FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[Knightstalker]

Bill, I was not just speaking of NJ traffic around Florham Park, I was also thinking of getting across the Delaware that time of day.  4 or 5 in the afternoon can be a nightmare especially if on 80 and crossing at the Gap.  I used to make that drive quite often on a Friday afternoon getting back to Jersey City from Wilkes-Barre.  It ain't pretty many nights.

[BAK4LVC]

Considering the not on Friday night decision came from the head coach, I'm going to spin it this way, based on a couple of conversations I've had in the past with a few head coaches at different levels of football.  Some coaches want as little change as possible in the team's routine.  That means exact practice schedules for each day of the week.  Walk-through is on Friday.  Game day is Saturday.  Any deviance from that routine is considered a major distraction.  Look at a couple of examples recently in the NFL as illustrations.  The Arizona Cardinals had two games on the east coast, so instead of going home and flying back as they normally would do for a road game, they stayed out east.  The Patriots did the same thing for two straight games on the west coast.  Result in the second game for each (the one where the normal routine was altered): a couple of losses by a combined score of 86-45.  Just a thought.

[KingSting999]

Maybe, and this is just my opinion, last years DVC / Widener game was played at night and the Aggies lost in what was some of the heaviest rain I have evr seen a game played in. Playing at night under ideal conditions would not be a problem but that was a bit extreme. Cold, pouring rain and artificial lighting do not bode well for a team that likes to throw the ball as did the Aggies. Just mavbe Coach Clements was considering that possible scenario for his team.  I still believ that the Aggies were a better team than the Pride last year and were hampered more by thise conditions than the Widner squad.  Let's just assume he had a good reason and leave it at that.

[WU_Joker]

Kingsting - Say what you want about playing Friday nights or not, but to come on here and use the weather conditions as an excuse is 'bush league'. Widener was playing under the same conditions and their passing game was also the stronger part of their game.  They were affected also by the conditions.Bottom line, was that Widener was the better team when it counted. To say anything other than that is just excuse making and states you don't know what you are talking about.

[KingSting999]

Yo Joker,

Lighten up. I wasn't making excuses for the Aggies performance. Widener won the game on the field and thus earned the W. I was just trying to give an example of a possible reason for not wanting to play a night game. I think you would have to admit, it's tough winning on the road in this league, playing under conditions you are not used to only adds to that advantage for the home team, in my humble opinion.

Go ahead and rip me all you want, I am quite comfortable with my knowledge and understanding of DIII football. As stated before, I still believe that Del Val was a better team last year than Widener, just not on that day, I think I am entitled to my opinion!

[PBR...]

me thinks after reading this coach c is going to have a tough week of practice for the boyz getting ready for lyco...

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/42-10192008-1607719.html

[WU_Joker]

Sting - Of course you are entitled to your opin and I gave mine. The conditions didn't benefit anyone that day. To coin the phrase' your record is what it is' and Widener went undefeated in the conference to earn the title. If Del Val was the better team all year, it shouldn't have even come down to that game. ENough said on that one.
I'd be teh first to tell you that before the season, I thought Del Val should be the favorite and I am still picking them to win it, despite the logjam at the top. Widener is going through some growing pains with many sophs and juniors, but will be back stronger next year. They also have a key injury in the backfield and 2 guys lost in the secondary for the year.

[bill]

Considering the not on Friday night decision came from the head coach, I'm going to spin it this way, based on a couple of conversations I've had in the past with a few head coaches at different levels of football.  Some coaches want as little change as possible in the team's routine.  That means exact practice schedules for each day of the week.  Walk-through is on Friday.  Game day is Saturday.  Any deviance from that routine is considered a major distraction.  Look at a couple of examples recently in the NFL as illustrations.  The Arizona Cardinals had two games on the east coast, so instead of going home and flying back as they normally would do for a road game, they stayed out east.  The Patriots did the same thing for two straight games on the west coast.  Result in the second game for each (the one where the normal routine was altered): a couple of losses by a combined score of 86-45.  Just a thought.

I understand the routine thing, but now that Widener, Albright, and FDU have more than adequate lights, Friday nights are becoming more routine than in the past - especially for the "non" overnight game. (ie, FDU vs. Lyco - although Lyco actually played FDU twice on Fri night in the 90's...)
Factor in the numerous NJAC crossover games, and that's a potential for 3-5  Fri. night games a year.
Oh well...

Here's hoping everyone stays healthy this weekend!

[PBR...]

Considering the not on Friday night decision came from the head coach, I'm going to spin it this way, based on a couple of conversations I've had in the past with a few head coaches at different levels of football.  Some coaches want as little change as possible in the team's routine.  That means exact practice schedules for each day of the week.  Walk-through is on Friday.  Game day is Saturday.  Any deviance from that routine is considered a major distraction.  Look at a couple of examples recently in the NFL as illustrations.  The Arizona Cardinals had two games on the east coast, so instead of going home and flying back as they normally would do for a road game, they stayed out east.  The Patriots did the same thing for two straight games on the west coast.  Result in the second game for each (the one where the normal routine was altered): a couple of losses by a combined score of 86-45.  Just a thought.

I understand the routine thing, but now that Widener, Albright, and FDU have more than adequate lights, Friday nights are becoming more routine than in the past - especially for the "non" overnight game. (ie, FDU vs. Lyco - although Lyco actually played FDU twice on Fri night in the 90's...)
Factor in the numerous NJAC crossover games, and that's a potential for 3-5  Fri. night games a year.
Oh well...

Here's hoping everyone stays healthy this weekend!

pbr is a traditionalist and friday nights should be for high school football and saturdays college, sundays pro...dont dig this encroaching on each others turf

[KingSting999]

Widener is going through some growing pains with many sophs and juniors, but will be back stronger next year. They also have a key injury in the backfield and 2 guys lost in the secondary for the year.

Joker

Del Val was experiencing the same growing pains you speak of last season. The Aggies did rely mostly on their passing game to move the ball lat year. This season has been a little different with a more balanced attack.

Injuries are part of the game and have an effect on ever team. Last week the Aggies were without two starting O-lineman. Be careful using that as excuse, someone might come on here and call you "bush league" and accuse you of not knowing much about the game! LOL 

[KingSting999]

Okay boys, it's that time again!!!! Let's have your picks for the upcoming weekend. Almost went 4 for 4 last week but the FDU Devils spoiled the party!!!!!

Remember, just for amusement only.

Widener 18 - FDU 16

The Pride get back in the win column by defending their home turf. FDU is flying high with some new confidence aafter knocking off Del Val but might still be celebrating that victory while they travel into hosyile territory. Tough for anybody to win on the Prides home field but I don't think that the Widener offense is potent enough to make it a rout.

Albright 17 - Wilkes 16

Albright still have not found the groove yet this season. Wilkes is improving every game and should keep this a close game. Albright should be able to squeeze out enough points for the victory but it won't be easy.

Kings 21 - Leb Val 20

Okay say it, I'm nuts! Just a feeling that Kings comes up with a stellar effort in this one and pulls off the upset. If the game was at Leb Val I wouldn't think it was possible but as the Aggies found out the hard way last Saturday. Anyone in the MAC can be knocked off at anytime.

Del Val 35 - Lyco 31

This one should be an offensive battle with the team with the ball last having the advantage as long as there is time on the clock. Both teams coming off losses and both may have been guilty of looking past last weeks opponents. There will be no such excuse this week for either team. The one who protects the rock and scores in the red zone will win this game. Should be a real "slobber knocker" with both trying to regain the respect that was tarnished last week.

Good Luck to all players and coaches involved this weekend. May you all compete safely and play to the best of your abilities. It should be just another typical day(s) for MAC football. As always......."GO AGGIES!!!"

[WU_Joker]

Sting - Injuries are part of the game, but have a much deeper affect than the weather. When the weather is bad, it is bad for both teams. Weather doesn't impact who plays and who doesn't.  Being shorthanded will cause you to juggle personnel, game plans and so on. Cute last line, though! 


On to the games:

Widener 14 - FDU 10

Better than touted FDU team keeps it close, but the struggling Widener O has enough to pull this one out


Albright 24 - Wilkes 13

Statement game for Albright, as they pull away late from a tough Wilkes team.


LVC 23 - Kings 17

LVC squeaks out a tough one against a Kings team that is better than their record indicates.


Del Val 34 - Lyco 17

Lyco is improved, but not on a par with DV. In another statement game, DV gets back to form with a convincing win in front of the home folks.

[muledaddy]

Mates,
   Wilkes is ready...see Around the nation......Aggies roll...because they are better..bet on these to win..

for fun.....

[BAK4LVC]

I'll give it a go...

Widener 20 FDU-Florham 13 ... I respect what FDU has done this year, but they are a much tougher team at home.  Widener's defense has kept them in games this year while they try to find a QB.  I think they may have found one last week.

Wilkes 16 Albright 14 ... I keep waiting for the Albright offense to break out each week.  It's Week 8 and I'm still waiting.  I respect what Wilkes has done to keep games close, and they are finally finding ways to win them.

Lebanon Valley 28 King's 13 ... Even without Charlie Parker, Dutchmen will win the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball to control the clock and the game.  Since Jeremiah Jones went off against R-M in week 1, Monarchs have averaged 1.9 yards per rush since.

Delaware Valley 33 Lycoming 14 ... Lyco has been a great story this year, but I don't think their loss to Wilkes last week was a look-ahead issue.  DVC overlooked FDU last week and got caught.  With Isgro (if he's 100%) and Gesswein, the Aggies have the best player on the field at all times in this one.  Just don't see the Warriors having the firepower to keep up.

[gordonmann]

If you can't get to the aforementioned showdown in Williamsport...

Lycoming (4-2, 2-1 MAC)
vs.
Delaware Valley (4-2, 2-1 MAC)

Click here to listen.  Pregame coverage begins at 12:40 pm with kickoff at 1 pm.

Please note the audio link will not work until the broadcast is on the air with the pregame show. The broadcasts also requires Windows Media Player 9.0 or later on your computer.