FB: Northwest Conference

[Kelly Boggs]

Speedy,

Here is a link to get you started on your fly research: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Football-Instruction-2069/fly-offense-spread.htm

[d-train]

Hey guys, can anyone explain to me what the "fly" offense is.  I've never heard of it except in relation to Willamette and I have not seen them play since the early 90's.  I gather it's a run oriented offense.  WHat kind of set does it look like when they line up, etc.?

thanks
speedy

Basically on about 75% of the plays, a flanker comes in motion through the backfield (which usually features split backs). The ball is most often snapped as he nears the center/QB. The basic play is the end around (fly sweep) to the motion man (or he can attack the C gap if the DE gets upfield quickly). A variety of dives, counters, and other misdirection plays can also be run. It's not uncommon for the QB to give two ball fakes, one handoff (all in one spot with his back to the defense), and pretend that he still has the ball on a keeper. Then they'll try any number of those options throughout the game with different looks and sets - driving LBs nuts. Willamette's most successful years have been when they've also had at least a decent passer and been able to run effective draw plays.

[d-train]

If any of you guys have wondered what the story is behind that 'little dude in the wheelchair' that roams the PLU sidelines, here's a feature piece by (PLU alum) Chris Egan produced for King 5 Sports in Seattle:

http://www.king5.com/video/sports-index.html?nvid=190476

[speedybigboy]

Thanks, DOC, UMHBalum, & dtrain.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to check out the link before Saturday's game.  Today, I'm dealing with the foot of snow that fell in my driveway last night  .

[wildcat11]

If any of you guys have wondered what the story is behind that 'little dude in the wheelchair' that roams the PLU sidelines, here's a feature piece by (PLU alum) Chris Egan produced for King 5 Sports in Seattle:

http://www.king5.com/video/sports-index.html?nvid=190476

Thanks for the link D-Train.  That is a great story and I always wondered what the background was even back what I was playing.   

[wyd]

Thanks for sharing the story D-train. 

I am hoping for a good NWC showing in the playoffs.   It is a little painful to see Playoff predictions that include teams we (PLU) handled pretty easily. 

Lutes will take care of Willamette this weekend and finish up a good season!

[bluenote]

wyd...yes you guys would be 7-2 which would be your best record over the last 6 or 7 years. That would be a very good year.

[Pat Coleman]

Thanks for sharing the story D-train. 

I am hoping for a good NWC showing in the playoffs.   It is a little painful to see Playoff predictions that include teams we (PLU) handled pretty easily. 

I think Cal Lutheran has improved just a tad since September, after adjusting to all the changes that went down there late in the offseason. And that's the power of the automatic bid. Next year the NWC will know what that's like.

[cawcdad]

Another thanks for the link d-train. I wondered who the gentleman was when the Lutes visited Menlo last year.

[George Thompson]

I was curious if anyone tried to watch the Linfield/Whitworth game on the internet feed? I was trying to do so but both the video and audio kept cutting out every 2 minutes or so and I'd have to relaunch the video player. Then after about halfway through the 2nd quarter I couldn't log in at all and reverted to the radio broadcast. I hope the video broadcast Linfield offers is more solid. I'm assuming it is.....considering it is pay per view.

Bluenote,

I saw almost the entire 1st half.   But, it was very spotty and jumpy.     I could never get back on in the 2nd half.

My son (a non-football playing Linfield grad.) lives in San Diego and he says Linfield's home internet broadcasts are quite good.         

George

[Foss]

I've watched some of the Whitworth broadcasts in the past and fortunately didn't have any problem. The thing I noticed most, actually, was how good the Whitworth broadcaster is. I believe he does the games solo and is extremely solid, IMO.

(509)Rat, you hinted in your last post that you would probably quit posting. It looks like that might be the case. Personally, I would like to see you continue posting. I think the majority of your posts give very solid insight on your team and definately contribute to the NWC board. You got a bit carried away after your team's last win, but IMO I think most of your posts up until then outweigh your brief tirade. I actually think Whitworth has some pretty good posters on this board, like pineconefan and others. (509)Rat, your team is (hopefully) going to the playoffs for the 2nd straight season. Enjoy it if it happens, relax a bit if or when your squad upsets a higher ranked team, and continue to give us your take on the Pirates. I don't claim to speak for everyone you pissed off, by the way. Just my thoughts.

[George Thompson]

Looking at those regional rankings just about made me sick!  Knowing that Linfield could beat at least 4-5 of those teams hands down...............sick!  The Cats should really only have one loss (WOU) and be ranked in the top 5 in the country!  Sick, very sick!  Two years in a row.  What does next years QB situation look like?  How come UPS and Whitworth can find multiple 6'2, 240lb running backs and we can't seem to find one for our squad?  What happened to the quick bubble screen that Losey use to call 4-5 times per game which would equate out to at least 4-5 yrds a pop?  When was the last time the Cats ran a reverse or a fake punt.  How come everyone elses QB seems to have a sweep or draw in which they gain big yards on but we never seem to be able to do that?  I hate to say this, but I am affraid 6-3 in going to become the norm for the Cats for the next few years.  My sources say we lost the recruiting war big time this year and it could be a trend due to UPS, PLU and Whitworth having larger endowments than the Cats and being able to offer better financial aid packages?  Plus WOU had turned the corner into becoming a legit D-2 program and they will continue to steal kids away from the Cats probably at a greater pace than before.  Things are'nt looking to hot.  Time to bring back Rutch and establish a 50% run and 50% pass attack offense!

Wildcat 82,

I get criticized for being negative.   But, I am not.    I am realistic, especially about games I have seen, which is 80%+ in the last 20 years.

We were SO close to winning the NWC both last year and this year.    All we needed was one good running back for 9 games.   And, he doesn't have to be as good as David Russell was.

I can not agree with your outlook for the future.   Let us not forget that no team on the west coast can come close to Linfield's long time football prowess.    We will be fine next year and beyond.

We were spoiled by those incredible teams from 2002-2005.    Those type of teams don't come along very often.   Except for Mount Union.

GO CATS! GO!

George

[MonroviaCat]

I've watched some of the Whitworth broadcasts in the past and fortunately didn't have any problem. The thing I noticed most, actually, was how good the Whitworth broadcaster is. I believe he does the games solo and is extremely solid, IMO.

(509)Rat, you hinted in your last post that you would probably quit posting. It looks like that might be the case. Personally, I would like to see you continue posting. I think the majority of your posts give very solid insight on your team and definately contribute to the NWC board. You got a bit carried away after your team's last win, but IMO I think most of your posts up until then outweigh your brief tirade. I actually think Whitworth has some pretty good posters on this board, like pineconefan and others. (509)Rat, your team is (hopefully) going to the playoffs for the 2nd straight season. Enjoy it if it happens, relax a bit if or when your squad upsets a higher ranked team, and continue to give us your take on the Pirates. I don't claim to speak for everyone you pissed off, by the way. Just my thoughts.

I agree Foss.

[MonroviaCat]

Looking at those regional rankings just about made me sick!  Knowing that Linfield could beat at least 4-5 of those teams hands down...............sick!  The Cats should really only have one loss (WOU) and be ranked in the top 5 in the country!  Sick, very sick!  Two years in a row.  What does next years QB situation look like?  How come UPS and Whitworth can find multiple 6'2, 240lb running backs and we can't seem to find one for our squad?  What happened to the quick bubble screen that Losey use to call 4-5 times per game which would equate out to at least 4-5 yrds a pop?  When was the last time the Cats ran a reverse or a fake punt.  How come everyone elses QB seems to have a sweep or draw in which they gain big yards on but we never seem to be able to do that?  I hate to say this, but I am affraid 6-3 in going to become the norm for the Cats for the next few years.  My sources say we lost the recruiting war big time this year and it could be a trend due to UPS, PLU and Whitworth having larger endowments than the Cats and being able to offer better financial aid packages?  Plus WOU had turned the corner into becoming a legit D-2 program and they will continue to steal kids away from the Cats probably at a greater pace than before.  Things are'nt looking to hot.  Time to bring back Rutch and establish a 50% run and 50% pass attack offense!

Wildcat 82,

I get criticized for being negative.   But, I am not.    I am realistic, especially about games I have seen, which is 80%+ in the last 20 years.

We were SO close to winning the NWC both last year and this year.    All we needed was one good running back for 9 games.   And, he doesn't have to be as good as David Russell was.

I can not agree with your outlook for the future.   Let us not forget that no team on the west coast can come close to Linfield's long time football prowess.    We will be fine next year and beyond.

We were spoiled by those incredible teams from 2002-2005.    Those type of teams don't come along very often.   Except for Mount Union.

GO CATS! GO!

George

Well Said Geroge though I think the boys from PLU may disagree with your comment about "no team on the west coast...."  The Lute program has been strong for years (yea down the last couple but every program has down years).  I like looking back a the 80's where it was Linfield, PLU, Linfield, PLU......taking turns each year at the conference title. 

[coco]

I've watched some of the Whitworth broadcasts in the past and fortunately didn't have any problem. The thing I noticed most, actually, was how good the Whitworth broadcaster is. I believe he does the games solo and is extremely solid, IMO.

(509)Rat, you hinted in your last post that you would probably quit posting. It looks like that might be the case. Personally, I would like to see you continue posting. I think the majority of your posts give very solid insight on your team and definately contribute to the NWC board. You got a bit carried away after your team's last win, but IMO I think most of your posts up until then outweigh your brief tirade. I actually think Whitworth has some pretty good posters on this board, like pineconefan and others. (509)Rat, your team is (hopefully) going to the playoffs for the 2nd straight season. Enjoy it if it happens, relax a bit if or when your squad upsets a higher ranked team, and continue to give us your take on the Pirates. I don't claim to speak for everyone you pissed off, by the way. Just my thoughts.

I agree Foss.

Same here.