Well, it's another season and the perennial powers are once again on top. Will UMHB go by the wayside? Will they return to be one of the powers of D3? How long will they continue to be in D3?

I honestly don't know the answers to these questions. I also don't know what will happen with our current coach. Will he find his footing and create his own foothold? Not sure. I do think that with the current number of transfers we have gotten that Coach has decided how he will form the current era of UMHB Football.

With the return of many players who were inexperienced last year, I do think we have a sense of confidence we did not have last year. The talent of transfers is staggering, and if they can gel and buy in to the things that have made Cru football what it has been, then I think we may surprise some folks this year. Can we go into the Perk and carve out a win? Perhaps, but that one game won't make us playoff bound or bust.

My greater concern is the state of the conference. I'm not even sure that we will continue to be in D3.

Anyways, good luck to all in the WIAC and I look forward to our next meeting.

UWO hosts Wheaton this weekend to open play for both squads. Looking at the UWO roster it looks like they return 8 starters on offense include their top 5 receivers and top 2 RB's. In addition, 3 starting OL are back including 6-6 320 lb RT John Schirger. Trae Tetzlaff was a huge playmaker for the Titans at WR (66 rec, 742 yds, 9 TD) along with Dan Fynaardt and Clayton Schwalbe. The big question is at QB and who will replace Berghammer? They only have two players who threw a pass other than KB last year in Quentin Keene and Will Brust. No clue who will line up for them Saturday.

Defensively the Titans lost a lot. 4 starters are back. What's weird is they had a bunch of starters who were non seniors last year who are not on the roster this year, including 4 DL and 3 DB's. The LB's are all back with Bryce Edwards, Bryce Hinn, Mitchell Borkovec and Kyle Dietzen all among the top 10 producers on defense last year. DL Avery martell returns as well. No starters from among the DB's are back and they have just 3 who saw any playing time last year.

For this weekend's matchup, Wheaton will be bringing a potent set of skill players on offense including RB Gio Weeks, WR's Ben Bonga and Seth Kortenhouven and TE Ben Juska. They have transfer Mark Forcucci at QB (Holy Cross) who played with Bonga and Kortenhouven in HS and won an Illinois state championship at Wheaton North. The huge question for Wheaton is on the Offensive line where just 1 starter returns and very little experience.

On defense Wheaton was below average last year. But Mikey Swider takes over as DC (yes MS Seniors son) and they have very experienced perimeter (3 of 4 DB's and all 3 LB's return) and potential AA DE Peter Johanik. Wheaton was mauled up front by big, physical running teams last year and I expect them to move around a lot more on defense and be much more aggressive under Mikey Swider.

This is an interesting matchup and Wheaton pulled out a win last year. As always, these early season non conference matchups have huge implications for both teams with some top 5 teams sitting on top of each of these conferences so a win for either team will be huge down the road come playoff consideration.

The UWL Eagles kick off the season tomorrow at 4:00 Central Time against RPI. Expectations are high, and I am excited to see how they look after the long bus ride. I predict a 14 point victory.

Quote from: Mitch Hall on September 04, 2024, 07:10:14 PMThe UWL Eagles kick off the season tomorrow at 4:00 Central Time against RPI. Expectations are high, and I am excited to see how they look after the long bus ride. I predict a 14 point victory.

Any insight into their QB room and how it's looking to replace Keiser? The difficulty in stopping him was huge for them the last few years.

Hello Colinsteinke. I am just a fan with no access to inside info, but I expect to see Senior Zach Weir under center. He completed 36 of 54 passes last year and seems quite competent.

Eagles score on 3 play drive to open the game.

14 - 0 at the quarter.

Eagle defense with the 35-0 shutout of RPI.

Happy Friday. I am heading up to the game tomorrow (pretty obvious which one), and I was wondering what all I should know regarding best parking and what not? I was up there in 2016 for the game, but can't recall off the top of my head where I parked and everything.. With that said, hoping to see a great game. We have a fairly large alumni base in Chicago, and our Gridiron club is hosting a trip for the Cleveland contingent for the weekend, so expect to see a fairly decent JCU contingent on campus.... Of course, now that I say it, it will just be me and my buddy who I went to JCU with there, lol

Quote from: JCUStreaks70 on September 06, 2024, 11:53:45 AMHappy Friday. I am heading up to the game tomorrow (pretty obvious which one), and I was wondering what all I should know regarding best parking and what not? I was up there in 2016 for the game, but can't recall off the top of my head where I parked and everything.. With that said, hoping to see a great game. We have a fairly large alumni base in Chicago, and our Gridiron club is hosting a trip for the Cleveland contingent for the weekend, so expect to see a fairly decent JCU contingent on campus.... Of course, now that I say it, it will just be me and my buddy who I went to JCU with there, lol

Here ya go! Let me know if you have any questions.

https://uwwsports.com/sports/2024/7/29/gameday-central-football.aspx

Looks like the WIAC remains at the top of the d3 conference standings. Knocking off ranked teams left and right. 

I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but I think this is the best Warhawk team I have seen in years. Less than 10 seconds away from shutting out the 19th ranked football program in d3.

Quote from: The Third Division on September 07, 2024, 06:18:12 PMI don't know if anyone else noticed this, but I think this is the best Warhawk team I have seen in years. Less than 10 seconds away from shutting out the 19th ranked football program in d3.

We'll see. Defense and running game look like they're in midseason form. Passing game has some work to do. Pass protection will get better as the season goes on when the line gels. Sounds like we had a guy or two who were late scratches on the line.

All in all, you couldn't have asked for a better opening game for the Hawks, against a solid team too.

WIAC opens the season with victories over the d3football.com Preseason Poll #7, #9, and #19 ranked teams!

Does that say more about the strength and depth of the WIAC once again this year or will this just be a "blip" on the season long radar? One thing is for sure, the WIAC will be sure to cannibalize itself once again when conference play begins...

Quote from: cubs on September 07, 2024, 09:33:05 PMWIAC opens the season with victories over the d3football.com Preseason Poll #7, #9, and #19 ranked teams!

Does that say more about the strength and depth of the WIAC once again this year or will this just be a "blip" on the season long radar? One thing is for sure, the WIAC will be sure to cannibalize itself once again when conference play begins...

Considering all of the wins against ranked opponents were by teams that did not win the conference championship last year, I'd have to say it's definitely a statement regarding the strength and depth of the WIAC!