Time will tell for Mac secondary

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Numbers don’t always accurately portray what is going on within a team. The development of chemistry within a defensive unit is something that cannot be measured. While score sheets may communicate one side of the story, there is another side worth hearing that stats cannot speak to.

“We’ve lost eight guys on defense. Those eight have worked together, practiced together, fought together, and cried together. There’s chemistry there,” said Joe Sardo, McMaster’s defensive coordinator.

That chemistry takes time to build.

Sardo recognizes that installing new players at a new level in a new system takes time and growing pains are a part of that process. The Marauders secondary (i.e. defensive backs and safeties) consists of men who are first-year players, first-time starters and some who are both. In comparison to defensive units the Marauders have fielded in the past, this secondary is relatively inexperienced.

“A lot of these guys have never played and started at this level before. These guys have not seen live bullets on the football field,” said Sardo. “It’s getting them accustomed to what’s happening in a game.”

These guys are playing together as a unit for the first time. In any sport, playing with new teammates requires adjustment. You have to learn to communicate with each other, understand each other’s tendencies and learn to play off of each other- all while understanding the big picture of the team’s greater game-plan. This process is inescapable and a team must go through it before any on-field execution is possible.

“It’s not that much different than math class. You have to learn your basics before you can move on and that’s where we are right now,” said Sardo. “We’re at the basic level teaching everyday and as they get better with each and every lesson, we can expand on that.”

Even though this secondary comes with little university football experience and are still on their way to becoming a cohesive unit, they already possess qualities that stand out.

“I’m pleasantly surprised with how athletic and physical they are. We can physically keep up with anybody. We’ve learned that,” said Sardo. “Now it comes down to gaining experience, comfort and football intelligence at this level.”

The vibe is positive regarding the potential of this secondary. The saying that “good things take time” is true even on the football field. Time is something that is beyond control. You can’t speed it up. The process must be respected. If it isn’t, it will show in performance.

Head Coach Stefan Ptaszek said it very well: “If you want to run fast, run by yourself. If you want to run far, run together.”

“Right now we’re still coming together and learning to speak the same language and each and every day and each and every week, that has been getting better,” said Sardo.

McMaster travels on the road this weekend to take on Guelph for the Gryphons’ Homecoming Game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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