FB: American Rivers Conference

[doolittledog]

Dubuque beats Loras 35-23.  That is 12 straight victories for the Spartans over the Duhawks.  Now if you'll excuse me I have a malt beverage in my future.  Stay safe everyone.

[DriftlessDuhawk]

Tough weekend to be a Duhawk...

Most people on the east side of Loras Blvd really felt like this was the team to accomplish what the 11 before them were unable to do. The score does not tell the entire story of the game. It was not nearly as close as the 12 point final score shows. UD beat Loras in almost every aspect of the game. After looking at the final box score it does not surprise me to see the duhawks averaged 1.5 yards per carry. It was completely mind-boggling to see the Loras coaching staff refuse to throw the ball and continue to run it between the tackles after virtually no success in the game. As I said before the game, the Duhawks would need to win the turnover battle and they lost in -2 (box score will say only one, but I am counting the dropped snap by the Loras punter as a turnover as it was). It is nice to know that most of the offense for Loras are not seniors and will be around for a while longer but alas it was the saying that is becoming all too common in the last few years SOD (Same Old Duhawks).

[Schipper Strong]

Didn't follow last weekend's games as close as I normally do. Had a girls' weekend with my sisters and niece. Had a lot of fun, listened to most of the game and watched the fourth quarter. Maybe Luther players are used to it and it is a secret weapon, but I kept losing track of the Luther players as their dark uniforms got lost on the blue turf. Central started strong and finished strong, but got lackluster performances in the second and third quarters. The Dutch will need to be sharper for the game against Dubuque on Saturday.

Big game between Wartburg and Coe this weekend. Having played Coe I expect they will give Wartburg a good game, at least defensively. Did Central just play bad against Coe or did Coe make Central look bad offensively? Does Coe have a legitimate shot or will it be another impressive win by the knights? Coe needs to clear up their own turnover issues and provide better protection in kicking situations. If the Coe offense can move the ball effectively it could be a challenge for the #3 knights.

[doolittledog]

I liked what I saw from UD last weekend.  The Spartans 2nd team all-conference QB from a year ago is out for the season with injury.  Backup QB comes in and was named conference offensive player of the week.

On to Pella and a homecoming game against the Dutch.  Looking forward to a well played game.   

[Schipper Strong]

I am not sure what to expect from the Dutch. Last year I doubted their ability win at UD. This year I am not sure how we compare to last year's team. I think the defense is better, but the offense is struggling or inconsistent. I rarely doubt Central teams and feel traitorous doing so now. Weather forecast is for ridiculously hot for the end of September. I am going to pick Central to win, but it is going to be too close for comfort. I give the Dutch the edge after watching all the lemmings run to their demise in the pond Friday night. It can't be for naught.

[doolittledog]

Getting into the meat of the season now. 

09/30/2023

Coe @ Wartburg 1pm ...battle of the unbeatens
Luther @ NWU  1pm  ...I think Luther has looked better than their record.  Can NWU, playing at home, move to 4-1 overall?
Dubuque @ Central 1pm ...can the Spartans spoil the Dutch homecoming?
Simpson @ BVU  1pm  From the little I have seen, both teams look improved from last year, but that might not lead to any more wins than last season.

[wartknight]

Plan on hitting the Knight/Hack game tomorrow depending on how my am work flow goes. Will be a change of pace from last week as I was among the 100k+ Rocky Topping @ Neyland stadium. Coe has played the Knights tough historically, but I like the Knights by more than last yrs margin.

[Schipper Strong]

At the half Central 28 - UD 10. Central is looking good and settled with Hoffman at QB. In the game of the week Coe 21- Wartburg 14 at the half. Mighty hot out there. Temp here is 92. I think the teams with the most relief players to keep starters fresh will win.

[Schipper Strong]

Well I have to admit the Coe game left me worried about the Dutch. Today makes me feel much better. Coe giving Wartburg a good game makes me feel better. As Coach Wares said on the broadcast coverage of today's game "This was a breakout game by a quarterback saying he wants the job." Now if he can just keep improving each week and have another breakout game against Wartburg. Can't believe how quick half the season has already gone!

[BLynn]

Happy for Coach Keller at NWU. 4-1 with a few winnable games left on the schedule.

[Fannosaurus Rex]

I am enjoying watching whoever runs the Central football video stream learning to use the new resources they have. Sentimental old sap that I am I even enjoyed the shots of the little kids playing around in the spectator grass.  The video crew seem to have figured out that the best place to watch the game is from the press box and the other cameras can give a little more of the game day experience.  It was a little disorienting when the picture went stobe on me towards the end of the second quarter.  Those sixties flashbacks are a real trip man.

[doolittledog]

I am enjoying watching whoever runs the Central football video stream learning to use the new resources they have. Sentimental old sap that I am I even enjoyed the shots of the little kids playing around in the spectator grass.  The video crew seem to have figured out that the best place to watch the game is from the press box and the other cameras can give a little more of the game day experience.  It was a little disorienting when the picture went stobe on me towards the end of the second quarter.  Those sixties flashbacks are a real trip man.

When the camera went into strobe effect near the end of the first half that was enough for me.  After the seeing the final score, this old Spartan fan is happy I didn't stick around to watch that. 

Flush that result and move onto the NWU game this week for UD. 

[Spurrier]

Been a long time...

one question

"Why the defense not workin?"

[Schipper Strong]

Hey Spurrier! Welcome back! I used to be Klompen. I expected more of a challenge from the UD defense as well. Glad Central got the confidence booster. Next Dubuque challenge is Loras. Avenge last year's loss Dutch. Everyone stay healthy.

[Schipper Strong]

What's up with the Loras feed?