NJAC/Centennial scheduling agreement starting in 2023. Three crossover games for each team each year. https://www.centennial.org/Schedules/2023-24-Football.pdf  Some interesting matchups. For instance, Salisbury will be playing Muhlenberg, Hopkins and McDaniel. On a side note, looking at the future schedules, it appears that this year may be the last for the long-standing Muhlenberg-Moravian rivalry for their annual last game of the year.   (Mules will be finishing up against Montclair State)  Don't know if that first game of the year will be the new slot for the Mules and Greyhounds or if it's going to be a hiatus for the matchup. Although not yet announced, I believe the Mules will be opening up against Mary Hardin Baylor this year down in Texas.  Don't know if that will be reciprocated with a trip by the Crusaders to Allentown the next year or not.

Not for 2022 but.... Centennial & NJAC recently announced a joint scheduling agreement starting in 2023. This will fill the void left by the loss of three teams from the Centennial when the Landmark starts sponsoring football. The 2023 & 2024 schedules can be found here (most Centennial teams haven't announced their Week 1 opponents yet-except for Hopkins). Three games between the conferences for each team each year with a home & home arrangement between '23 & '24.  Some interesting matchups-Muhlenberg-Salisbury, Hopkins-CNU, Hopkins-Rowan.  See the schedule here: https://www.centennial.org/Schedules/2023-24-Football.pdf    Did hear that Muhlenberg will be opening 2022 at Mary Hardin Baylor this year.

Looks like the Centennial Conference will be calling off the season-maybe playing a conference only schedule in the Spring, maybe...oh well.

Another of Coach Donnely's disciples heads off be a head coach.  This time it's Josh Carter leaving Muhlenberg to take over at Juniata.

QuoteHUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata College Athletics Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Josh Carter as the 23rd head coach of the football team. He brings over a decade of coaching experience to Juniata.   

"We feel Josh is one of the top young coaches in the country and the absolute right person to take the reins of our football program at this moment in time," said Athletics Director and Head Men's Basketball coach Greg Curley. "His experience in helping lead one of the top Division III football programs in the country, at a highly selective academic institution; his background as a proven recruiter, coach, and teacher; his commitment to developing the entire student-athlete both on and off the field; his passion and vision for Juniata football combined with his character and values-based leadership philosophy; align perfectly with our priorities and expectations for our football program."   

Coach Carter spent the past six years as the special team's coordinator, as well as the quarterbacks and wide receiver coach at Muhlenberg College, his alma mater. He was responsible for coordinating all facets of the kicking game, including: playbook, installation, scouting, personnel, and scheme. He also coached the QB's wide receivers as well as assisted the offensive coordinator in all facets of the offense. The team was 58-13 while he was on staff, rewriting the school and conference record books. Muhlenberg won an ECAC Championship in 2017, made the NCAA Elite Eight and was Centennial Conference Co-Champions in 2018, and this past season went 13-1 on their way to the NCAA DIII Semifinals while also winning a conference championship.

In 2018, Michael Hnatkowsky broke the school record for touchdown passes in a season with 31 TD tosses. In 2017, Hnatkowsky set the conference record for passing yardage and touchdowns by a freshman QB. In 2016, kick returner Nick Lamb led the conference in kickoff returns and was a D3fotballl Third Team All-American, the first since Carter himself. During his six years, Carter's position groups featured 11 all-conference selections, two Players of the Year, and one All-American. 

"Coming to Juniata is the realization of a dream for me. I can't say thank you enough for the support that has been given to me by family and friends throughout my life that have led me to this point," said Carter. "I'd like to thank President Troha, Greg Curley, and the search committee for the opportunity to head a new era of Juniata Football. I'd also like to thank my Muhlenberg family for everything. Without all of the players, coaches, staff and administrative support over my playing and coaching career,  I would not be standing where I am today."

Carter also spent time as a safeties coach at Fordham University and as a wide receivers coach at Lafayette College in the mid-2000s.

Carter was an exceptional two-sport athlete in his time at Muhlenberg, as he was a standout football and baseball player. A three-year All-American, he was named to the All-Centennial Conference first team five times (three as a kick returner and two as a wide receiver) and was CC Offensive Player of the Year in 2000. He has also put together a stellar baseball career, where he hit .348, stole a school-record 86 bases, and pitched a no-hitter. Carter was inducted into the Muhlenberg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named to the D3Football All-Decade team in 2011.

Carter is the first African-American head coach of the Juniata football program and the third to lead a Centennial Conference football team.

"I think it's great, knowing that we are getting these opportunities, and it is nice to enter into the club with Coach Banks (Gettysburg College) and join Coach White (McDaniel College)," said Carter. "It shows that the Centennial is making great strides, that there are people of color who are more than qualified and ready to take on the responsibly of being the face of a program. It shows that we are entering into the next phase of progress for people from underrepresented communities becoming head football coaches."

https://www.juniatasports.net/sports/fball/2019-20/releases/20200203r9uu1m

North Central folks coming to Allentown this weekend, take note. Parking will be VERY limited on the Muhlenberg campus. Liberty Street, that runs alongside the stadium will be off limits for parking as will the lots immediately surrounding the stadium. There will be parking in the other lots on campus and other streets surrounding the school. Nothing will be very far from the field. Most of the students will have headed home for the holidays. The stadium is smaller than what your probably used to and the visitors' stands aren't very big at all.  Still a nice place to see a game. Forecast is for rain and 50 degrees.  If you want some info on where to stay or places to get a burger and a beer, let me know.

This is a big deal for a little school like Muhlenberg.  If you've been there, you know it's a great place to see a game, but the stadium only holds about 3,000-probably goes to about 5,000 when you account for people standing around the field and on the terrace behind the Life-Sports center.  Looks like a rainy day-that may keep the numbers down. 

North Central folks traveling to Allentown should take note that parking is limited and will be more limited because of restrictions on Liberty Street and the campus lots near the stadium. Many of the other campus lots should be available however since Friday is the last day of finals and a lot of the students will be clearing out. No matter where you park on campus it won't be much of a walk to the field-the school is pretty compact. Too bad the weather is going to be nasty because it is a very nice campus to visit.

QuoteMuhlenberg vs. North Central: Final Four football coming to Allentown

Last fall the Muhlenberg football team experienced big-time Division III football when it traveled to Ohio to face perennial power Mount Union in the NCAA quarterfinals.

The Mules took a 7-0 lead before falling 38-10 to a program with 13 football national titles. Had they won, the Mules would have advanced to the national semifinals for an ESPN game against Centennial Conference rival Johns Hopkins.

A year later, the Mules are 13-0 and in the national semifinals for the first time. On Saturday they host North Central College of Illinois (noon, ESPN3).

Final Four football is coming to Allentown.

"I think it will be exciting for our students and our campus," coach Nate Milne said. "It's finals week for all of our students, so we're trying to figure out practice times and everything."

And figure out if everyone will fit in Scotty Wood Stadium, which holds 3,000. Muhlenberg has never hosted a national semifinal game. The soccer program hosted games to reach the semifinals in 1995 and 2014.

"We've had games where it's been packed," sports information director Mike Falk said. "I think we can get a lot more in there with people standing along the fence."

Fourth-ranked Muhlenberg is the lone unbeaten left and the highest-ranking team remaining. Top three seeds Mary Hardin-Baylor — the defending national champion — Mount Union, and Wheaton all have fallen.

Fifth-ranked North Central (11-1) outdueled Mount Union two rounds ago, 59-52. On Saturday the Cardinals beat Delaware Valley College 31-14 to reach the semis.

"This will be a wonderful week," Milne said. "It should be a great game."

North Central averages 53 points and 335 passing yards per game, but Muhlenberg advanced to the semifinals with shutout wins over MIT and Brockport and a 24-8 victory at triple-option Salisbury, which came in averaging more than 50 points a game.

"North Central is more of a traditional style offense that you see in 2019," Milne said. "What jumps off the screen when you watch them on film is their team speed. They play with a tenacity that mirrors what we play with."

The other D-III semifinal, St. John's of Minnesota at Wisconsin-Whitewater, will air on ESPN3 at 3 p.m.

The championship is Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. on ESPNU in the 47th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah, Texas.

https://www.mcall.com/sports/college/mc-spt-muhlenberg-north-central-20191208-l7do7kspv5hizcnplnxq24p32q-story.html?outputType=amp#nt=taboola-feed

How do you conduct yourself after a tough loss? Says a lot about people.  Salisbury's post game press conference after losing to Muhlenberg.  You can see why Coach Donnelly thought so highly of Coach Wood.  His coaching comes through in his players' conduct as well.  https://youtu.be/lrleB5nEhJ4

Highlights of the Salisbury game w/ post game interviews.   https://youtu.be/dQ3KNAi1UWQ

Should be a great game in Allentown. The best team the Mules have seen all season coming to town. I'm no prognosticator but I believe it will likely be a one score game either way. (35-31, 38-35, something like that) You'll get your $10 worth if you attend. Mules playing with house money (although I'm sure they don't see it that way) at this point. They're a sneaky good team that doesn't bludgeon you, they're just real sound in every aspect of the game. Although 17 points allowed over the last 5 games does tend to get your attention. Centennial teams in the semis two years in a row-great for the conference.

Any Cardinal fans looking to make the trip to Allentown next week, feel free to send me a PM and I can give you some travel tips on visiting Muhlenberg. For starters, I'd look to fly into Newark and rent a car. More flight options and a relatively simple drive from the airport to the campus. ABE is the closest airport but finding direct flights might be a challenge. You'll find Muhlenberg a very welcoming place. I'd be willing to bet the Mule parents would be happy to have you at their tailgates.

Preview of tomorrow's quarterfinal game in Salisbury between the Mules and the Sea Gulls (you've got to love D3 mascots!)

QuoteFootball vs. Salisbury NCAA Playoff Preview

One week after handling one of the top defenses in Division III, the Muhlenberg football team will take on one of the top offenses.

The fourth-ranked Mules (12-0) travel to Maryland to face sixth-ranked Salisbury (11-0) in a NCAA quarterfinal game on Saturday at noon. The winner advances to face the winner of the Delaware Valley-North Central game in the semifinals.

helpful links: game information | Salisbury campus map | live video | live stats

Muhlenberg is the first team in the history of the Division III playoffs to win by shutout in each of the first two rounds. The Mules blanked MIT, 38-0, in the first round, before advancing to the quarterfinals for the second straight year with a 42-0 shutout of Brockport, which came in with the top rushing defense in the NCAA.

A shutout will be hard to come by against the Sea Gulls, who are third in Division III in scoring at 51.1 points per game. A high-powered triple-option attack that averages 343.0 rushing yards per game has led Salisbury to wins of 83-0 (against Maritime) and 62-41 (against previously undefeated Union) in the NCAA Tournament.

The Sea Gulls have been held under 40 points just once in their last eight games.

The Mules are third in Division III in scoring defense, allowing only 9.8 points per game, and have given up a total of 33 points in their last six games. Muhlenberg also is 10th in rushing defense and total defense and 14th in pass efficiency defense.

The Muhlenberg offense has also been on a roll, scoring at least 40 points in seven of its last nine games. Despite giving up 41 points to Union, Salisbury is ninth in Division III in rushing defense and 25th in total defense.

The teams have met twice previously, both in the postseason. In the 2007 NCAA Tournament, Muhlenberg scored 10 points in the final five minutes for a 31-21 win. In the 2013 ECAC South Atlantic Bowl, Salisbury stopped a two-point conversion with 24 seconds left to hang on for a 21-19 win.

Salisbury, the New Jersey Athletic Conference champion, and Muhlenberg, the Centennial Conference champion, have one common opponent in TCNJ. The Mules won 45-26 in their season opener in a game that was 42-7 late in the third quarter. The Sea Gulls won 62-20 last month in a game that was 48-14 at halftime.

https://muhlenbergsports.com/news/2019/12/6/football-vs-salisbury-ncaa-playoff-preview.aspx

Most career touchdown passes by active juniors in all NCAA divisions-Three of the top 5 are from D3, including #1.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5s8rwbnWAH/

DE Frankie Feaster and TE Ryan Curtiss of Muhlenberg and DB Danial Shelton of Susquehanna representing the Centennial Conference on the 2019 AFCA All-American team.  https://www.afca.com/st-johns-jackson-erdmann-and-lake-forests-jordan-mcinerney-headline-the-2019-afca-division-iii-coaches-all-america-teams/  Three great players.

In case you want a little bit more about yesterday's game than Muhlenberg "won big in second round action", here's the recap of yesterday's game.  Brockport was quite stout along both lines and their linebackers were very fast. Mules kept after the running game, even though it wasn't easy and eventually put up 124 yards rushing against a defense that had been allowing 27 yards a game. They just made plays in the passing game-Curtiss and Daniel made some incredible catches and Hnatkowski was terrific even when he was under pressure. They were really good on defense as Brockport never made it past the Muhlenberg 40.  It was 42-0 but the Golden Eagles put up a fight the whole way. They were very physical-didn't seem that lopsided until you looked closer at what was happening. Muhlenberg is a deceptively good team. Nothing fancy, they just beat you.

QuoteFootball Rolls into Quarterfinals

The Muhlenberg football team flexed its muscles on defense again, shutting out Brockport 42-0 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The fourth-ranked Mules (12-0) set a school record with their 12th win of the season and advanced to the quarterfinals to play at Salisbury, a 62-41 winner vs. Union, in the quarterfinals.

One week after blanking MIT, 38-0, Muhlenberg hung another zero, becoming the first team in the history of the Division III playoffs (dating to 1973) to record shutouts in each of the first two rounds.

Muhlenberg allowed 184 total yards, including only 71 on 21 passing attempts. The Golden Eagles (9-3) took only six snaps inside Mule territory, none inside the 40, and they resulted in a total of -5 net yards.

Junior Joshua Barnett (pictured above) was one of 12 Mules to record a tackle for loss, finishing with a pair of sacks among his six stops. Seniors Dante Lonardo and Mickey Kober also made multiple stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The back-to-back shutouts were the first for the Mules since 2012.

Meanwhile, behind record-breaking performances by junior Michael Hnatkowsky and senior Ryan Curtiss, the offense picked apart a Brockport defense that ranked in the top 10 in Division III in rushing defense (first), total defense (fifth) and pass efficiency defense (ninth).

Hnatkowsky completed 18 of 30 passes for 243 yards and five touchdowns, tying the school record for TD passes in a game for the fourth time this season. With at least one game remaining in his junior season, he now holds the Centennial Conference career mark with 93 touchdown passes.

Curtiss caught eight passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, adding a third TD running out of the wildcat formation in the fourth quarter. He broke the CC and school record for career receptions by a tight end (141) and also tied the school record of 14 touchdown catches in a season.

Senior Todd Spirt also made history, booting all six extra points to become the CC all-time leader in points scored by a kicker (286).

Muhlenberg took the opening kickoff and was forced to punt after gaining one first down. On the punt, the bouncing ball hit one of the Brockport players and was recovered at the 19-yard line by sophomore John Washington.

It was the lone turnover of the game, but it set the stage for what was to come.

Two plays after the fumble, Hnatkowsky connected with Curtiss on a 6-yard score.

Later in the quarter, completions of 12 and 22 yards to Curtiss set up the second touchdown, a 17-yard pass from Hnatkowsky to junior Mitch Daniel.

Trailing 14-0, the Golden Eagles elected to go for it near midfield with 1:03 left in the first quarter, and junior Nick Sirico broke up the pass. Nine plays and 51 yards later, it was Hnatkowsky to Curtiss from 17 yards out to make it 21-0.

Curtiss had seven catches for 100 yards in the first half alone. Daniel, who hauled in a 41-yard scoring pass in the third quarter, narrowly missed a 100-yard game, catching five balls for 99 yards.

Senior Chris Hillburn also caught a touchdown pass to cap a 13-play, 74-yard drive that featured conversions on third-and 13 and third-and-14 against a Brockport defense that was holding opponents to a 20.5-percent conversion rate on third down.

Junior James Diggs rushed for a game-high 76 yards on only 12 carries to lead a rushing attack that gained 124 yards – 97 more than the Eagles' average entering the game.

https://muhlenbergsports.com/news/2019/11/30/football-rolls-into-quarterfinals.aspx

Cross-posting from the Centennial Conference board. Might be on interest to NEWMAC followers. Preview of the Muhlenberg -MIT matchup that highlights the connection between the coaches of MIT and and the Mules.

QuoteNCAA Division III football playoffs: MIT at Muhlenberg features former teammates turned opposing head coaches


A few summers ago, Massachusetts Institute of Technology assistant football coach Brian Bubna came to Allentown with staffers to chalk talk with the Muhlenberg College coaches.

The MIT men toured the tranquil quads, the football facilities, the majestic dining hall.

Bubna (Hobart '04) felt at home breaking bread and breaking down blocking schemes with his former college teammate at Hobart College, Nate Milne (Hobart '03), an assistant on the Mules' staff.

Both were coaching under outstanding head coaches and happy trying to navigate Division III, where they'd once played on Hobart's first tournament teams.

Bubna's return to Scotty Wood Stadium Saturday at noon for an NCAA playoff game might not feel so collegial for the buddies who stay in contact during the season.

Read the full preview at this link:
https://www.mcall.com/sports/college/mc-spt-muhlenberg-football-mit-ncaa-20191122-n6wz5t3elze6leapcdnqfoupzm-story.html