Going into any season, the hardest thing to do is overcoming an experienced opponent. This is especially true when having to go on the road, but that is what took place last week as the Northern Virginia Rampage fell to the Baltimore Hurricanes 30-0. Despite four takeaways by the defense, the offense struggled to take advantage, putting the team in an early deficit they were unable to match.

This week, they return home in an I-95 battle against the Virginia Beach. Looking to get back to their winning ways, they will look to go back to the drawing board. Head Coach Dennis Cornwell talked with the PW Perspective about what happened last week.

“We just didn’t play well as a team on either side of the ball,” said Cornwell. “Being a second-year team and putting new pieces together this year, I think going against the experienced Hurricanes proved to be a big challenge across the board.”

Taking it as a learning experience, he looks forward to their next matchup. “We learned a lot and will rebound. I think when we see them again it will be a different game.”

Speaking of matchups, he also talked about taking on the Beast at Chuck Coles Memorial Stadium. “As far as this week goes, one of us will be 2-1 or 1-2 and that’s a huge difference when battling for a playoff spot.”

“There is a lot at stake here including a battle of the area’s best being that both teams are so close in distance from one another,” he continued. “I know the players and staff are eager to kick this one off and play hard for 4 quarters. We feel as a staff that this is a game we can come out on top o fin the end.”

He alluded to the players’ being able to shake off last week’s result and shift their focus on what they need to do to win. “We need to protect the ball and offensively take advantage of matchups and create space. The defense will be prepared and flying to the ball as (defensive coaches) Rodney Anderson, Klarke Castellanos, and Kris Pierce have worked really well together this year on the challenges we face week to week.”

“If we can get the ball in the end zone and prevent big plays we will have the success we need to win.”

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