FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Viking Mike]

Ah...... Looking forward to another year of CCIW Football.

Here's hoping Augustana can get out to a quick start this year and take a 3-0 record into the conference season.
Does anyone know the last time Augie was able to achieve this?

Also, noticed that Augie's website has a change in the day and time of the Greenville game.  It is listed now as a 7pm Friday night game!!!  Is this for real?  What happened to the Sat 1pm game time?

[DadofBashWarrior..]

I believe Greenville has a problem with their field...they were having some work done and it will not be completed is what I heard...heresay...So some early rescheduling...

[matblake]

Hey all, been a while since I've been on.  Work has prevented all message boards so will just have to be a little more diligent getting on in the evening.  I'm looking forward to a great season.  At this point, there is little to be surprised about.  Pretty much status quo.  I'm anxious to see how the entire conference portion of the schedule will play out.  If you have the chance, read the transcript from the Coach's posted above by Goulet (thanks by the way!).  Although a lot of it is coach-speak, there is some good insight.  And it gets me excited for the season to get underway.  Only a few short weeks now!

[lakeshore]

2010 Pre-season Top 25 poll out on D3Football.

North Central @ #14

IWU and Wheaton receiving votes.

Much more than just 'receiving votes' - IWU is 26th (just 2 pts. shy of 25th) and Wheaton is 28th (only 11 more pts. behind).  If the CCIW can start well in the non-con games, we could easily have 3 teams in the Top 25 by week 2 or 3!

In this decade there has routinely been 3 and as many as 4 CCIW teams ranked in the top 25 at various points in the season

[Mugsy]

Update from Chiefs camp yesterday:

The Chiefs continue to mix and match linebacker personnel in nickel sets, including instances where Mike Vrabel lines up inside and Andy Studebaker works with the first-team. Keep an eye on this sub-package as the preseason moves forward

[Son of Tailgater]

2010 pre-season poll

North Central - 48 (6 first place votes); Wheaton - 41 (1 first place vote); Augustana - 33 (1 first place vote); Illinois Wesleyan - 33; Carthage - 28; Millikin - 21; Elmhurst - 13; North Park - 7.

This was to be expected but I am wondering why IWU wasn't voted in at #2 based on the previous season. Did they lose a lot of starters? Any thoughts?

I am looking forward to seeing the Carthage defense who is returning 9 of 11 and we also have a great LT in Terrance Clark. He is going to have a great season and I expect big things from him. I am planning on going to the Carthage @ Wheaton game and Carthage @ IWU.

[CardinalAlum]

2010 pre-season poll

North Central - 48 (6 first place votes); Wheaton - 41 (1 first place vote); Augustana - 33 (1 first place vote); Illinois Wesleyan - 33; Carthage - 28; Millikin - 21; Elmhurst - 13; North Park - 7.

This was to be expected but I am wondering why IWU wasn't voted in at #2 based on the previous season. Did they lose a lot of starters? Any thoughts?

Go back a couple of pages and read Usee's words of wisdom!  He says that the Weenies are only returning 7 starters.  That's a huge number of starters lost.

[CardinalAlum]

This is based on what I know now. This doesn't include information on injured or non-returning starters nor does it include potential 5th year returners.

CCIW Predicted order of finish:
North Central
Wheaton
Augie
Millikin
IWU
Carthage
Elmhurst
North Park

North Central
Returning starters: 16: 6 off, 10 def
Key losses: Aaron Fanthorpe, QB; Jim Janacek, DL, Dominic Sulo, RB; Josh Delancy OT, Coach Weinke
Key returners: Matt Wenger, LB; Steve Hlavac, WR; Kyle Antos, OL; Derek Sulo, DB, Robert Champion, DL
Non Conference schedule: @Cornell (Iowa), @Olivet, UWEC
Key conference games: @Augie Oct 19, @Wheaton Nov 6
Outlook: The Cardinals should be the hands down favorite again in the CCIW. Despite losing stars Aaron Fanthorpe and Dominic Sulo they have built imposing depth in the younger ranks and return promising QB Spencer Stanek as well as a dangerous and experienced group of skill players. On Defense they return All American candidate Matt Wenger, All Conference players Robert Champion and Derek Sulo from injury to join Willie Hayes, Joe Schneiderbaur, Josh Mcleod, and 7 other returning starters giving them impressive depth in what should be a nationally ranked defense. The schedule is favorable for the Cardinals as the only long conference road trip is Rock Island. They face Millikin, Carthage, and IWU in Naperville. If they stay healthy and they become a dominant defensive team, I see a deep run into the playoffs for this team.
Prediction: 10-0, conference champs
Post Patterns Regulars: CardAlum, FormerCard, CardinalDad, Hornet, Cardinalfan, AndOne, New Tradition, Shark56, robertgoulet

Wheaton College:
Returning starters: 13: 5 off, 8 def
Key losses: Sean Norris, QB/P; Freddy Ellis, WR; Nick Theobald, DT; Brian Hollet, DB; Coach Walt Whitehead
Key returners: Rocky Gingg RB; Charlie Velling, RB; Brian McMullen, DB; Tyler Langs, DB; Jordan Langs, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Albion, UW Platteville, @Olivet
Key Conference games:@Elmhurst Oct 9; @Augie Oct 30; vs NCC Nov 6
Outlook: The Thunder faded down the stretch for the 2nd time in 3 seasons last year and Coach Mike Swider is hoping for a stronger finish. On offense they return two 1st team CCIW running backs in Gingg and Velling which should take the load off the much what will be a rookie QB. Jordan Roberts and Griffin Kuhn will likely battle it out at QB. Zeller, Antal, Watkins and McLain are a talented group of WR and will provide veteran presence for the young QB. Questions remain in the offensive line where Coach Geoff Dart (Mt Union all conference OL) takes over for retired OL coach Walt Whitehead in Joe Davis’ up tempo attack. On defense the thunder return 12 players who played in every game as well as All CCIW Tyler Langs at corner who sat out 2009 with an injury. With a year of the 3-4 under their belt and depth in the defensive backfield as well as at LB, the Thunder defense should be fairly stout. If the OL can come together and open holes for the running game, Wheaton  should be deep enough to challenge North Central and an opportunity to secure at least a Pool C in the post season.
Prediction: 8-2 2nd place.
Post Patterns Regulars: Mugsy, USee, matblake, CCIWfan, Wheels81

Illinois Wesleyan University
Returning starters: 7: 3 off; 4 def
Key losses: Scalcucci, WR; Messina, WR; Ladd, QB; Boothe, OT; Flood, C; Pope, TE; Ammirati, DE; Nickolich, LB; Hunter, DB; Beauchamp, DB
Key returners:Max Brooks, DT; Ryan Jenkins, DE; Dan Rogers LB; PJ Cummings, db; Brien Rooney, QB; Dayton Burnett, WR; Eli Williams, RB
Non Conference schedule: @Hope, Alma, @Aurora
Key Conference games: @Wheaton Oct 2; @NCC Oct 23, @Augie Nov 13
Outlook: The Titans had a senior laden team in 09 and will pay for it in 2010. With just 7 returning starters they will count on a number of young players to step up and contribute in a stronger CCIW. Brien Rooney has proven he is ready to be an All CCIW performer and Eli Williams is an explosive runner. Dayton Burnett is a burner and will be counted on to stretch the defense along with Joey Driver. On defense IWU was decimated by graduation but the 4 returners are all 1st team CCIW players in Brooks DL, Jenkins DL, Rogers LB and Cummings DB. Ryan Gresko also played in every game at LB (he was the 4th LB when they played a 3-4 defense) and is a veteran who will easily step into a starting role at LB. Coach Norm Eash has had some success the past few years and if he and Mike Murray have capitalized on that in recruiting they may be able to reload. This year will be telling for Titan nation. Their schedule is much tougher with games on the road @Wheaton to open the conference, @NCC and @Augie.
Prediction: 7-3; 3rd place
Post Patterns Regulars: Mr Ypsi, Titan Q, titanfan, devildog29

Augustana College
Returning starters: 11: 6 off; 5 def
Key losses: Blaine Westemeyer, OT; Jake Parke, RB/WR; Eric Meyer, LB; Aaron Setchell, LB; Jeff Daisy, DT
Key returners: David Lee, QB; Robert Wood, RB; Alex Shroeder, DB; Brandon Holl, LB
Non Conference schedule: @Greenville, Central, IA, @Adrian, Mi
Key Conference games: vs NCC Oct 9, vs Wheaton Oct 30
Outlook: Augie did not perform up to their standards in 09. They have 11 starters back but only 1 of them was an all conference performer. They will have to rely on unproven underclassmen to step up in key producing roles if they want to keep pace with the top of the conference. They return all conference running back Robert Wood and 3 starting OL. David Lee is back at the helm after averaging 211 yds per game in total offense. Alex Schroeder and John Mago return to lead a defense that lead the league in turnover margin in 09. In their 4 losses they averaged 12.5 pts a game offensively, getting shutout once. They get NCC, Wheaton and IWU at home this year and if they find a consistent offense they will be dangerous.
Prediction: 6-4 4th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Viking Mike, Augie6, DanSand

Millikin University
Returning starters: 17:10 off, 7 def
Key losses:Hector Galvan, DE; Bobby Galichio, LB; Devi Greer, DB
Key returners: Luke Hockaday, QB; Will Roth, TE; Dion Wilson, RB; Brian Blombquist OL; Chase Gruening, DT; Josh Ingold, LB; Cody Acree, DB
Non Conference schedule:@Illinois College, Hope, Greenville
Key Conference games: v Augie Oct 2 (conference opener), @NCC Oct 16, v Wheaton Nov 13
Outlook: Millikin is returning virtually their entire offense and most of the key contributors to their defense from a 6-4 team. They had 7 all CCIW players in 2009 and 6 of them return led by 1st team running back Dion Wilson. With 4 of their OL returning Wilson should have plenty of running room and Luke Hockaday was a dangerous qb who will have a year under his belt. Defensively the Big Blue have to replace Hector Galvan and Bobby Galichio in the front seven but return all conference players Chase Grueining, DE, LB Josh Ingold and DB Cody Acree. Millikin will be a better team than they were last year at 6-4. If  Wilson runs wild, Hockaday becomes a consistent playmaker and their defense can stop the run Millkin could challenge for a high finish in the CCIW.
Prediction: 7-3 5th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Oldnuthin

Carthage College
Returning starters: 5 off; 7 def
Key losses: Nick Merchut, WR; Jeff Koeneman, WR; Alex Annes, DL;
Key returners: Evan Jones, QB; Terrence Clark, OL; Mike Koeneman, WR; Tyler Funk, K; Brett Hogen, DL; TJ Jordan; DL
Non Conference schedule: Franklin, @Lakeland, @Concordia (Wisc)
Key Conference games: @NCC to open the conference; Augie Oct 16; @Wheaton Oct. 23
Outlook: The return of superstar QB Evan Jones as well as All American Kicker Tyler Funk will make the Carthage offense a scoring threat everytime they cross the 50 yd line. If Jake Smith can help add a running attack to this potent offense, the Redmen will be dangerous in 2010. Offensive line has Terrance Clark (1st Team All CCIW) but has to replace 3 other starters. In addition to 7 defensive starters the Redmen get a healthy Brett Hogen and TJ Jordan to bolster a deep and experienced LB core where they have 6 players coming back with significant experience. They are undersized on defense but that’s how they roll. Expect a pressure attack as usual from this scrappy defense. Road games to open the season @NCC and then back to back v. Augie and  @Wheaton make for a tough conference slate.
Prediction: 4-6 6th place
Post Patterns Regulars: Carthage Fan, Tailgater, SonofTailgater,

Elmhurst College:
Returning starters: 14: 6 off; 8 def;
Key losses: Blake Veldhuis WR, Lex Cisler, TE; Joe Stumpfoll, DT; Matt Robbins, DT; Kurt Nitschke, DE
Key returners: Randy Wright, LB; Jon Janus, DB; Brandon Jones, LB; Scottie Williams, RB, Nick Herrera, RB
Non Conference schedule:@Loras, @Olivet, University of Chicago
Key Conference Games: Wheaton, Oct 9; @IWU Oct 16; vs. NCC, Oct 30,
Outlook: The Bluejays are a wildcard in the conference race this year. They return 14 starters including virtually their entire 2 deep at LB and DB. Holes on the defensive line and at WR will be key for them. Freshman Joe Furco will need to grow up quickly but having 4 starters back on the OL will help. Scottie Williams is an explosive RB and Randy Wright (lead conf in tackles) and Brandon Jones lead arguably the best LB group in the conference. Jon Janus, Dane Paul and Jamall Lane will allow Head Coach Tim Lester to apply steady pressure to opposing offenses. The schedule is friendly as Elmhurst gets Wheaton, NCC and Augie at home but back to back road trips to Bloomington and Decatur loom as a roadblock in the middle of the conference schedule. If their QB grows up and they can find some solid DL replacements, Elmhurst will challenge every week behind what could be one of the better defenses in the league.
Prediction:4-6; 7th place
Post Patterns Regulars: 79Jaybird


North Park University
Returning starters: 17: 8 off, 9 def
Key losses: Shelby Wood, QB; Joe Cullotta, DB; Ramon Lacey, LB
Key returners: Rakim Jones, RB; Sam Cochiaro, WR; Michael Lee, RS/RB; Nick Pantaleo, DB; Rod Ojong, LB
Non Conference schedule: Aurora, Benedictine, MacMurray
Key Conference games: v Elmhurst Oct 2, @Carthage Oct 30
Outlook: The big questions North Park faces is how many players will return and how improved are they? Their success (or lack of) will depend on how many of the 17 returning starters end up playing quality time. In addition, Scott Pehthel has to add new players to this mix, particularly on the OL and DL in order to continue to make progress. If NPU can retain their starters and add some new ones to the mix they should continue to make progress and I think they have a chance to notch their first conference victory in many seasons.
Prediction: 3-7 8th place
Post Patterns regulars: Gregory Sager, Lakeshore, Dennis Prikkel

Here you go SOT, this is great stuff that deserves to be read by anyone that missed it!  You even got some ink!!

[lakeshore]

Notable QB battles in fall 2010 CCIW camps?

North Park = former WR JR Sam Cochiaro, JR Evan Rhodes
Wheaton = SO Jordan Roberts (all time leading passer in IL HS history backed up Norris in '09), SO Griffin Kuhn
North Central = JR Jordan Tassio (WIU transfer), SO Spencer Stanek (backed up Fanthorpe in '09)

...thoughts...updates?

[Mugsy]

Notable QB battles in fall 2010 CCIW camps?

North Park = former WR JR Sam Cochiaro, JR Evan Rhodes
Wheaton = SO Jordan Roberts (all time leading passer in IL HS history backed up Norris in '09), SO Griffin Kuhn
North Central = JR Jordan Tassio (WIU transfer), SO Spencer Stanek (backed up Fanthorpe in '09)

...thoughts...updates?

From what I hear (and from the season preview), the Wheaton QB position is a battle between 3 QB's - all with 3 years of eligibility left, all with impressive high school football credentials.  In addition to Roberts and Kuhn, you'll need to add Garrett Meador.  He led his team to a state-runner up in Indiana and has 8th best passing yardage season in Indiana history.

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?rp_id=2069

[usee]

the teams with no QB question are:

Carthage: Evan Jones
Augustana: David Lee
IWU: Brien Rooney
Millikin: Luke Hockaday
Elmhurst: Joe Furco

Obviously Evan Jones is the leader of this group from a production standpoint but Brien Rooney and Luke Hockaday can take over games and David Lee showed late in the year he can be dangerous.

My bet for the other starters are:

NCC: Spencer Stanek
NPU: Sam Cochiaro
Wheaton: Jordan Roberts

I have no information to base these guesses other than these three saw playing time at the position last year. Its all speculation.

[Mugsy]

the teams with no QB question are:

Carthage: Evan Jones
Augustana: David Lee
IWU: Brien Rooney
Millikin: Luke Hockaday
Elmhurst: Joe Furco

Obviously Evan Jones is the leader of this group from a production standpoint but Brien Rooney and Luke Hockaday can take over games and David Lee showed late in the year he can be dangerous.

My bet for the other starters are:

NCC: Spencer Stanek
NPU: Sam Cochiaro
Wheaton: Jordan Roberts

I have no information to base these guesses other than these three saw playing time at the position last year. Its all speculation.

To further speculate, I view Jordan Roberts as the front-runner for Wheaton based on what I saw from him last year.  

Nice to know Wheaton has a few potential solid backups regardless.  Also nice to know that with the return of a healthy Rocky Gingg, Wheaton's running attack should relieve the pressure on whatever QB takes over.  Still can't believe Gingg played virtually the entire year and almost rushed for 1000 yards while dealing with a sports hernia.  That is flat out tough...  I don't think I'd like to take a nap with a sport hernia.

[matblake]

While I too think Roberts will be the every down QB for Wheaton this year, I'm quite pleased at the talent on paper of the QB's.  Last year backing up Norris, Roberts was able to help the team out with some long passes (one for a TD I believe) after taking a handoff as a WR or RB (can't remember which).  Another strong back up could continue this threat.  While that play would only occur maybe 4 or 5 times a season at best, it is the type of play that d-coordinators can get hung up on defending whether spending too much time on it or too little.

[Mugsy]

Update from Titan's camp yesterday:

• Cornerback Pete Ittersagen showed some agility with a diving, one-handed pass breakup in the end zone on a ball thrown by Kerry Collins.

[Tailgater]

Here's hoping Augustana can get out to a quick start this year and take a 3-0 record into the conference season.
Does anyone know the last time Augie was able to achieve this?

That would be 2001 when a 10-2 Viking team went 3-0 non-conference then 6-1 in the CCIW to win the conference title.

Hi all! Getting ready for another season of the best sport on the planet. Heading north tomorrow for the Carthage Football Golf Outing. High hopes in Kenosha for this season. Can't wait to see it all play out. Hope I can continue to add some meaningful insight on the Red Men.