Tough challenge awaits
Nationally ranked Salukis set to face 'Necks at home on Saturday
Bill Welt
Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: Sports
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The 'Necks will forge ahead against the Salukis without long-time head coach Don Patterson on the sideline.
Patterson stepped down last weekend due to health problems from his battle with tonsillar cancer last year, according to the athletic department.
Offensive coordinator Mark Hendrickson is the new man in charge, a position he temporarily held last fall in seven games.
Hendrickson will take over a team that has struggled badly on defense, allowing 421.7 yards a game.
In the 'Necks' last contest against Stephen F. Austin, Western gave up at least 40 points for the second consecutive time in their 40-30 loss to the Lumberjacks.
"We've missed a few people," Hendrickson said. "We've had a few people nicked up. I anticipate everybody to be healthy because of the opening weekend. I'm very confident our defense will play very well."
The 'Necks will have to continue play without sophomore defensive end Teague Dentino, who has not appeared in any games this season after being named to the conference all-newcomer team last fall.
"He will not be back for this game," Hendrickson said. "We hope very soon after that."
Junior defensive end Mike Stieren has done well in place of Dentino, picking up two sacks and eight solo tackles this season.
The offense has not fared any better than their defensive counterparts.
Junior quarterback Matt Barr completed less than half his passes in his appearance against the Lumberjacks, converting 20-of-42 passes for 260 yards and one interception.
But Hendrickson still has faith in his quarterback's ability to lead the offense this Saturday.
"Offensively, we've struggled a little bit more than we'd like to," Hendrickson said. "We're also nicked up there up front also but we'll get everybody back, and Matt Barr in most snaps of the season has been superb. He's just an outstanding leader for us, and he'll continue to play very well."
Lack of protection has been an issue for Barr this season, being sacked four times by the Lumberjacks in his last outing. The offensive line has given up eight sacks in their past two games.
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