The clock ticks, it is the nature of things, but this season the clock is ticking more loudly in New Orleans than any other season. The scary reality of age has crept into the VooDoo organization. The team has shown the stability of consistency with 3 division titles and 2 championship appearances over the past six seasons, the only exception is the disastrous 77 season. The age fear has prompted the organization to start their potential rebuild during the 1981 draft.

1st Round- Ricky Hash(North Carolina St.)- WR, although this player was acquired from Oklahoma. The VooDoo front office had already slotted this player with the previously acquired pick, so the organization was elated when Oklahoma chose him. Many have speculated this is the replacement for potential HOF William Ramsey, but he was strictly selected as a #2. 1979 #1 pick James Sheckler will be Ramsey’s replacement. We like his speed and with development will follow the path laid out by Ramsey and Sheckler.

1st Round- Paul Rivera(Vanderbilt)- MLB, the organization is not sure which LB spot he will line up in. The thinking within the organization is at WLB where potential HOF Ramon Boldt is aging gracefully. The other possibility is pushing 3rd veteran James Shinkle at SLB. If his training camp goes belly up, he can backup both and serve as a backup at the DE position.

2nd Round- Bernard McCarter(North Carolina)- RB, The concern is 5 time 1000 yard, potential HOF running back Kenneth Boyd is 30 and contemplating retirement. Many was thinking QB Joe Martin at this point, but the organization thinks they have a little more time at QB. If McCarter can improve any in training camp, it will be his job to lose for the foreseeable future.

The Voodoo front office who normally doesn't put much stock into the preseason has taken a different approach this season with scouting their current talent and analyzing their play selections. Week one of the preseason was the QB's and receivers turn to show their stuff.

The game itself was a high scoring affair which is not uncommon, but their was a sweetness in beating MWD, it rarely happens. The starter James Lightfoot sat this one out to let 24 year old Steven Moore have the helm. Moore who has shown improvement since being drafted by the Force in 79 was signed by the Voodoo after his release. He has been a bench dweller, but in his half played lights out completing 23-36 passes for 381 yards and 3 td's solidifying his hold on the #2 spot. The 2nd half belonged to Ryan "Tannenhill" Tate and he continued his struggles throwing an interception and then a big fumble. He did finish the game 15-37 320 yards 2td's and the int. The organization is said to be looking at giving him the heave ho when a 3rd string replacement is found.

On the receiving side, the big news is newly converted TE Clayton Worthey had a huge day with 6 receptions for 186. He scored no td's, but definitely turn some heads with starter Melin not playing. The #4, 5 and 6 on the depth chart at WR all contributed with Baker 142, Walkowiak 106, and Braun 86. Rookie Ricky Hash made his debut with 4 catches, 59 yards and 2td's. The organization is excited to see what happens with Lightfoot and Hash work together. Ramsey sat out today, so no news on him, Sheckler has 1 reception. The other note is newly acquired free agent FB Maurice Bennett had 3 catches for 39 yards. The addition of a fullback that can catch the ball is a nice addition.

Another pre-season game and things are starting to reveal themselves a little in New Orleans. The Voodoo played the defending champion Showboats and came away with a 37-31 victory.

Led by a 2nd half surge from QB James Lightfoot who threw 4 td's to 4 different receivers. That was about the only bight spot for the team from New Orleans. The only rookie making an impact thus far is WR Ricky Hash who caught a first half td from Steven Moore, Hash caught 3 passes for 33 and the score. Rookie RB Bernard McCarter along with the rest of the running back corp showed that improvement will need to be made. The blitzing Memphis defense held them in check all game with 27 carries for 42 yards. McCarter had a costly fumble that the Showboats returned for a Td.

On the defensive side of the ball, 1st round pick Vanderbilt standout Paul Rivera had 2 tackles, giving him 3 for the pre-season, not eye opening by any standard. The coaching staff is definitely concerned with their linebackers as reports are all pro standout possible HOF'er Ramon Boldt has lost a step, maybe two. This would mean Rivera would have to move to the weakside instead of his normal MLB spot.

There is one more pre-season game and it will be the first time the first team plays together. "There are a few spots up for grabs and those players know they are on the bubble". said Head coach Alan Bridges.