Atlantic Central Football Conference/Independents

[XSUGull]

I have been slacking with my predictions the past few weeks but I found a little bit of time to give my opinion on the big game this weekend.

It's really no secret that Salisbury is going to try and run the ball. The Wesley defense can load the box with as many men as they want and the Sea Gulls will still attempt to run the option. Salisbury has the ability in their running game to break a big play on any number of their options but there isn't a defense in the region (possibly the country) that is better prepared to stop the triple-option than Wesley.

Wesley on the other hand is extremely balanced and has the skill to run the ball for an entire drive or air it out. They have playmakers all over the field. Larry Beavers might be the biggest name on the Wesley roster and the SU secondary is going to have their hands full if the defensive line can't get pressure on the quarterback. Jarrell Chandler and Paul Cynewski lead the Gulls in sacks and tackles-for-loss and they will play a big part in the success of the SU defense.

I think that Salisbury will be fairly successful running the ball against Wesley. I don't know if they will get to their 400+ yard clip they average, but they should be able to move the ball down the field. Just as I think SU should be able to move the ball I also think the balance of Wesley should be able to keep the chains moving. I'm not calling for a 50+ point shoot out but I don't predict a defensive struggle. If Salisbury plays with fire and kicks to Beavers they may get burned. Special teams are always important in big games and I think the Sea Gulls should neutralize the Wolverine's return game by kicking away from him or even squib-kicking the ball. This should be a close game down the waning moments of the contest. I give Salisbury the edge because it's at Sea Gull Stadium and this is a prediction from a former Gull.

Salisbury 27
Wesley 23

[Bigtoe75]

article on the game

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081031/SPORTS/810310334/1006/SPORTS

[Teamski]

article on the game

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081031/SPORTS/810310334/1006/SPORTS

As we always say, leave it to Beavers....    It will be one awesome game tommorow.  I will be in #18 as usual!

-Ski

[wesleydad]

xsugull, i am not sure how you came up with the fairly sure that they can run the ball against wesley when they only ran for 274 against delval.  they will not get near 400 yards, if they do they will crush wesley which is not likely.  wesley will win this game if they do not turn the ball over more than salisbury does.  bottom line is that they are better.  they should be able to move the ball as easily as delval did since they have a better running game and passing game than delval does.  i expect the game to be a good one, but wesley should win the game by 10+.

teamski, i will look for you tomorrow.

[AJK]

 McSweeney is going to have a big game today. Since he's been the starter he's played 1 fourth quarter.  He takes care of the football and is very accurate, this what Wesley lacked last year. This kid is the answer to Chris Warrick. Coach Knapp is going to pull out all stops today and McSweeney will be let loose on the ground and in the air. Like I said if Wesley holds on to the ball this game wont be close.

Prediction:   Wesley 38  Salisbury 17

[XSUGull]

I by no means think that Salisbury will rush for 400 yards against Wesley. I just think that SU will be able to move the ball and probably get in the area of 250 to 275 yards on the ground. When you run that much, and you are as good as Salisbury is at running, you are going to get your yards. I know that Wesley has a great run defense and  I expect them to make big plays. Its just my opinion that SU will be able to move the ball a little on offense.

[PA_wesleyfan]

I by no means think that Salisbury will rush for 400 yards against Wesley. I just think that SU will be able to move the ball and probably get in the area of 250 to 275 yards on the ground. When you run that much, and you are as good as Salisbury is at running, you are going to get your yards. I know that Wesley has a great run defense and  I expect them to make big plays. Its just my opinion that SU will be able to move the ball a little on offense.

Salisbury got the big plays last year when the had isolation and got outside.  If they get the corner that makes the difference. Inside they will get some yards but the Wesley linebackers are  good as a group persuing the ball. The bigger question is can Salisbury stop Wesley on D. Will be interseting   

[PA_wesleyfan]

wesley moving the ball well 22-7 2 mins to half

[AJK]

  Congrats to Wesley for a huge win.  McSweeny has a big day today on the gound (77 1TD) and in the air (203 2TD). Lanouette is a man amongst boys. It was  the Gulls plan to take Beavers out of the game and they did a good job at that but just gave up to much field possition on there kickoffs. Amazing how Beavers has a big impact on offense and barrely gets the ball. When is to much attention to much? Props to Salisbury's QB. Sounded like he's what makes that offense go. Sean Matthews was all over the place on D. Drass has got to happy with the defense performance.  On to Ohio for a tune up against Lake Erie.
   

[Hampton U SID]

Sounded like it was the typical Route 13 battle.

Builders lose 13-10 to Webber International on a 26-yard field goal in the first overtime period.  Matt Edelen hit a 30-yard field goal for the Builders (just curved inside the upright) to send it into overtime.

Wesley fans...I'd like you chances next week.  Lake Erie isnt bad for a first-year team, but you should handle things.
Any tailgaters (pa, wesleydad) you have plenty of space in the parking lot there. 

[Teamski]

Well, I finally got back from Salisbury and all I can say is what a game!  The Sea Gulls put up quite a fight.  I was surprised with some of the passes that Curley made in the game.  He duped the Wesley secondary with a couple big plays.   He Ran really well.

Wesley kept mistakes down to a single turn-over and not too many penalties.   That's what won the game for them in the end.  The offense did really well starting up, but petered out midway through the game.  Luckily, a stout defense limited the Gulls to 21 points (as was accurately predicted by yours trully  ) and the offense awakened again in the 4th.  Hats off to McSweeney as he did a great job throwing and running. 

The Gulls did a good job keeping the ball from Larry Beavers, although that gave Wesley great field position throughout the day as Salisbury short-kicked the ball.  So what you gain without Beavers, you lost with poor kicking.

Jon Lanouette (mispronounced throughout the game by the announcer as Lonette), had a great game and really came back to the fore. 

Well, it's now time to wait to see if Wesley gets the Pool B bid without being on the Regional list.....

-Ski

[muledaddy]

.Wesleydad,

Congrats on your team making it through the always tough Gulls game.We are on course for our meeting

in late november;so far so good.

[PA_wesleyfan]

muledaddy

be careful what you wish for

[wesleydad]

just got back from salisbury via a stop in dover.  the game went as i expected.  wesley did what had to be done on d, holding the gulls rushing attack under 200 yards.  i have to give credit to the gulls QB hurley, he is an excellent player and if not for several dropped passes this could have been a different game.  i still have concerns with the lack of a pass rush although hurley had many quick passes.  when he did set up he had plenty of time and if wesley comes across a passing team i think they may be in trouble without a pass rush.  jon lanuette made 2 excellent catches for his touchdowns, coming back for an underthrown pass for the first td and getting away from a hold on the second one.  this win will hopefully move wesley into the top 10 in the region.

muledaddy, the end of november is not far off, but i am not sure if there will be any meeting since it seems that too many things are still up in the air.  congrats on your win also.

[wesleydad]

gulls fans, sorry for the miss type, i meant curley when talking about your QB