This is a Liberty News Network Exclusive. We had a chance to interview Clifford Rove after his first two games in the NSFL. First, Rove and the Liberty faced off with the Wraiths in Yellowknife. They didn’t win, but showed a valiant effort, losing 20-16. Rove threw one touchdown pass, and threw for over 200 yards, while throwing no interceptions.
First off, congratulations on making your first career start in the NSFL:
Thank you, it’s really a dream come true. Ever since I was a kid I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m happy that its finally here. I’m even more glad that I was able to make this start with a team as strong and with as passionate a fan base as the Liberty do. Heres to hoping it was the first of many more starts here in Philadelphia for the Liberty.
Well we here at the Liberty News Network certainly hope so too. Run me through your first game, how did you think it went?
All things considered, I think it went pretty well. Playing away from home is always tough, especially when you’re playing in a place like Yellowknife where the fans are really next level. First and foremost the defense played great. I want to r commend them for that, I know that I would be scared to have to line up across from them. They were hard to predict, made all the plays, and definitely kept us in the game with all of the stops they were making.
And what about on the offensive side of things?
You know I definitely think that as the game progressed we started to run a much smoother offense. The penalties were a problem, but I’m sure we can get that ironed out by the start of the regular season. I think I could be leading the offense better, I didn’t call audibles when I needed to sometimes, and that definitely showed. You can’t pin all eight sacks on the offensive line, I know they’re working their asses off out there. I need to get better at recognizing the pressure and adjusting accordingly. Throwing the ball I felt pretty good, definitely could have made a couple more plays but other than that I was feeling nice and loose out there.
As a team, what was the takeaway from that game?
First things first we definitely have to cut down on the penalties. Those really hindered us throughout the game, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. However I think the most important takeaway from that game was that when everything is working on the field we are a real force to be reckoned with. Coming into an away game with the Wraiths and only being short four points really showed (to me at least) the potential that this squad has. I definitely think it reinforced our confidence that we truly can make waves this season.
For the second game of this preseason, the Liberty took on the Colorado Yeti at home, led by star quarterback Logan Noble and a powerful offense. Colorado started strong, and never turned back. Rove on the other hand, certainly had a night to forget. The young quarterback started the night 0 for 4 with two interceptions. He eventually threw a touchdown pass for the Liberty’s only touchdown of the night.
Your second game didn’t go to plan, what would you say happened out there?
The fact of the matter is that loss completely rests on my shoulders. I really needed to step up and be the leader and I failed. Hopefully I can use that game as motivation for the next ones, because I truly embarrassed both myself and the team out there. Props to Omar for keeping us in the game with his rushing, and to the defense for playing hard out there all night. Frankly we aren’t going to win many games if I keep playing like that, and I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Were there any positives you took away?
Yeah, certainly. I think our defense had some really strong stretches, and proved why they're the best defense in the league. I think that I had some good snaps and definitely can say that I played hard through the night. It is definitely motivation to improve, and I'm sure I'll be in the film room for almost all of next week diagnosing my errors and weaknesses.
Anything you want to say to the fans?
I just want to apologize to them. I’ll be back with a vengeance, and next time out there will make the Liberty offense something to be proud of. That’s my guarantee.
GRADED
First off, congratulations on making your first career start in the NSFL:
Thank you, it’s really a dream come true. Ever since I was a kid I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m happy that its finally here. I’m even more glad that I was able to make this start with a team as strong and with as passionate a fan base as the Liberty do. Heres to hoping it was the first of many more starts here in Philadelphia for the Liberty.
Well we here at the Liberty News Network certainly hope so too. Run me through your first game, how did you think it went?
All things considered, I think it went pretty well. Playing away from home is always tough, especially when you’re playing in a place like Yellowknife where the fans are really next level. First and foremost the defense played great. I want to r commend them for that, I know that I would be scared to have to line up across from them. They were hard to predict, made all the plays, and definitely kept us in the game with all of the stops they were making.
And what about on the offensive side of things?
You know I definitely think that as the game progressed we started to run a much smoother offense. The penalties were a problem, but I’m sure we can get that ironed out by the start of the regular season. I think I could be leading the offense better, I didn’t call audibles when I needed to sometimes, and that definitely showed. You can’t pin all eight sacks on the offensive line, I know they’re working their asses off out there. I need to get better at recognizing the pressure and adjusting accordingly. Throwing the ball I felt pretty good, definitely could have made a couple more plays but other than that I was feeling nice and loose out there.
As a team, what was the takeaway from that game?
First things first we definitely have to cut down on the penalties. Those really hindered us throughout the game, on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. However I think the most important takeaway from that game was that when everything is working on the field we are a real force to be reckoned with. Coming into an away game with the Wraiths and only being short four points really showed (to me at least) the potential that this squad has. I definitely think it reinforced our confidence that we truly can make waves this season.
For the second game of this preseason, the Liberty took on the Colorado Yeti at home, led by star quarterback Logan Noble and a powerful offense. Colorado started strong, and never turned back. Rove on the other hand, certainly had a night to forget. The young quarterback started the night 0 for 4 with two interceptions. He eventually threw a touchdown pass for the Liberty’s only touchdown of the night.
Your second game didn’t go to plan, what would you say happened out there?
The fact of the matter is that loss completely rests on my shoulders. I really needed to step up and be the leader and I failed. Hopefully I can use that game as motivation for the next ones, because I truly embarrassed both myself and the team out there. Props to Omar for keeping us in the game with his rushing, and to the defense for playing hard out there all night. Frankly we aren’t going to win many games if I keep playing like that, and I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Were there any positives you took away?
Yeah, certainly. I think our defense had some really strong stretches, and proved why they're the best defense in the league. I think that I had some good snaps and definitely can say that I played hard through the night. It is definitely motivation to improve, and I'm sure I'll be in the film room for almost all of next week diagnosing my errors and weaknesses.
Anything you want to say to the fans?
I just want to apologize to them. I’ll be back with a vengeance, and next time out there will make the Liberty offense something to be proud of. That’s my guarantee.
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