Sports Editor Matthew Yannie sat down and spoke with† starting halfback Robert Flagg í12. Flagg, in his second season, is contributing nearly 140 yards per game to the Scotsí high powered offense.
Flagg is one of many weapons consistently utilized by quarterback Austin Holter í10 in an offense that is averaging 34.5 points per game.
MY: Given the success of last season, how high were your expectations coming into this year for a team returning so many experienced players?
RF: Very high ó we were returning over three-fourths of our starters from last year. With that comes high expectations from both the players and the coaching staff. If we donít get an NCAC championship this year then we are just letting ourselves down.
MY: The offensive fire power of last season is back in full force averaging 34.5 points per game this season. What has contributed to the continued success of the offense specifically in 2009?
RF: Our offensive line, with four seniors and our senior quarterback, Austin Holter. Theyíve all filled the leadership roles on the offensive side. They [the linemen] do all the dirty work, and everyone has done a good job of not being selfish around them.
MY: Last year as a first-year, you had an immediate impact playing in all 10 games, earning four starts and contributing four touchdowns. How has the experience from last year helped you this season?
RF: I think it has contributed a lot. Anytime you go into college sports from high school youíre going to have those little nerves and youíre going to be a little jumpy, not knowing what to expect.† Last year I was fortunate enough to be in a really good opportunity to show my abilities, which has carried over to this year. I feel like Iíve developed into a definite playmaker in this offense. From last yearís experience I have become more of a team leader, leading by example.
MY: How does the two-headed feature back system help expand the threat of the run?
RF: Kyle is a hell of a player, and our running styles are really different. Iím more of a shifty player who likes to get in the open field and make people miss while he is more of a downhill runner who reads blocks well. Itís hard for defenses to prepare for both styles of running. And itís nice to have someone in practice to relate to and feel for each other during games.
MY: What do you expect looking forward to this weekendís match-up with conference powerhouse and defending champion, Wabash College, who is coming off a tough loss to Wittenberg University last weekend?
RF: All I can really say is we are having the best week of practice weíve had all year. We canít have anything less than that because Wabash is such a good team. If we want to be in the position that they were last year, [conference champions] there is no turning back. These next four games have to be played as if they are the last game weíll ever play. By the time Saturday comes around, it should be a good show.
MY: With the early success of this season aside, what steps still need to be taken in order for this team to reach the goal of winning the NCAC championship?
RF: We canít have any breakups in our team while staying focused on keeping our emotions in check. With only about 24 more days in the season, thatís no time, and we need to come together for these senior leaders and give a total effort every day in practice and every play.