FB: American Rivers Conference

[Schipper Strong]

Too many years ago to count Central essentially lost both the first and second string QBs the same day. Starting QB found out he had a hairline fracture of the vertebrae in the neck before loading the bus to go to Simpson and second string QB played entire second half with a broken jaw. Happened to be the last game of the season. We went into the playoffs on a Pool C bid having lost that last game on a mixed extra point, but being rated all season. I couldn't talk anyone into going to the game against Concordia-MN because without a QB nobody gave us a prayer of winning. Our defense was our strong suit and I figured if they couldn't score, we couldn't lose. Our FR QB threw 3 passes, one incompletion and 2 interceptions. But the defense held the first half. We ran the opening kickoff of the second half back for a TD and won 7-0. Then we beat UWW and Augustana (the king of DIii at the time) and lost in the Stagg Bowl to Ithaca.

A week of practice, knowing who the starter will be will help. It didn't help us in that first game, but then we moved a WR to QB. It worked wonders. You don't have any WRs who were QBs in HS do you? Aurora won't be easy. I thought you were susceptible to the pass after you played Central, but it looks like you may have fixed that. Keep believing. Keep hanging close and then make something happen.

[hazzben]

From what I understand, the injury to Nile is one that will not make him available this week, or the following games should the Knights advance, so Markham will be the guy.

That's really a bummer.  I feel terrible for the guy. 

In the post-game press conference, WB's coach made the point that you draw up an offensive game plan around the guys that are starting the game, so when a backup QB with a somewhat different skillset enters the game, it can be a mismatch between your game plan and the strengths/weaknesses of your backup QB.  I suspect with the week to prepare, WB's staff will have a plan together that will cater to what Markham does best.  At the very least, your RB is a stud. 

That's a really tough break. Bethel's run into that limitation a couple of times in deep playoff runs, Wetzel was injured late against Central in 2007 and Peterson late against Wartburg in 2013. We didn't have backups who were nearly strong enough to carry us and it showed in the next round. Being truly deep at key positions plays a major role this time of year.

One thing for Wartburg is you seem to be a team driven by your D and running game. Not taking anything away from the QB, but the run seemed to setup the pass. There's a lot about that mix that is favorable for helping a backup QB settle in. And if you can get the ground game going, play action offers some opportunities for easier completions.

[Pat Coleman]

Too many years ago to count Central essentially lost both the first and second string QBs the same day. Starting QB found out he had a hairline fracture of the vertebrae in the neck before loading the bus to go to Simpson and second string QB played entire second half with a broken jaw. Happened to be the last game of the season. We went into the playoffs on a Pool C bid having lost that last game on a mixed extra point, but being rated all season. I couldn't talk anyone into going to the game against Concordia-MN because without a QB nobody gave us a prayer of winning. Our defense was our strong suit and I figured if they couldn't score, we couldn't lose. Our FR QB threw 3 passes, one incompletion and 2 interceptions. But the defense held the first half. We ran the opening kickoff of the second half back for a TD and won 7-0. Then we beat UWW and Augustana (the king of DIii at the time) and lost in the Stagg Bowl to Ithaca.

Back then, all playoff bids were at-large. Pools didn't start until the fall of 1999.

[Knights2013]

All great points. Wartburg OC Matt Wheeler has a really creative offensive mind, and having a week to develop and refine a plan should help no doubt. Markham was really successful in high school, so it will be exciting to see how he performs this week - obviously this is a bigger stage than high school, but he's no stranger to big games.

One of the areas I was most impressed with Wartburg last week was red zone defense. SJU started to find a few things that worked and moved the ball well at various times throughout the game, but the Knights held up in a big way near the end zone. Hopefully that's the case this weekend! Although you have to respect the passing game, look for the Knights to try to apply a lot of pressure through various blitzes, and put themselves into a lot of 1 on 1 situations on the outside.

Expecting a big game out of Claasen. He runs hard, breaks tackles, and seems to find cutback lanes very well. As mentioned before, expect a lot of the quick pass game - Wartburg had it going to start against SJU. If they can get the ball out quick and get the run game going, hopefully that opens a few opportunities to push the ball down field.

I expect a tight battle. Potentially another special teams score, or blocked punt to setup a short field and scoring opportunity to be the difference. Hopefully the Knights can keep the game clean from a penalty standpoint (no roughing the punter this week, boys!) 28-21 Knights.

[Schipper Strong]

Too many years ago to count Central essentially lost both the first and second string QBs the same day. Starting QB found out he had a hairline fracture of the vertebrae in the neck before loading the bus to go to Simpson and second string QB played entire second half with a broken jaw. Happened to be the last game of the season. We went into the playoffs on a Pool C bid having lost that last game on a mixed extra point, but being rated all season. I couldn't talk anyone into going to the game against Concordia-MN because without a QB nobody gave us a prayer of winning. Our defense was our strong suit and I figured if they couldn't score, we couldn't lose. Our FR QB threw 3 passes, one incompletion and 2 interceptions. But the defense held the first half. We ran the opening kickoff of the second half back for a TD and won 7-0. Then we beat UWW and Augustana (the king of DIii at the time) and lost in the Stagg Bowl to Ithaca.

Back then, all playoff bids were at-large. Pools didn't start until the fall of 1999.

Sorry Pat, my mistake. I just knew that we didn't win the conference because of that 1 pt loss to Simpson.

It was really strange having #87 as QB.

[Schipper Strong]

I am probably the only one that enjoyed these trips back in time for Central College memorable moments, but I will post it anyway. Maybe Bluenote will reminisce about what inspired Leave No Doubt as the Wildcat motto.

https://athletics.central.edu/sports/2016/12/2/magic-dutch-moments.aspx

[wartknight]

Game day! Same routine as Lax; an am workout, round up the cold weather gear, & meet for some pre-game wings & bevys. Also, it would be great to have the d post a 6 spot on the board!

[USee]

Is Wartburg video feed always zoomed out so far?  Feels like a rooftop game at Wrigley Field.

[Alfredeneumann]

The main camera location is located in press box about 35' above field level. Probably running a smaller than normal crew because 300+ students involved with Christmas programs this weekend on campus. Also some doing MBB game NOW.  2pm Central. I'm happy to be able to watch.

[Schipper Strong]

Congratulations Wartburg! On to the semifinals! Not a Wartburg fan most of the time, but am all for raising the ARC profile. Sure makes me feel better about Central losing in the last minute of the game. I think playing in Pella every year is toughening you up. Want to come back next year? 

[Outside the Crate]

Schipper Strong:  Definitely Not!

45-17 -- how beautiful. Wartburg is in the Final Four!  An impressive performance in every aspect of the game.  This team has the talent to win all the marbles.

Hunter Clasen deserves some kind of trophy today (3 touchdowns today and 18 for the year).

Parker Rochford gets the game ball -- a 70 yard pick six that was amazing.

[Schipper Strong]

Schipper Strong:  Definitely Not!

45-17 -- how beautiful. Wartburg is in the Final Four!  An impressive performance in every aspect of the game.  This team has the talent to win all the marbles.

Okay, when your super seniors are gone we will be happy to beat you at home. 

Seriously though that was an outstanding performance today. It is the best I have seen you play. Aurora had an excellent team, but they were physically drained the second half. Nice win.

[doolittledog]

Great win yesterday...keep it going Wartburg...this has been fun to follow!

[Rhythm21]

Wartburg is an elite team, no doubt about it. Congrats on the win this past saturday, you guys absolutely earned it. As an Aurora fan, I hope I never have to hear the names Rochford, Downing or Clasen again, haha. But I do hope those guys and the rest of the Wartburg squad take that energy to Mount Union in Alliance. Show them that it doesn't matter how many east coast teams they get fed by the playoff committee; that eventually they'll run into a hard-nosed midwest team that can go punch for punch with them. Good luck this Saturday!

[Knights2013]

Great win, Knights! Reports from the game were that McLaughlin felt good enough to play 90 minutes before kickoff - but had not practiced at all leading up to the game. That said, hats off to Nile for a gutsy performance. Hopefully another week of getting that injury feeling better and practice will bode well for the Knights against Mt. Union. No doubt will be a tough game, but all games are tough when you're in the playoffs! Keep the train rollin!