AWC OK with long layoff

Bye weeks have not been friendly to the Arizona Western College football team in Tom Minnick's short tenure.

The Matadors fell behind early and lost 39-25 at home to Phoenix College coming off a break in 2008, and suffered this season's only loss to New Mexico Military Institute 40-33 following their bye.  

"I think we learned we need to be more focused, and that the bye week should be an advantage to study more and get better instead of taking the week off," AWC wide receiver Jerell Ramos said. "I think we learned a lot from that New Mexico game."

So with ample time again to prepare No. 5 East Mississippi, the No. 6 Matadors aren't messing with the practice script that got them nine other wins and a berth in the Mississippi Bowl on Dec. 6.

"When we (Joliet Junior College) played for the (2002) national championship, we had to do the same thing, but those were cold practices," Minnick said of extended season and practice time. "It's just a matter of keeping their attention. We'll cut practices a little shorter and stuff like that because now it's mostly walk-through stuff and showing them what we're planning on doing different. It's not going to hit ’em until next week."

Among the things being waved in front of Matador players to keep them focused: bling.

"Coaches have been trying to get us hyped by showing us pages of rings
and talking about things that haven't been done here, and that keeps us pretty motivated," Ramos said.

When AWC and East Mississippi take the field, it will be 22 days since the Matadors last played and 29 days for the Lions. Minnick spoke to EMCC coach Buddy Stephens and said both teams will give their players a four-day break for the Thanksgiving holiday this week.

The coach also said the long layoff won't make them a much healthier team. The only injured player the Matadors are hoping to have ready to play is defensive back Isiah Wiley, but Minnick isn't sure about his timeline.

AWC practiced at its usual afternoon time Monday and will do the same Tuesday before meeting again on Sunday.

"I don't get hit in practice, so I kind of look forward to it," AWC quarterback Brandon Gorsuch said. "I don't have to pick myself up off the ground. I can come and throw and have a good time with the guys."

The Matadors plan to do their heaviest practices prior to leaving for Biloxi, Miss., on Dec. 3 with the same traveling team they've taken on road trips all year. The team will be allowed to use the field at Biloxi Indians Stadium the day before the game.

"We just want to get a practice in here Thursday before we leave because we don't want to practice there," Minnick said. "Down South they'll have spies, so we don't want to tip our hat on what we're gonna do."

Arizona Western College and the Mississippi Bowl have listed information regarding flights, hotels and other accommodations on their Web sites for fans wishing to make the trip.  Round-trip tickets from Yuma to Gulfport, Miss., are being advertised at $327. The game will be broadcast locally on KBLU 560 AM radio and online at www.azwestern.edu/athletics.