FB: Northwest Conference

[scandihoovian]

I'm a bit puzzled by Willamette's slow start, and I'm wondering if there are any NWC folks out there that might offer some insight on the Bearcats struggles?

Before the season they seemed like a big test for CLU, now it's hard to tell...

[MonroviaCat]

From what I hear, Willamette is just a mess.  Nothing clicking on offense and their offense is a scheme that requires clicking.  Their only TD was a defense one---recovered fumble returned for a TD.  I also think that 6 interceptions and 3 lost fumbles probaby contributed to their losses as well!  If that continues, I fully expect CLU to beat them this weekend.

[pineconefan]

Six NWC games coming up on Saturday, so how about some predictions?
Here are mine (in chronological order):

Chapman at Menlo: Menlo's defense has played very well, but offense still has questions.  But Chapman has yet to take the field, and first game bugs need working out - Menlo 17, Chapman 12.

Willamette at Cal Lutheran:  As Monrovia said, Willamette's offense seems to be in a mess, and the defense is not playing as well as a unit with eight starters back should be playing.  CLU is carrying confidence from last season and last Saturday's win into the game.  Kitties start 0-3:  Cal Lutheran 28, Willamette 14.

Pomona-Pitzer at Lewis & Clark: This year is not about wins and losses for L&C.  But the next two weeks are probably the Pioneers' best chance to pick up a huge W.  I think they keep it close, but the freshmen on the line still have much to learn: Pomona 31, L&C 28.

La Verne at Whitworth:  Not much really to say about this one.  The cold, rainy weather will make the Leopards' visit even more miserable than it will already be:  Whitworth 38, ULV 7.

UW-RF at PLU: It has become clear that the Lutes are suffering a lack of confidence right now, giving away the CLU game late (after last year's losing record).  RF is smarting from a beat down by the Johnnies.  I think the coaches rally the Lutes this week for a close win:  PLU 24, UWRF 20.

Linfield at Hardin-Simmons: The game of the week in the NWC.  HSU looked very good in a big win over Stevens Point two weeks ago, and had last Saturday off.  Linfield suffered through its worst game since 2001 last Saturday.  Having seen plenty of the Cats over the last many years, I don't recall two bad weeks in a row.  Assuming the offensive timing has worked out: Linfield 27, HSU 20 (OT).

[swede]

I heard the 'cats will be taking the whole team down south. Has anyone heard the same?

[Orca Jr.]

Swede, I haven't heard one way or the other, but I HIGHLY doubt it.  We don't even take the whole squad to Whitworth 

[Catville Commissioner Elect]

Pineconefan.

Your predictioins look pretty good and for the most part I think you are right on the money.  I think playing at home, the Pirates have a good chance to pull over a 50+ game if they so desire.  I am not also sure the CLU-Willamette game will be as close and you might see.  I would say it could be 42-7 even though CLU does not seem to have a great defense, to much disaray in Bearcat land.  As far and HSU/Linfield I think a close prediction is right on line.  I think Linfield will score but will need to keep HSU down.  A field goal may make the difference.  I will say Linfield 24-21 in regulation.

GO CATS -  Bring one home from Texas 

[swede]

Swede, I haven't heard one way or the other, but I HIGHLY doubt it.  We don't even take the whole squad to Whitworth 

I was thinking the same thing. 'Cats only take the travel squad to Whitworth (as far as I know)  and thats a league game. Can't see any purpose in taking the entire team.  And I still haven't figured who you are yet or was my last guess correct?

['Cats Fa Natic]

I was looking through HS's roster and was a bit surprised at the size of some of their guys.

QB Jordan Neal had a great game last week. He was 19-27 (70.4%), with 4 TDs. Darn good accuracy. He's not huge, though. He's only 5' 10" and 195. Hopefully, our front seven--which average 6' 1" (Caffall is the "short one" of the group at 5' 11")--can knock some balls down.

If you can't get to the QB, at least get your arms up, right?

The RB, Quinton Jones (Sr.), must be a block. Or a bowling ball. He's 5' 6" and weighs 200. Last week he had 14 rushes for 104 yards, with a long of 42.

Here are the guys who caught balls for HS last week...

Mychal Carrillo  5' 8", 188 (Jr.): 9 for 80, 1TD, long of 17
Will Galusha    5' 8", 175 (Sr.): 5 for 131, 1TD long of 48
Matt Fields   6' 2", 197 (Jr.): 3 for 39, 1TD long of 22
Henry Woodard  5' 9" , 176 (Fr.): 2 for 22, 1TD long of 20
Jamaal Shurme   5' 9", 155 (Jr.): 1 for 37, 0 TD long of 37
Justin Greene   5' 6", 175 (Sr.): 1 for 33, 1TD long of 33
Patrick Shelby   6' 3", 230 (Sr.): 1 for 8, 0 TD, long 8

The first three are listed as their starters. From their write-up, Matt Fields there sounds pretty big and able to break tackles and the other two, despite their height, are obviously productive.

Their starting CBs are only 5' 8" and 5' 9". By way of comparison, our WRs are 5' 10", 5' 10", and 6' 0". Incidentally, their safeties are both 5' 10", so that's a draw there. Even so, it looks like they shut down UWSP pretty handily, holding them to only 131 yards. The QB was only 10-30 with one pick.

Guess that proves it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Anyway, just thought I'd pass it on. Make of it what you will.

[wildcat11]

Wow....

if anybody is looking for a head coach for their son's high school I think that THIS GUY is available!!!!

Classic Harry High School stuff here...Classic!

This coach is super sweet!!!

[downtown48]

CLASSIC!!  That dude is AWESOME.  I'd just be praying I was in the back so he couldn't see me laughing at him while he was drooling on himself!  What a slapdick!

[CamCat]

A field goal may make the difference.  I will say Linfield 24-21 in regulation.

Topcat1 my  man,  I hope you are right.

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Final Call of the week.

Cats are a +30 in this one boys

They  SHOCK THE D3 WORLD TOMORROW
Phone it in, Its in the bank


GHC

[footballfan413]

Final Call of the week.

Cats are a +30 in this one boys

They  SHOCK THE D3 WORLD TOMORROW
Phone it in, Its in the bank


GHC

I suggested that you be optomistic, GHC,....... not irrational.......LOL!

                              +30 

No, just kidding you. +1 karma for it.   I think it's is a great prediction.  Why not?   "Got to believe it to achieve it!"
                                                  Go Cats! 

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Just wanted to see if anyone was awake out there.

Yes it can be done.

I witnessed a game during Wildcat11's days when a 6-0 PLU team came to town with tons of weapons.  The Cats destroyed them.

Thats why we play the game boys.

my 11 -- your 11  anywhere   Get er done

[fbgcat]

Wildcats by 30    I hope they can do it.  I'm going to be a bit more conservative and say Linfield 28 - HSU 21.  It'll be a defensive struggle in the second half. 

I hope the boys are hydrating, it's going to be hot.  Forecast of 93 degrees at gametime, heat index of 98.  20% chance of rain.  10-20 mile/hr wind. 

I'll be making the three hour drive north.  Anyone know if we Wildcats are invited to some tailgating?  Should be good.  Texans LOVE their football and LOVE tailgating.  They even tailgate for high school games.  Many bbq trailers make their way to football games in the fall.  Mind you, these are not just utility trailers with a Weber bungied on.  These are full-on bbq's with wheels.

I'll be there with my #99 jersey on.  I hope to meet up with some of you.  See you in Abilene.

Go Wildcats!!!!!!!