FB: Northwest Conference

[D O.C.]

HSU bravely hosted ranked LAX and LINFIELD must play a DII team in it's opener. The game on September 15th is still monumental for both programs. Should the combatants enter the game 0-1 I trust the risk of Pat and Keith will still be fruitful.

[wildcat11]

I continue to be baffled by the Loggers willingness to talk a big game while they continue to pile up the 4th place or worse finishes.

“Seven wins was nice, but we think we’ll do a lot better in conference this year.” (UPS QB) Williams said. “We feel like we can beat everybody – we feel like we should beat everybody.”

After Linfield relinquished its NWC title last year to Whitworth, and missed the playoffs for the first time in six years, there seems to be more optimism that anyone can claim the conference crown.

“I’d like to think that the conference is wide open – I think it’s wide open,” Willenbrock said. “It’s a very competitive league. I don’t think there’s a clear cut top and bottom any more, in my opinion.

The News-Tribune: Run-first plan takes a hike


Latest Blog Entry:  Saturday's Thoughts

[Pat Coleman]

Actually, HSU hosted La Crosse, but it still takes balls to schedule that game.

[Ralph Turner]

sidenote:  George Fox is going to be pushing forward with a huge renovation of their outdoor facility (they're terrible) but the line that caught my eye was this:

Although no plans are imminent, the complex is being designed to allow for the possible addition of other sports, including intercollegiate football and lacrosse.

http://www.newsregister.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=225472

My thought: At first I was down on Pacific and maybe Fox adding football due to the possibility of thinning out the D3 recruiting pool in the area however my mind is changing.  Linfield is going to have to continue to play these non-D3 schools for our out of conference games and it's not a great deal at all. 

It would be great to have a 9 team NWC football conference and the proximity of these other schools would just give Linfield fans more chances to attend games and root on our 'Cats.

Catching up on my reading...

Both GFU's and Pacific's adding football is actually good for the NWC.  That would give two more games to the schedule for local exposure.

I think that the biggest problem for D3 is actually getting kids to think about playing football, rather than giving up on their careers and just going to some D1 for the party life.  Think about your kid's high school teammates.  How many players could have played D3, but instead went off to WSU, Oregon State or Oregon and just partied, and then flunked out because they weren't in their school/practice/study discipline?

There might be some dilutional effect to start with, but I think that there are enough quality athletes in the northwest to field 2 more teams, and maybe a third if Alberston's heads towards football in the next decade.

[Wildcat'64]

UPS could well start the season 3-0 again this year, as they play the same three teams they beat last year.  However, when you look at the combined records of the three teams they were 14-23 in 2006....not exactly tough competitors.  Things will get a lot tougher for the Loggers once they get by the pre conference foes.

[D O.C.]

Again...shoddy comments on my part, thanks Pat. I modified my last post.

I have always contended too many LINFIELD material athletes chose to try D1 and got lost when they could have made a significant contribution in the NWC. ESPECIALLY children of LINFIELD alumni. But then there is always that $ thing.

[downtown48]

WC11...I just got done reading the paper up here and you beat me to it!!  I was coming on here to roast that dude, but you've handled it nicely.  They're becoming the modern day Whitworth from the mid 90's...   

[Bubs1856]

This was a nice quote from the UPS coach as well.  I understand propping up your guy, but c'mon now.  I wonder if he ever made it out of the locker room to see any of the Cat QB's over the last few years...

"The passing abilities of our quarterback is better than any I think I've ever had in Division III," Willenbrock said last week. "Even back in Allegheny (College, where Willenbrock coached from 1998-02), I haven't had a quarterback position throw the ball as well as I think our guys throw the ball, so that will be exciting to watch."

[Pat Coleman]

This was a nice quote from the UPS coach as well.  I understand propping up your guy, but c'mon now.  I wonder if he ever made it out of the locker room to see any of the Cat QB's over the last few years...

"The passing abilities of our quarterback is better than any I think I've ever had in Division III," Willenbrock said last week. "Even back in Allegheny (College, where Willenbrock coached from 1998-02), I haven't had a quarterback position throw the ball as well as I think our guys throw the ball, so that will be exciting to watch."

What's wrong with this? He isn't saying he's got the best quarterback in Division III history -- he's saying he's got the best passing quarterback he's ever coached.

People should take the time to fully read before they get all up in arms about what they think has been said.

[Foss]

Maybe the WOU-Willamete score has more to do with Willamette being improved this year over their 2-7 team from last season, which had to be one of the worst Bearcat teams in recent memory.

Although WOU lost their great TE who was drafted by the Giants, they have almost everyone back. They return 9 starters on both offensive AND defense (and their kickers), have the largest recruiting class in school history, and according to their website their coach says it's the deepest team he's seen since he's been with the program in 1985

A solid showing against WOU would be a great way to kick off the season and a real confidence boost before heading into the Hardin Simmons game.

[Foss]

In reviewing the game summary, it seems WOU thoroughly dominated Willamete. They only allowed 92 total yards, and half of those were given up during the game ending TD drive when it was basically over. Willamette had 6 yards of total offense at the half, compared to 238 for WOU. Looks like the Wolves defense is going to be tough again this year.

[spiritof86]

Foss! Good to hear your level-headed comments. I tend to agree as well. WOU is going to have a solid defense and an offense that can grind most opponents down. I am excited to see how the cats stock up, but I am not putting a ton of faith in wu score.

My first listening part of the year takes place in sout st louis this weekend- come one come all. Or come none, that is probably the more likely scenario.

[Bubs1856]

Point well taken Pat...guess I jumped on that a little quickly.  We should get Colin Cowherd's opinion of this guy though, afterall, the QB at UPS came from about 5 miles down the road where Colin is from.

[RedandPurple]

Olinemom:
You are going to love being at Linfield.
Take in the tailgate party(ies) and enjoy yourself.
Linfield is a great place to watch a game. I wish my wife and I could be there
to welcome you. Thanks again for the brownies and your support for the Wildcats, especially the O-line.
Sean is now teaching Physical Education and will be coaching soon.

RedandPurple...
...AKA john horning

[Foss]

Thanks, spirit. I wish I would have used my head a little more a few months ago when I told the Mrs. I would definately be able to make her close friend's wedding. It didn't occur to me until last week that maybe Sept. 15 wasn't the best day to commit to go somewhere that doesn't rhyme with Rickwinville. My brainfreeze means that you will have been able to watch the 'Cats play Hardin-Simmons more times than me.