Spring Break
'Necks limp to Illinois State
Mike Vaught
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
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The Leathernecks and the Redbirds have battled each other 90 times with Western leading the all-time series 48-38-3.
"Our team does a great job of focusing on one game at a time," said head coach Mark Hendrickson. "We don't point to any one game to turn us around we just try with all of our ability to win the next game."
The 'Necks' previous three losses have been by a combined 11 points.
"There is no question that its been frustrating," Hendrickson said. "You have got to turn that into making you more determined than you were before. The last several games could have gone either way but they haven't gone our way."
Western has been outscored 24-7 in the fourth quarter in its last three games.
"On defense, offense and in the kicking game we need to make some plays to win a ball game," Hendrickson said. "The only positive thing about that is it makes you very determined to practice even better to win the next game."
Freshman quarterback Wil Lunt will make his fifth start for the 'Necks and has been making strides toward getting his first win at the collegiate level.
"He's progressing every game and he's right where I thought he would be at this time given the situation," Hendrickson said. "Wil's done a good job, any time a freshman quarterback has to step in you are not going to rely on him. The teammates around him need to step up and share the load."
The Redbirds' rushing defense has been their weakness, allowing 223 yards per game.
"There's in no doubt that we'd like to run the ball with a freshman quarterback to take the pressure off of him," Hendrickson said. "It is very important to us that we can rush the ball well in every game."
The Leathernecks' running game has certainly been the strong point this season with senior running back Dre Gibbs leading the charge.
Gibbs has 895 yards on the ground along with five rushing touchdowns and boasts the third best rushing average per game in the Valley.
"There is no doubt Dre Gibbs will get the bulk of the carries,"
Hendrickson said. "It is very important to us that we can rush the ball well in every game."
Defensively the 'Necks have only allowed an average of 16 points per game in their last three contests.
"On both sides of the ball we have our moments where we just play outstanding and we'd like to play consistent for four quarters," Hendrickson said. "The defense has been very solid and I would expect them to continue to play well."
Western will play the Redbirds at 1 p.m. at Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill.
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