FB: Northwest Conference

[criswyly]

My opinion on Masters:
Simply one of the quickest return players at the D3 level that I've seen...came awfully close to busting one in the Stagg Bowl.
My preseason prediction on Masters:
One of the best if not the best return player to make a major impact.

Lets's hope he stays healthy.

What's his eligibility status this year?

[wildcat11]

Coco and Blue,

Here is that Punt Return.  It's in the honorable mention section of the The Top Ten Of The Past Ten

Here is the direct link to the 2001 Cooney Punt Return

Cris,

Masters is a Jr.  I agree...if he's able to stay healthy then he's going to be huge for the 'Cats.

[NWFan]

First of all, you Wildcat fans take the preseason AA selections WAY too seriously.  Let's just hope that the coaches don't pick Whitworth to win the conference or the McMinnville FD might have a busy night.

Should Blum be recognized?  He finished the year ranked 2nd in the nation in Kickoff Returns, averaging 32.8 yards per return.  Sure, Masters was third on that list but Blum was still one up.  Blum also averaged 8.1 yards per punt return and my reading glasses may need adjustment but I didn't see any Linfield returners on the top 100 list.  Since the AA team doesn't differentiate between kick and punt returner and just picks one, Blum seems like a logical choice.

I believe that Blum earned Preseason AA status in one of the print publications as well so instead of complaining that it wasn't a Wildcat who was honored, why don't you just be glad that the NWC is getting the national respect that they deserve? 

[downtown48]

I hope the coaches don't pick Linfield to win the conference, that way when they run the table, everybody else can act surprised.

[wildcat11]

First of all, you Wildcat fans take the preseason AA selections WAY too seriously. 

I made a small comment that escalated into an exchange.  I wasn't just going to lie down and neither was PC so we went around and around.  However, I still believe Masters is the bigger kick return threat.  I mean it was Willenbrock that started the Linfield game kicking away from Masters and not the other way around.  

[cawcdad]

My opinion on Masters:
Simply one of the quickest return players at the D3 level that I've seen...came awfully close to busting one in the Stagg Bowl.
My preseason prediction on Masters:
One of the best if not the best return player to make a major impact.

Lets's hope he stays healthy.

What's his eligibility status this year?

I talked with Travis for a few minutes at an af2 game last month. He is eligible, healthy, and rarin' to go.
Looks like I get to see 2 Cats games this year. They come down my way to play at Menlo and I'll be up in November for a play and the L&C game.

[cawcdad]

. . .Should Blum be recognized?  He finished the year ranked 2nd in the nation in Kickoff Returns, averaging 32.8 yards per return.  Sure, Masters was third on that list but Blum was still one up.  Blum also averaged 8.1 yards per punt return and my reading glasses may need adjustment but I didn't see any Linfield returners on the top 100 list.  Since the AA team doesn't differentiate between kick and punt returner and just picks one, Blum seems like a logical choice.

I believe that Blum earned Preseason AA status in one of the print publications as well so instead of complaining that it wasn't a Wildcat who was honored, why don't you just be glad that the NWC is getting the national respect that they deserve? 

The NWC is going to see a great deal of lightning on special teams. The All NWC punt returner was neither Blum nor Masters, but Galen Perry (Jr.) of Menlo who averaged 15.2 yds (8th in the nation) and ran back one for a TD. He averaged 22 yds on kick returns, but didn't see as much action there since he was lined up with Jihad Mohasin, the #1 kick returner in the d-3 nation last year and 1st team all NWC.

[(509)Rat]

cawcdad has a good point...I was wondering when someone was going to bring up the menlo guys.  I think Perry was the most talented return man (Master's was good but was also had the most talent surrounding him), and I never was real impressed with Blum.  However, Blum's numbers are impressive and if any NWC'er can get named to d3football's AA team (by far the most reasonable AA team) I'll take it.

[criswyly]

First of all, you Wildcat fans take the preseason AA selections WAY too seriously. 

I thought this board was about talk....and yours is about opinion...but that's okay...I'm about as opinionated as they come....Welcome to the board.

[wildcat11]

It's offical....

Monday will be the 2007 Linfield Offensive Preview.  Now if I only knew how to close the poll?*

BTW, for you funny guys that wanted the L&C 2007 season preview:  HERE IT IS

*Thanks PC!

[coco]

Niiiiiiice....

Seriously, I wish them a good season this year, and I hope they can win at least one game. My choice would be Willamette, and a shutout.

[pineconefan]

Found this on the L&C website.  It's not a preview, but at least it looks like they are taking steps with their recruiting.

http://www.lclark.edu/dept/sports/fb0723.html

[warthog]

coco:

Will the Rockie Mountain passes be clear of snow in mid-November so you and Mrs. Coco can head over the continnental divide and take in the Central/Wartburg clash?  The winner probably gets to come out west over Thanksgiving weekend and be treated to some old fashion Linfield hospitality.

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Its all legal!!

[bluenote]

Wildcat11...thanks again for the clips!!! We can always count on you for those special highlights we all love to watch.

Gig Harbor Cat....nice article in the Oregonian today on the city of Gig Harbor, WA. I assume you were in the picture somewhere that showed the boat ramp with all the locals gathering and telling fish stories...   Must be cool to cruise around the harbor enjoying the festivities and local haunts!