Atlantic Central Football Conference/Independents

[wesleydad]

good football game played by 2 pretty good teams.  I believe the final score was closer than it could/should have been.  Salisbury was able to move the ball between the 20's but never really threatened the end zone except for a couple of occasions.  Wesley's d made the plays that they had to make to get off the field evidenced by the fact that Salisbury only punted 1 time and attempted no field goals.  They went for numerous 4th downs due to being out of field goal range but too close to punt.  They are going to be a tough out for anyone left on their schedule and were held to only 7 due to Wesley's familiarity with the offense; others teams won't have that or the athletes to implement the plan to shut it down.  They have a pretty good defense too.  Wesley was in the position to score 5 or 6 times but didn't get it done.  The stats show Sottilaire going 23 - 32, but their were 2 drops inside the 15 that would have kept drives alive.  Wesley did establish the run which was a welcome sign since they will have to to stop teams from just teeing off on Sottilaire.  The main concern is how confused the offense looked.  Plays and personel seemed to take forever to get in on at least a dozen occasions during the game.  The frustrating part is that when the game became 10 - 7 with 6+ minutes to go, Wesley went on an 80 yard drive where on almost every play the team had to stand around and let 7 - 10 seconds run off the clock because the play had been called and the personel were ready to go.  It was one of the most efficient drives I have seen in some time.  Why can't it be handled that way every time.  A pretty clean game as far as turnovers with the rain and wind and with penalties, only 5 for each team.  There was the usual after play chirping that you get with this rivalry but a well played and sportsmanlike game.  Clean up the offensive confusion and this is going to be a pretty good team.  Looking forward to next weeks game with #4 UMHB.  Will be a fun time in Dover next weekend.

[Teamski]

I concur with Wesleydad.  Once the cobwebs gets cleared on the offense, Wesley will be back to its 2010 form once again.  There is still lots of work that needs to be done.  Even though the yards don't show it, the running game looks to be the best I have seen since Mike Pennewell.  Askia Jihad has really bulked up and Robinson is quick, so we have our Ajax/Pennewell combo once again.   I really liked watching Cummings as a half back.  He really bulked up as well for his role!  Wesley did lose out on some awesome opportunities to score and the interception of Sottilaire's pass into the endzone from the 10 yard line to end the first half was a ball buster for sure.  That would have put Wesley up 14-0.  It could have been 21-0 easily if the mistakes didn't cost the Wolverines including hiking the ball over Cumming's head on the 5 yard line.....Very promising though as Sottilaire gets his passing worked up.

I thought Salisbury would run well at the beginning and then taper off as Wesley learned the blocking schemes as it has been in the past.  This didn't really happen like that.  For the most part, Salisbury worked the inside in the first half and was quite unsuccessful.  However, like the CNU game, they started to work on the swing outs in the second half with a tired Wesley defense and that really started to cause problems.  That said, the defense ultimately won the game.

Salisbury put up a really good fight this time around.  They were pumped up and ready to play.  Their Achilles heel is their triple option offense that cannot attack quickly to get back into a game.  They had some good passes, but for the most part, their running game requires them to stay close or lead while controlling the clock.  If they match up to a quick scoring team (as Wesley could have been) they can get into trouble.  Oh, and Salisbury did drop the ball quite a bit as I had predicted.  Sometimes when they get packed up on the inside, their choreography gets off kilter and the ball goes where it isn't supposed to. 

Well, we see UMHB next week and that will be a true test for an early season Wesley team.  It will be interesting to see if Wesley can get their playoff shoes on and mitigate the mistakes to keep the pressure on the Crusaders. 


It was great seeing Waterboy and Wesleydad at the game.  Great talk guys!

-Ski

[SUADC]

Wesleydad,

I agree the game was well played by both teams. I believe that Wesley capitalized on its opportunities and made the plays on crucial 3rd and 4th downs. Wesley offensive line did a great job protecting the quarterback and giving him enough time to make decisions and he made good decisions throughout the game. As for Salisbury, I believe there were drives that appeared that they were going to score but was stop either by a turnover or just not making the play (i.e. drop pass in the endzone). Salisbury defense played well, I believe they were opportunistic and put the offense in good position. Nevertheless, each team played well and it appeared that the game could have went either way, now way did I think there was going to be a spread of more than 14 by any team. Good game by both teams, good luck to Wesley next week agains UMHB. As for Salisbury, were not going to let that game define our season and what it still can be, were going to put a comma after that game and move forward and focus on NC Wesleyan and take care of business. Again, good game by both teams.

[DE Wesley Fan]

Agree completely with the previous comments.  It was quite frustrating with the amount of time Wesley took to get plays & personnel in on offense, and the wasting of time outs early in both halves.   But I seem to remember similar issues in all the recent SU games.   Justin looked pretty composed except for his frustration with getting the calls in, and was throwing some good balls.    His blocking was rather half-hearted and needs improvement - but I guess when compared with McSweeney, most any QB's would.  I was thinking the same as WesleyDad - it was only on the drive after SU's touchdown that our offense looked crisp and in sync.   If we had that the entire game, there would have been a few more points on the board.    Don't know if it was the weather or early season issues, but we just couldn't seem to get in a good flow on offense for most of the game.  Sean Hopkins looked good at DB - great decision to move him and Morris to defense.    I was very impressed with SU's kick coverage - they were just flying down the field.  Can't wait till Saturday.  Hopefully we'll have better weather and can see what this team can really do.

[beenhit2hard]

PA Wes,,good luck with the DR tomorrow,,  we will be thinking of you !!!

[thewaterboy]

Well I'm gonna go ahead and say the same thing. The offense is still working the cobwebs out. Hopefully that last touchdown drive will carry over into next Saturday. Sottilare looked really good when he stood tall in the pocket and delivered the ball straight down field. A few drops didnt help him, but those will take care of themselves, preferredly sooner rather than later. I believe that this game was a "win and get the heck out of there." The weather made it tough for both teams, so add that to early season woes and you have that game.

I was really impressed by the Wesley defense. They came up with big plays when they needed to, and did not really let Salisbury make a big play. And when SU did break off a big one, the D was able to quickly get the momentum back. The last drive at the end of the game by SU was of no concern. The defense I thought began to relax, as the game was already won, and from my vantage point looked like we got a safety early in that drive.

Ski, always nice seeing you. Wesleydad, I was looking all over for you! Where were you hiding? 

[umhb2001]

Howdy boys, and ladies if you happen to be on here, it's good to see you again. Obviously the history between our two schools will be thrown out the door as this is the first time these two teams with these players will have played each other. I look forward to a great game.

I read through the previous posts, and it sounds like we are in the same place as far as clearing out the cobwebs and figuring some things out. The Cru looked good in their first game and I am intrigued, obviously, to see how this one pans out. I wish I could make the trip!

Have a great week, we'll see ya on the boards and on the field!

[Teamski]

Howdy boys, and ladies if you happen to be on here, it's good to see you again. Obviously the history between our two schools will be thrown out the door as this is the first time these two teams with these players will have played each other. I look forward to a great game.

I read through the previous posts, and it sounds like we are in the same place as far as clearing out the cobwebs and figuring some things out. The Cru looked good in their first game and I am intrigued, obviously, to see how this one pans out. I wish I could make the trip!

Have a great week, we'll see ya on the boards and on the field!

The game is going to be a real bruiser for sure.  From the stats, it looked like the Crusaders ran the ball liberally.  I'm not sure this was due to the competition or if they are primarily a run team this year.  Either way, both teams are going to have to play some clean ball to win.  I also hope you have the same mascot you had the last time UMHB was in Dover.  He was hilarious!

-Ski

[umhb2001]

Howdy boys, and ladies if you happen to be on here, it's good to see you again. Obviously the history between our two schools will be thrown out the door as this is the first time these two teams with these players will have played each other. I look forward to a great game.

I read through the previous posts, and it sounds like we are in the same place as far as clearing out the cobwebs and figuring some things out. The Cru looked good in their first game and I am intrigued, obviously, to see how this one pans out. I wish I could make the trip!

Have a great week, we'll see ya on the boards and on the field!

The game is going to be a real bruiser for sure.  From the stats, it looked like the Crusaders ran the ball liberally.  I'm not sure this was due to the competition or if they are primarily a run team this year.  Either way, both teams are going to have to play some clean ball to win.  I also hope you have the same mascot you had the last time UMHB was in Dover.  He was hilarious!

-Ski

Our mascot the last two years is different. The one you are thinking of went to the national mascot competition and ranked VERY high nationally, and this was against all NCAA schools. He was great! The new one is also good, and I'm sure he'll be there.

The key stat from the UMHB vs Kean game was LiDarrall's ability to throw the ball. 20-24 with NO INTs and 2 TDs. He looked very poised.

I'm excited for the game. It's...only...Monday!!!

[PA_wesleyfan]

beenhit2hard

Thanks!!!! If I had a choice I would  pick football. I am getting tired of all this surgery stuff. One body part after another.. God willing I will be near a computer and listening. Don't think DR. will let me travel that soon after.   

[wesleydad]

pawesley, good luck tomorrow and hope all turns our well.  be seeing you down the road.

[bleedpurple]

good football game played by 2 pretty good teams.  I believe the final score was closer than it could/should have been.  Salisbury was able to move the ball between the 20's but never really threatened the end zone except for a couple of occasions.  Wesley's d made the plays that they had to make to get off the field evidenced by the fact that Salisbury only punted 1 time and attempted no field goals.  They went for numerous 4th downs due to being out of field goal range but too close to punt.  They are going to be a tough out for anyone left on their schedule and were held to only 7 due to Wesley's familiarity with the offense; others teams won't have that or the athletes to implement the plan to shut it down.  They have a pretty good defense too.  Wesley was in the position to score 5 or 6 times but didn't get it done.  The stats show Sottilaire going 23 - 32, but their were 2 drops inside the 15 that would have kept drives alive.  Wesley did establish the run which was a welcome sign since they will have to to stop teams from just teeing off on Sottilaire.  The main concern is how confused the offense looked.  Plays and personel seemed to take forever to get in on at least a dozen occasions during the game.  The frustrating part is that when the game became 10 - 7 with 6+ minutes to go, Wesley went on an 80 yard drive where on almost every play the team had to stand around and let 7 - 10 seconds run off the clock because the play had been called and the personel were ready to go.  It was one of the most efficient drives I have seen in some time.  Why can't it be handled that way every time.  A pretty clean game as far as turnovers with the rain and wind and with penalties, only 5 for each team.  There was the usual after play chirping that you get with this rivalry but a well played and sportsmanlike game.  Clean up the offensive confusion and this is going to be a pretty good team.  Looking forward to next weeks game with #4 UMHB.  Will be a fun time in Dover next weekend.

In watching the game online, I was impressed with Wesley's size, speed, and athleticism.  It did not have the feel to me that these two teams were all that close in terms of size or athleticism. I think Salisbury should be given credit for hanging in there as well as they did.  However, I am surprised you felt like it was a pretty clean game, WD.  As I was watching it, I felt the same way as you, Wesley could have and should have won by more.  To me it had the feel of a sloppy game by Wesley.  They either fumbled or threw an interception on each of the first 5 possessions and didn't score on either of the next two possessions after that.  Mixed in there were the dropped passes you speak of.  Then came the impressive 79 yard drive. 

To be clear, I was impressed with the athletes I saw and I expect to see Wesley in the semi-finals again this year.  I know the weather wasn't good and may have been even more of a factor than I could see online.  Good luck against UMHB. It should be a great game.

[DE Wesley Fan]

Howdy boys, and ladies if you happen to be on here, it's good to see you again. Obviously the history between our two schools will be thrown out the door as this is the first time these two teams with these players will have played each other. I look forward to a great game.

I read through the previous posts, and it sounds like we are in the same place as far as clearing out the cobwebs and figuring some things out. The Cru looked good in their first game and I am intrigued, obviously, to see how this one pans out. I wish I could make the trip!

Have a great week, we'll see ya on the boards and on the field!

I'm sure one thing we can count on being the same is UMHB's hard hitting defense.  I'll never forget that from the first time I saw you guys several years ago and thought "now THAT must be what Texas football is all about", and have been similarly impressed since.  Really anxious to see Wesley's offense without the excuse of bad weather (fingers crossed for that, anyway). 

Bleedpurple - can't disagree with your assessment.  I left the game glad for the win and thinking we were certainly the better team, but feeling rather underwhelmed by the offensive performance.

[thewaterboy]

UMHB-Wesley has become quite the rivalry. Hopefully these two teams can battle it out free of cobwebs. IF the winner Saturday can win the rest of their games, IMHO, no one else deserves the #1 overall seed in the playoffs but them. Not even UWW, or Mount. These are two of the toughest schedules in the country, and I really hope this sets the tone for other perrenial powers to schedule games like this.

For Wesley, look for them to try to create lanes with Jahad to give Sottilare time to stand and deliver in the pocket. If Sottilare gets time to find Koudossou and Barile, look out Cru. Wesley's D needs to keep the good play going as well. Stopping the big play will be the biggest thing (like against Salisbury).

As for UMHB, well, I've always been worried about them. LiDarral Bailey, last year was perhaps the 2nd or 3rd best dual threat QB, next to McSweeny. It will be interesting to see how Wesley handles him compared to last year. Hopefully they will be able to pressure him enough to where he will make some mistakes throwing the football. I feel that Kean was unable to do that which allowed LDB to focus on his recievers.

[wesleydad]

bleedpurple, my clean comment was more about the fact that the weather was not the issue with the turnovers.  I was not happy with the ones you mentioned.  I agree, I don't think the game should have been close on the scoreboard either, but rivalry games tend to end up that way.  No doubt in my mind that Wesley is the better team.  The weather other than annoying did not have that much of an affect on the outcome as you might have thought if you were there.  I laughed when I looked at the game notes and saw that the wind was only listed at I think 15 mph.  There was hardly a time when it was ever under 15 mph.

Driving home today I got to thinking, WOW, this is as good a game as there may be until at least the quarter finals and maybe the semis.  Kudos to both teams for scheduling it knowing that they very well could meet again in the South region finals or maybe they get seperated and end up winning both regions they end up in and taking on the purples in the semis.  Waterboy, if Wesley runs the table it may be hard to argue the #1 overall seed as the schedule they are playing has to be one of the toughest anywhere.  It is only Tuesday, but I am really starting to get excited about this game.