FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[hazzben]

I was really impressed with NCC last year in the playoffs. You obviously need to replace a stud QB, but you had really good, young skill guys all over the field. Should be another great CCIW race this year.

Hazz, Unfortunately NCCs QB, Broc Rutter returns this year for his senior season.

I stand corrected. Not sure why I thought he was a Sr. Maybe just because he played like one??

[USee]

Here is my predicted order of finish in the CCIW this year, followed by team summaries:

1. North Central
2. Tie: Wheaton/IWU
4. WashU
5. Augie
6. Carthage
7. Millikin
8. Elmhurst
9. North Park
10. Carroll

[USee]

North Central:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: WR Cam Moore (fr), RB Dom Muogahlu (jr), K Derik Judka (fr), DE Josh Leonhard (Jr), DT Lane Brinkman (so), P Zane Lodico (jr)
Backups: QB Conor Joyce (Fr/Transfer), DB Jonathan Mitchell (fr), DB De'Angelo Roberson (so)
Returning Starters: 15
Offense: 8 (14/22 from 2 Deep) 5 OL, 1 WR, TE, QB
Defense: 7 (15/22 from 2 Deep) 2 DL, 2 LB, 3 DB
Key Returning starters: QB Broc Rutter, 5 OL, WR Andrew Kamienski, DL Tommy Hyland, DB Jake Beesley
Key losses: DB Pat Cravens, LB Derek Werkenthein, WR Cam Moore, RB Dom Muoghalu, K Derik Judka

NCC is the favorite but not by much. Broc Rutter along with his starting 5 OL and Andrew Kamienski make them a dangerous offense. No RB or top speed WR is a problem. DL and secondary will be much better. Losing 7 expected returnees brings them back to the pack and lower in the rankings a bit. Playing 2 of the 3 other contenders on the road further bunches the top CCIW teams (@WashU, @Wheaton, vs IWU). At the end of the day, they still have Broc Rutter, an elite D3 QB so I expect them to be tested, but still prevail.

[USee]

Wheaton:**

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: Unknown
Backups: Unkown
Returning Starters: 14
Offense: 7 (14/22 from 2 Deep) 3WR, 1 RB, 3 OL
Defense: 7 (13/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 2 LB, 3 DB

Key Losses: QB Curtis McWilliams, TE Tyler Pace, TE Luke Van Dyke, LB Eric Stevenson, DB Tyler Sigler, DB Kyle Fox
Key Returning Starters: WR Phillip Nichols, RB TJ Williams, RB Stone Watson, DE Patrick O'Connell, DT Dallas McRae, S Corey Kennedy, LB Ryan Schwartz

The Thunder lose the most among the contenders but the 5 transfers and multiple upperclassmen they get back will keep them in the CCIW title hunt. Ryan Schwartz moves to MLB to replace Eric Stevenson and transfer LB Wyatt Lee will step in at OLB. The secondary is talented but very thin. DL will be a strength on this Thunder team with Pat O'Connell a candidate for DPOY and Dallas McRae not far behind. River Shindledecker will get to put his Clay Matthews on. On offense the biggest question mark is at QB where Dave Beamer, Luke Anthony, Spencer Peterson and Jeremiah Tucker will battle it out. TJ Williams is back at running back and has the potential to be a special player in the CCIW along with reliable vet Stone Watson. Up front the Thunder have 3 veterans and transfer Kevin Spencer (Univ Nevada, 6-5 300lbs) to anchor the front. Phillip Nichols is a 1st team All Conf WR and kick returner who returns.  The schedule is friendly to the Thunder as they host NCC, IWU and WashU this season albeit all early on.

**2019 roster has not been posted so this detail is based on last year's information

IWU:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: none
Backups: DL Derrick Fry (Jr), DB Justin Correll (so), DB Charlie Coughlan (fr)

Returning Starters: 12
Offense: 6 (17/22 from 2 Deep) 2OL, 2 WR, RB, QB (Zach Mitchell moves from WR to DB)
Defense: 6 (13/22 from 2 Deep) 3 DL, 1 LB, 2 DB
Key Starters Returning: QB Brandon Bauer, WR Zach Walsh, Jack Healy, DL Chance Hilliard, DB Trevor Koepke
Key Losses: Eric Dubose DL, Trevor Staley DB, 3 OL

IWU could win the title this year. They have a talented and deep offensive team with QB Brandon Bauer and what might the most talented WR corps in the country. A new defensive coordinator, some holes to fill on defense road games @Wheaton--where they have only won once in 21 years (though it was 2 years ago), and @NCC are the obstacles. They get WashU in Bloomington and the game @Wheaton is week 2 which is a big advantage to the Titans and their experienced offense.

[USee]

WashU:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: WR Nick Cione (so)
Backups: DL Connor Forrest (fr)
Returning Starters: 14
Offense: 6 (14/22 from 2 Deep) QB, RB, 3 OL, TE
Defense: 8 (17/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 3 LB, 3 DB

Key Losses: WR Alex Fehlinger, WR Matt Goldberg, LB Jake Coon
Key Returning Starters: QB Johnny Davison, RB John Fisher, LB John Huther, DB Matt Bernstein

WashU surprised some people last year and this year, while it won't be as much of a surprise, they could be better than a year ago. QB Johnny Davison and RB John Fisher return as does 8 starters on defense from a team that gave the top of the CCIW fits. Their schedule is not as friendly this year as they travel to Wheaton and Bloomington while hosting North Central. They could upset 1 or two of the top 3.

[USee]

Augustana:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: none
Backups:  LB Dayne Millard (FR), CB Jordan Dossett (FR)
Returning Starters: 16
Offense: 9 (17/22 from 2 Deep) QB, TE, 5 OL, 2 WR
Defense: 7 (16/22 from 2 Deep) 3 DL, 1 LB, 3 DB

Key Losses: RB Ryan Pitra, TE/FB Justin Pope, LB John Asquini, DE Austin Nice, LB Cassin Wolfe
Key Returning Starters: QB Zach Fuller, 5 OL, LB Luke Sawicki, S John Kappel

With 16 returning starters headlined by QB Zach Fuller and the entire offensive line there should be optimism in Rock Island about Augie's chances to improve dramatically on their 2018 season. The problem is I don't see or hear much optimism coming out of Rock Island or supporting Coach Bell and the progress (lack of) he has made. If they don't win some games this year there may be trouble brewing. The offense has a chance to be good

[USee]

Carthage:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: None
Backups: DE Cashmen Beal (fr), DB Albert Rogalski (Jr)
Returning Starters: 8
Offense: 3 (14/22 from 2 Deep) 1 OL, QB, 1 WR
Defense: 5 (11/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 2LB, 1 DB
Key Losses: DB Amani Dennis, Connor Calvert, DL Cedric Fry, RB Lafayette McGary

Key returning starters: QB Billy Drury, DL Jacob Simar

Carthage returns 8 starters from their 2018 squad and will have to plug some big shoes on defense with the departures of Amani Dennis, Connor Calvert and Cedric Fry. On offense they need a running back and some skill players. It could be a long year in Kenosha.

[USee]

Millikin:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: RB Jazontae Howard (so), RT Josh Mysliwiec (Jr), DB's Josh Scudder (Jr), Israel Smith (so)
Backups: WR Marquis Yarbough (so), Tyrice Hines (so); OL Deon Sims (Fr), Kameron Foster (Fr), Justin Mysliwiec (Fr)LB's Jevon Connor (fr), David Blisset (so), DB Marcus Valentine (so)

Returning Starters:  9
Offense: 5: (11/22 total from 2 Deep) 3 OL, 2 WR
Defense: 4: (10/22 total from 2 deep) 1 DL, 1 LB, 2 DB
Key Losses: Nico Stepina QB, Jazontae Howard RB, Gerald Perry WR, Nico Averitte LB, Quintaz Wright DE
Key Returning Starters: WR, Jordan Smith, LB Matt Brown

Millikin needs a QB and an RB and on defense their front 7 are inexperienced. We will see what the Big Blue has in the cupboard this year to go along with speedy WR Jordan Smith and LB Matt Brown

[USee]

Elmhurst:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: WR Jawan Gaines (sr), K Kaiden Truninger (so), P Blake Bailey (sr)
Backups: WR DeXavier Grimble (so), OT Caleb Bergstrom (so), LB Frank Kaminski (sr), DB Michael DeJournett (fr), DB Jared Hunter (so)
Returning Starters: 8
Offense: 3 (12/22 from 2 Deep) 2 OL, 1 WR
Defense: 5 (13/22 from 2 Deep), 2LB, 3 DB
Key Losses: QB Orlando Hernandez, WR Jawan Gaines

Key returning starters: WR Casey Dobczyk, DT Lavor Little

The Jeff McDonald era has begun at Elmhurst. The former IWU DC has his hands full building the Jays into a top tier CCIW Contender. He returns just 8 starters and has 1 QB on his roster who attempted 12 passes last year over 5 games (Captain Jake Tahaney). Many of the backups to departed players are back so the cupboard isn't completely  bare, but the Jays will be a middle of the pack team this year if they play well.

[USee]

North Park:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: OT Justin Williams (sr), RB Jeremiah Madden (so), RB Justice MacNeal Young (jr), DT Patamo Soa (jr)
Backups: WR Brandon Vinson (jr), WR Juan King (Jr), WR Sid Smith IV), OT Jacob Hardie (jr), QB Jason McGovern (So), RB Michael Soracco (so), DT Lubens Jean-Paul, (so), DT Issac Martinez (so), LB Matthew Faufata-Pedrina (fr), LB Yoan Castellanos (jr), LB Ja-Qwayvieous Jone (fr), DB Dacari Sibley (fr) DB Trent Taveres (jr)
Returning Starters: 14
Offense: 6 (10/22 from 2 Deep) QB, 2 WR, 2 OL, TE
Defense: 8 (11/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 3 LB, 3 DB

Key Losses: DB David Simmons, OL George Corey
Key Returning Starters: Grant Borsch (jr), WR Woody Corey (Jr), LB Uluao Letuli, DB Gary Anish, DB Dalton McKay

NPU has a new coach (Rooker from Carthage) and loses a lot of their depth despite only having 6 seniors last year as part of their two deep as they had 4 returning starters and 13 backups from the 2 deep not return this season. 40 new freshman come into camp for Rooker, among them he hopes to find a couple running backs as NPU's top 3 rushers did not return.

[USee]

Carroll:**

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: Unknown
Backups: Unkown
Returning Starters: 7
Offense: 4 (14/22 from 2 Deep) RB, 3 OL
Defense:3 (12/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 1 DB

Key Losses: 17 Seniors including 15 starters
Key Returning Starters: DE Holden Whybark, 3 OL

Carroll lost almost everybody off a bad team. They will need to dig deep to win games this year.

**2019 roster is not posted yet so this detail is based on last year's information

[Augie6]

Thanks, USee.  Great summaries as usual.  Not that I would be that excited about a 5th place finish in the CCIW, but it would, at least, show some progress.  Would be nice to actually see a winning season at Augie, which hasn't happened for 8 straight seasons.  This would give the program something to build on, as I really don't think anyone takes many positives out of the first four seasons under Coach Bell.  I am going to try and be optimistic about this season for Augie and be hopeful that the program can finally start to turn the corner and becomes a contender again in the CCIW.   

[Gregory Sager]

North Park:

Returning starter/2 deep player not listed on 2019 Roster:
Starters: OT Justin Williams (sr), RB Jeremiah Madden (so), RB Justice MacNeal Young (jr), DT Patamo Soa (jr)
Backups: WR Brandon Vinson (jr), WR Juan King (Jr), WR Sid Smith IV), OT Jacob Hardie (jr), QB Jason McGovern (So), RB Michael Soracco (so), DT Lubens Jean-Paul, (so), DT Issac Martinez (so), LB Matthew Faufata-Pedrina (fr), LB Yoan Castellanos (jr), LB Ja-Qwayvieous Jone (fr), DB Dacari Sibley (fr) DB Trent Taveres (jr)
Returning Starters: 14
Offense: 6 (10/22 from 2 Deep) QB, 2 WR, 2 OL, TE
Defense: 8 (11/22 from 2 Deep) 2DL, 3 LB, 3 DB

Key Losses: DB David Simmons, OL George Corey
Key Returning Starters: Grant Borsch (jr), WR Woody Corey (Jr), LB Uluao Letuli, DB Gary Anish, DB Dalton McKay

NPU has a new coach (Rooker from Carthage) and loses a lot of their depth despite only having 6 seniors last year as part of their two deep as they had 4 returning starters and 13 backups from the 2 deep not return this season. 40 new freshman come into camp for Rooker, among them he hopes to find a couple running backs as NPU's top 3 rushers did not return.

I suspect that Melvin Bobo, a transfer from D2 Tuskegee, will supplant incumbent Grant Borsch and start at QB for the Vikings. That will free up North Park superathlete Frank Mauigoa, who is back with the football team after serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army last fall and starring for the North Park men's volleyball team last spring (he led Vikings attackers with a .242 kill percentage; he has serious hops to go with his considerable speed). Mauigoa is a good bet to move to wide receiver, where playmakers are badly needed. He is listed as a QB/WR, which tips off this likely move.

At RB I wouldn't be surprised if A.J. Harris, a 5'11, 227 freshman from Hubbard who is listed as a QB, gets moved over to take handoffs rather than snaps. Word has it that he carried three defenders on his back into the end zone in practice yesterday. He's one of 18 Chicagoans on the roster, which is more hometowners than North Park has had in a very, very long time. Eleven of them are freshmen, demonstrating that Kyle Rooker and his all-new staff are not afraid to roll the dice on city kids. You can find great athletes in Chicago prep football, but they're usually very raw in terms of skills development, and they have a very high attrition rate. But, as I say every year, NPU football coaches will always have to look outside the box in order to find CCIW-level talent -- the box, of course, being the Chicago suburbs -- so I'm not going to be the one who tries to convince Kyle and his assistants that city kids like Harold Alexander and Gary Anish are the exceptions rather than the rule. NPU needs to find ballplayers wherever it can, whether that means flying to Samoa, Hawaii, and Florida or taking the bus to some paper-and-glass-strewn Chicago Park District practice field.

The strength of the Vikings is on the defensive side of the ball, where NPU has six seniors who are returning starters: DE Harold Alexander, LB Uluao Letuli, LB Uati Pati, CB Dalton McKay, S Ryan Howson, and S Gary Anish. That's a rare asset for a North Park football team, especially since all six are very solid CCIW football players. Anish was All-CCIW last year and will likely be even better this year, and Letuli, Pati, and McKay each have the potential to grab similar honors in 2019. Alas, the usual m.o. for NPU -- limited returning depth, which once again means lots of freshmen getting on the field in a league that punishes freshmen -- remains in place.

I'm rooting hard for Kyle Rooker to make a bit of noise in his first season as head coach at the Park. As was the case with his two immediate predecessors in the job, Kyle is a very good fit for North Park's Christian culture and is an easy man to root for on a personal level. But my expectations, as always, are modest for the Vikings in this particular sport. I'll gladly take 3-7 if NPU can reach it, which would be an improvement upon last season's 2-8.

[USee]

Greg, what has become of David Simmons and the Saints. I saw his signing but he is not listed on the current roster and there is no mention of him in the transactions.

[Gregory Sager]

Unfortunately, the Saints cut him last week.