The Advance

Issue date: 9/22/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jack Morris Coach Garrett talks to Justin Schropp on the sideline.

Media Credit: Jack Morris Darrell Grames spins out of a tackle as Eric Ritzman blocks.

For the Kansas Wesleyan Football team two tough opponents, on the road has equaled two victories by a combined total of six points.
The teams latest victory was a 20-18 win over host, Friends University. The two point victory marked the second time in as many weeks that the game was decided in the final minuets of the fourth quarter.
In week one of the season the Coyotes travel to Tabor College and used a goal line stand late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory 21-17 over the Blue-Jays of Tabor.
" All the players have bought into the concept of the team being a family, we have a lot of unselfish players, and they all believe in each other." Coach Dave Dallas said of his team this week during practice.
Good all-around football has been the best characteristic of this years football team early in the season. The offence has shown the ability to run the ball and pass the ball as needed. The defense has been able to force turnovers and make the big stops late in the game. The special teams haven't allowed any big returns and the kicking game has been a major plus and the biggest difference in determining wins and losses between the Coyotes and their opponents.
In week one Tabor kicker Derik Martinez missed two field goals of 37 and 38 yards. In week two Coyote kicker Mike Barry made two field goals and both extra points on a windy night in Wichita. Barry also made all three extra points in week one versus Tabor. Giving him 11 Points so far this season, 11 points is a large number to the Coyotes because they have won their first two games by a combined six points. The surprise not yet mentioned is the fact that Barry is only a freshman. Another freshman on the roster that has contributed to the early success is freshman quarterback Justin Schropp (shrop).
In week one Schropp passed for three touchdowns in his first college appearance. Two touchdowns were caught by wide receiver Andy Bean and the other was caught by senior tight-end Drew Phillips. In week two Schropp used his legs and ran for a first down on a third and eight play to move the chains and keep the clock running late in the fourth quarter.
" These two freshman have both responded well to some crucial situations." Dallas said of his freshman starters.
Besides the kicking game the other consistent area has been that of the Coyotes running game. Running backs Darrell Grames and Dechad Ward have given the Coyotes running a game a great one-two punch in the backfield.
On the season Grames has rushed for 307 yards after two games, while Ward has rushed for 81. Grames is averaging 4.7 yards a carry while Ward is averaging an impressive 6.2 yards a carry, both running backs have one touchdown each.
The defense has been led by senior middle linebacker Mike Holts, the defense of captain and team leader in tackles. Along with leading the team in tackles Holts is also credited with the tackle of Tabor quarterback Ricky Ishida on a fourth and goal play from the three yard line, a play that sealed the victory for the Coyotes in week one.
This week the Coyotes will make their first home appearance of the season at the 2006 Homecoming game against the University of St. Mary Saturday September, 23. The kickoff is set for 7p.m. Both teams are heading into the game with records of 2-0

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