BLOG 64: Wayne coach credits his team’s defense

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Kyle Parrish scrambles out of the pocket during Saturday afternoon’s homecoming loss to Wayne State (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Wayne State coach Paul Winters could not say enough about his defensive unit – a group which did its best impression of the bend but don’t break technique against Ferris State on Saturday.

Ferris had its chances, but every time the Bulldogs even sniffed the end zone, Wayne buckled down and slammed the door shut. Ferris was denied on a big third-quarter goal-line stand as visiting Wayne earned a hard-fought 19-0 win over the Bulldogs to spoil homecoming festivities at Top Taggart Field.

“Our defense came through every time that we really needed them to come through,” Winters said. “Ferris is a heck of a good football team and this is a huge win for us not just because Ferris is such a good team, but it’s also a huge win for us to be able to come here (Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids) and get a win. Beating them here is special.”

The Warriors, now 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, grabbed three interceptions including one that was returned 86 yards for a touchdown (in the fourth quarter) by Jeremy Jones to seal Ferris’ fate with 5:21 to go. Ferris also fumbled three times against that Warrior defense and lost one.

Wayne’s defensive line pressured Ferris quarterbacks Kyle Parrish and Tom Schneider throughout the game. The Warriors’ defensive backs, among the best units in the conference, had a strong effort against a Ferris receiving corps that was a huge part of the prior week’s 31-24 road win over Indianapolis with four touchdown receptions.

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