in a game played at Key Stadium in Indiana.

“It was huge for us to be able to get (that win). We’ve been in a lot of close games, recently, and this feels good because we needed it badly to keep ourselves alive,” said Visser, who ranks third on the team in tackles with 59 to go along with 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. “We have to keep working to put it together and get ready for another big game against Wayne State.”

Ranked 10th in the region, the Bulldogs know the next few weeks will make or break their push for one of those coveted playoff spots.

“We definitely still have a lot to play for and a lot to work for in these last games,” said Visser, whose Bulldogs have won the last three meetings with Wayne (2003, 2006 and 2007), including last year’s 17-13 win over the Warriors in Detroit. “We just have to quit looking too far ahead or looking too far behind us. We have to stay focused on each game and each practice to get better and to execute the way we need to on the field.”

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com