FB: American Rivers Conference

[Schipper Strong]

Good luck to all the teams playing their final regular season game. To the players who will be playing their final game of team football, thank you for the fun you provide all of us who are your biggest fans. Go out there and give it your all and enjoy every run, pass, catch, tackle, interception, extra point, punt, and down. We can't thank you enough.

Dutch, go out and finish strong. Next year is going to be your year, start the streak with a win over Loras. Thank you seniors. You lead the team well. Go Dutch!

[Schipper Strong]

All of the Iowa privates are struggling with enrollment and having to put massive amounts of unfunded financial aid on the table to compete. It is only a matter of time and Iowa Wesleyan is likely just the first. Central has stubbornly refused to serve anything but the traditional college student or non-traditional students willing to work within those parameters.  I hope it doesn't bite them in their Dutch backside.

[doolittledog]

I wonder if the snow will melt, so I can mow

Eh, not needed.  The Spartans don't need any karma.  They've got this!

[Knights2013]

Didn't get back over to Dubuque today for the game due to some travel/flight delay issues...but wishing I would have...UD's live stream is absolutely brutal.

[OrangeAndBlack]

UD's live stream is pathetic. WTH?

[Knights2013]

Halftime: UD 21, Warburg 20. UD finding success with their deep passing game today, lots of wide open looks for the QB.

As for the live stream, beggars cant be choosers I suppose. At least they've switched to the majority of views being from an aerial angle. The zoomed in sideline shot, sometimes consisting of the referee or ball boy, and 4 players  in view wasn't getting it done.

[Schipper Strong]

Watching Central on the TV and Dubuque-Wartburg on the tablet.  Dutch had a disastrous first quarter throwing an interception deep in Loras territory then blowing a punt deep in Loras territory. Both led to scores. Dutch down 24-10. Hawkins is playing, but you can tell he has been out for awhile. He is killing his passing stats.  They will need to step up the defense.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Nice job, Knights!  This team earned it today with a quality win on the road. Good luck in round 1 as the ARC champions.

[Schipper Strong]

Central and Loras go down to the wire but Dutch win 37 - 34. Hawkins got his game back the longer be played.  A lot to look forward to next year.

[doolittledog]

Congrats to the Knights. Now I'm hoping for a long playoff run!

[Schipper Strong]

Good luck to WB in the playoffs. Make a nice deep run to represent the conference.

Thanks to all the teams for a great season of football. Good luck to all the players and on to great careers and brad schools to the seniors at the end of the year.  Went to Central's basketball game at 4:00.  Lots of young players.  Just be a theme at Central this year. Wish football could go on longer. It has been fun.  Doolittle, I will see you on the basketball board.

[doolittledog]

With the end of the regular season we say goodbye to the senior classes.

Conference records over the past 4 years...

Wartburg  26-5  2 titles
Dubuque  .23-8  1 title
Central  ...22-9
Coe  ........18-13  1 title
Simpson  .15-16
Loras  ......10-21
Luther  ....10-21
NWU  ........7-17
BVU  .........5-26

The junior classes have 1 more year to leave their legacy

Conference records over the past 3 years...

Wartburg  20-4  2 titles
Central  ...18-6
Dubuque  16-8
Coe  .......15-9  1 title
Simpson .12-12
Luther  .....8-16
Loras  ......7-17
NWU  ......7-17
BVU  .......5-19

[Outside the Crate]

Dubuque/Wartburg was an exciting game, and it was closer than the statistics might have one believe.  It was mighty cold, but it's also a beautiful stadium (the best in the A-R-C)...and the best for visitors.

I have to say it:  UD has to get its penalties under control for goodness sakes.  I think there were three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

It will be interesting to see who/where Wartburg plays next.  I think the Knights will be underestimated by those setting up the brackets, but we'll see.  Looking back on the season, Wartburg missed their star running back who left school and quit football, but quarterback Matt Sacia is clearly one of the best.

[Pat Coleman]

Projected bracket:
http://www.d3football.com/playoffs/2018/final-playoff-projection

[sportsknight]

Perusing the site ahead of the playoff bracket reveal. I see the pre-postseason Top 25 posted. Central still receiving one vote.

WHAT?!?!?