FB: American Southwest Conference

[GillCJ1]

Belhaven defeated Rhodes 39-10 in a scrimmage at Rhodes tonight.

Rhodes had a 7-3 record last year and defeated Belhaven's opening opponent, Millsaps, in the final game of the season last year.

Passing game looked good in the scrimmage. McEachern, the UTEP transfer can sling it in the Air Raid. Defense looked more solid but still lacks depth. Can't lose 7 starters in the first two weeks like last year.

Blazers will probably start 2-2. Millsaps and Howard Payne are definite winnable games. TLU and ETBU on the road are probably losses. The next two are interesting - McMurry and Southwestern. They aren't going to beat UMHB or Hardin Simmons, but that have LC and Sul Ross at home. A 5-5 record (or better if they can pull an upset) is not out of the question if they stay healthy.

Hey Blaze, good to see you back this year.  I think the Blazers have a good shot at being a better team than they have been the past few seasons (record-wise).   5-5 is probably optimistic, but honestly, it gets kinda hard to predict some of those games.  Millsaps and HPU are probably wins.  After that, it gets kinda muddy.  I think the Blazers have a chance against McMurry, Southwestern, and even Louisiana College.  But the other games will be tough.  UMHB, HSU, and ETBU are almost assuredly a loss.  TLU is kind of an unknown to me right now, but I still favor the boys from Seguin.  I'm very interested to see how you guys perform against Sul Ross State.  That should be a pretty good barometer for where this team is considering the Lobos were the most improved team in the ASC last year.

Disclaimer - I don't claim to be the forefront of D-III or even ASC knowledge.  Just some observations from an amateur fan.

[albatross]

LC and Hendrix met near Texarkana for a scrimmage last night. Don't think scores were recorded and a lot of scenarios were put into play (red-zone session, goal-line session, third downs, etc.). From what I hear Hendrix looked pretty good when starters were in, but LC had a little more depth and had the upper hand when subs played. LC was little more locked in when it came to special teams, too.

Not sure what this really says about either team, except for the fact that the Warriors might not have the drop off everyone expects...

[wildcat11]

I know Texas is a huge state but I do hope that everyone that may lurk or post from the Houston and surrounding areas are safe.  The way people have responded has been inspirational.

[albatross]

I know Texas is a huge state but I do hope that everyone that may lurk or post from the Houston and surrounding areas are safe.  The way people have responded has been inspirational.

second that! good word, wildcat.

[Toby Taff]

I know Texas is a huge state but I do hope that everyone that may lurk or post from the Houston and surrounding areas are safe.  The way people have responded has been inspirational.

UMHB has a lot of students from the Houston area. from the 2016 roster listed on the cru athletics site i counted 46 from the area hit by hurricane harvey and most of those are from the greater houston area. Belton to houston is 180 miles and we got rained on from friday night til sunday. this is a huge storm with devastating damage. Please make it a focus in your prayer/meditation time. these people need all the help we can muster

[GillCJ1]

Absolutely.  It breaks my heart to see so much damage and so many people suffering, but the support has been and continues to be amazing.  My wife's cousin is married to a local firefighter and they were called up to assist in the rescue efforts.  Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.

[Scots13]

Maryville has a large group of kids from TX on the roster (around 20 or so) and many of them are from the Houston area. I have not heard any news on social media of players' families being in danger, so thank the good Lord for that. Praying for those who have been affected by the loss of life and property.  According to an article in The Daily Times this morning, the College is in the early stages of planning a spring trip down to Houston to help in the relief effort. The football team is selling #HoustonStrong shirts by online pre-order and at this Saturday's game vs. Berry. Blessed with 6 homes games this year, each home game will have something tied to the relief effort. All proceeds will be sent to the Red Cross.

http://www.thedailytimes.com/sports/mc-football-supporting-growing-texas-family/article_c37888f9-a07f-5006-a33d-3cbf4025d9a6.html

Kind of fitting for the Houston/Maryville connection. Sam Houston lived and taught school in Blount County before the War of 1812. Houston enlisted in the US Army on March 24, 1813 (6 years before the founding of what would become Maryville College) at a site no more than 300 yards from campus.

[D O.C.]

Heard this morning the flooded area is the size of LAKE MICHIGAN!

Kelly, please report from practice when the coaches insert a couple different plays where the running back stops and throws back to Josey. No brainer.

[GillCJ1]

Nice job on the W last night, Blazers (and our resident Belhaven fan, blazeofglory).  Good way to start the season.

McMurry wasn't so fortunate in their game, but not because of their D.  3 INTs and a fumble recovery.  Not bad.  Your thoughts, Ralph?

[BlazeofGlory]

Always tough starting out the season with a big rivalry game. Wish that the ASC and SAA would agree to let us play Millsaps at the end of the season.

Belhaven won 42-37. Offense looked good and the promising improved defense didn't look as bad as the score indicates. Special teams will need to improve - 2 fumbled punts led to two touchdowns and two snaps over the head of the punter went out of the end zone. Add in a bad throw into triple coverage and that was 20 points handed to Millsaps.

Blazers actually have a week off. Bye week in week 2 might be needed because starting QB was banged up a little. Game was played in what is left of Harvey which wasn't as bad as Texas saw but made for a wet night.

Typical Air Raid numbers. 382 passing yards for Belhaven , minus 4 rushing yards. Millsaps has a good little RB that was able to pound it - seems like they had 250+ yards rushing but only had 145. Texas Lutheran in Sequin in two weeks. Good luck to everyone this weekend.

[albatross]

I'm surprised Millsaps had such a good showing, I was not expecting a one possession game.

[umhb2001]

Welcome everyone! Glad to see the boards active again!

Thank you Wildcat and DOC for asking about the Houston area. My family was displaced; thankfully no damage was done to their house. Other family members are in Victoria and they have been without power. Continued prayers appreciated.

UMHB is missing two huge returners who seem to have not returned. Duane Thompson, the sometimes starter, sometimes backup, did not return.  Secondly, the backup DE that came in behind Tedrick last season is not on the roster as well. These are two big holes as I see it because the backup DE, Applewhite, was large and athletic. He looked good in sparse play last year. Secondly, the backup RB slot is not strong. No other player on the roster has a carry in varsity play.

On the plus, TJ Josey looks good at QB. He is on point with his throws and running looks good. Still, we need to see what he looks like in real game play. Nothing better than starting against a senior laden SRSU and a road shot against Linfield.

Everyone have a great week.

[D O.C.]

   LINFIELD had that nice surprise when RB Sutter Choisser 5'9" 205 Sr./Jr. did not return 2017.

[GillCJ1]

Welcome everyone! Glad to see the boards active again!

Thank you Wildcat and DOC for asking about the Houston area. My family was displaced; thankfully no damage was done to their house. Other family members are in Victoria and they have been without power. Continued prayers appreciated.

Glad to hear your family is safe, umhb2001.  Thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all those impacted.

[albatross]

Always tough starting out the season with a big rivalry game. Wish that the ASC and SAA would agree to let us play Millsaps at the end of the season.

That is a hard proposition. The ASC and SAA are not really good at negotiating with each other. In fact a couple SAA coaches tried to get the conferences to agree to a bowl game agreement for the top non-playoff teams, but it was hard to get the presidents in line and agree on big picture stuff. Not giving up hope, though!