FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[maAggie]

Great post JMcuz...I think that last drive epitomizes what this team is all about. They just don't quit and they find a way. Winning is certainly something they've become accustomed to doing, and they just don't panic. They have historically always been able to bottle-up even the hottest of offenses, and I, for one, hope they continue that trend next week vs Widener. Hopefully, last year's loss is still stuck in their craw and they avenge that in a big way! Hopefully, the Aggies followers will fill the home stands to capacity and bring it loud + proud all day!

[gordonmann]

Big ups to a couple Del Val players who quietly had big games. Sophomore Chris Vega, who started in place of injured CB Troy Green, had two interceptions and the fumble recovery to seal the victory. He's picked a good time to emerge with Widener's assault up next. Hopefully Troy is healthy for Saturday.

Freshman Matt Long did a very nice job at center today. Jason West couldn't play because of injury and Long did his older brother, the former All-American, proud. Actually the whole offensive line was great, holding the Warriors to one sack and giving Wilmer good time and space all day.  And kudos to John Lavelle for playing well through pain.

[gordonmann]

If you missed the end of the Del Val-Lycoming game -- which you probably did because of technical difficulties -- here's my call of the final minute.

Thanks to Matt Levy, Sports Information Director extraordinaire, for posting this.

[Lyco80]

Gordon,

Did not see the game, had an impossible time following it on either your feed or the one from Williamsport.  Did hear the last minute posted above - thanks for that.

In your opinion, was the screen pass that was deflected and almost intercepted in the last minute a possible pick-six?  What Lycoming player was unable to come up with the catch?

Also - I could swear I almost heard the call "the band is on the field, the band is on the field" in the background as Lycoming tried to pull off the same play that doomed Stanford's John Elway in the Big Game.

Hats off the Wilmer - one cool customer indeed.

Lycoming returns most of its key players next year so perhaps the Warriors will have a happier outcome in Doylestown next season.

Doubt D-3 takes DVC, Widener, and Lycoming - pity given how close the game truly was and how evenly matched the three teams are and there are possibly some 6-4 teams with automatic bids who are not as competitive.

Good year for the Warriors - third in the MAC is not a given or easy any year.

ATB

[gordonmann]

Lyco80:

The near interception on the screen pass was unlikely to be returned for a touchdown. The pass was tipped at the line, and because there were so many guys around, a few Lyco defenders dove at it. Even if they caught it, they would've been down on contact.

And I agree with you. Not much separates Del Val, Lyco and Widener.  They are all very good teams.

[ZeroMischief]

All I can say is wow, what a game.  I feel privileged to have been there to see it.  First off, congrats to Lycoming.  They have a great team in Williamsport.  But...way to go Aggies!  4 peat, baby!

Even though the score was 14-7, it did feel like DVC had the momentum and were outplaying the Warriors.  You were just waiting for the Aggies to start opening up the margin, but after coming away with no points after starting in Lyco territory multiple times (props to the Lyco D), it did not happen.  There was a key play late in the 3rd quarter that really turned this game into a slugfest.  On 3rd and 5, with the ball down around the Lyco 30, there was a horribly missed defensive pass interference call.  The Lyco corner mugged Isaiah Hall the whole way down the sideline, but it was not called.  It would have given the Aggies a first down in the vicinity of the 15 yard line, and would have likely lead to points in some fashion, and given DVC their first 2 score lead of the game.  Instead, the Aggies failed on fourth down, and the Warriors instantly had life, and it was on.  Nevertheless, the Aggies persevered, and brought us a fourth straight MAC title!

Can't wait for this Saturday.  I don't think the committee would keep Del Val out of the playoffs if they lost to Widener, but I really don't want to risk it.  Plus, it would be nice to see the Aggies as the #1 seed in the East, as well as Mount Union kept in their own damn region for a change.

GO AGGIES!!!

[skunks_sidekick]

So Mount stays in the North.  That means UWW in the West.  MHB in the South.

Sooooo......Del Val should be the #1 seed before St. Thomas and/or Linfield?

Realistically, that just doesn't make sense on any level.  The committee has shown over the last few years they care less and less about geography, unless it's about travel. 

I would guess it will be what others have expounded upon on other threads. 


UMU
Del Val
Salisbury

I guess next week will get this sorted.

[rams1102]

So Mount stays in the North.  That means UWW in the West.  MHB in the South.

Sooooo......Del Val should be the #1 seed before St. Thomas and/or Linfield?

Realistically, that just doesn't make sense on any level.  The committee has shown over the last few years they care less and less about geography, unless it's about travel. 

I would guess it will be what others have expounded upon on other threads. 


UMU
Del Val
Salisbury

I guess next week will get this sorted.

I agree, but you forgot to include Montclair as #4.

[DelcoD3]

First, congrats to DelVal for their win. Wilmer and the O-line played a heck of a game.

Mischief - tough to say the game turned on a non-call by the ref. There are always going to be calls that both teams dispute. The Lyco D played a great second half and really kept them in it. They just couldn't make the big play on that last drive.

Lyco 80 - I believe the dropped interception was by Tyler Floyd, who started the year as a RB for the Warriors and moved to DB at some point during the season. The kickoff after Lyco scored to tie wasn't supposed to be a squib, the kicker just didn't hit it good. Give the up man from DelVal credit for being alert and making the catch to get the good field position. For the Lyco offense, not being able to run the ball hurt. But using Atkinson at QB in the Wildcat/option really gave them a spark. Tough way to lose but still a nice year overall.

[DanPadavona]

I just released an article on the innovative techniques used by Widener to attract talent to its program. http://d3east-football.blogspot.com/2011/11/widener-rising.html

I would be most interested in your thoughts, and who you think is the odds-on favorite to be the first East Region team to challenge for a national championship since 1999.

[kate]

Hello Dan, Just watched the widener video, and was hoping that the Del Val coach was looking at it as well.   Yes, it's "slick" & "trendy", but i just hope that DVC  can be the emerging powerhouse of the east - who knows.  We can be fortunate (i guess) that the level of competition in the MAC pretty much overall is what it is.  Whoever comes out on top will have most certainly earned it.  That said GO AGGIES!!!

[DanPadavona]

Wish I could be there to watch Widener-Del Vally on Saturday Kate. That should be an incredible show. But I will enjoy myself with my Cortaca Jug tickets.   

[wesleydad]

gordon, interested to get opinion on the del val - widener game.  i had a tough choice this weekend, your game, wesley - huntingdon, and montclaire - kean.  call me crazy but i will be making the longest trip to see the montclaire game.  main reason is that i have never been to montclaire.  too bad one of the other games is not a night game, could have pulled off a double header.  how is the health of the del val d?  they will need to be on top of their game for widener.  how have the young players progressed since the leb val game?  widener must have shown great improvement since the beginning of the year, i did not hear much good from the scrimmage against wesley.  you had a good one last week and looks like you will have a good one this week.

[bill]

Wesleydad

Please don't take this post as an attack - it's not. I just want to point out that you consistently reference Montclair State as "montclaire", and it's been driving me nuts!  (It must be the teacher in me )  I've been grading papers all night....

[wesleydad]

sorry bill, some reason thought there was an e on the end.  no problem, not my first mis-spelled name.  likely not my last.