FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[ACRULZ]

I understand your argument but from what I understand...my nephew plays at Adrian...Dunaj is the guy everyone else looks to, counts on, and that makes plays.  Which makes that defense not as good without him.  So hence my argument again, the best player on the best defense.

[Uncle Rico]

Courtney Pearson, no doubt, for Defensive MVP.  Check out the stats...look at the numbers....the only 2 time defensive player of the week in the MIAA...148 tackles for the season...over 40 more tackles than the next person.

Not sure how this could be debated any other way!  

[HOF]

Adrian had the best D in the league.  I agree, but nobody jumped out like bulldogalum mentioned.  That doesn't make it a bad thing, but rather to me a more impressive thing as the crew worked together as a unit and was damn good.

This league has a ton of players that are all worthy, but from what I'm told the coaches (good guys or not) tend to get fishy during league voting.  Voting off here and there just so there players have a better chance at becoming First Team. 

In a perfect world all kids would be honored, but I remember back in the Pete Schmidt era when Kyle Klein (Albion's QB) was the MVP, but was the Second Team All-MIAA QB.

So long of short, kids get screwed, but hey if you ain't got a ring, it don't mean a thing!

No offense to the teams that didn't win the league this year, but that is the most important thing in my book, not First Team All-MIAA or MVP...Championships sell and you remember that ring on your finger rather then that plaque on your wall. 

That is nice too!...lol

[ACRULZ]

HOF:


I must say you are 100% correct!  If you don't have a ring it don't mean a thing!  That I will agree with you!

[formerd3db]

First, DAWG; yes.  When Central played us, I was impressed with their speed, quickness, not only with their skilled players, but linemen and overall.  They are a good team.  For awhile, Hope had a chance to beat them, however, at that time, Hope's offense and also their line were not playing well.  They had trouble sustaining drives to pick up first downs, unlike what they started to do in with the Albion game and beyond (until the Olivet game, of course!).  Also, what hurt against Central and our early games was the secondary play, which as has been previously mentioned, was Hope's "Achilles heel" this year in the opinion of many of us.

At any rate, the point being that Central is a very good team.  I do feel Olivet has a chance, although it will be tough playing down there at Central's nice stadium and home crowd.  Olivet will have to be virtually mistake free, IMO, and capitalize on opportunities, run their offense like they have the past two games, with balanced tough running along with a great passing game.  Special teams (i.e. punter and field goal kicker could be the difference for them if the game is close - Olivet's tandem is good).  So those are my preliminary thoughts.  I am obviously rooting for Olivet, but Central has more "mental" experience in playing in the playoffs, but that doesn't mean Olivet couldn't pull an upset here.

Now, some brief comments regarding the All-MIAA team selections that some of you have been discussing.  Good comments HOF.  I will say, however, for the others that, as we have discussed this aspect in past years, indeed does "to the victors goes the spoils" as that old saying goes.  There have been many deserving players who should have made first team in past years (and that goes back 2-3 decades); I recall several years, for example, in which players who were starters and led the league in a certain category (example, in interceptions) didn't make the first team while other players who had "zero" interceptions in the league did so.  Some of that was because the latter's teams won the league title, while the other teams were down the line and/or in last place.  I've always had a hard time figuring that out and it is for sure disappointing for those it happens to.  Yet, it does happen and "that's just life and the way it goes".  While coaches want to obviously support their players for these selections as well as players wanting to make it, as you have nicely stated, there are other important aspects in this over-all "big picture" (and I'm not just talking about the "game" or league title) for a student-athlete to consider beyond whether they made the first team or not (and deserving or not).  Anyway, thanks everyone for their comments regarding this discussion.  It is always interesting to see what ends up happening each year and how the resulting "debates" ensue!

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

The defense at Adrian prided itself on not having that one star who stood out and unfortunatley the MVP goes to players who are stars and stand out.  Kyle Dunaj is an excellent player as are all the rest of Adrians defense, but outside of Brandon Mohney I dont know that I would call any of them stars. The team is the first issue and all those players play amazing team defense.

[DEACONBLUE]

Way to Go OLIVET!  Bring your "A" game to Iowa and win one for the Conference.  Beating two Dutch teams in one season is called a "Dutch Treat", so make Central "pay" for it.  Best Wishes Comets!

Uncle Rico- I agree Pearson should be D-MVP.  It would not suprise me if he also received all-American due to his national ranking.

My O-MVP would have to be Mackenzie McGrady, incredible passing and running ability ie. total offense.

Bulldogalum-In theory, your point is well taken.

D3DB- Thanks for the winter reading tip. 

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

Offensive MVP

Niblock/VanEerden

Defensive MVP

Courtney Pearson/Player from Olivet, cant remember his name or number, wanna say 32 or 33.

[HOF]

So your saying you know this is a fact ADAWG?  You must have the inside scoop.  Because this shouldn't be released til the AM from my sources.  I guess coaches can't keep their lips shut.   Not a bad thing for this board.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

No im guessing, thats not a fact.  thats what I think.

[ADAWGISADAWG4LIFE]

I just cant remeber the Olivet guy, I only saw them once and looking at the stats they were very similar.

[DutchFan2004]

formerd3db,

Looks like Olivet is a lot like your team a very big line.  From the stats of the games they seem to run the ball pretty well.  From the stats they seemed to not dominate the TO category being at -2.  I am sure that they will be a very tough opponent as they have a win over you (a very good team).  What are your insights to the Comets I read what you thought about us.

[formerd3db]

DEACONBLUE:  Your're welcome.  I hope you enjoy it.

DutchFan2004:  Thanks for the nice comments about our team.  Although we were a good team, we were not a great team unfortunately.  As far as Olivet, you are right-on.  They are very similar to your team - very fast, quick and hard-hitting, with great passing game, good receivers, OL-DL good and good LB's.  Running game is not that bad either.  As I mentioned, though, if "The Big O" has turnovers and/or doesn't execute in their passing game as they have the past two games, I think your team will pound them down.  I suspect that it could be a very good game - could be close, but if Olivet slips up, your "C" could pull away.  Again, I think having your home crowd will be a big plus.  We'll be watching.  Thanks for your sharing on our board.

[ACRULZ]

D3DB:

A little self-righteous are we???  You must be the self-appointed voice of reason!  LOL!!!

Well anyway, in competition tempers get flared and egos are busted.  I'm sure when the coaches vote for All-League players they forget that it is about the kids and try to stick it to certain coaches...which is wrong! 

[dutchfan1]

formerd3db, will you be attending the game?

Safe travels to anyone making the trip to Iowa for the game!