FB: Northwest Conference

[MacQuiz]

I would like to think the 1st round with PP serves the Cats well, as a reality Bell ringing.
Getting a grip on the contest in the 4th is a nice save...that could likely be too late in the next round.

[bluenote]

I felt like the 'cats came out without a spark or emotion. Credit to PP as they kept us off balance both on offense and defense. Can't wait to play Bethel.... they are a very good team that will be a huge challenge.

[D O.C.]

Remember that big qb from Hampden- Sidney?

[spiritof86]

College kids are unpredictable. I think the cats were a bit flat, but stuff happens. In a way, it's nice they could play not great and still get 51. Pomona threw everything at them and still were...lacking. I'd assume we will get a better version of Linfield next week. Pomona is a gnat. We swat those.

[criswyly]

As of 5:48PM Central the NCAA as not released the home team announcement. 
So nobody is hosting the unknown games as of yet.  Whatever d3football.com says
is not official.

[spiritof86]

. Linfield is hosting.

[spiritof86]

https://golinfieldwildcats.com/news/2022/11/20/football-linfield-to-host-bethel-in-second-round-ncaa-playoff-game.aspx

[criswyly]

I would like Joe Stuart to ask Coach Joe what he told his guys in those early third quarter time outs.

[criswyly]

There you go...I knew as soon as I said something, the announcement would be made.  Pretty influential, hey!

[criswyly]

I am so glad that I was wrong.  First time since 1974. lol

[Andy Jamison - Walla Walla Wildcat]

Call it a look ahead game... call it a great offensive and defensive scheme by our opponent... call it what you want it was still a great win for Linfield.  I was very impressed by all aspects of PP except for their punt game as that killed them all day.  Their QB was a stud and their guys made plays all day.  I've been to a lot of Linfield games and never have I seen us use all 3 time-outs in the third quarter, they had us so off our game.

If I am the Linfield offensive coordinator, I'm finding ways to get #9, Joel Valadez, the ball 20 times a game as good things happen when he has the ball in his hands.  Quick screens, jet sweeps, anytime there is 1x1 coverage, let's get him the ball... he is quick, shifty, sure handed, gets yards after catch, does a good job of getting in there and blocking, looks for the extra yard but doesn't take unnecessary hits, and isn't a threat to get Unsportsmanlike penalties like his two running mates.  Every time he comes off the field rather than Murray or Smith I shake my head.  He is our best offensive threat and from what I can tell is the best blocker of the three.   He made the play of the game on the 3rd and short by adjusting to a ball and making a great catch. If he doesn't make that catch, we are punting up 30-24 and who knows what happens. 

Guys have got to make plays... both on D and O.  Next weeks QB sounds like PP's but better.

Great job on our kicking game was it was awesome to see our FG unit be spot on, punt and punt coverage do their job, and punt rush kick butt. 

Go Cats!

Oh... and I watched the game when I got home and would have to agree that our play by play guy does yell a bit... love the enthusiasm but it could be toned down a bit and still get the message across.  McGarvie does a great job as color... I like how they aren't homers like so many radio guys are...

[criswyly]

BS, I haven't noticed Joe yelling or screaming in the booth. I think he's doing an excellent job for a young guy. that's coming from a guy with 30 years of television production experience. but hey what do I know.

[Gray Fox]

Here is he SCIAC  version of the game.

https://www.thesciac.org/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/20221120nfqolu

[wildcat11]

Here is he SCIAC  version of the game.

https://www.thesciac.org/sports/fball/2022-23/releases/20221120nfqolu

They earned the right to spin it how they wanted.  However, "Scared" isn't correct, more annoyed than anything else.  PP played a whale of a game and loved the let it all hang out play of their QB.  He's a stud.  However, even with Linfield not playing their best, they still hung 51 on the 'Hens and ran away with it at the end.

Andy,  you and I are in agreement.  The more Valadez can get the ball in his hands, the better it is for our offense.  I would ride him and McNabb for all their worth.

cris,  I was in the locker room at half and it was the same as always.  Coach Smith telling the guys he's excited for the challenge of the second half and Coach Vaughan was on the board with the defense breaking it down.  Not a word said in anger, panic, frustration.  Just a staff breaking it down and welcoming the competition.

[criswyly]

Thanks, Wildcat11...always appreciate words from the best.