FB: Northwest Conference

[cawcdad]

. . . .  Are most of the FB fields down there grass?  Seems like most of the fields up here are turf, at least in the NWC.

The majority are still grass, we don't get as much rain to destroy them as up north. More and more are going to turf. Our high school team (where I teach) only played two games this year on grass.

As far as Menlo's, I think it's in pretty good shape, just an strange crown to it.

[Bearcat Press]

Thanks cawcdad.  Just kind of wondered since all I'm looking at is scores & stats.  As we all know, the numbers don't always tell the whole story or give a real picture of the actual game.

That would be great if they improved their field.  That has to be the worst field in the NWC -- not sure how it holds up against other California schools, because that's the only one I've been to.  Are most of the FB fields down there grass?  Seems like most of the fields up here are turf, at least in the NWC.

Menlo may have the worst facilities (see wildcat11's footage of the visitor's coaching box) but I don't think anyone here will dispute that UPS has the worst field in the conference.

[downtown48]

Menlo may have the worst facilities (see wildcat11's footage of the visitor's coaching box) but I don't think anyone here will dispute that UPS has the worst field in the conference.

BCPress, I can't speak to the playing surface at UPS now but you should have seen it around 1997.  I can't remember which year but I remember driving up on the bus and they had a tractor with a roller attatched trying to level the field.  We walked out there and it was so soft your foot literally sunk six inches in spots...classic!

[bluenote]

I can't imagine a SCIAC Team being able to stop Willamette this year. Even Redlands...    I think they'd run circles around any IIAC Team this year..........Midwest....Monmouth?....not! How about the MIAC?....not sure this year, aren't as good as when we played them vs. SJU.  WIAC Team.....aren't as dominate as usual but still good.....so what's stopping them...... Well...we'll see.......   (maybe Menlo!)

[criswyly]

downtown48
I'm not predicting a deep run for Willamette...just what I'd like to see....and ranting a bit about last years snub of the NWC....But in answer to your question....What playoff caliber teams has Mount played this year?  Personally, I think most polls are a popularity contests based on the coaching and reputations.  It is also very interesting to me that Willamette seems to steam roll teams at the end of the game...which tells me that their O line is not only very good but also in very good condtion....When other teams O lines may have similar talent...but Willamette's is a notch better and not tiring late in the 3rd quarter...that's a HUGE game changer....I don't care who you're playing.  I don't know much about x's and o's....but this former Marine Corps officer knows a whole lot about what conditioning and endurance can do for you.  If Willamette has that edge...and it seems they do....they will go a long way in the playoffs...especially if they continue their sound fundamentals on both sides of the ball.  Has anybody seen any weakness in Willamette's ability to play "sound fundmental" football this year?  Go Willamette...Go NWC!

[Jack Parkman]

I can't imagine a SCIAC Team being able to stop Willamette this year. Even Redlands...    I think they'd run circles around any IIAC Team this year..........Midwest....Monmouth?....not! How about the MIAC?....not sure this year, aren't as good as when we played them vs. SJU.  WIAC Team.....aren't as dominate as usual but still good.....so what's stopping them...... Well...we'll see.......   (maybe Menlo!)

It is my honest opinion that Cal Lu stayed with Willamette every step of the way.  Cal Lu lost 4 fumbles and threw a pick.  Add on 112 yards in penalties and that right there is enough to make it very hard to win a game.  I am not saying Cal Lu should have won the game, I am just saying a SCIAC team did hang right with them.  Who knows, I have been wrong before......once.

[downtown48]

Fair enough Cris, you're dead on with the mistake free ball and the conditioning.  If they keep that up they can just wait for people to shoot themselves in the foot.  As far as Mount goes, I think until they go a few years in row not making it to the national semi-finals, they get a pass. 

[Tuxguy]

Jack,

As hard as this is to say, Linfield the last 3 years has played many teams every step of the way and....yes fumbles, Int's, and many other things have kept us from winning the games we need to.

Staying with and winning are miles apart.  And should have won the game after 4 fumbles a pick and 112 yards in penalties......... only if your playing Principia.

If a team has only one week to prepare for the fly that is a huge advantage for Willamette in the play-offs. Teams in the NWC have problems each year with veterans playing with a few new bee's. What is so frustrating is we know it's coming and if you don't stay with your assignment he's gone for a score.

The play-offs are going to be sick!! 3 years and no Cats...........I'm now going to take my med's.

Jack,
Now Twice!

GO WILDCATS

[BearcatFan]

downtown48
I'm not predicting a deep run for Willamette...just what I'd like to see....and ranting a bit about last years snub of the NWC....But in answer to your question....What playoff caliber teams has Mount played this year?  Personally, I think most polls are a popularity contests based on the coaching and reputations.  It is also very interesting to me that Willamette seems to steam roll teams at the end of the game...which tells me that their O line is not only very good but also in very good condtion....When other teams O lines may have similar talent...but Willamette's is a notch better and not tiring late in the 3rd quarter...that's a HUGE game changer....I don't care who you're playing.  I don't know much about x's and o's....but this former Marine Corps officer knows a whole lot about what conditioning and endurance can do for you.  If Willamette has that edge...and it seems they do....they will go a long way in the playoffs...especially if they continue their sound fundamentals on both sides of the ball.  Has anybody seen any weakness in Willamette's ability to play "sound fundmental" football this year?  Go Willamette...Go NWC!

Amen to that!

Willamette's "O" Line should seriously be considered for NWC "Player of the Year" Leslie has had all the time he needs to make his reads and deliver the ball, and against every opponent, it seems.  

[menlodaddio13]

Busy this week, just read a few days of posts..so just a little feedback from the only Menlo poster in the last couple years.  Last year we started 17 freshman and sophomores and really couldn't compete, but got valuable game time that was irreplaceable experience underfire.  This year we have lost 6 games, 1 in OT where a weak coaching decision  accounted for going for a fg on first possession in OT from the 3yd line, chapman was only blowout,  Linfield may not have seemed "as close as the score would indicate", however, a "dropped" ball in end zone and missed fg in 4thQ, sure could have been different result in the Cat Nation, also tied 28-28 in 4thQ vs OXY only to give up big play again, finally 1pt and 2pt loss and both were result of missed two point conversions in last couple minutes the games.  This was all with last years freshmen now sophomores leading the Oaks. The kids will be back, and as Juniors will have had more playing times and snaps then any other team in the NWC. They are starting a Pipeline from Washington with recruits from perrenial state champion Skyline HS and more are coming 8).  Don't be shocked if the Oaks hang in there this week, pretty dangerous offensive late this year and certainly we literally "can't wait till next year" !!!  PS good luck to Willamette in the Playoffs, take us deep!!

[Jack Parkman]

Jack,

As hard as this is to say, Linfield the last 3 years has played many teams every step of the way and....yes fumbles, Int's, and many other things have kept us from winning the games we need to.

Staying with and winning are miles apart.  And should have won the game after 4 fumbles a pick and 112 yards in penalties......... only if your playing Principia.

If a team has only one week to prepare for the fly that is a huge advantage for Willamette in the play-offs. Teams in the NWC have problems each year with veterans playing with a few new bee's. What is so frustrating is we know it's coming and if you don't stay with your assignment he's gone for a score.

The play-offs are going to be sick!! 3 years and no Cats...........I'm now going to take my med's.

Jack,
Now Twice!

GO WILDCATS

Tux-
Like I said, I don't think Cal Lu should have won this game, but they sure didn't do anything to help themselves, but they "stayed with" Willamette.  Willamette obviously is a very good team and I think the first round with Oxy (assuming it happens) will be a good game. 
Damn, I always wondered when that second time would come

[criswyly]

downtown48
Thanx...but I'm not willing to give any team a pass...I loved every minute of watching the Johns "monkey stomp" the terrors of D3....It's a great example of what a team can do when they believe in themselves (inspiration), have excellent coaching and fundamentals....That day...the Johns had all three and the Raiders didn't...at least not going into the 3rd and 4th quarter.  That said...obviously Kehres is the key to the Raiders success....Just look at how Kemic is protecting the ball in the D3 banner....that's fundamental football....That is taught, learned and practiced.  What can't be taught is inspiration.  How Kehres or any coach inspires is a God given gift.  You either have it or you don't....If you do, you have to know how and when to use it.  The great thing about sports is there is no guarantees on who is going to be inspired and prepared...but as far as this year is concerned I'm betting on Willamette...they've impressed me...If they make it to the Stagg Bowl...I won't be surprised like a lot of people on the D3 boards who won't even know how to pronounce the name...Time will tell...Sure am glad it gets settled on the field.

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Hey its Lute week.  Not sure who all is heading up north on sat, but Mojo and I will set  up our modest tailgate operation, including ole blue, munchies and maybe some BBQ action.  We will be in the field next to Sparks so stop on by.

  As for the game,  I expect our Cats to come in and steal the show.  Salty D is the key.  PLU has the Ford kid, and he is legit.  So pressure on the QB will be the key.  With the lack of a ground game by the Lutes I say let it all hang out on D.  Bring the house all day long.

   Don't be too surprised if Stash doesnt break out the double reverse bounce pass to the wide out, pitch pass on Sat. 

All in all it will be the Cats by 13

Phone it in

GHC, and Mojo the hound doggie



   
   

[wildcat11]

a "dropped" ball in end zone and missed fg in 4thQ, sure could have been different result in the Cat Nation

Is your kid still blamming the WR for getting stripped in the end zone?  Classy.   

BTW...how did the Oaks miss a field goal in the 4th quarter?  They never crossed the 50 the entire 2nd half.  Now Linfield missed a FG in the 4th quarter...maybe you got confused?

[RedandPurple]

Thanks cawcdad.  Just kind of wondered since all I'm looking at is scores & stats.  As we all know, the numbers don't always tell the whole story or give a real picture of the actual game.

That would be great if they improved their field.  That has to be the worst field in the NWC -- not sure how it holds up against other California schools, because that's the only one I've been to.  Are most of the FB fields down there grass?  Seems like most of the fields up here are turf, at least in the NWC.

Menlo may have the worst facilities (see wildcat11's footage of the visitor's coaching box) but I don't think anyone here will dispute that UPS has the worst field in the conference.

When my wife and I went to Menlo a few of years ago to watch Linfield play they had porta - johns for bathrooms and the Wildcats had a team meeting while sitting on bleachers next to the football field. Double uprights on the goal posts and the field surface was lumpy. Glad to hear they are planning to make improvements.