Swogger needs to be accurate

By John Kovach

af2 games are played on a smaller field and receivers so defensive backs are quicker.

YOUNGSTOWN — If quarterback Josh Swogger can meet the stringent demands of completing pin-point passes for the Mahoning Valley Thunder on the small dimensions of an indoor football field in the af2 league, then the former Ursuline High ace may be able to earn a ticket to the Arena Football League or the National Football League.

Swogger (6-5, 238), also a former Washington State University and University of Montana player, said that accuracy is the main requirement for a quarterback in the af2, because of the smaller field and the speed of the receivers and defensive backs.

He added that throwing passes during practice in simulated game conditions is the best way to learn and prepare for the indoor game, which he said is very different than outdoor football that has its much bigger field.

“The windows [to complete a pass] are a lot closer,” Swogger said. “Defenders can close quickly because there is not as much distance to cover.

“The quarterback has to understand how the game is different,” Swogger said.

“You have to have pin-point accuracy with a strong arm to fit the ball into tight windows.”

He said that developing accuracy will “come with practice,” and that he participates in one-on-one and three-on-three drills with the receivers and defensive backs.

“That causes you to get into the habit of throwing into tight spots.”

During practice, “[We] simulate the tight-quarter conditions that will exist during a game.”

Swogger will find out how far he has come in the learning process when the Thunder opens its second season Saturday at 7:05 p.m. on Cortland Banks Field in the Chevrolet Centre against the Albany Conquest.

Albany and the Thunder are members of the American Conference East that also includes the Manchester Wolves and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers.

Last season, the Thunder swept both games from the Conquest, first winning 64-59 in Albany, and then prevailing 65-64 in overtime in Youngstown.

Swogger said that he hopes to acquire more experience this season to climb to the AFL or the NFL, because he has been told by pro scouts that more pro playing time is what he needs.

“That was one of the things that happened at Atlanta. The pro personnel there felt like I needed more experience,” Swogger said. He also said that’s what the Crush coach told him.

“That’s the main thing I am playing for right now. I am honing my skills with the expectations of making the AFL or NFL levels,” said Swogger, who is happy to be doing that near his home town of Vienna and only about a mile away from his high school alma mater, Ursuline.

“This gives me an opportunity to play in my hometown where I played my high school football and stay around here,” Swogger said.

And, “It’s a chance to play and get an opportunity to advance to another level.”

kovach@vindy.com