Trigg surprises Dorados with comments

If breaking out of their funk wasn't motivation enough for the Rio Grande Valley Doraods, Corpus Christi Sharks coach Michael Trigg gave the Dorados even more to play for tonight.

Trigg told local Corpus television station KRIS that he was glad to see the Dorados struggling because he feels the team works in a disrespectful manner.

When asked if he wished the Dorados would lose the rest of their games, Trigg responded, "I do."

"I'd have a hard time rooting for them against virtually anybody in the league for any other reason," he would go on to tell KRIS.

Trigg did not return phone calls seeking comment.

"I don't think it was very professional," Dorados quarterback Travis Cole said. "It definitely shows the type of character he has. It was a little childish.

"All he does is give us more of a reason to want to beat them more. I don't know why he would do that."

Dorados coach Marty Hammond said he was surprised by Trigg's comments.

"I think (the comments) were based more on last year when we beat them three times last year pretty bad," Hammond said. "It's like it made their season when they beat us. They were all parading around and (Trigg) had his wife on the field and all this stuff. It was a huge win for them, I guess. I don't put too much into the comment."

Hammond said last year's team did play with an edge.

"Last year's team was every emotional and I think sometimes it came off like (disrespect)," Hammond said. "But that was the team's identity. I don't think this team has an identity yet."

Cole said he was more concerned about correcting his game and getting the Dorados back in the win column.

"We really have to play four quarters, and play four quarters sharp," Cole said. "I really believe that if we play sharp football there are not a lot of teams that can compete with us.

"I know our record doesn't show it and a team like Corpus has already beat us, but at  practice I see a lot of athletes on the field. We just need to play four quarters of solid football and we will be tough."

Hammond has preached to his team this week that their misfortunes ride on its own mistakes, whether it be special teams let downs, turnovers or red-zone ineptness.

"We had a good practice (Thursday)," Hammond said. "I feel good about this week. I told the guys that it's on us."

Last week against Bossier-Shreveport, the Dorados fumbled away a bad snap at the 1-yard line right before the half. The BattleWings easily converted the turnover into seven points and a 10-point lead. The BattleWings also had the ball to start the second half, scoring on the possession and taking a 17-point lead the Dorados could not erase.

"It's mostly turnovers, and we have to score when we get inside the red zone," Hammond said. "We are not maximizing on our chances.

"I don't think anyone is too far down. We had a pretty good practice (Thursday), and that is always a good thing."

Peter Rasmussen covers the Rio Grande Valley Dorados for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.