FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[ncc58]

Last Friday, NCC scrimmaged the University of Chicago. U-C is not in the same class as NCC at this time. That was obvious during the initial special teams segment. NCC nearly returned every kickoff (both the 1st and 2nd teams) and had very good punt returns, but I don't think that really says much.

Offensively, Mike Mucha (transfer from U-I) opened at tailback. This gives NCC a strong tandem at TB with Mucha and Sulo. This is the one theme that Coach Thorne has talked about - that this team has much better depth than his previous teams. Sulo came in at about the 5th play. He looked very good. Quick and he made several good cuts. The 1st offense had no trouble moving the ball against U-C. Fanthorpe was sharp and the receivers caught everything they got their hands on (oh, the spelling is Hlava). The offense looked pretty much the same, maybe a few new formations. But they showed a lot of different looks, including the Maryland I (one of my favorites). They have the potential to put up a lot of points this season.

Defensively, and everyone will be glad to know this, they were still playing the 3-3. Early on, the U-C offense looked confused, not knowing where the pressure was coming. The defense looked much more aggressive than last season, maybe it's just the experieince of playing this defensive scheme for a year. With the exception of two plays, NCC stopped U-C cold. Those two plays were a reverse and seam pass. With those plays, U-C got down to the NCC 10 yard line, but then were stuffed on four straight plays.

The question marks are the new starters on both the offensive and defensive lines.

I was also concerned about the kickers and punters. Their kicks were not deep or consistent. This would be a problem later in the season with a certain punt returner in the CCIW. Maybe they'll work this out, or the coverage will adapt to the kickers/punters.

ONU @ NCC: this is the toughest one to read because I don't have a good feel for where ONU is in the OAC power rankings. I expect team similar to Capital the last few years but I don't hear that from the OAC experts. I do know that NCC has done the last two seasons what Wheaton is hoping to do this year. namely, develop rising young stars. guys like sulo, fanthorpe, wenger and Llavac all came out of nowhere as freshman/sophomores to be young impact players. this is the sign of a great program and NCC has now demonstrated they are great. With fanthorpe, sulo, perry welch and Llavac along with a pretty good offensive line, the cardinal should be beastly on offense. They have some very good defensive talent coming back with wenger (arguably the best lb in the conference) and depending on what scheme Wienke is using they should be a good defensive team. overall, based on who they have coming back and their experience (even though they are still a relatively young team) I expect NCC to play well at home and beat a good ONU team.

[Wags]

Use this link to read an article appearing today in the Naperville Sun. 

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/sports/1157364,6_2_NA11_CARDS_S1.article

[Comet 14]

2,000 posts here we come , I am looking forward to making the trip to Olivet for the Elmhurst game. I did not make it in 06'. Where do most visiting fans tailgate?

[Titan Q]

A article on IWU WR Martin Ceisel...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/09/11/usports/doc48c866aa07b8f197419751.txt


And one featuring RB Christian Winston, among other notes...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/09/11/usports/doc48c887836fdde522958524.txt


Sounds like sophomore RB Bo Lanter (knee) will be back Saturday, but Winston will start.

[79jaybird]

The Elmhurst/Olivet game can be heard on 88.7 FM (local) or on the Internet at http://www.wrse.com  then follow the listen live button.

I know Comet14 is, but any other Jays going out to Olivet?  I will be leaving Chitown around noonish on Friday staying in Charlotte, MI.  I plan to hang out with some of my Olivet friends at The Gavel  in Charlotte, MI.  Comet14- The Gavel is a nice place (a little pricey), but a restaurant/bar that I hung out with the OC coaches at 2 years ago.
From what I can remember, Olivet has a lot of open space to set up a tailgate.  The forecast is looking a little ominous.  In fact, I recall 2 years ago that no sooner did the game end, and the tornado sirens were going off just as we headed back to Chitown.

[Carthage Fan]

Update on the 2008 Red Men

http://www.kenoshanews.com/article_comments/view_comments.php?articleNum=3516866

[wheels81]

Former Wheaton WR Steve Thonn's son is a Freshman WR for Bethel.  Anyone know what his odds of playing are and why did he choose Bethel over Wheaton or vise-versa.
Just curious 

[79jaybird]

Redman or other Carthage posters,  do you think this is a good move (switching to the Spread) for Carthage?  Going back to my playing days, I always remember Carthage running the ball well with first Burris and then Washington.  I would think Carthage would want to stay with the grind it out running backs?

[Carthage Fan]

Redman or other Carthage posters,  do you think this is a good move (switching to the Spread) for Carthage?  Going back to my playing days, I always remember Carthage running the ball well with first Burris and then Washington.  I would think Carthage would want to stay with the grind it out running backs?

Jaybird,

Carthage ran the spread last year as well, and maybe the year before that?  I have to defer to others for that one, but, they are familiar with the scheme, just some different personnel and different plays this year.  No biggie!   

[79jaybird]

Thanks Carthage Fan.  I just always remember Carthage looking to run first and then look to the passing game.  Obviously, Carthage doesn't have an AA caliber running back like a Burris or Washington this year. Who will be there #1 back?  They do seem to have a good group of receivers with Koeneman and Merchut.

[usee]

Thanks Carthage Fan.  I just always remember Carthage looking to run first and then look to the passing game.  Obviously, Carthage doesn't have an AA caliber running back like a Burris or Washington this year. Who will be there #1 back?  They do seem to have a good group of receivers with Koeneman and Merchut.

In the article Rucks said their #1 runner will be Jake Smith. He was teh #2 last year behind Andy Bures. Bures is now the starting safety on Donavon Moore's spot I believe. Carthage does have 4 of 5 returning offensive linemen and several good wide receivers. Their offense could be pretty good. On defense they will be very aggressive but amazingly small. I would think they will struggle against teams that can line up and run right at you.

[79jaybird]

I'm off for Olivet.  Hope all the CCIW teams can play well and get victories.

[Carthage Fan]

Thanks Carthage Fan.  I just always remember Carthage looking to run first and then look to the passing game.  Obviously, Carthage doesn't have an AA caliber running back like a Burris or Washington this year. Who will be there #1 back?  They do seem to have a good group of receivers with Koeneman and Merchut.

Carthage was very run focused with Burris and Washington and they had the Oline to do so.  The Red Men graduated the entire OLine in '06 so '07 was more of a balanced offense.  Red Men ran 352 times for 910 yds and passed 355 times for 2358 yds.

[Carthage Fan]

On defense they will be very aggressive but amazingly small. I would think they will struggle against teams that can line up and run right at you.

We will see.......

[WahooThunder]

Ittersagen takes it to the house on special teams. 65-yard punt return for TD.

Wheaton 10, Bethel 0 - 8:34 2nd quarter