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2010-02-09

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:12 PM

File photo/The Ottawa Herald

Ottawa University sophomore running back Clinton Weldin keeps his legs moving as he gains extra yards against Bethany in the final regular-season home game. The Braves play 4 p.m. Saturday at home against Hastings College (Neb.) in the first round of the NAIA playoffs.

Ottawa wants to play fast on offense

Opposite styles

By Greg Mast/Herald Sports Editor

The record-breaking Ottawa University offense likes to play fast.

The Braves use a no-huddle offense and want a quick tempo, similar to a fastbreak offense in basketball.

That strategy keeps the defense from adjusting without a timeout and usually can’t substitute.

The fifth-ranked Braves (10-0), who got away from that offense in the second half against Friends, expect to employ that type of game 4 p.m. Saturday in its first-round NAIA playoff game against Hastings, Neb., (9-2) at Peoples Bank Field.

Tickets are available at www.ottawabraves.com.

“We want to find our matchups,” Ottawa coach Kent Kessinger said. “We have been working on a little bit of everything.”

Kessinger said the only no-huddle offense the Broncos faced this year was against Morningside, and the Broncos fell 46-0. The coach said Morningside does not go at the same pace as Ottawa.

Kessinger said he always is thinking two plays ahead.

Conversely, Hastings is a more deliberate offensive squad. A lot like McKendree, Ill., the team Ottawa defeated 31-21 in the First Downs Classic in late August.

“They are physical,” Kessinger said of Hastings. “They want to grind it out. They want to slow down the pace of the game. They want to play ugly football.”

So far, not many teams have slowed down Ottawa, which is ranked No. 1 in passing (417 yards) and No. 2 in total offense (519).

It all starts with senior quarterback Ethan Haller, who is No. 2 in passing yards at 407 yards.

Haller then has good receivers on the end of his passes. Corey Schultz and Clarence Anderson are tied for the NAIA lead with 1,314 yards receiving. Plus tight end Taylor Burnett is a load.

“The guys play well together,” Kessinger said.

Schultz, who is like a coach on the field, said the receivers all work as a unit.

“It has been a blast,” Schultz said. “Clarence has much athletic [talent].”

Anderson said everybody on offense has a role in making the system work.

“[Ethan] makes us look good,” Anderson said. “We need to do what we do best.”

Hastings’ offense is led by Maurice Mansfield, who leads the Broncos in rushing and receiving.

Kessinger said that is unusual for a playoff team to be led by one player.

The coach said Hastings moves Mansfield around on the field.

Ottawa is attempting to win its first NAIA playoff game after losing in the first round in 1997, 2000 and 2003.

This is also Ottawa’s first time playing a home game.

“It is a big deal,” Kessinger said about playing at home.

Ottawa has won its past 10 home games.

“It is the best atmosphere in the conference,” senior linebacker Casey Calhoun said of Peoples Bank Field.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com