MacMurray Season Preview

Just when you think there could be some positive things coming from MacMurray this year, we get slapped with a dose of reality. After two conference wins last year against Westminster and Eureka, a promising young group of hungry Highlanders coming back, and QB Cody Hussey leading the way; the Highlanders looked primed to take a step forward. They even got new uniforms—it appears they took a lesson from Crown and got both away and home jerseys, and just to be sure they have alternates as well. Alas, it was too good to be true. Mr. Hussey is leaving the program presumably to return to good ol’ Alabama leaving all 16 of the faithful Highlander fans brokenhearted. We don’t know exactly why he is leaving, but it’s safe to say the Freesen field and the facilities weren't exactly pulling on his heart string either. According to our insider information, the Highlanders will put their trust into Georgia native sophomore QB Caleb Horvath who played sparingly last year. It’s just the way it seems to go for MacMurray. Build a little momentum, and lose it all in the off season.

Big Losses

QB Cody Hussey is a huge loss. He was really coming on as the season progressed, and for unknown reasons won’t be back. It makes the Highlanders start from scratch at the most important position in football. If last year was any indication, the Highlanders like to throw it a lot, but might not have that luxury this year. The Highlanders will also miss all-conference players WR Deshonta Smallwood and DL Leo Coronado.

Key Returners

There is some potential here, lots of young players, but so far there has not been a lot of consistent talent coming from MacMurray. That being said, the majority of the offensive line returns led by OL James Simelton who returns from a season ending back injury last year. Maybe the Highlanders will run the football a little bit more this season as RB Patrick Hall (2^nd team all-conference) returns after leading the team with 762 rushing yards last season. On defense, the Highlanders return two players of note in DL Anthony McKinney and UMAC Central Outstanding DB Raymond Smith.

Keys to 2013

      1. Can QB Caleb Horvath replicate any of Hussey’s success? In sparse action last year, he threw for 139 yards, 1 td, and 1 int with a completion percentage of 56%. Not great numbers, but not bad either. It might be to the Highlanders advantage to run the football more often, and help set up Horvath in play action. Give him easy reads to begin with as he settles into the QB position. I suspect that as Horvath goes, so will the Highlanders.  

      2.Can the Highlanders win the close games? MacMurray lost 4 games by a touchdown or less. Think about it, if they had been able to win those four games instead of lose them, they would have finished in the top five in the conference. At the end of last year, we commented on the need for a change of culture at MacMurray. Will they dig deep in those games and avoid the “here we go again” attitude, or will they collapse as they did last year?

Prediction

I must admit that I would have been much higher on MacMurray if QB Cody Hussey remained the signal caller. However, I think that all of the same problems that have plagued the Highlanders remain this season. They will be a fairly athletic, talented football team that just does not have a winner’s attitude. I have never seen a less enthusiastic bunch of dudes about getting new uniforms. The new hip thing to do is post a team’s reaction to new uniforms, and I have watched all sorts of teams from D1 to D3 get their new duds. Everyone bursts out in excitement, yells, screams, and all sorts of other shenanigans. MacMurray? They do some sort of half-hearted clap and whisper to each other. If it wasn't for #26’s (I’m assuming LB Cliff Peterson) dance moves, I would have been completely bored. Did they already see the uniforms, and just didn't care? I don’t get it. In reality, it’s not a big deal. It’s virtually meaningless. But for me, it’s just a microcosm of the same attitude that lost them four close games last year, and the same attitude that will be a major factor in a last place finish in the UMAC this year.  No Hussey, no passion, no winner’s attitude equals a 1-8 season for the Highlanders. #26, whoever you are, keep on dancing …your team is going to need it.