FB: American Rivers Conference

[Schipper Strong]

BV is scoring more this year, but after UD completely shut down Central two years ago, I have faith in UD. Something I never considered saying 30 years ago.
NWU will get a conference win over Luther.
Loras will be a normal team in a challenging year so far for Simpson, but I don't know if they have the will to claw their way out of the cellar. I want them to go undefeated from here on, but do they want it? I go with Loras until Simpson stops playing defense optional football.
That leaves the Central-Wartburg rematch from two years ago. This is a better Central team than two years ago. Wartburg no longer has Coach Willis. They do still have Jojo McNair and Central's point of vulnerability is in kick and punt return coverage. We need to bring our A game, but this one is Central's game to win or lose. This Central team has something I used to feel with most Schipper coached teams. I believe in them. DD is right easier than expected win for Central.

[Schipper Strong]

Amazing what a day like Saturday will do for boosting the team and some key players into NCAA DIII statistical leadership positions. Keep that momentum going Dutch!

[doolittledog]

We will be in the stands for the UD game on Saturday. Which I think is our first game since homecoming 2019. We will also be back in town on the 16th for homecoming. Large contingent of old friends making the homecoming journey this year. Us graybeards are looking forward to getting out and seeing each other again after a long hibernation.

[Schipper Strong]

https://athletics.central.edu/news/2021/9/29/football-central-hosts-clash-of-league-football-contenders.aspx

The above is the pregame write-up for Saturday's clash with Wartburg. Looking forward to watching it.

[Schipper Strong]

Under better late than never news: Congratulations to Blade Durbala and Blaine Hawkins for being named to the D3 football Team of the Week! Also to Hawkins and Logan Sunvold for conference player of the week recognition. Not too many players going 12 for 12 on extra point attempts. What do you think 10 for 10 Saturday? 😜

[Schipper Strong]

Nice to see the American Rivers Conference climb two notches from 13 to 11 this year in the conference ratings. Wartburg and Central both making the playoffs and advancing beyond the first round shows we can compete.

[doolittledog]

Here's to a great weekend of football.  I'm anxious to make that drive to Dubuque tomorrow.  It's great to have football back on our schedules, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. 

[Schipper Strong]

It is nice, no fantastic, being able to go to games again. Should be great weather for the games tomorrow in Central Iowa. Can't wait! Go Dutch!

[doolittledog]

Halftime in Dubuque. Spartans 14-13 over the Beavers.
When the sun is shining it's beastly hot. When the clouds cover the field it's a nice fall day.
Bring on the 2nd half!

[Schipper Strong]

21-10 Central at the half.

[doolittledog]

Final score
Dubuque 31-16 over Buena Vista

[Schipper Strong]

Central 49, Wartburg 24. Prayers for Central player and Pella Christian alum Noah Triemer who was injured during the game. Nice to see Central and Wartburg players take a knee in respect for a player taken off on a stretcher. Good to see him cheering the team on as they took him away. Wartburg hung in for the first half, but fell behind by 32 at one point. Good game Dutch!

[doolittledog]

Final scores...

Central 49-24 over Wartburg
Dubuque 31-16 over BVU
Loras 21-13 over Simpson
NWU  28-21 over Luther

Standings...

Central  3-0  5-0
Loras...  3-0  3-2
Dubuque 2-0  3-1
Coe........1-1  3-1
Wartburg 1-1  2-2
Neb Wes 1-2  3-2
BVU........1-2  2-3
Luther.....0-3  0-5
Simpson..0-3  0-5

Next week, 10-09-2021

Central @ Coe  1pm
Dubuque @ NWU  1pm
Loras @ Wartburg  1:30  Homecoming
Luther @ Simpson  1pm

BVU  BYE week

[Schipper Strong]

Central is ranked for their offensive prowess with all the skilled players stepping up over and over. Weaknesses have been cited on special teams, particularly kick returns and punt returns. Those guys get a big shoutout for their performance yesterday. If you weren't paying attention you might question why the kickoffs were unusually low. Sunvold did an excellent job of making it impossible for McNair to get a big return. Not to mention 7-7 extra points. Then there was the blocked field goal, which was amazing. Nothing like having our punt returner up front to cover the onside kick attempt. The defense also gets a shoutout on getting the fumble recovery at the two yard line. Oh the offense did their thing too! Changing things up so the defense could rest and masterfully running down the clock. Nice job men.

[Schipper Strong]

Blaine Hawkins has already set a very high bar by which future Central quarterbacks will be judged. I say let him loose in the future games with the possible exception of UD, who knew the Central passing routes better than our receivers in 2019. Every QB that sets the records is phenomenal at the time. Tim Connell carried Central on his back in many games just finding a way to win a heart stopper of a game. In retrospect, Tim was a gifted QB who pales in comparison. I can't wait to see the QB that makes Hawkins a blip on the radar of Central greats!