Atlantic Central Football Conference/Independents

[Teamski]

ski, i watched the game and except for the first drive of the game CNU was the beter team.  Their defense was very good, looked like Wesley in how they handled the option.  The rivalry is always tough, but I agree with you, don't see the Gulls scoring much on Wesley if they only get 10 tonight.  Still looking forward to the game next week, want to see what the offense looks like.  With the results today, it looks like this could be the year that some different teams make the Stagg.

No doubt.  And I thought Wesley had a slow start! 

-Ski

[DE Wesley Fan]

Friday night was a perfect night for football at Wesley.  The size of the crowd was insane - I don't think I ever remember seeing so many people for a regular game before, especially with the ridiculous 6 pm start.  As everyone else has said, Callahan looked great after he settled in.  Liked that they rolled him out on a few plays, and he looked like a scrappy kind of QB, which I like.  I think they're going to be able to open up the offense a little more this year than last given his combination of running and throwing ability.  Offensive line held their own most of the game, which was a plus with so many new additions.  Wescott had a good game on defense, heard he's worked out hard in the off season so hopefully it pays off.

As for some negatives, special teams needs tons of work (as it usually does this time of year).   Poor little kicker didn't even look good in warm ups, punt and kick off coverage left a lot to be desired as well.  On the offense, I thought receivers needed to block better down field - there were several plays that could have gone for more yardage had they held their blocks better.

All in all a solid start, and I'm anxious to see if we get off to a better start against SU next week.  Looking forward to a solid season, and should be very entertaining to see how Callahan improves during the year. 

[thewaterboy]

Back in Ohio now with some free time (I'm supposed to be doing homework), and a computer to type on, here are my thoughts:

The game really turned on Sean Hopkins punt return he brought a long way back. I really thought the momentum in the stadium swung from Widener to the Wesley sideline. Typical first game for Wesley. The D did what they were supposed to and shut the Widener offense down in the second half.

I was super impressed with Callahan. Very calm, and has a great arm and was able to find his touch late in the game (stop n' go to Koudossou). He did have Bundy wide open a few times early but couldnt find him. That will come as the season progresses. If he has the touch all he has to do is let Koudossou or Bundy run underneath it. Some of those catches he made were amazing. The defense was great in the second half. I think the return of Dominique Herald will really bolster the secondary.

Looking forward to the Route 13 Rivalry next week. Both teams are coming into Dover hungry for a win!

[Teamski]

Waterboy,

It was great to see you once again at the game.

If Salisbury brings their stock triple option offense to Dover, I cannot see any other result than a complete shutdown by the Wesley defense.  Watching the CNU game, I was absolutely shocked at how ineffective the Gulls offense was.  The line allowed the CNU defense to push them back and create absolute chaos in the backfield.  I don't usually like predicting games outright, but I don't see anything but a route if Wesley sticks to their game plan and minimizes their mistakes.   It will be interesting to see if Salisbury attempts to field an alternative formation package that they have shown before in an attempt to spoof the defense in the first half, especially when they run a two quarterback scheme.

-Ski

[beenhit2hard]

We saw the Salsibury game vs CNU,,and the Gulls did play well on D but, O was not their usual ..Not the skill they have had in the past.

We will be making the trip up this weekend,,looking for a GOOD game  !!!

[D3MAFAN]

Waterboy,

It was great to see you once again at the game.

If Salisbury brings their stock triple option offense to Dover, I cannot see any other result than a complete shutdown by the Wesley defense.   Watching the CNU game, I was absolutely shocked at how ineffective the Gulls offense was.  The line allowed the CNU defense to push them back and create absolute chaos in the backfield.  I don't usually like predicting games outright, but I don't see anything but a route if Wesley sticks to their game plan and minimizes their mistakes.   It will be interesting to see if Salisbury attempts to field an alternative formation package that they have shown before in an attempt to spoof the defense in the first half, especially when they run a two quarterback scheme.

-Ski

I think you hit right on the nail, if Salisbury does bring the option to Dover, the end result is going to be the same as the last 8 years or so. Based on what I have read, this Salisbury team doesn't look to be the most athletic on offense as year's past. I took a look at the most recent years and it appeared that Salisbury had the athletes, but still fell short, mainly do to Wesley familiarity with the option and the offense itself. I think that Wesley wins this game big. However, you never know what to expect with rivalries, I looked back to 2006 and saw that Wesley barely beat a bad Salisbury team.

[dedragon]

Since 2006, Wesley is averaging a 9 pt win, with only two games beyond a 2TD margin. Wesley has had some pretty good teams since then too. Sounds like a rivalry game to me.

Would like to see the Wesley ground game get some attention this week. I personally feel that a good ground game early solidifies a OL for a potential run later. Excited to see Callahan develop this week with a new defensive look from SU. I'm sure he is benefitting from watching his own film this week rather than Sottilaire or McSweeney's.

I haven't seen a Wesley QB throw that 15-20 yard out near the sidelines like that EVER. That alone should make everyone else worry. That is a throw that NFL scouts drool over. Don't look too far into that statement...

[Teamski]

GAMEDAY!!

Beautiful day for a game with cooler temperatures for once!  I am hoping my classes let out early so I can catch the game this afternoon (please!!!).   If Wesley's defense of functioning like it should, I don't see much of a problem for the Wolverines today.  However, as dedragon mentions, it is a rivalry, so anything is possible, I guess.  I wish I could watch the first half to see if Salisbury tries to spoof the defense.

-Ski

[wesleydad]

looking forward to heading to dover today to see the wolverines in person for the first time this year.  sounds like the have reloaded on offense and the defense after some hiccups early against widener turned up the heat in the second half to shut them down.  i watched the salisbury game last week and the offense was really stale.  take away the first drive and they struggled against a tough cnu defense.  i figure that wesley's d is just as good and with past history showing that wesley can shut the gulls down it does not look good for salisbury.  the rivalry usually keeps the games close but i will be interested to see how the wesley o does today.  great football weather.

[CNU85]

Hey Wesleydad - how's the ole ticker? still beating? are you with us? That must have been exiting for you! 4th and 21....and hit a 43 yd td pass with 52 seconds left.....

crapola is all i have to say!! i was really pulling for SU so it would help CNU. But ya know what........I'm glad you beat the Sky Rats!!

[Teamski]

I don't usually like predicting games outright, but I don't see anything but a route if Wesley sticks to their game plan and minimizes their mistakes.   It will be interesting to see if Salisbury attempts to field an alternative formation package that they have shown before in an attempt to spoof the defense in the first half, especially when they run a two quarterback scheme.

-Ski

I will stick with my own advice from now on.  Once again, I was able to weasel out of an afternoon of research time for my class and donned my Bryan Robinson Jersey and faded Wesley baseball cap and witnessed the closest nail biter since the Montclair State upset years ago, except the results were in Wesley's favor.  Absolutely amazing.

Salisbury played damn tough and hats off to them for taking it to the Wolverines.  The Wesley offensive line couldn't contain defence and that spawned a series of three and outs, interceptions and TFL's leaving Wesley behind 17-14 at the half.  Callahan was showing his inexperience this time around with tossing balls up for grabs at times and not getting rid of the ball when the pressure was tough.  However, his legs changed things in the second half and he started McSweenying to gain some critical first downs. 

All seemed lost when Salisbury went ahead in the 4th 27-24  late in the 4th with Callahan subsequently tossing an interception with only 5 or so minutes left.  The defense got the ball back with less than two minutes left and things really looked bleak with Wesley sitting with a 4th and forever on the Gulls 44 yard line after a Callahan sack. 

I really feel sorry for Salisbury as they had Wesley on the ropes.  But the wind of fortune blew the ball into the hands of Jeremiah Howe in the corner of the end zone after a 43 yard hail Mary from Callahan with less than a minute to go.  It was a sight to see and I am still spinning.  Incredible. 

So, I take everything back about Salisbury and bow my head to them and the Route 13 Rivalry.  It lived up to its name in all ways!

-Ski

[D3MAFAN]

I don't usually like predicting games outright, but I don't see anything but a route if Wesley sticks to their game plan and minimizes their mistakes.   It will be interesting to see if Salisbury attempts to field an alternative formation package that they have shown before in an attempt to spoof the defense in the first half, especially when they run a two quarterback scheme.

-Ski

I will stick with my own advice from now on.  Once again, I was able to weasel out of an afternoon of research time for my class and donned my Bryan Robinson Jersey and faded Wesley baseball cap and witnessed the closest nail biter since the Montclair State upset years ago, except the results were in Wesley's favor.  Absolutely amazing.

Salisbury played damn tough and hats off to them for taking it to the Wolverines.  The Wesley offensive line couldn't contain defence and that spawned a series of three and outs, interceptions and TFL's leaving Wesley behind 17-14 at the half.  Callahan was showing his inexperience this time around with tossing balls up for grabs at times and not getting rid of the ball when the pressure was tough.  However, his legs changed things in the second half and he started McSweenying to gain some critical first downs. 

All seemed lost when Salisbury went ahead in the 4th 27-24  late in the 4th with Callahan subsequently tossing an interception with only 5 or so minutes left.  The defense got the ball back with less than two minutes left and things really looked bleak with Wesley sitting with a 4th and forever on the Gulls 44 yard line after a Callahan sack. 

I really feel sorry for Salisbury as they had Wesley on the ropes.  But the wind of fortune blew the ball into the hands of Jeremiah Howe in the corner of the end zone after a 43 yard hail Mary from Callahan with less than a minute to go.  It was a sight to see and I am still spinning.  Incredible. 

So, I take everything back about Salisbury and bow my head to them and the Route 13 Rivalry.  It lived up to its name in all ways!

-Ski

I agree, I had a chance to go the game and I thought that this game was Salisbury to win. However, as you aforementioned, that touchdown on 4th and forever was amazing. I think that Howe kid did really awesome. I was shocked to see some of the different formations and the throwing of Salisbury, hats off to the coordinator, he really mixed it up. However, hats off to the Wesley players, because they played to the end. I really thought that Salisbury was the better team today, I didn't see the Koudouso kid, but gutsy plays out of the remaining players by Wesley was the story. I really enjoyed being able to watch both teams and think that both these teams are going to be something special to watch the rest of the season. I guess that's why they consider these rivalry games for a reason.

Now, if Salisbury plays to this level, I think they do win the E 8 this year, I was thinking that maybe some other teams could take them out, but I was proven wrong this weekend.

[wesleydad]

Hey Wesleydad - how's the ole ticker? still beating? are you with us? That must have been exiting for you! 4th and 21....and hit a 43 yd td pass with 52 seconds left.....

crapola is all i have to say!! i was really pulling for SU so it would help CNU. But ya know what........I'm glad you beat the Sky Rats!!

cnu85, yea doing fine.  Don't get as hyped up anymore since I dont have a player in the game.  Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good and this is one of those times.  Too many mistakes by the offense made it tough to control the game.  Chance to go up 21 - 7 mid 2nd quarter turns into a 3 pt deficit at the half.  Callahan had happy feet all game as the O line struggled with pass protection.  Seldom any chance to set his feet to throw the ball.  When he did have time he made some poor throws and underthrew at least a half dozen balls to open receivers.  In the end it is a win but if they are going to be in the top team discussion the O line has to get much better.  The defense played well in spurts but gave up more yards than I expected.  Hats off to Salisbury for a very gutsy performance.

I will be watching your game tonight to see if CNU is for real after the excellent performance last week.  Good luck tonight.

[@d3jason]

Teamski -
You are a Wolverine! Respect to Salisbury as valiant foe but never feel sorry for them! I gotta ding your Karma for that statement.

[@d3jason]

Just kidding... Kind of.u