Friday, September 07, 2001

The Natchez Democrat

Cathedral Green Wave football coach Ken Beesley isn’t a big

fan of bye weeks. But Beesley doesn’t mind that his team has one

this week. It’s more beneficial to the Green Wave this time around.

&uot;I really would prefer to not have a bye week, but if

you got to have you, I’d rather have one early in the year,&uot;

said Beesley.

And especially with the Green Wave facing their first District

4-class A contest next week versus Dexter.

&uot;We need this week to get over some bumps and bruises,&uot;

Beesley said, even though there aren’t any major injuries for

Cathedral.

Beesley said he’s run some efficient practices because of the

bye week. He and his staff are pointing out some mistakes that

the Green Wave made in their 20-16 win over Block last Friday

while keeping the tempo of the practice fast so players can build

up their conditioning.

&uot;We’re trying to get over with practice in about one and

half to two hours,&uot; he said. &uot;We want to be fresh for

next week.&uot;

Beesley said his team tired toward the end of the first half

last week, but the Green Wave rebounded in the second half to

win. That’s why the focus this week is on conditioning.

The week off also gives the players time to learn the new offense.

Beesley said his staff added some new plays in for the Dexter

game.

The only downside that Beesley noted from the bye week would

be the players’ attitude. They’re focused, but not quite like

they would be for a game week.

&uot;We had a good week of practice, but we’re not as fired

up as last week because we know we don’t have a game,&uot; Beesley

said.

The Dexter game will be at Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. next Friday.