Newark Bulldogs 2009 season

[Matt]

We start this off with a post game press conference with Head coach Jesse Lewis.

this is a big win today here in Tulsa.

Yes it is.

Explain to us why you picked up Wayne Rogers?

You'd have to ask the general manager.

What are your impressions of Rogers?

He's a good player.

How does this big win translate to success in the playoffs, when games actaully count?

next question

Do you think Sante heard the grumblings and transferred that to his success on the field today?

I doubt it, but you'd have to ask him. That's it guys, I've got to get ready for next week

[Matt]

Today we are offering an in depth interview with an insider. Newark Insider knows it's not very often that we are allowed to interview any staff members of the Bulldogs. However, today we have been granted access to interview defensive coordinator Jonathan Farmer.

NI: thanks for letting us sit down with you today, Jon. First of all, congrats on the big win yesterday. Obviously your defense came to play with a chip on their shoulder. Was there something you saw?

JF: I don't think that there was anything inparticular that I saw. I watched old film of both Groth and Taylor individually against us. In past years I was able to contain both players on their respective teams. What we hadn't seen yet was them together on the same team. When we watched film of them this year, I think we figured out some things that we could do that may give us some success. I'm happy that it turned out the way it did, though I'm not naive enough to think that we didn't have a little bit of luck on our side.

NI: The defense has really stepped it up this year. With the same personnel here, what scheme wise, have you done different to have this success?

JF: We've been really fortunate to have an owner and GM that are dedicated to continued success. I've been lucky to have some great players play here for me. I think this unit that we've been going with into their 3rd season is starting to get it. Chris Sanborn has done a terrific job since taking over for Jamison Roland. Both Sanborn and Landon Marshall are 2 guys that don't have big names, but have been terrific for our group. I think DE Otis Gaylor is starting to now live up to the potential we all thought he had. Then it comes down to depth. We've got some real good depth on our team. Guys get hurt in football. We've got someone else to plug in to replace our guys who get hurt. Plain and simple. We don't miss a beat.

NI: your defense really struggled the last few years, and you're saying that you didn't change anything?

JF:We've got a lot of leaders on this team. A lot of guys who've spent a lot of years in the city of Newark. They want to win a championship, and are trying to lead this group to the promise land.

NI: talk a little bit about the young guys on this defense.

JF: Otis Gaylor has really stepped up his game. He worked hard this offseason. I don't think that there was anyone more dissapointed in his production last year than him. When teams are doubling up on Julian Mangrum, that opens things up for other guys. Gaylor, this year, is starting to understand that. I absolutley love our young LBs. Rookie Mack Edwards has performed well this year. He leads our team in sacks, while only starting in 3 games. He's got a great group of guys to learn from, and he is easy to coach. Jose Welch is another guy who we just love. He reminds me a lot of Jamison Roland when he was here. He's not at Roland's level yet, but I think Welch has the opportunity to get there if he continues to work hard. The hidden guy in the future of our LB's is Russell Hennessy. He hasn't really had the opportunites that the others have had, but we're trying to work him in so that he can get some game action. I think he's going to be around for a long time.

NI: Can your defense keep up this success?

JF: We need to do a better job against the run. We're focusing on that right now. Our pass defense seems to be working out alright for now. It's really a long season, and I'm not about to say that we're going to be a great defense all season. I think in these first 4 games, we've shown that we have the ability to be successful. It sounds good, but there's going to be a game, or games, where we do get blown up and as long as we understand that we won't get ahead of ourselves. As long as we learn something from every game we play, and try to utilize that in the playoffs with the goal of winning the championship, I'll be happy.

NI: speaking of playoffs, can the Bulldogs make the playoffs and complete for the IB title?

JF: I hope so. Part of that is getting our defense ready. Last year we gave up 34pts when we were the #1 seed in the NC. You're not going to win a whole lot of games when your defense gives up 34pts. The year before that, we couldn't stop Madison from moving the ball. We just need to learn from our past mistakes and get better.

NI: You've been with the Bulldogs since inception. How has your time here been? Have you had head coaching offers?

JF: I enjoy what I do, and where I do it. We had some pretty damn good defenses back 5 years ago and things like that make me smile. I've coached some good players in my time. I enjoy Newark because of the success we've had. I'd like to think that I had something to do with it also. As far as a head coaching position, I'd have to put a lot of thought into it. I'm happy right now in Newark. I do think it would be a cool gig to have control over everything, but I also like being not responsible for everything. There's a lot of responsiblity that goes with the title. We'll see.