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Heat hopes sequel is better than first run By KRIS HENRY It isn't often that a sequel can outshine an original, but that's exactly what needs to happen Saturday if the Southern Oregon Heat is to regain some sense of order to its debut NIFL campaign. Struggling to keep its head above water both competitively and financially, the Heat (1-7) could use a win to put bounce in its step for the first time in several weeks. Five straight losses, numerous off-field controversies and a never-ending search for a capable quarterback have more than taken their toll on the Heat. "We do need a win bad," says Heat co-head coach Eric VanderWegen. "Our goal at this point is to win a couple games and try to build some enthusiasm and support for next year." On the opposite end rests the Utah Rattlers (3-4), leaders of the Western Division with a 3-0 record and recent beneficiaries of a new owner with pockets deep enough to ensure franchise security. The Heat and Rattlers face off for the second straight week Saturday at 7 p.m. PDT in Provo, Utah. Utah earned its third road victory with last week's 43-28 win at the Inferno. "It was huge for us to get a win last week," says Utah coach Vince Tauanuu, "but a win this week will be even bigger. If we want to be positioned in the playoffs to go beyond the first round of the playoffs, we have to come up with wins here (in Utah), especially at the end of the season." If Southern Oregon can take any solace into the game, it's that the Rattlers have struggled at home. Utah has not won in three home games. However, the Heat is 0-2 on the road, losing by an average of 28.5 points. Southern Oregon will also be without the use of some of its key players. David Douglas, Rochelle Atkins, Jason White and Carlos Fonseca won't make the trip, and VanderWegen says a few others may be added to the list because of work and other commitments. "It's going to be a real tough game for us," says VanderWegen. "We're going to be short a few players, and that's going to impact our team, definitely." VanderWegen says the Heat will try to keep its game plan simple and hope that it can execute better than last week, when Utah thoroughly dominated the Heat. Utah quarterback Albert Higgs completed 11 of 19 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Fine Unga rushed 20 times for 106 yards and three TDs. Southern Oregon countered with an anemic offense. The highlights were pass completions by converted receiver Douglas - one for a 24-yard TD and the other a 42-yarder that set up a 1-yard TD by first-time Heat QB Ron Bradbury. Bradbury completed 5 of 10 passes for 43 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions, and was constantly flushed from the pocket. He had only two fewer carries than Heat running back Gary Clemens. "I think if he had a little more time, he probably could have been a little more successful," Tauanuu says of Bradbury. That tone changed slightly when Tauanuu was informed the deep passes that hurt his team were thrown by Douglas and not Bradbury. "That kid knew how to throw the ball," he says of Douglas. "It's not like they don't have the capability to hurt you, especially with him." With Douglas unavailable Saturday, the Heat plans to bring Ryan McNiven back to the fold. McNiven, one of five QBs used this season by the Heat, saw his only action two weeks ago in a 69-45 loss to Wyoming. He completed 15 of 30 passes for 155 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. VanderWegen says he had planned to start McNiven last week against the Rattlers but the signal caller was unavailable. He and Bradbury are set to split time Saturday, and the starter has not been announced. None of the aforementioned changes come as a surprise to Tauanuu. "I'm expecting a different Oregon team," says the coach. "I'm a person who always prepares for the worst and expects the worst, so this week was no different than any other week in preparing our squad." The Rattlers may make a few changes of their own. "The key for us will be to stay with our game plan and go from there," says Tauanuu. "But Oregon may see a couple different wrinkles from us since I'm sure we're going to see some new wrinkles from them." Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.