FB: Northwest Conference

[Linfield61]

So, did all the brothers leave?

[swede]

Brandon was not happy with his playing time at the end of the season.  Decided he didn't want to be part of the program anymore and transferred.  End of Story as far as I'm concerned.  Best of luck to him and his brother.

This is the kind of stuff that is nice to know as soon as it breaks.   

I knew for sure back the first part of June  lack of playing time was a reson but I don't think the only one. Anyway I wish them both well.

[swede]

So, did all the brothers leave?

Yes

Who replaces Dad on the staff?

[Bearcat Press]

[mild amusement]I'm genuinely impressed with how quickly the Liz Heaston reference came this year.  IIRC, it took until the second week of the season in 2008, but I could be wrong.  Could this be the offseason NWC Pick'em?[/mild amusement]

Whatever.

FightBearcats, the official numbers from Willamette are 5 returning starters on offense (Hirschberger, Guerra, Penkala, Horne, and Schoettgen) and 7 on defense (Alvarado, Carter, Lowe, Banta, Rogers, Gilgan, and Taylor).  Rowan will continue to punt and kick.  Whitcomb is listed as a "Returning Injured Starter."  I'm honestly not sure who's going to step up to replace the graduated players, and I probably won't know until I talk with him this week or next for my first Collegian article.

On another note, the Bearcats participated in United Way's "Days of Caring" event for the sixth straight year:

http://www.willamette.edu/athletics/news/article/2009/08/bearcats_participate_in_days_of_caring.xml

[wildcat11]

I'm honestly not sure who's going to step up to replace the graduated players, and I probably won't know until I talk with him this week or next for my first Collegian article.

B-Press,

I'm sure the Speckman will have some very good options at flanker.  IF Whitcomb can throw the ball with some consistency then the offense will be pretty good again.  Looking forward to seeing how the first road trip goes and the SOU game turns out.

[wildcat11]

We have some new content up on Catdomealumni.com ADvantage blog:

ADvantage Catdome: First Impressions and Tackling Circuit with the Defensive line

[Bearcat Press]

I'm honestly not sure who's going to step up to replace the graduated players, and I probably won't know until I talk with him this week or next for my first Collegian article.

B-Press,

I'm sure the Speckman will have some very good options at flanker.  IF Whitcomb can throw the ball with some consistency then the offense will be pretty good again.  Looking forward to seeing how the first road trip goes and the SOU game turns out.

I'm only concerned about flanker because nobody really played last year except Merben.  But even if there is some drop off there, I think Whitcomb's running dimension could make up for it.  However, his throwing accuracy is absolutely the biggest question mark.  Last year was a great illustration of just how deadly the fly can be with an accurate QB and good WRs.

[D O.C.]

BCP...sounds like that defense will be able to hold Anderson to less than 200 yards to grab 2nd place solo. 

And.....remember.....the past is the past and does not count one lick for the upcoming Saturdays. Keep repeating that Friday nights as you try to fall asleep.   8)

[BearcatFan]

The "local" (Portland) Fox affiliate was out last week to have a look at the Bearcats and produced this video.

Funny I didn't hear any players or coaches mention anything about a "dynasty," as the reporter promoted the piece.

Looking forward to another great season!

Go Bearcats!

[Las Vegas Wildcards]

We have some new content up on Catdomealumni.com ADvantage blog:

ADvantage Catdome: First Impressions and Tackling Circuit with the Defensive line

Terrific work as usual, WC11. Liked the low angle shots you had near that tackling pad, the audio was really crisp, too. You can really hear the passion for the game by the Linfield coaching staff. Some of those scenes reminded me of that movie "Rudy"!    

[Las Vegas Wildcards]

The "local" (Portland) Fox affiliate was out last week to have a look at the Bearcats and produced this video.

Funny I didn't hear any players or coaches mention anything about a "dynasty," as the reporter promoted the piece.

Looking forward to another great season!

Go Bearcats!

Good to see the local stations covering NWC football, but the report did have a couple mistakes. It's not unusual, those local reporters are more used to covering the PAC 10. That teaser which included the word "dynasty", was misleading, a team needs to be together several NWC titles before that word comes up. Come to think of it, you rarely, if ever hear that word at the D1 level. I think that's because programs like USC and Florida win national titles. Programs at any level that contend and win  national titles always seem to use that goal, as opposed to focusing on winning conference titles.

The other error in the report was saying the 2008 season was the best in Willamette football history. The greatest Bearcat squad has to be the Dan Hawkins 1997 club which reached the NAIA title game. 2008 was the best regular season, but not as good overall as 1997.   

That local station isn't alone, ESPN also sensationalizes their reporting. I remember they were actually calling the 2007 New England Patriots the best ever team BEFORE Super Bowl 42!       

[Bearcat Press]

The "local" (Portland) Fox affiliate was out last week to have a look at the Bearcats and produced this video.

Nameplates?!

[bluenote]

We have some new content up on Catdomealumni.com ADvantage blog:

ADvantage Catdome: First Impressions and Tackling Circuit with the Defensive line

That looks pretty decent to me! Great work Wildcat11!

[wildcat11]

Move video content up on Catdomealumni.com ADvantage blog:

ADvantage Catdome: 'Cats QBs, WRs, and DBs battle

Tomorrow we'll have some words from Coach Smith from the end of last Sunday's practice and Thursday will have our Mic'd up clip with Senior Defensive End Ian Estrada.  Keep spreading the word.

[MonroviaCat]

Looks to me like the Linfield has a new looking going on the athletics website...yes?