Coaching continuity a key to WSSU's prolific offense

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- There's a lot to be said for continuity in a football staff, and Winston-Salem State has it.

Coach Connell Maynor and assistants John Eder and Duane Taylor have known each other a long time, and their familiarity, and a shared philosophy, make things easier on game days.

WSSU has put more emphasis on its passing game this season — a change from last season, when the offense often relied on 1,800-yard tailback Nic Cooper.

"This year, teams are trying to take the running game away from us, so they are forcing our hand to throw the ball, and we don't mind doing that," said Maynor, who noted that St. Augustine's often had seven or eight defenders close to the line of scrimmage during last week's game.

The Rams can still run when they need to, and Maurice Lewis has become one of the CIAA's best running backs. But quarterback Kam Smith has a variety of receivers at his disposal and won't hesitate to throw.

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