(S24) - PT 4 - Trial by Fire

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Peter Patterson always valued his diligent work ethic, never taking anything for granted and always trying to improve himself. Still, as the Coyotes' first round pick in the DSFL draft, he might have let that honor get to his head a little bit in the leadup to his rookie season. The Coyotes' first game against Myrtle Beach would prove to be a quick reality check to those notions. Patterson took the field and lined up against the Buccaneers' star tight end Ne Mo, who was selected in the 2nd round of the ISFL draft in the prior offseason. While Patterson had lined up against tight ends split out wide on occasion in college, it certainly wasn't his forte, and Mo would prove to be more of a match than anyone Patterson had faced before.

While Myrtle Beach stuck to the ground game in the first quarter, it didn't take long in the second quarter for Patterson to start struggling. 3rd &1 deep in Myrtle Beach territory, 9 yard completion to Ne Mo with Patterson physically overmatched in his attempt to contest the pass. 4 plays later, 2nd & 8, 10 yard completion. Next drive, an 11 yard and a 19 yard completion before giving up a 12 yard touchdown. Patterson would recover a bit in the second half, but the damage had been done, and Myrtle Beach had a 10 point lead they would not relinquish. Ne Mo ended up as the Buccaneers' leading receiver in the game, and Patterson walked away with an appreciation for the physicality he would need to compete at this next level.

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