KNIGHTS @ SEAHAWKS PREVIEW
Stepping onto the gridiron with determination and skill, Jamie Lee Eady, offensive coordinator of the Northants Knights U19 team, orchestrates the dynamic offense that has captured the attention across Division 1.
As the Knights gear up to face off against the Solent Seahawks in their second divisional clash, we had the privilege to sit down with Coach Eady to delve into the strategies, mindset, and preparation driving the Knights' relentless pursuit of victory.
In this exclusive interview, Eady offers insights into the team's recent successes, challenges of navigating Division 1, and the tactics employed to keep the offense firing on all cylinders. Join us as we uncover the playbook behind the Northants Knights' offensive prowess…
Coach Eady has been the OC for the under-19s since their inception and has helped multiple athletes go on to huge success.
How is the team feeling after the first game of the season and the huge success you had?
To be expected. They’re feeling great and confident in their ability whilst still being humble and working hard to eliminate complacency going forward.
With such a dominating victory in game one, how are you planning to keep momentum against Seahawks?
Naturally our guys chins are up after such a great showing and with the relentless work they put in each week to strive for greatness makes keeping the momentum going even easier. On top of that, here at the Knights we preach 3 key points each and every time we step on the field; Fast paced, Physical & disciplined football. That should sure help keep things going.
The offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 54 points. How do you plan to build on that in this game?
Again it does back to them same 3 key points we preach here. Everything has to be at 110% nothing less. We also believe that even as an offence we are still the hammer and not the nail, we’re a physical bunch that like to impose our will. Lastly we limit silly mistakes and penalties and protect the football with our lives.
You showed great chemistry between the offense last game, how are you planning to keep that going and prevent complacency amongst players?
We’re so lucky this year that the vibe we have going on throughout the team not just on offence but as a whole it just feels amazing! You can tell everyone is playing for the guy next to them and that’s a great thing to see! As far as complacency goes; us coaching staff do our part to keep their feet planted to the ground but the guys goals and hunger do the most part to stop it creeping in.
What specific challenges are you expecting to face against Solent?
It goes without saying, Solent are a talented bunch and we’re not naïve to that fact! I’m expecting to have a lot of pressure sent at our QB but I am confident in the fact that what we have worked on leading up to this game that we can protect him and execute our game plan.
How have you found it since moving up to division 1 and the challenges that come with it on offense?
I’ve enjoyed it as I believe so have the guys. It’s great to finally play a truer form of football and also allows the offence and myself to really establish our identity on the field. As for the challenges of stepping up not only to the division but also the talent that we face, but that, In my eyes only makes for a greater experience and will sure improve us as a whole here at the Knights.
What are your goals for this offense for the season?
Two things stick out to me when it comes to the offence and what I’d love to achieve. One; to show that we’re more than capable of holding our own and executing our game plan against top tier talent in Division 1. Secondly to keep all penalties throughout the year to under a total of 12%. If we do this then we can talk more about goals down the line.
The Knights head to Southampton to take on Solent Seahawks, this Sunday (April 28th) at 12:00pm. We will have a full game review available after.