FB: American Rivers Conference

[SpeedKills84]

I've been tryin to think of what to say about this last week's game.  I've ragged on the Cornell D pretty hard this year, and now it was the offense that really took a dive, not that the D was that amazing either.  Coe's D proved too much for the Cornell O-line which shows in the form of 3 sacks and a 1.1 yd rushing ave. for the Rams.  And Coe which isn't touted as having a stellar and proven offense still managed to get the job done.  The Rams are thus far last in scoring defense, last in rushing defense, and next to last in passing defense (in IIAC).  Couple that with a next to last ranking in total offense in the conference, and it spells utter disappointment.  Is it playcalling?  Is it the players? Game preparation? Coaches? At this point I don't even know that it matters.  I haven't given up on the Rams, I'm just disappointed.  As a former player you always hope this is the year, and when its not.  It sucks.  There's still 7 games left.  Lets hope for the best.  

[coocooforcoekohawk]

Is it playcalling?  Is it the players? Game preparation? Coaches? At this point I don't even know that it matters.  I haven't given up on the Rams, I'm just disappointed.  As a former player you always hope this is the year, and when its not.  It sucks.  There's still 7 games left.  Lets hope for the best.  

These guys better start playing for Dillon and buying in to what he is selling.  Cornell is not going to find a better coach given the circumstances.  He understands the IIAC, but if I was Dillon I would start looking for a better job if this team can't play better for him.  These Rams better step up or go back to the MWC.  Great coaches can come from Cornell, just ask Willis!

[Fannosaurus Rex]

What a beautiful day in Mount Vernon.  The Kohawks looked good, and we are off on the right foot for the IIAC season.  I sat on top of my Jeep all day just beyond the west end zone.  Listened to Jerry and Thurney call the game and was pleasantly surprised to hear my old friend Eric Oliver perform his duties as side line reporter for the KFAN.  Had many fun nights down at the Paradise Club and Coopacabana with Eric, Percy and Wendy Dunn's brother in-law.  I'd love to have another dumpster party sometime, maybe we can call up Sammy too.

Thanks for the great day, the only part that sucked is when a current Coe student asked me if I had a son playing.  My son is only six, do I look that bad?

Can't wait for the alumni swim meet next weekend during homecoming.
Go Kohawks !!!!

I don't want to get people started making fun of Central for not being a party school again, but I've never been to a dumpster party.  What is it?
Central lost to Wartburg yesterday and, much to my surprise, the sun still came up this morning.

[sportsknight]

I think Willis was out coached yesterday. 

Willis had 15 returning starters from a team that only had one conference loss, that being by a last second field goal by the team that went 3 games into the playoffs.  Central had 6 returning starters, one of whom has a blown out knee.  The QB spot was up for grabs and it looked like Snead might have been on the way to winning it when he was injured.  Central was only playing their second game of the season and the first game was two weeks ago against a team that is not going to have a successful season. 

The first half, Central had some scoring opportunities that we could not convert on.  Not unusual for so many new players in their second game of the season.  The third quarter we went down 16-3.  Willis, with his more experienced team, playing their third game of the season, should have been able to put us away at that point.  But Central showed that they have the same spirit as last year, never give up, never stop believing.  The coaching adjustments were put in place and we came back to take the lead.  We gave WB a gift when we intercepted a pass on 4th down instead of just knocking it down, since we would have gotten the ball further upfield.  WB's FG barely wobbled over the posts, had that been another 10-15 yards out, Central wins.  Even when WB went ahead with 41 seconds left, Central made a valient effort, assisted by WB finally getting called for the interference penalties.

In my eyes, Coach Mac was again the better coach.  Coach Willis just had the more experienced players and they managed to get it done.  Barely.

Once again, I think you're either expecting too much of Wartburg or not giving your Dutch enough credit.  Both of these programs have enough success and tradition on their side that they can bring in the quality of player, year in and year out, that can step in and perform in just about any situation.  Too say that Wartburg should have won by more because they have more returners from last year is a little much.  Guess I missed it last fall when you said that McMartin got outcoached for only beating Wartburg by a couple points, even though Central had so many guys back from back-to-back championship teams and Wartburg was starting a sophomore QB.

I don't mean to sound like I don't want to hear any discussion of games from week to week, but all this "Wartburg should have won by more" and "Willis got outcoached" talk really takes away from a very well played game by both teams.  Both teams definitely have some things to work on, as one would expect in just the 3rd week of the season, but a game that features only 3 turnovers and just 10 penalties between the two teams counts as very well-played in my book.  Wartburg now knows the importance of getting an early lead and not panicing of that lead is erased.  Central, as a young team, now knows that they have what it takes to come back from an early deficit if need be.  Lots of good to be take away from this contest for both teams.

[sportsknight]

And for what its worth, I overhead Coach Willis tell one of the refs that last pass interference call was the worst he'd ever seen.  Just sayin'.

[KCDutch]

I think Willis was out coached yesterday. 

Willis had 15 returning starters from a team that only had one conference loss, that being by a last second field goal by the team that went 3 games into the playoffs.  Central had 6 returning starters, one of whom has a blown out knee.  The QB spot was up for grabs and it looked like Snead might have been on the way to winning it when he was injured.  Central was only playing their second game of the season and the first game was two weeks ago against a team that is not going to have a successful season. 

The first half, Central had some scoring opportunities that we could not convert on.  Not unusual for so many new players in their second game of the season.  The third quarter we went down 16-3.  Willis, with his more experienced team, playing their third game of the season, should have been able to put us away at that point.  But Central showed that they have the same spirit as last year, never give up, never stop believing.  The coaching adjustments were put in place and we came back to take the lead.  We gave WB a gift when we intercepted a pass on 4th down instead of just knocking it down, since we would have gotten the ball further upfield.  WB's FG barely wobbled over the posts, had that been another 10-15 yards out, Central wins.  Even when WB went ahead with 41 seconds left, Central made a valient effort, assisted by WB finally getting called for the interference penalties.

In my eyes, Coach Mac was again the better coach.  Coach Willis just had the more experienced players and they managed to get it done.  Barely.

Once again, I think you're either expecting too much of Wartburg or not giving your Dutch enough credit.  Both of these programs have enough success and tradition on their side that they can bring in the quality of player, year in and year out, that can step in and perform in just about any situation.  Too say that Wartburg should have won by more because they have more returners from last year is a little much.  Guess I missed it last fall when you said that McMartin got outcoached for only beating Wartburg by a couple points, even though Central had so many guys back from back-to-back championship teams and Wartburg was starting a sophomore QB.

I don't mean to sound like I don't want to hear any discussion of games from week to week, but all this "Wartburg should have won by more" and "Willis got outcoached" talk really takes away from a very well played game by both teams.  Both teams definitely have some things to work on, as one would expect in just the 3rd week of the season, but a game that features only 3 turnovers and just 10 penalties between the two teams counts as very well-played in my book.  Wartburg now knows the importance of getting an early lead and not panicing of that lead is erased.  Central, as a young team, now knows that they have what it takes to come back from an early deficit if need be.  Lots of good to be take away from this contest for both teams.

I'd agree SK.  Both teams played well and both teams have areas to improve.....congrats to both the Dutch and the Knights on an exciting game.  The Knights were the better team Saturday.


I really enjoyed being able to watch the game online, its nice for alumni outside the state of IA.

[KCDutch]

I think Willis was out coached yesterday.  I'm not taking anything away from Wartburg's win.  They did what they had to do and came away with a victory at Central, not something that happens very often.  But on the coaching, I give it to Coach Mac, I know I have red glasses, but here's why.
We gave WB a gift when we intercepted a pass on 4th down instead of just knocking it down, since we would have gotten the ball further upfield.  WB's FG barely wobbled over the posts, had that been another 10-15 yards out, Central wins.  Even when WB went ahead with 41 seconds left, Central made a valient effort, assisted by WB finally getting called for the interference penalties.
In my eyes, Coach Mac was again the better coach.  Coach Willis just had the more experienced players and they managed to get it done.  Barely.

Old man Klomp,
For being a superior coached team,  why did the kid intercept  the ball rather than purposely knock  it to the ground on 4th down if the field position was that much better? 
     
Also, it sounds like your bitching about the officials not calling PI on WB.   What plays are you specifically referring to? My guess is that you don't appreciate agressive/physical play by a secondary. (which WB typically is) 
Any offense gets more than enough calls on PI during a game/season.  Frankly, people compain about that call way too much.  If it's a close call (which happens often) I don't see why it should favor the offense. 

DD-

You didn't play in the secondary for Willis at Wartburg or did you?  I couldn't tell from your message above.   Klomp gave his opinions (after a tough loss) w/  red glasses, nothing more. 

I'm not a Willis fan, but I respect his accomplishments/record at Wartburg.  He is a very good coach. 

[coocooforcoekohawk]

I don't want to get people started making fun of Central for not being a party school again, but I've never been to a dumpster party.  What is it?

It does not surprise me that people from Central have never made it to a dumpster party!

A dumpster party is when the bar closes at 2:00 AM, you buy a case of beer, and sit out behind the bar next to the dumpster. The party goes till the case is gone.  Sometime after 3:30 AM.

See, when you played in the MWC you could party hardcore and still win.

Go Kohawks!!!

[coocooforcoekohawk]

We gave WB a gift when we intercepted a pass on 4th down instead of just knocking it down, since we would have gotten the ball further upfield. 

This really blew a hole in your argument.  Well coached teams know the situation and react accordingly.

Don't ever make me defend Wartburg again!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a taste in my mouth like I just drove by Penford, Thanks.

[SpeedKills84]

Is it playcalling?  Is it the players? Game preparation? Coaches? At this point I don't even know that it matters.  I haven't given up on the Rams, I'm just disappointed.  As a former player you always hope this is the year, and when its not.  It sucks.  There's still 7 games left.  Lets hope for the best.  

These guys better start playing for Dillon and buying in to what he is selling.  Cornell is not going to find a better coach given the circumstances.  He understands the IIAC, but if I was Dillon I would start looking for a better job if this team can't play better for him.  These Rams better step up or go back to the MWC.  Great coaches can come from Cornell, just ask Willis!

I'm actually going to agree with a Kohawk.  I'm not sure what to believe in any more.  Maybe bigfoot is real.

[Purple Heys]

I'm actually going to agree with a Kohawk.  I'm not sure what to believe in any more.  Maybe bigfoot is real.

Rest easy.  All is not lost.  Bigfoot is real...he wears #12 and plays TE for the Rams.

[Purple Heys]

I guess I am not sure if it comes down to a simple matter of playing harder.

The Rams mental outlook is critical at this point.  In the past 2 years, they have at least had non-conference success.  With that blown out the window, given the past several years, this team is staring the prospect of a 0-fer season...with what we all thought could be an improved team.  But all of that does not matter.  They need to stay focused on the game in front of them from here on out.  Their biggest opponent is their own self-doubt.

But it comes down to a matter of perserverance.  With Wartburg upcoming and the obvious difficulties awaiting, the Rams have to fight the battle of themselves and their own personal committment.  They need to break it down to 1 guy, 1 job.  You do your job and the guy next to you does his and we'll take the result win or lose.  This isn't offense vs. defense....and these are times when that kind of anti-team crap begins.

The coaches have duty to make sure this doesn't happen...but the players have the responsibility to do it.  Get back to work, keep chopping wood, or whatever cliche' floats your boat, but don't frickin' give up.  Giving up is what true losers do.

I, for one, don't believe they are losers.

[Thunderbolt]

I guess I am not sure if it comes down to a simple matter of playing harder.

The Rams mental outlook is critical at this point.  In the past 2 years, they have at least had non-conference success.  With that blown out the window, given the past several years, this team is staring the prospect of a 0-fer season...with what we all thought could be an improved team.  But all of that does not matter.  They need to stay focused on the game in front of them from here on out.  Their biggest opponent is their own self-doubt.

But it comes down to a matter of perserverance.  With Wartburg upcoming and the obvious difficulties awaiting, the Rams have to fight the battle of themselves and their own personal committment.  They need to break it down to 1 guy, 1 job.  You do your job and the guy next to you does his and we'll take the result win or lose.  This isn't offense vs. defense....and these are times when that kind of anti-team crap begins.

The coaches have duty to make sure this doesn't happen...but the players have the responsibility to do it.  Get back to work, keep chopping wood, or whatever cliche' floats your boat, but don't frickin' give up.  Giving up is what true losers do.

I, for one, don't believe they are losers.

After all, wouldn't one IIAC win be a bigger accomplishment than two non-conference wins? I'm certain two IIAC wins would be.

[DutchFan2004]

What a crazy weekend in the IIAC. Central's streak comes to an end, Luther takes out UD, and BV upends Simpson.  

Are all of our pre-season picks going to pot already?
Wartburg and Central both look a little susceptible...could another team crack the top two?
Will Cornell really win a game like we all thought they would this season?
Or will it be another week or two before we can make any real assumptions?

It is possible that another team sneaks in the top spot.  It is way early for any final places.  I think that I am on track now.  Wartburg can still lose a game and Central can still win out so my pick was for a Wartburg and Central tie for first so that can still happen.  Not that it will but it is possible.   

[DutchFan2004]

I think Willis was out coached yesterday. 

Willis had 15 returning starters from a team that only had one conference loss, that being by a last second field goal by the team that went 3 games into the playoffs.  Central had 6 returning starters, one of whom has a blown out knee.  The QB spot was up for grabs and it looked like Snead might have been on the way to winning it when he was injured.  Central was only playing their second game of the season and the first game was two weeks ago against a team that is not going to have a successful season. 

The first half, Central had some scoring opportunities that we could not convert on.  Not unusual for so many new players in their second game of the season.  The third quarter we went down 16-3.  Willis, with his more experienced team, playing their third game of the season, should have been able to put us away at that point.  But Central showed that they have the same spirit as last year, never give up, never stop believing.  The coaching adjustments were put in place and we came back to take the lead.  We gave WB a gift when we intercepted a pass on 4th down instead of just knocking it down, since we would have gotten the ball further upfield.  WB's FG barely wobbled over the posts, had that been another 10-15 yards out, Central wins.  Even when WB went ahead with 41 seconds left, Central made a valient effort, assisted by WB finally getting called for the interference penalties.

In my eyes, Coach Mac was again the better coach.  Coach Willis just had the more experienced players and they managed to get it done.  Barely.

Once again, I think you're either expecting too much of Wartburg or not giving your Dutch enough credit.  Both of these programs have enough success and tradition on their side that they can bring in the quality of player, year in and year out, that can step in and perform in just about any situation.  Too say that Wartburg should have won by more because they have more returners from last year is a little much.  Guess I missed it last fall when you said that McMartin got outcoached for only beating Wartburg by a couple points, even though Central had so many guys back from back-to-back championship teams and Wartburg was starting a sophomore QB.

I don't mean to sound like I don't want to hear any discussion of games from week to week, but all this "Wartburg should have won by more" and "Willis got outcoached" talk really takes away from a very well played game by both teams.  Both teams definitely have some things to work on, as one would expect in just the 3rd week of the season, but a game that features only 3 turnovers and just 10 penalties between the two teams counts as very well-played in my book.  Wartburg now knows the importance of getting an early lead and not panicing of that lead is erased.  Central, as a young team, now knows that they have what it takes to come back from an early deficit if need be.  Lots of good to be take away from this contest for both teams.

Your point is a great point.  Why would you expect any thing else than a close game.  2004 a 4 point Knight win, 2005 a 17 point Dutch win, 2006 a 6 point OT win by the Dutch, 2007 a 3 point last minute win but the Dutch, and 2008 a 2 point last minute win by the Knights recent game said it would be close and I thought that it would as well.  To think that Willis didn't do better cause the Knights went to the wire to win is not realistic IMHO.  The kids that were on both sides of the field were equally talented.  It was a good win for the Knights and good lesson for the Dutch.  You can learn many things from a loss.  The Dutch learned that they can come back from two scores down.  They had chances to win just came up short.  Just have to hope now that the Dutch will learn from this improve every week.  Search themselves inside and grow from this.