Wolford, players remain on task

Photo by: Vindicator file photo

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Youngstown State coach Eric Wolford talks to linebacker Thomas Sprague on the sideline during the Penguins’ game against Valparaiso on Sept. 10. After losing two straight games, Wolford said he’s not going to let his team settle for being average.

By Joe Scalzo

scalzo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Over the last three weeks, Youngstown State’s place in the Missouri Valley Conference Football standings has changed dramatically.

The expectations haven’t.

With his team basically needing to win its last six games to have any chance at the postseason, Penguins coach Eric Wolford said he’s not going to let his team settle for being average.

“There are high expectations for this program, youth or not,” he said. “I believe we are going to meet those expectations. When? I can’t tell you that. But we’re going to continue to work toward them.

“We’re not working toward trying to win six or seven games a year. That’s not the standard here, and that will never change. We can’t settle. Are you going to settle for a Chevy Tahoe when maybe you can have an Escalade?”

When asked if he thought a Chevy is average, Wolford laughed and said, “No, that’s what’s I’m driving now. I do love the Tahoe. I guess my point is you have to continually reach higher and strive.”

The Penguins (2-3, 1-2) have lost two straight games and have yet to win on the road under Wolford, going 0-7 the past two years. Making matters worse, YSU has not won in Carbondale since 2001, although it did beat the Salukis at home last season, ending their 14-game conference winning streak.

“I’m sure that’s on their mind,” Wolford said.

Both teams entered the season with high expectations — “I think our high expectations are self-imposed and I think theirs are from the amount of returning players they had and the success they’ve had in the last five years,” Wolford said — and both teams know their margin of error for the rest of the season is zero.

“They’re in the exact same boat as us,” said freshman wide receiver Christian Bryan. “They were ranked I think at one point in the top 15 in the nation and now they’re 2-3 like us.”

Saturday’s loss to South Dakota State was arguably the most disappointing of Wolford’s tenure but Bryan said the team is still upbeat.

“We’re not out of this,” he said. “A lot of people are counting us out but in no way, shape or form have we quit on each other.”

Wolford has spun the two-game losing streak as a chance for his team to grow through adversity, believing adversity builds character and toughness.

If that’s the case, YSU should be plenty tough by now.

“We’re going to have our day,” Wolford said. “There’s no question we’re going to have our day. It’s just right now we’re being tested.

“We’re going to pass the test. We’re not giving in. I’ve been on the floor many times in my life and I’ll get right back up, just like our team will.”

YSU players of the week

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Jamaine Cook

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Teven Williams

Offense: Jamaine Cook (5-9, 205, Jr.), RB from Cleveland

Defense: Teven Williams (6-0, 220, Fr.), LB from Huber Heights

Special teams: Thomas Sprague (6-1, 225, Soph.), LB from Gainesville, Ga.

Offensive line: D.J. Main (6-6, 310, Jr.), OT from Strongsville

Defensive line: Nick DeKraker (6-3, 255, Jr.), DT from Marne, Mich.

Scout offense: Jordan Markota (6-2, 215, Fr.), TE from Girard

Scout defense: Cy Edison (5-11, 230, Soph.), LB from East Liverpool

Scout special teams: Nick Buonavolonta (5-9, 180, Fr.), CB from Boardman

Hit of the week: Sprague

Player of the game (radio): Davion Rogers (6-6, 215, RFr.), LB from Warren

Leadership award: Deonta Tate (6-1, 245, Sr.), LB from Palmetto, Fla.