Iowa Deaf ready for new season

From: Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA - Aug 29, 2003

JOE JAYJACK , Staff Writer

Iowa School for the Deaf is coming off two successful seasons, finishing 5-2 each of the last two years, and is looking for another year on top of the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf Conference.

The Bobcats bring back six of their eight starters on the offensive end, including senior quarterback Moises Arteaga.

"He's really the backbone of this team," tenth year coach Mark Murray said of Arteaga. "He's been in the system for four years so he knows it well. And he throws a really nice ball."

Also returning is sophomore running back Eric Humlicek, who led the team in scoring as a freshman with 14 touchdowns, and 6-foot-8 tight end and basketball standout Edlin Dorn will be aiding in the passing attack for the Bobcats.

"At the skill positions we're pretty talented," Murray said. "But if we don't have (an offensive line) it's going to be a long season."

Murray noted that the most suspect area of the ISD lineup may be the untested offensive line.

"We have to find two guards for the offensive line. The guard position is key for us," Murray said. "You've got to have a good offensive line or you're not going to do much."

"That's our biggest question, and that's my biggest fear."

Leading the way on the on the other side of the ball is defensive end Jordan Borgiala, who piled up a team-high 80 tackles as well as four sacks last season. Borgiala and Humlicek were both named to the Nonpareil's All-City defensive team last year.

According to Murray, depth is going to be another big factor in the Bobcats' success this season.

"We can go 12 deep on defense, and not quite as deep on defense," Murray said. "But you know what they say, defense wins championships."

ISD's ability to be on the same page along with its talented roster will be another bright spot in 2003, possibly making up for its lack of size.

"I think cohesiveness will be one of our strengths," Murray said. "And this is one of the better teams we've had on our field as far as athletic ability and field smarts. We don't have great size, but we'll be a pretty quick team I think."

Which has Murray optimistic for more success in 2003.

"I think we're going to win some football games," Murray said. "As long as injuries don't plague us we'll be fine."

©Daily Nonpareil 2003