The Citadel's Final Showdown: Can They Bounce Back?

Gearing Up for the Final Game

The Citadel football team is preparing for their last game of the season against East Tennessee State (ETSU). After a tough loss to Wofford, the team is determined to finish strong.

Struggles and Responsibility

The Bulldogs have been dissatisfied with their recent performance, particularly in starting strong and finishing plays, especially near the end zone. Coach Maurice Drayton admitted that the game did not meet their high standards. He and his coaching staff are taking responsibility for the mistakes.

Focus on Improvement

The Bulldogs have a chance to end the season with a winning record in their conference. To achieve this, they need to beat ETSU on Saturday. Coach Drayton emphasized the importance of a strong response this week. He expects the team to play with toughness, purpose, and a strong work ethic.

Defining the Season

Coach Drayton believes that how the team responds to this loss will define their season and the program's future. He is confident in the team's ability to overcome setbacks and build a strong foundation.

Reviewing Game Footage

After every game, the coaching staff reviews the footage and sends any disputed calls to the Southern Conference (SoCon) office. Coach Drayton takes pride in the staff's knowledge of the rules. They review calls every week and believe they are accurate about 90% of the time.

Controversial Play

One controversial play against Wofford involved a touchdown call that was reviewed but upheld due to a lack of clear camera angles. The coach plans to invest in pylon cameras for next season to avoid such issues.

Standout Players

Jihad Marks

Wide receiver Jihad Marks has been a standout player in the last month. For the third time in four games, he has achieved over 100 yards in receiving. His impressive performances have caught the attention of NFL scouts. Coach Drayton wishes they had recruited Marks earlier, as his development has been remarkable. The 6-1, 210-pound graduate student is averaging 34.8 yards per catch. The coach believes Marks has the potential to play at the next level.

Beau Herrington

Another player who has stepped up in the second half of the season is running back Beau Herrington. Herrington transferred from Allen, where he was a key player. He has rushed for 319 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Coach Drayton's son, Montrel, who served as an equipment manager at Allen, recommended Herrington. The coach credits Montrel for recruiting Herrington, describing him as dynamic, electric, and slippery. The goal is to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.