Saints’ latest loss has become least of team’s problems

The West Sound Saints are a team in turmoil.

The Saints’ 56-14 loss to the King County Jaguars July 15 is the least of their problems. The main problem is attitude, as some of the players had written the game off as a loss before kickoff.

“It was disgraceful,” said West Sound (1-4) coach John Corey. “The loss wasn’t important compared to the character we do not have. This is a real character check. Some of these guys have never been on a losing team like this, and they have to understand you prove your manhood in other ways than running your mouth. We have too many players that don’t respect, No. 1, themselves, and No. 2, anybody else.”

Four starters failed to show up for the game and the Saints aren’t a deep enough squad to fill in the gaps this season. The start of the game went reasonably well, but being short-handed took its toll, especially on special teams, where the Saints gave up numerous big plays.

“I can still look at a lot of things, truthfully, that we did well,” Corey said. “We had defensive guys filling in on the offensive line, and the line did a great job. I don’t think they sacked Brandon (Pederson) once.”

Quarterback Pederson was one of the players who did fare well in the game, hooking up for an early touchdown pass to tight end Rollis Talalemotu.

“Brandon took a real step forward,” said team owner and lineman, Michael Murray. “He learned he can stand in there in the pocket and take more time.”

Pederson is one of the younger Saints who are going to be the focus of the rest of the season. Running back Andy Alfred also drew praise for his play in the game.

“Our focus for the rest of the season is going to be on letting some of the younger guys get more playing time,” Murray said. “Not just setting us up for next year, but for the next years.”

“I think this is a good week for them to regroup,” Corey said. “With Pierce County coming up, I think it’s the time to look at salvaging three or four games yet this year.”

The Saints are on the road again today against the Pierce County Bengals (2-3) in Sumner, before hosting the league-leading Jaguars on July 28.

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