Thunder’s defense due to dictate

By Greg Gulas

Mahoning Valley’s next opponent is the Midwest Division leader.

YOUNGSTOWN — When Royce Morgan is being held by opposing linemen, chances are the Mahoning Valley Thunder defense has zeroed in on the opposing quarterback and is in control of the line of scrimmage.

If they expect to pick up their first road win of the season Friday against the Midwest Division leading Green Bay Blizzard (8-3), then they had better control the line of scrimmage and Morgan better be the one in the middle of all the action.

Despite dropping a 79-55 decision Friday to the Manchester Wolves, a game in which the former number represented a franchise-high in points allowed, Morgan remains confident that a road win Friday against the Blizzard will go a long way in turning around the Thunder’s (2-9) season and the hopes of finishing on a positive note.

“We’ve watched the films from our game last week with Manchester and know exactly what adjustments we’ll need to make this week against Green Bay. Last week, we just didn’t play together as a unit and that really hurt us,” Morgan stated.

“The good thing is that we are all accountable for our mistakes. Everyone realizes that accountability so we are all looking forward now to the challenge of the Blizzard.

“They are the Midwest Division leaders and are an excellent team on both sides of the football. A win against one of the top teams in the league, especially on the road would be the needed boost for us right now,” he added.

In last week’s game against Manchester, Morgan registered a quarterback sack to boost his season total to 81‚Ñ2, which is eighth in af2.

Over the past five games, he has six tackles for loss and a team-best five sacks, so being held on nearly every play is a compliment that the rookie from Lehigh University takes in stride.

“I take pride in being held because opposing linemen don’t want to give up a sack. It’s when they make a mistake that I try to capitalize by either hurrying or sacking the quarterback,” he added.

Thunder coach Mike Hold is a big fan of Morgan’s play and the attitude that he brings to the locker room.

“Royce has an excellent work ethic and his positive attitude is contagious. He is passionate about what he does and sometimes wants to do too much. With all of the adversity we have faced this season, he’s definitely the kind of guy you want on your team right now,” Hold said.

Last week, Davon Vinson completed 18 of 39 passes for 277 yards and seven touchdowns.

He also added a rushing touchdown as well as he accounted for eight Thunder scores.

If Vinson is to enjoy that type of success Friday against Green Bay, he will have done it against the league’s best defense. The Blizzard allows opponents just 194.0 total yards and 38.8 points per game.

“We’ll need [Davon] Vinson to step up his game as well if we expect to have any success against Green Bay. He’s a playmaker and we’ll need him to make big plays the entire game,” Morgan noted.

“The key to the game for us, however, is to get a quick start and not fall behind early. We’ve been our own worst enemy this season and have shot ourselves in the foot at the outset on more than one occasion.

“Also, the defense will need to step it up in the fourth quarter. That is when we need to be strongest. When the game is on the line we just need to be ready,” Morgan added.