FB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[SaintsFAN]

hats off to the little giants. FC and Bash eliminate some OH foes and live to play again.  Hopefully we all win next week and settle it in two weeks at FC

Indiana had three teams in the playoffs and a fourth (DPU) who was on the bubble.  Not bad for a "basketball" state. 

And Hanover is about as bad as they can be right now.. Things can't be better for Franklin fans, Wabash Fans and this Thomas More fan (bc of Hanover)..

[BayernFan]

Man - we survived that one.

Survive and Advance.

[wally_wabash]

After 800 miles and 12 hours in the car, this is one tired wally_wabash...but I can't get to bed tonight without weighing on today's amazing game in Cleveland. 

First of all, I've got to give a tip of the cap to the Spartans.  That's a very good football team and it took everything the LGs had today to leave with a win.  I felt that CWRU played a fantastic game defensively.  They stopped Wabash's run game much better than last year, got more pressure on the quarterback than last year, and really made the going tough for Wabash all day.  It's very difficult to shut Wabash out for a half (says I as it has happened two weeks in a row now) and the Spartans got it done.  Whalen, and I'm not exaggerating, is by far the best QB I've seen since I started watching D-III football at escaping from trouble.  Lesser QBs could not possible withstand the pass rush that Wabash put on today and still be effective.  Whalen did, he made plays, and carried a team on his back to get a lead late in the game.

On to Wabash...first of all the defense was tremendous with the exception of a few plays in the pass game (most notably letting Homyk get behind the coverage to set up the go ahead score).  But overall I think the defense played well.  The highlight from the D was the guys up front.  As with last year, CWRU had major problems blocking the front four.  Kennon and Lange were in chasing Whalen out of the pocket almost every time he dropped back...and as I mentioned earlier in the week, if your QB is running away from pressure all game long he will probably make a few plays here and there (Whalen did), but in the long run things will be difficult.  I felt that Wabash's secondary did a good job.  Doesn't Adrian Frederick remind you guys a little bit of Dustin Deno?  He seems to always be around the ball and he seems to always be coming up with INTs in big games.  The DBs and LBs both were throwing around some seriously big time hits, particularly in the second half.  Definitely good stuff to watch. 

Offensively, it took some time but things got going.  I think Hudson played a good game, even though he went through a shaky patch in the second half.  Say what you will, but twice this season Hudson has led very late do or die touchdown drives and he's done it by making some seriously good throws.  His 4th and 15 to Chamblee was a great throw and catch and then the touch on the deep ball to Chamblee for the winning TD was also a great throw.  On time, in stride...if those things don't both occur on that one throw, Wes probably doesn't score and then who knows what happens.  I was happy to see Hudson lead that drive...hopefully that drive springboards into about another dozen great drives next week. 

The run game was effective for the most part, particularly in the second half when Wabash had to have it.  An effective run game will absolutely be critical to success next week. 

Watching today's game was quite the roller coaster.  The momentum turned, quite drastically, on many occasions today all through the game and not just in the last few minutes.  It seemed like every other possession one team was about to seize control of the game.  It was a very fun game to watch to say the least...very much worth the lengthy drive out to Cleveland and back to see it. 

I believe I said it after the Witt game but it bears repeating as a close to what has turned into a manifesto....Wabash Always Fights.  Never doubt it. 

More chatter for tomorrow...it's time for some shut eye.   

[ADL70]

Thnx LG-s for the props for the Spartans. 

Hudson was impressive too.  But is he ever quirky.  Last year he had the dipsy-doodle with the ball as he pulled it up and this year the happy feet.

Watching the TD catch run was like reliving a bad dream.  Last year as CWRU rallied to get within eight a very similar catch and zig-zag run put the game away.

BTW Homyk also go behind the D in the first half, but could only get his fingertips on the ball and couldn't pull it in.

If CWRU had kicked the FG to tie would Wabash have punted on fourth down and we go to overtime?  But I think Debeljak made the right call.  Another case of the prevent defense preventing you from winning?

I was just praying for another placement block and a return for two points (even though I hate that rule).

A great game.  Good luck the rest of the way!!!

[wally_wabash]

It's always interesting to see the commentary in here from the webcast warriors during the game.  Lots of interesting stuff from yesterday...I'll respond to a few things here. 

- Maybe a little quick to throw the coach under the bus, fellas.  Do you guys know how many teams have 10 wins and are playing football after Thanksgiving? 12.  12 out of 239.  10 wins and still playing football after Thanksgiving is justification enough for whatever ER wants to do. 

- Hudson trying to give the game away?  Come on, Purest.  Really?  The kid is 18-2 as a starter.  20-3 in games that he's played significant time in.  Two conference championships.  Three playoff victories.  He looks like a winner to me.

- The crowd was definitely not as large as it was from last year, but there were more than 10-12 of us wearing Wabash red yesterday.  I'd expect a few more folks to make it to the game next week.   

One other note while I'm thinking about it...it was cool to see some guys wearing D-III gear out at the game in Cleveland yesterday.  In addition to CWRU and Wabash representation, I saw guys wearing gear from Baldwin-Wallace, John Carroll, and I even saw a gentlemen sporting some Ohio Wesleyan gear (anybody we know from the board?  Stand and be counted!).  Great to see people come out and support D-III football even when their team isn't playing. 

[Dickison85]

Couldn't agree more Wally. Bashback#16 and I watched the telecast at his house and we felt badly for not sacking up and making the trip like last year - knew we could count on you to and your big buddy to be at least 2 of the 12!! Tailgate next week same place.

[aueagle]

wally: Believe me, if I was going to a Wabash game, I would let you know before hand! I hope the OWU mystery man was a coach....I would think  that OWU players were in the stands somewhere. I have my eyes set on Salem.

[ScotsFan]

I just wanted to add my congrats to Wabash on advancing to the round of 16.  Good luck next week vs. Wheaton.  Keep doing the NCAC proud!  8)

BTW, is there any video of that last minute Wabash td?  It sounds like it was one hell of a play!

[bashbrother]

BTW, is there any video of that last minute Wabash td?  It sounds like it was one hell of a play!

Funny story about that play..... it was the only play in the game that I missed.  Completely drained and nervous, I went into the kitchen to get a beverage.  I returned to see Wabash players dancing in the endzone on the replay.  UUUGH!!!!  I then proceeded to do a childish TD dance through the house and out the back door; around the the backyard and then back through the house,  as my wife and kids looked on.    A few counseling sessions for the kids should do the trick.

Someone at Case has been posting some game footage up on You Tube this year, I checked and as of last night nothing.  I too, would also like to see that play.

[ADL70]

It might take a week or two to get on Case's YouTube channel.  If you know anyone with a satelite package that includes SportsTimeOhio, the game is being re-broadcast at 9 tonight.

[ScotsFan]

It might take a week or two to get on Case's YouTube channel.  If you know anyone with a satelite package that includes SportsTimeOhio, the game is being re-broadcast at 9 tonight.

Thanks for the info cwru70.  I might have to tune in.

[Li'l Giant]

Hmmm.... the DirecTV guide doesn't show that. Guess I'll just have to tune it and take the chance.

[ADL70]

It was a late schedule change, maybe the DirectTV guide wasn't updated.

[skunks_sidekick]

Saw Whalen's touchdown leap/run, and then the two Wabash big plays on the local (Cleveland) news Sunday morning.  D-III was getting some love.  Had to be an exciting game.  Mount was in a barn-burner as well.   

[wally_wabash]

2008 NCAC All-Conference Teams and Postseason Awards have been released.

Congratulations are in order to Matt Hudson and Darryl Kennon on sweeping the Gregory Awards (OPOY and DPOY).  Congratulations are also deserved for John Hull of Hiram on winning Newcomer of the Year and to Mike Schmitz for being named the Coach of the Year.