FB: American Rivers Conference

[DutchFan2004]

Nice meeting AZ Dutchman after the game.  It is a shame these 4 years have gone by so fast and your son is a senior but you will always have the memories.

Nice to see AZD again and to meet a couple of your kids. And you got to see your son help keep the Central tradition alive.  Hope you have had a great visit and that those Dutch letters get home okay.

On activities outside the lines, very nice to visit with you AZD!  Hope your trip to Pella was enjoyable, I'm sure that win helped out!

It was awesome to meet all of you! I had the chance to meet others also. With talking with all of you, I heard such a great history that stands with Central. Old players, coaches and games. Hearing about when you and your sons had played at Central. It was very nice to meet your families also. I had such a great time at the game! and Yes the win did help.

Dutch Letters? I came home with a full box of bakeries. No chance of any of those missing...I had my own selection to eat from. Mrs. AZD had a huge smile.

My thanks to all. I couldn't have had a better time! 

The pastries do make a trip to Pella much easier.   

[AZDutchman]

Old Dutch, you are so right on the o-line play.  What do you think is the issue there this year?

One thing that I think is happening....The type of rotation. I know any player has to be ready to go at any time, but I got the inside information that they're feeling cold when getting back into the game. Hitting the switch on and off multiple times can be tricky.
I think if the game was closer, the level of play would have been much different. In their minds, I don't think the urgency was there. It wasn't until the game got close that the their play changed and it was almost too late.

[Klompen]

I don't think there is much to choose from between BVU, Central, Dubuque, Simpson, and Wartburg this season. 

I will stick to my assertion that Dubuque isn't having a down year.  Not the year they wanted.  But not the year Central, Simpson or Wartburg wanted either.  I imagine BVU is pretty happy with life right about now...especially after an 0-5 start.

The difference is that fans of Central, who did not win the conference last year, as UD did, is willing to call this a down year.  I would guess Wartburg fans feel the same, though I don't want to speak for them.  As Willie said, my mentality is in the past, and I still consider any year with more than 2 losses a down year, and we have been down a couple of years now by that standard.  I do agree there is little difference between Central, Simpson, WB, UD, and BV, which doesn't say much for any of them.  I'm not even sure Coe is what I would call strong outside of the conference, playoffs will tell that story.  Their early competition wasn't that much and, sadly the IIAC isn't strong competition either, though UD certainly gave them a run for their money, AND if you want to say you are have a great season on the outcome of that one game, go ahead.  The rest of us, I think, will look at the won-loss record and final standings.  Would love to see Central right there one game off Coe at the end.  But even if we could pull off the upset Saturday, it would be a strong finish, that would be great for our seniors and a fantastic springboard for a young group of players that will be back next year; but still a down year over all.

[notlongago]

I don't think there is much to choose from between BVU, Central, Dubuque, Simpson, and Wartburg this season. 

I will stick to my assertion that Dubuque isn't having a down year.  Not the year they wanted.  But not the year Central, Simpson or Wartburg wanted either.  I imagine BVU is pretty happy with life right about now...especially after an 0-5 start.

The difference is that fans of Central, who did not win the conference last year, as UD did, is willing to call this a down year.  I would guess Wartburg fans feel the same, though I don't want to speak for them.  As Willie said, my mentality is in the past, and I still consider any year with more than 2 losses a down year, and we have been down a couple of years now by that standard.  I do agree there is little difference between Central, Simpson, WB, UD, and BV, which doesn't say much for any of them.  I'm not even sure Coe is what I would call strong outside of the conference, playoffs will tell that story.  Their early competition wasn't that much and, sadly the IIAC isn't strong competition either, though UD certainly gave them a run for their money, AND if you want to say you are have a great season on the outcome of that one game, go ahead.  The rest of us, I think, will look at the won-loss record and final standings.  Would love to see Central right there one game off Coe at the end.  But even if we could pull off the upset Saturday, it would be a strong finish, that would be great for our seniors and a fantastic springboard for a young group of players that will be back next year; but still a down year over all.

100% true...again, well said.

[Klompen]

I think what set Willie off and what at least got my attention was you saying you didn't think Centrals win over Dubuque meant anything because Dubuque was having a down year.  The reality is, outside of Coe, Dubuque is doing as well as anyone else in the conference. To me it seemed like in your opinion Dubuque was a rung below BVU, Central, Simpson, and Wartburg.  The reality is, all these teams seem pretty even.  A whole mess of games decided by 1 to 7 points.  Wartburg with one big win and Dubuque taking Coe to OT being the only outliers of the bunch.

Hey, don't get me wrong, Central's win over UD is just as meaningful in Central avoiding a losing season as the win over Wartburg.  And I don't think UD is a rung below BV, Simpson, Wartburg or Central.  I think they are very comparable with the exception that they are the only team to be very competitive against Coe.  To be honest, I would be thrilled if Central could do as well this weekend, and I will likely have a heart attack if Central could actually win.  But I hope you can understand why I would consider Central beating defending conference champion UD felt much more exciting week one of the conference than it does now that you have 3 conference losses.  That was all I meant, and I would stand by that.

[AZDutchman]

My hats off to the Wartburg Tailgate. They definitely were winners there. I drove by and seen the big orange flag and almost made a u turn to join in on the festivities.

I have to add the looks on the faces of the Central fans when Wartburg came back at the end....

[5 Words or Less]

Congratulations Coe - first outright title!

http://www.iowaconference.com/news/2012/8/17/FB_0817122634.aspx?path=football

1st Dubuque, 52 points
2nd Wartburg, 48
3rd Simpson 41
4th Central 40
5th Coe 39
6th Buena Vista 23
7th Luther 22
8th Loras 15

[Old Dutch]

Old Dutch, you are so right on the o-line play.  What do you think is the issue there this year?

One thing that I think is happening....The type of rotation. I know any player has to be ready to go at any time, but I got the inside information that they're feeling cold when getting back into the game. Hitting the switch on and off multiple times can be tricky.
I think if the game was closer, the level of play would have been much different. In their minds, I don't think the urgency was there. It wasn't until the game got close that the their play changed and it was almost too late.

I agree with AZD.  A big rotation of players is a definite benefit on the d-line and the receivers.  It keeps them fresh.  Two units need the consistency of a well oiled machine, the o-line and the d-backs.  Both need to know and trust in what the rest of the unit is doing on each play.  It appears there are about 8 guys in and out on a regular basis.  Leads to confusion and inconsistency. 

I think just like the qb rotation at the beginning of the year, this young team will be be better off when a group separates themselves and becomes a definite top unit.  It's too late this year, although a strong performance Sat. is the right way to start!  over a long off season a lot of progress can be made to make that happen too!

[doolittledog]

With a week left in the season, I was forgetful to congratulate Coe on winning the IIAC football title. 

So congrats.  Now go off and make some noise in the D3 playoffs.  This Spartan fan will be cheering for you!!!

[NewKnightDad]

Wow, the Central faithful have been on here in force since Saturday's game, must have been a big win.  Sounds like it was an interesting game like all of them have been lately between these two teams.

I to will be a Coe fan after next week, and I will certainly be there if they get a home game.

[warthog]

Wow, the Central faithful have been on here in force since Saturday's game, must have been a big win.  Sounds like it was an interesting game like all of them have been lately between these two teams.

I to will be a Coe fan after next week, and I will certainly be there if they get a home game.

If Coe gets a home game, I think it might be enjoyable to have an IIAC tailgate in their honor.  Everyone could show up in their favorite team's gear, but cheer as a group in support of our IIAC representative in the playoff.

[wartknight]

Wow, the Central faithful have been on here in force since Saturday's game, must have been a big win.  Sounds like it was an interesting game like all of them have been lately between these two teams.

I to will be a Coe fan after next week, and I will certainly be there if they get a home game.

If Coe gets a home game, I think it might be enjoyable to have an IIAC tailgate in their honor.  Everyone could show up in their favorite team's gear, but cheer as a group in support of our IIAC representative in the playoff.

Count me in, although I would probably be in my Wart gear anyway! ...My nephew is a Coe grad & supplied me with some Hack clothing, but I may have burned it when we were short on wood for our fire pit!

[notlongago]

Wow, the Central faithful have been on here in force since Saturday's game, must have been a big win.  Sounds like it was an interesting game like all of them have been lately between these two teams.

I to will be a Coe fan after next week, and I will certainly be there if they get a home game.

On that note, lets take a walk down memeory lane and remember some of the recent games between these two

2007: Central wins in Waverly on a pick as Wartburg was going in for the winning score in the last minute for the conference title (A questionable call: incomplete pass[spike] or fumble as Central takes the lead)
2008: Wartburg wins on a last min. FG at Centrals HC
2009: Central wins easily in waverly (the outlier)
2010: Wartburg wins in Pella to take the conference title by blocking a Central FG attempt in the last minute (A questionable call: was it a TD for warty or a fumble recovery for the dutch)
2011: Wartburg wins as the tying TD pass falls incomplete at the 1 yard line on the last play
2012: Central wins by stopping the Knights on a 4th & 2 a few yards out of the end zone after a TD was called back in the last minute

Don't quote me on any of the results, but that's how I remember them in my head...please correct any details that were wrong as it is likely there are some. What I do know for a fact is that there can't be any series between 2 teams the past 6-7 years any closer than this one...it always comes down to the last drive if not the last play...Amazing. This rivalry has everything you want: Good teams, titles on the line, fair/sportsman like play, controversy on both sides, drama, story lines, etc.

[DutchFan2004]

Wow, the Central faithful have been on here in force since Saturday's game, must have been a big win.  Sounds like it was an interesting game like all of them have been lately between these two teams.

I to will be a Coe fan after next week, and I will certainly be there if they get a home game.

If Coe gets a home game, I think it might be enjoyable to have an IIAC tailgate in their honor.  Everyone could show up in their favorite team's gear, but cheer as a group in support of our IIAC representative in the playoff.

GREAT IDEA!  I will be up for that. 

[Ash Park]

http://www.kcrg.com/sports/local/Former-CPU-Head-Football-Coach-Ted-Rogers-Dies-Of-Cancer-177186661.html

The state of Iowa and the coaching world lost a great one this weekend. He has coached many players who went on to have great IIAC careers. Thoughts and prayers are with the Center Point-Urbana community and Coach Ted Rogers family today.