New terminology and more players

By John Bassetti | June 5, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

John Bassetti \ Thunder Insider

In these difficult economic times, the Thunder’s eight-game losing streak seems insignificant — and it is.

The big, bad news of the week was the bankruptcy of GM.

On game night, however, the world’s woes should evaporate and fans should take shelter inside their bubbles — an arena, that is.

Davon Vinson is listed as the starter at quarterback for tonight’s af2 game in Milwaukee against the Iron.

Vinson will start in place of Blake Powers, who broke his left collarbone while running for a touchdown with 52 seconds remaining in last Saturday’s game against the Kentucky Horsemen.

Vinson last played in Manchester when he took over for Powers to start the second series. Powers, however, returned to replace Vinson late in the game when the Northwestern State product sprained an ankle.

During an April 4 game against Milwaukee at the then-Chevy Centre, Vinson completed 19-of-30 passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns. However, he threw two interceptions and Mahoning Valley lost two fumbles.

The turnovers drove then-coach Mike Hold up the wall.

Vinson spoke about new coach Chris MacKeown’s different offense.

“It’s totally different schemes, totally different terminology. We just have to work hard to pick up on the plays, but I feel good with what we have going into this week,” he said.

In six games, Vinson is 76-of-130 for 861 yards and 12 TDs. However, he’s been picked off seven times.

The problem that plagued Mahoning Valley in the first Iron game contributed to the Thunder’s demise early in the Horsemen game.

“Usually when you win the turnover game, you’re going to win the game in arena ball,” Vinson said. “We made a lot of mistakes last week and I think that was the reason why we didn’t win the game.”

Recalling the Iron game on April 4, Vinson said: “The main thing is to cut down on our mistakes and don’t turn the ball over. Every game we’ve lost was because we lost the turnover ratio. I feel that if we quit making mistakes, we’ll win games. I’ve had a week to rest. Hopefully, I’ll have my strength back and go in there and make throws.”

Like 21 other players, Vinson is disappointed in the team’s poor season so far.

The infusion of new players to give the Thunder a boost is motivation for the roster regulars.

“We’ve got to try our hardest to keep our jobs. I feel good with the coaching changes we’ve made. Now we’ve got to get ourselves together and turn it around.”

Vinson said the new offense should help receivers get open more.

“In the past, we ran a lot of simple stuff and people were able to cover it, but now we got new schemes and misdirection stuff, so if we got time and take care of the ball, we’ll have a good chance,” he said. “Once we stop beating ourselves we can win games.”

Wide receiver C.J. Brewer is listed as Vinson’s backup. However, newly signed receiver Jermaine Moye has some signalcalling experience.

Moye replaces Chris Schubert and DBs Darrell Carlton and Joe Kleinsmith are also gone.

“Chris Schubert was a tough one [to release] because he worked so hard and he was a good-character guy and he’s very intelligent,” MacKeown said of the Oberlin graduate.

“We had a chance to sign Jermaine, who is out of California (Pa.) State, a Division II, Cactus Bowl, All-American-type kid. He’s really a special athlete. He’ll give us a little more size and also brings flexibility. I had to clear a roster spot and Chris was the guy I saw as being out.”

To make room for other defensive backs, Carlton was let go. MacKeown said that Kleinsmith, who only joined Mahoning Valley recently, said he lost the desire to play anymore.

Lineman Jon Loyte (Boston College) was also signed this week.

Don’t be surprised if Mahoning Valley tries a flea-flicker play in Milwaukee. In practice, Vinson threw to Brewer who lobbed a pass to tight end Kenny Shane.

Defensive coordinator Brennen Booth finally let off some steam at last Tuesday’s practice. After the defense allowed a receiver an opportunity to catch and run, Booth yelled, “Don’t wait for somebody else to make the play, do it yourself.” Afterward, Booth calmly conveyed to the defense the identity of key Iron players and their tendencies on red zone (inside the 10) plays.

bassetti@vindy.com