FB: Northwest Conference

[wildkit58]

 As a new poster, but a longtime d3football.com reader, I'd first like to state that I am amazed by the recent post by the power that be.

And second, The Linfield Wildcats (season after season (51+),  the last several as part of Division III,) have always consistently set a high standard of excellence in football.  It now seems, after 2 losses, to be is a program that some people want to see fail.  (The more you succeed the more they want you not to comes to mind).  Linfield football has a tradition of excellence, in players and coaches, AND in perseverance.   Don't for one second think theses players have any less desire than those of the great
Wildcat teams of the past. 

As a Linfield alum and fan that bleeds purple & red, I believe that this team has the talent and drive to carry on the tradition.

The Cats first game was against an up & coming D2 team that today manhandled a TX team that is a known power in D2 . Today's game was  against HS, a team with its own winning tradition, who happened to beat a young Linfield team early in the season.  Many teams schedule obvious victories early on, which the Cats never have (HS included - & congrats to their team for their victory).

Two losses don't make a season.  League play starts in 2 weeks & the Cats are on a mission to continue the tradition. 

[Toby Taff]

I was at the game yesterday, sitting on the visitors side and pulling for a good game.  I got what I went to see.  HSU played its typically methodical game and had the chance to really put some numbers on the board (twice they were inside the five but didn't score), but the Linfield D stiffened and caused two fumbles.  Linfield's D looked good most of the game.

A few things to consider about this game The cats came on a long road trip into a very different climate and played a good game.  Don't discount the benefit of being HSU at home early in the season and playing a team from the northern part of the country.  It was hot here yesterday and that wears on a team if you aren't use to it.  Some of the Linfield players were cramping up in the second half, and when you've been hit over and again by a large HSU team legs start feeling like lead weights during the latter part of the second half.

I think Linfield will be fine, the defense looked strong, even late in the game.  I saw some fantastic offensive plays including a shuffle pass that was sold so well I never even saw the reciever until the pass was made.  I didn't see game one, but the Linfield team I saw today is going to be fine.

One last note.  Linfields QB situation could be fun this season.  #12 did a good job, but #15 looked good as well.  The quality of QB isn't the same as it was with Elliott, but how often does a D1 starter fall in your lap? 

[Pat Coleman]

As a new poster, but a longtime d3football.com reader, I'd first like to state that I am amazed by the recent post by the power that be.

If you were reading closely for that long time, you'd know that he makes it a habit to annoy me over every perceived slight, pretty much all of which are only that -- perceived. I don't need his attitude.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

" ...... go to church; ...... do your dirt; ...... put in work; ...... go bezerk !"

what is going on? we act as if this is ok, as for me, i expect more from the cats and their coaching staff. i hope they turn it around soon. the time is now, get sharp and execute.

i hope that the cats start to dominate, and get on the right track. or we may be looking for a new head coach. too much is on the line, too many players that gave it up for the cats to be in this position at this time.

go cats

lnd

"Looking for a new coach . . . "  Two games into the season losing to a much improved WOU and a more highly ranked HSU . . . with a new head coach and after losing a titan of a qb and serious stud receiver among others?  My god, get  a frickin'  grip dude.  Were you a failed candidate for the head coach slot?  Is this a little bitterness?

I trust that most 'Cat fans, while undoubtedly disappointed given the unbelievable performance standards of Elliot and company, have a little more faith and patience.

I still think that the 'Cats have a great chance to run the board in the NWC . . . isn't Whitworth the big remaining test?

Hell, Redlands fans aren't calling for Maynard's head on a plate . . .  it ain't the end of the world or 'Cat football.

[RedandPurple]

The CATS have improved from last week. They palyed with a lot of heart and determination. We had a few "hometown' calls go against us, but that's football.
Time to focus on the NWC games. Proud to be a Linfield fan!

zmotion....thanks to you and your wife for the fajitas before the game.

GO CATS!

[downtown48]

Wildkit...well said.  MHB...thanks for the report.  That's kinda been my feeling these last two weeks.  Young team, young coach, and not the type of first games that allow you to ease into things.  By the way the J-bird was a play away from being 4-5 his first season and I don't think these guys will even come close to that...They will be playing Whitworth for the NWC title at the end of the year... 

I think this will prove to be beneficial in the long run.  These games have shown them exactly what they need to work on.  What good would it do to play the Colorado School of the Blind, roll them and think that you're golden when it comes time to play a decent team.  Our weaknesses have been exposed, now it's time to shore them up.  If they're lucky enough to be playing in late November, they've seen where they'll need to be to compete. 

Oh yea and don't expect to get ANY calls for the rest of the year...the Ducks used up all the homejob calls for the state of Oregon for the rest of the season!!!   

[rowanlb92]

!!!COMING SOON!!!

A highlight video of Linfield getting pounded.

Downtown48 and densla will be sobbing "we were the champions" in the background.

[downtown48]

Exactly...coming soon!! 
A 52-0 drubbing...oh, wait...that wasn't Linfield   Get a title on your resume and then come and run your yap...   Did you graduate in 92' or were you part of Rowan's Buffalo Bills style run of Stagg Bowls?

[wyd]

Thought I would chime.  PLU is as bad as advertised.   There offense is a nightmare.  Turn overs galore.  For some reason SWesty hasn't been able to right the ship.  I think matching last years win total is probably a good goal in the short term.  Going 1-4 in conference two years in a row at PLU can't be good for Scott.

Second week in a row PLU controlled the game only to give it away in the second half.   

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Rowsucka,
  You crack me up,  is today the first time you have pulled your head out of your A$$ and jumped on here for your version of a drive by.  Take it from someone that is known for drive by shots.
   YOU GOT NO GAME MY MAN

   Now take your dollar bills, head on down to the Bada Bing and continue the fantasy land life you seem to live in.

   GHC

[Foss]

Let's take a closer look at the two teams the 'Cats have played this season. First up: WOU. The D2 squad WOU just thumped 36-10 had the second best all-time record in D2 history. Going back to last season, the Wolves are on a 6 game winning streak. They were ranked #33 in D2 going into this game, and now will likely crack the top 25. As for Hardin-Simmons, they have a 68-11 record since 1999. The Cowboys are one of the top 7 teams (maybe they'll move up even higher now) in DIII this year. There is no shame in losing to either.

Starting the season 0-2 is not fun and I'm not saying it is. However, the 'Cats have lost to two very good football teams. I suspect the rest of the season will go fine. I believe Linfield will likely still be favored over the rest of their opponents, with the exception of maybe Whitworth, who they will get at home.

In my opinion, the defense seems to be doing alright. Hardin-Simmons averaged 33 points per game last season, and 48 the year before. For the 'Cats to give up 21 is pretty respectable. Now, the offense? Well, that obviously has to improve. Two TDs in two games is not getting it done.

Hey, the concern during the regular season last year was that we might not be facing tough enough competition early on. I don't think we have to worry about that this year.

[coco]

Rowanlb92,

Still so bitter...... That was two years ago!
Let it go, buddy. You're gonna give yourself an ulcer.


Wyd,

Maybe the Chapman game will go better and it will be a confidence-builder.

[Pat Coleman]

Hey, sorry guys -- I warned him, I deleted that post twice, and now he earned himself a time out from the board.

[coco]

Pat,

Who are you talking about? DenS?

[coco]

And the Rowan poster's message is still there.