Says NDP students challenged academically and athletically
Notre Dame's 2014 football campaign doesn't begin until August 28 when the Fighting Irish play Dearborn Heights Robichaud at home. But NDP's new head coach Pat Fox is already excited about the upcoming season and is working on the offensive and defensive schemes for the team.
"We're looking very much forward to the 2014 season," Fox said. "It's a season that will have many great challenges." The Irish are looking at a schedule that includes six teams that were in the state playoffs last season, including two that played in championship games.
But Fox said his team should be ready. "When kids come to Notre Dame Prep, they expect to be challenged at the highest level, both academically and athletically."
On the offensive side of the ball, NDP's coach says, the Irish will be running a double-slot, spread option-type scheme. "This offense is probably most closely associated with the offense that the Naval Academy runs," he said. Air Force and Georgia Southern also has used variations of this offense in the past.
On defense, Fox said he looks for a very exciting brand of football. "Generally speaking, we plan to use an even-front, pressure-oriented defense. Our base package features a robber coverage, which allows us to get a ninth player in the box."
He said that by using such a defense and by changing up coverages and blitzing, it helps to keep opposing offenses off balance.
It's no question that Fox is a very enthusiastic and motivational kind of coach, but it appears he is most excited about the opportunity to build on the tradition of strong defensive football at Notre Dame Prep.
"We really do believe that defense wins championships," he said. "And that's what we're here to do at Notre Dame Prep."
Follow Notre Dame (and Notre Dame football) at @NDPMA.
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.