Koch Esks' centre of attention
By GERRY MODDEJONGE, QMI Agency
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EDMONTON - The loss of Aaron Fiacconi for the rest of the season had the Edmonton Eskimos digging into their own depth chart to find a replacement centre.
Although Kyle Koch has half of Fiacconi’s 10 years of CFL experience, the six-foot-two, 310-pounder has been in Edmonton for the past three seasons and has covered for the starting centre in the past.
“Kyle Koch is our centre and we’re going to work from that premise,” said Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed, adding experience and familiarity are crucial factors. “That’s the anchor of the offensive line and that’s the guy that calls the protection schemes.
“That’s the guy that makes the adjustment when the defence shifts in terms of formations, so I’m not going to trust Ricky Ray’s life to a guy that hasn’t played a lot.”
Koch, who has started four of the eight games this season, has seen his role reduced by half after starting all but one game last year.
“I’ve played enough games here that I’m not too worried about (playing) centre or guard,” said Koch, who rooms with Fiacconi. “I’m pretty comfortable with both, it’s not a big deal to me.”
gerry.moddejonge@sunmedia.ca
