FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[DanPadavona]

I personally think on a clear field the game would have been a good deal more lopsided because Cortland's d-backs were totally over matched. They were getting beat in double coverage.

I disagree, from the standpoint that Cortland's game plan was very conservative defensively.  Our DB's played way off the ball in an effort to prevent the big play, so even on a clear field I don't see where it would have made a difference due to the game plan.  Cortland's secondary was hit with injuries early in the season and struggled most of the year.  Honestly Brockport torched us more than anyone in the playoffs did.  I would have preferred we blitz more in the second half, and play tighter coverage when we needed to come from behind.  But I can't argue with the respect the coaches showed for Mount's WR's.

Anyhow, you can't have the argument both ways.  It was pretty clear our WR's and especially our TE created big matchup problems for Mount Union.  On a clear field, MUC probably scores more points but so do we.  I've yet to see a secondary which could cover both Guaragno (80) and Hajnos (87).  They were very special talents for us.  And Lang (TE/18) is just amazing.  He will be sorely missed.  Watching the Mount Union LB's and DB's try to match up with him was a little amusing, especially on the TD before half-time.

Hey, we gave it our best shot.  Mount is truly awesome and just had too many weapons at too many positions for us to keep up with for 60 minutes.  But Cortland did not exactly embarrass itself.  We gave Mount a good game in Alliance, better than anyone in the OAC has all season.  There is some talent back East, and I hope we made that clear. 

The big question is how strong a job our coaches do at leveraging our playoff run into off season recruiting.  I think it will be a good class coming in next Fall.

[bushman]

The two teams that I have seen this year from the East were well coached.  Mt. had better players over all.

[DanPadavona]

FYI -

Mount Union vs. Cortland game pictures are available at my website:

http://cortlandfootball.com

If anyone wants to read up on our other games, and see our on campus stadium complex, please check out the site and let me know if you enjoy it!   8)

[Acky]

Dan,
You took great action photos.  Very nice format.  I really enjoyed it.

[Small but Slow]

A great defense isn't going to beat Mt. Union.  The Raiders "O" is going to move the ball.  St. John's, UMHB, and UWW were able to win by moving the ball and keeping the MUC offense on the sidelines.  The team that wins will be the one who sticks to the game plan and doesn't panic when it doesn't score every time it touches the ball.  @ 92% of the time that team has been Mt. Union over the past 20 years or so.  If Wheaton is going to win it will be because they could run the ball, force MUC to stack the box, and then take the openings the defense gives them in the passing game..

[section13raiderfan]

Kmic will probably get a lookysee this summer as an invited tryout player. The NFL teams will know about Nate and Greg and their curiousity will get the best of them. It helps to win the Gags Trophy like Ballard, Borchert, and Moore did. They all got into a camp. Nate should use the Business degree and become an agent if he wants to make money off of the NFL. Micheli may be too smart to work for some NFL coaches / and or teams. ( yeah Im talkin bout you Clev Clowns). If Kmic ends up in the NFL it will be via the CFL or arena leagues probably. If those two end up on the sidelines next year as assistant coaches for MUC, that will be fine with me too.

I cant believe MUC makes Chuck Moore pay to get into the games! At least upgrade his tickets to section 13. He will be made welcome there. It was good to see him interviewed on the TV replay. He looks like he can still play!

I want Kmic to end the Wheaton game 1 yard shy of Danny Woodheads record. Of course MUC will advance to the Stagg Bowl....then we can hear the pregame buildup by ESPN and Nate will become a national celebrity all week on TV. Then cap it all off with Micheli hoisting the Gagliardi Trophy as Kmic hoists the Walnut and Bronze. Now theres a happy ending if ever there was one.

[raiderguy]

Bushman,

That would be Blake Elliott from St. John's. He got a shot with his home town team, the Vikings. He was doing pretty well till he suffered a knee injury. They put him on the IR while he received treatment. His leg never was well enough to come back and play. He took a medical retirement from them and is now doing well in the business world. I see him at games or other St Johns functions and we get a chance to talk. He is a great kid and with the exception of 2003, in one particular game, I loved watching him play.
The challenges he overcame in his senior year are incredible!

[Small but Slow]

What position did Elliott get a look at with the Vikings?  I remember reading a little about it at the time.  If I recall correctly he held his own pretty well and had a good shot at making the 53 man roster.  He was a heckuva a football player and seemed to be a great guy.  I still contend that Nate's instincts will get him a shot at RB.  He will have to be multi-dimensional to stick around to get his shot.  His ability to block and pick up pass protection will be a key to him sticking around somewhere.

[Blutarsky]

I'm as big a Mount homer as anyone, and Kmic is an absolute beast, but IMO this talk about the NFL should end quickly.  Kmic excels because of his vision, work ethic and relentless effort.  Not because of his physical attributes.

Agree. Mount players need to focus on Wheaton--not on a longshot chance in the NFL.

With all due respect, I don't think Mount players are reading or focusing on this board! 

With this being exam week, I hope they are studying vs. visiting the message board.....

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Elliot from St. Johns was a WR.

Elliot from Linfield was a QB.

[Small but Slow]

I was referring to the Elliott from St. Johns.  What ever became of the QB from Linfield?  I believe its more difficult for a QB from a small program to make it in the NFL than any other position.  Circumstances have been perfect for Flacco from Delaware to get a chance, and he's made the most of it. 

I feel confident that the opinions of posters on this board are not going to direct anyone's attention from finals or preparation for Wheaton. 

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Elliot from Linfield signed with the Chargers and was on their practice squad for a year or so.  Haven't heard about him in a while.

Edit:
Just Found This:

San Jose Sabercats

[Small but Slow]

Found this about Bret Elliott's career with the Chargers.  Looks as though he's moved on.
http://www.nfl.com/players/brettelliott/profile?id=ELL244017

[D O.C.]

Elliot from St. Johns was a WR.

Elliot from Linfield was a QB.

Gents, out of respect to the Gagliardi Trophy recipients, there is a double tt at the end of their family names.

[ADL70]

As I recall, Brett Elliott was the starter at Utah before being injured.