Club football seeks redemption against GMU

Amir Vera
Staff Writer

Although its last game was canceled on Sept. 8, the VCU club football team is looking to catch its first win in this Saturday’s opening game against George Mason University.

The team played GMU twice last year, losing both in the regular season and club championship game.

“Last year they dogged us out both times, but this is a whole new year,” defensive tackle Jules Charles said. “We’re coming out strong, we got a different look for them, I don’t think they’re ready for the things we’re going to throw at them this year.”

Along with new members on the team, a new head coach has also stepped up. Coach Gary Mims, who served as an assistant coach last year, is now leading the team in a new direction. He has not only changed the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, but he has also instituted a new team philosophy.

“Our new philosophy is actually to  really teach football,” Mims said. “Not only teach fundamentals, and teach techniques, but actually teach the offense and teach the defense so that they understand it.”

“It’s not just merely Xs and Os on a piece of paper, but they have an idea what they’re trying to do and a concept of the game … and basically what we’re trying to do is not only teach a numbers game, but the fact that there’s a reason and a purpose for the things that they do,” he said.

With this new teaching philosophy adding to the team’s overall confidence, Mims said that the team has gotten a lot better since their last meeting with Mason in December.

“We’ve improved on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. I think we have a little more team speed in regards to both sides of the ball, which will be a plus when we match up with certain situations,” Mims said.

Mims said he hopes the team will stay strong against GMU’s aggresive defensive style. GMU was known for blitzing last year, but with the help and improvement of the chemistry between senior quarterback Mike Jones and junior wide receiver Adrian Thurston, the team’s offense looks to be in good shape.

“I think  (Mike and Adrian’s chemistry) gotten stronger. Mike has a lot more confidence this year and his leadership has improved, so he can do nothing but improve from last year. I feel like the more we progress, the better it gets,” Thurston said. “I’m definitely looking forward to the skill positions getting off. I’m looking for Mike Jones to do his thing too. I think once our secondary gets it in, that’s going to be the key factor.”

Mason’s offensive scheme will also be an obstacle the team has to face. They favor mismatching the secondary with receivers to set up their precise, short passes. VCU’s secondary will key in on this, Mims said.

“That’s one of the things we’re very conscious of, and with our defensive secondary this year we can tighten the clamps on them in regards to that, and try to shut them down,” Mims said.

With the game fast approaching, the team along with the coaches are confident about Saturday. Mims and the team both agree that the improved speed and veteran experience on the team are enough to match GMU. CT

VCU Club football will take on GMU this Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson field.