Thursday, September 24, 1998

CHS safety more than redeems himself

By JEFF WALKER

Staff Writer

Cooper free safety Nivek Hatcher didn't play well in the Cougars' opening game against Killeen High.

Swarming to the ball against the run and wreaking havoc against the pass, the sophomore more than made up for that first performance, however, in Friday's 28-3 victory over North Mesquite.

"I wanted to redeem myself because I know that I didn't do well against Killeen," Hatcher said. "My intent was to do the best that I could and I'm proud of myself for doing my best (Friday)."

Hatcher's "best" resulted in two solo tackles, four assists and an interception deep in Cooper's territory.

"He played a little against Killeen but he didn't play like this," Cougar head coach Randy Allen said. "He played free safety exactly how you draw it up. He broke up the deep ball, he covered from sideline to sideline and he made tackles."

Hatcher's game was impressive by most standards, but given the fact it was his first start at the varsity level gave Allen even more encouragement.

"To have really only four days of practice at that position," Allen said. "to recognize and make the plays he made, the pass plays he made, the running plays he made, it's difficult to do with little experience."

Last season, Hatcher played linebacker on the freshman team. He said there are benefits to playing either linebacker or free safety.

"They're both fun but from different standpoints," he said. "At safety you can get at the ball more and run with it after an interception. At linebacker you get to hit more. They're both pretty good positions to play."

Hatcher's ability to hit the opposing ball carrier is one of the reasons Allen decided to insert the sophomore into the starting lineup. Hatcher returned the favor by recording six tackles, seven assists, one tackle for a loss, two pass knock downs and an interception thus far in the young season.

"He's got a nose for the football," Allen said. "He played linebacker as a freshman and he's a tough kid. He runs to the ball, we need to teach him how to read run or pass better, but he's good at taking angles and he uses his speed to go after interceptions."

While Hatcher still has a long way to go before becoming a complete player, Allen said Hatcher's future will depend on his decision-making.

"He's a very likeable young man and football is important to him," Allen said. "I would like to see him graduate and go on to play ball in college. He needs to make good decisions in the classsroom and one thing I think football does is give him confidence he needs for class as well as other areas. I think he is a better person because of this football experience."

One thing is certain, if Hatcher attains his goals, his decision-making process will be perfect.

"If I don't make it to the NFL I think I would like to do something in law, like a probation officer or lawyer," Hatcher said. "I've been in trouble a few times and when I'm older I want to let kids know that you can still turn out to be a good person if you make a mistake."

Jeff Walker can be reached at 676-6711 or at sports@abinews.com