Kats look to bounce back at Central Arkansas
11/13/2010 6:33:00 AM | Athletics
By Cody Stark The Huntsville Item
Sam Houston State head coach Willie Fritz views each game as an opportunity for his team to prove it is getting better.
With nine down, the Bearkats have two more chances to post a pair of victories and finish the year with a winning record. That would be a big boost heading into the offseason for the new head coach and his young squad.
Sam Houston (2-3 in Southland, 4-5 overall) can take the first step and even its season record with a win at Central Arkansas (3-2, 6-3) today.
"It would be big for our program to finish strong, especially with a win going up to Conway, Arkansas," Fritz said. "They have won their last three games in a row and played probably their best game of the year last week against Texas State. That would be a heck of a win for our football program without a doubt."
The Bearkats would like to show that they haven't leveled off since winning four straight games following an 0-2 start. Sam Houston has lost three straight games, all to first-place teams in the Southland Conference.
It is not like the Kats have played terrible during the recent skid. The three teams SHSU lost to are tied for first place in the Southland with 4-1 records. The losses to Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State were by three points each and the other was by five points to McNeese State. In all three losses, Sam Houston had opportunities to win each one on the final drive.
"I sure hope that things will go our way at some point," Fritz said. "Against Stephen F., we had a couple of deals in the last two series where the balls were either overthrown or not caught that would have given us a chance. At Northwestern, we missed a field goal but there were also some other plays that cost us.
"Last week, you aren't going to beat a program like McNeese State being minus three in the takeaway game. We have to close out games, there is no doubt about it."
This could be Sam Houston's biggest test in the final two games because it is on the road and Central Arkansas is as hot as any team in the Southland Conference right now.
The Bears struggled with two losses to begin conference play, but have since rattled off three straight wins over Nicholls, Southeastern Louisiana and Texas State, which was coming off a huge upset of SFA. Central Arkansas has also defended its own turf this season, posting a 3-1 record in Conway.
"I just want to see us get better," Fritz said. "A lot of teams plateau and there is no reason you shouldn't improve. That is why a guy in his fifth year in the NFL is a lot better than when he was in his first year. That is why a senior is better than a freshman.
"That should be the same thing during the course of the season, so the more experience you have the better you should be and the better you should play."
Today's kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast live in Huntsville on KSAM 101.7 FM and on the internet at www.gobearkats.com .
Sam Houston closes out the 2010 football regular season by hosting Texas State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. The annual "Bearkat-Bobcat Battle" will be "Kids' Day" at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. Youngsters 17 years of age and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Up to four youngsters may accompany each adult.
The Villas of Sycamore is sponsoring "Show Your Spirit Day" for the final game as well. Prizes include a 42-inch Sony LED big screen television, a Garmin NUVI 1300 GPS system and an 8GB IPOD Nano. Any currently enrolled Sam Houston student may participate.
To enter, stop by the Villas of Sycamore tent at the Bearkat Alley Tailgate at 1 p.m. for the Villas of Sycamore "Show Your Spirit" prelims. Each entrant will have the opportunity to show his or her Bearkat spirit for the judges. Three finalists will be chosen for the finals to be held during halftime of the football game. Contestants will be judged on dress, school spirit and dance moves.
Tickets for the Sam Houston vs. Texas State football game and other Bearkat home events are on sale online now at www.gobearkats.com/tickets . Fans also may purchase tickets at the Sam Houston office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.
