FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Pat Coleman]

I'd say we started this season ranking Wheaton on potential, but eventually we had to rank them on what they were actually, you know, doing on the field.

I hope that methodology is reflected this week and going forward.

Poll has been up since about 4:30 CT -- what do you think?

[bbfan44]

Observations at the NC/Wheaton game:
Great weather for a game.  Brown did a great job filling in for the injured Kent at RB for NC.  One penalty on NC and 8 on Wheaton.  The guys sitting in my area thought there were a few really bad ball spots and a couple of missed calls. Long, long lines to use the "John" and to buy refreshments.  Wheaton QB looked great.  Best game I've seen in awhile.

[USee]

I'd say we started this season ranking Wheaton on potential, but eventually we had to rank them on what they were actually, you know, doing on the field.

I hope that methodology is reflected this week and going forward.

Poll has been up since about 4:30 CT -- what do you think?

I have always been a fan of the d3.com poll. I think they got it right even if Ryan Tipps was wrong. 

It's all for naught if Wheaton can't finish the deal the last 3 weeks though. @elmhurst, vs Wesleatan (likely w Warner back) and @ Carthage.

[cardinaldad]

I dont know if you insiders know but I have no clue to who is starting QB for Wheaton although I hope its Peltz.  He just really knows how to win.  I would especially use him on QB sneaks as he has an incredible way of using his linemen and stretching out his body.  His QB sneak is practically unstoppable.

Go Thunder,

Obviously Wheaton didn't QB-sneak their way to a victory, but Peltz's ability to run the ball, and fall forward, extending his 6'3" frame while being tackled played a huge role in the game.  Whether it was a read option or straight QB draw, Peltz is a very shifty runner and knows how to find the holes and pick up those extra 2-3 yards that others just miss.  If Peltz didn't answer the question as to who the starting QB is... well, I think it's pretty obvious moving forward.

And oh year, besides a couple of overthrows on 2 deep ball in the 4th qtr, his ability to throw the ball was phenomal.  His pocket presence and timing of when to release the ball was just awesome.  On multiple occasions, he stood in there with big, bad NCC defenders zeroing in on him and delivered an accurate pass just before getting hit.

     Thunderdog, we must have been watching different games. Your o line dominated so much, I don't remember too many plays that big, bad NCC defenders zeroed in on Peltz. He had A LOT of time ALL night. Without looking at the stats, I don't remember him being hit on many pass plays. We couldn't get near him.  Credit to your o line (and our coaching staff for not being able to figure out a way to bring the heat).

[Langhorst_Ghost]

Read this article in the Tribune on Sunday - truly a heart-warming and inspiring local football story...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-autistic-senior-josh-padilla-of-west-leyden-scores-touchdown-in-first-varsity-game-20141024-story.html#page=1

The piece references EC's innovative Life Skills Academy (a 4-year educational experience built around developing independent living skills and self-advocacy in learners with developmental disabilities) as a potential home for Josh next fall.  I wish him and his family all the best.

[thunderdog]

Couldn't agree more.  While there was obvious joy and exuberance on the Wheaton side, I certainly can understand how this didn't sit well on the NCC side.

I watched the fourth quarter of the NCC @ WC game last night, and I didn't see a single NCC player or coach react poorly to what Thorson did. Nor would I have expected any of them to react poorly; the Cardinals are a reflection of their head coach, and that means that they generally comport themselves in a classy and sportsmanlike manner.

Moreover, I haven't seen a single NCC fan complain here about what Thorson did. So I think that your statement about how this "didn't sit well on the NCC side" is an attempt to read minds at best, because nobody's shown that it "didn't sit well" with them.

I'll officially change my statement to "I certainly can understand IF this didn't sit well on the NCC side"

My aplogies for attempting to read minds.

[thunderdog]

It's Elmhurst week in the unfriendly confines of Langhorst.

Wheaton fans, let's keep the MOMO going and make that trip "all the way to Elmhurst" and make some ~NOISE~ ... yet again...

[79jaybird]

Great to see Elmhurst coming from behind to win in B-town for the first time since 1985.  I was 6 years old and coloring Jim McMahon jerseys back in '85.  Elmhurst is getting production from their skilled guys and really coming together well of late.  Flying under the radar for their first 4 wins, NOW we will see if the Bluejays can continue to execute in the marquis.  I think most of the pressure is actually going to be on Wheaton.  Most of us expected Wheaton to be here, but very few (other than L-Ghost and a handful of crazy Jay fans) expected us to be 4-0 in the spot, with a new coaching regime still getting going etc.  Plus, as has been pointed out earlier,  Langhorst Field has been as difficult for WC as McCully has been for EC.    I am not quite putting my foot on the gas pedal just yet, because 2 of the next 3 games are against high quality teams,  but I am definitely (now) in the driver's seat with my hands on the Jays steering wheel.   

Perhaps L-Ghost has some leftover Kool-Aid that I can fill my gas tank with.   

[shepherd]

It's Elmhurst week in the unfriendly confines of Langhorst.

Wheaton fans, let's keep the MOMO going and make that trip "all the way to Elmhurst" and make some ~NOISE~ ... yet again...

I got yelled at by the lady in front of me for yelling down to the field.  ..and the Swiders and Peltzes who were to the right of me think I'm insane.  Which hasn't been proven officially yet no matter what Mugsy says.
I don't think some of the parents realize how intense the fans have taken the bell game in the past few years.  As the NCC radio intro says "I hate when people tell me its just a game - Its not just a game!"

[shepherd]

Elmhurst has improved big time on offense since the beginning of the season.  Its not just Josh Williams but one could make the case the bigger threat is QB Joe Camiliere who has been playing great the past two games.  He was threading the needle on the IWU d backs.  Its going to be a nightmare to get a good defensive plan as you just cant focus on one area its has to be both.

[thunderdog]

I got yelled at by the lady in front of me for yelling down to the field.

I'm glad you and said lady "agreed to disagree" 

[USee]

Congratulations to QB Johnny Peltz and Kicker Sam Cote for POW honors (and also to Augies Ben Fornek)

Peltz, a sophomore quarterback from Wheaton, Illinois and Wheaton North High School (Communication major), helped lead the Thunder to a 34-31 win over then 12th-ranked North Central on Saturday to stay undefeated on the season. He completed 78.6 percent of his passes by going 22-of-28 for 236 yards and two touchdowns including a 13-yard toss in the first quarter and a nine-yard pass in the third quarter. Peltz also rushed for 83 yards on 22 carries.

Cote, a senior kicker/punter from Wheaton, Illinois and Wheaton Academy (Applied Health Science major), kicked the game-winning 28-yard field goal as time expired to give Wheaton the win over North Central on Saturday. Cote was 2-for-2 on field goals including a 37-yard kick in the first quarter. He was also 4-for-4 on PATs.

[Kovo]

Couldn't agree more.  While there was obvious joy and exuberance on the Wheaton side, I certainly can understand how this didn't sit well on the NCC side.

I watched the fourth quarter of the NCC @ WC game last night, and I didn't see a single NCC player or coach react poorly to what Thorson did. Nor would I have expected any of them to react poorly; the Cardinals are a reflection of their head coach, and that means that they generally comport themselves in a classy and sportsmanlike manner.

Moreover, I haven't seen a single NCC fan complain here about what Thorson did. So I think that your statement about how this "didn't sit well on the NCC side" is an attempt to read minds at best, because nobody's shown that it "didn't sit well" with them.

I'll officially change my statement to "I certainly can understand IF this didn't sit well on the NCC side"

My aplogies for attempting to read minds.

As much as I would love to rip the Crusaders---you can't fault kids for being excited.  It is a tough game to win and a big accomplishment.  And while not part of any known protocol, running across the field is not without precedent.

Back in the day----that is how we (and the other school that played in the game) claimed the Bell when it changed hands.  I even have to stand up a make a Maoist confession to the board that not only was I part of the group that raced across Wheaton North's field to claim the Bell in 1982, but I was involved in breaking it in two in our excitement (yes pictures of the broken Bell exist for you doubters).

So, I say please don't legislate  all of the fun out of the game!  And, if the Cards want to invite me to race across the field with them (slight head start needed) when we reclaim the Bell next year, I am available!

[USee]

I am all for making the "run for the bell" a legislated part of the winning ceremony. Maybe they put the bell in one endzone on display for all fans,etc to see and the winning team runs for it at the final buzzer.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Anyone have an update on Jack Warner's health?