FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

bant551 · August 30, 2006, 10:10:02 AM

Anything is possible, really. The state of Trinity football (before we got our first replacement couch, Decker, who was probably going to be a fine football coach), was pretty dismal by our standards. We DID go 5-3 in Deckers 1st (and only year), followed by two 4-4 seasons under Priore.

Although I sympathize with Hamilton because, instead of 4-4 rebuilding seasons, then have a few 0-8 rebuilding seasons, which doesn't bode well for the coach's likelihood for long-term retention.

formerbant10 · August 30, 2006, 12:03:16 PM

Just saw that Pat has moved to the lovely state of CT....looks like he might get a first hand look at the Bants this year.

dirtybirds30-0 · August 31, 2006, 09:04:56 AM

Side Note:

Stony Brook University plays Hofstra tonight in Priore's fits game as their new head coach. Although they have a cumulative record of 0 wins and 9 losses to Hofstra it could be interesting to see how they perform for Chuck.

Garnet · August 31, 2006, 10:24:35 AM

Quote from: dirtybirds30-0 on August 31, 2006, 09:04:56 AM
Side Note:

Stony Brook University plays Hofstra tonight in Priore's fits game as their new head coach. Although they have a cumulative record of 0 wins and 9 losses to Hofstra it could be interesting to see how they perform for Chuck.

The game will be televised live on FSNY and broadcast on WUSB 90.1 FM. Live audio and video streaming can be found at www.goseawolves.org.

dirtybirds30-0 · September 01, 2006, 08:46:15 AM

17-8 loss for Priore in his opener against a team that has CRUSHED them in years past and who has FULL scholarship funding...I think the argument can be made that coaching DOES make a difference! Now you can see why Trinity was at the level they were over the past 5 years...it's a system. Athletically we are equal to Amherst, Williams, Colby...just a better system and coaching...PERIOD.

bant551 · September 01, 2006, 09:19:46 AM

I agree. I watched the game on Fox Sports New York, and it was CRYSTAL CLEAR that Hofstra had far superior talent to Stony Brook (or you could refer to previous years like last year when Hofstra beat Stony Brook 55-0 in the rain -- with a half hour lightning break and Hofstra "calling off the dogs" relatively early so as not to embarass Stony Brook).

Going into the game, Stony Brook had lost, by a whopping margin, in the previous NINE games played against Hofstra.

Most likely, they will continue to lose -- but impress -- against top-tier I-AA scholarship teams. That would NOT happen without coaching.

P.S. I forgot Jeff Berhman was the OC over at Stony Brook. Also, Ray Panza is apparently a GA there.

dirtybirds30-0 · September 01, 2006, 02:33:09 PM

You are correct my friend...

I wonder if all the coaching changes in the NESCAC will help or hurt those teams with new coaches.

We already discussed Hamilton.

Clearly a great coach can make a HUGE difference in confidence, game planing, and inspiration.

Pat Coleman · September 02, 2006, 08:59:09 PM

Yes, seeing Trinity is part of my plan this year.

dirtybirds30-0 · September 06, 2006, 06:10:28 PM

This part of the season is the worst...NESCAC is rediculous...
All the other leagues have stuff to talk about...we can talk about...?

frank uible · September 06, 2006, 07:08:29 PM

The great issues of the day.

bant551 · September 07, 2006, 08:54:12 AM

Like Valvetta vs. Cheddar. I'd argue that both have their place, but then I'd be called non-committal, so I'd have to go with Cheddar.

Trin9-0 · September 07, 2006, 09:22:24 AM

How about some pre-season predictions?

nescac1 · September 07, 2006, 01:58:22 PM

1. Trinity (obviously, easily the best defense and running attack in the league but the big question is at QB -- if they are forced to pass, may be vulnerable) 2. Williams (all skill positions are back, if Fulmer is recovered they have so many weapons: three proven receivers including two of the best three in the league, best tight end in the league, two of the best qb's in the league who are both now very experienced, and 3-4 very talented tb's who could all be featured backs. The second unit at every skill position would start at many NESCAC schools. Offensive line is a bit of a question mark, but they have some very big, highly-regard juniors ready to step in and an all-league center returning. Hard to see many NESCAC teams other than Trinity slowing down that offense if it continues the way it played in the second half of last season. On defense, not as dominant but solid -- Moffie is perhaps the best DB in the conference but the other spots are big question marks. LB corp should be the strength as all three talented starters return. DL is solid, experienced and pretty deep but no superstar in the bunch.) 3. Amherst (offense right there with Williams, fantastic offensive line, QB/receiver combo equal to Williams. Don't have the RB depth they have had in the past but Ne'Smith is a playmaker. Defense lost some stars especially up front but Amherst always has a solid D and they have a talented secondary. Tough schedule, no Hamilton, ending the season at Trinity followed by Williams) 4. Colby -- at Trinity and Amherst = 6-2. Bashaw and the QB are a nice combo but lose some talent from WR/OL/TE which may make passing more difficult. 5. Bowdoin -- program moving in the right direction but lost qb and were lucky to beat Amherst last year and tougher schedule this year -- I'd say a 3-5 or a 4-4 team 6. Bates -- best defensive line in league outside of Trinity. Good QB. 3-5 or 4-4, maybe even 5-3 if they catch some breaks (one already being no Trinity on schedule). This year's Bowdoin. 7/8 Tufts/Middlebury -- each could finish anywhere from 3 to 5 wins. 9. Hamilton (1-9) 10. Wesleyan (0-10). I'd say this year 5-8 are wide open but I'd be suprised if any team from the top four lost more than two games.

Player of the year candidates: offense -- (1) Leo, (2) Hannon, (3) Bashaw, (4) Lucey/Gleeson (if either gets enough throws) (5) Kehoe. Defense -- (1) T. Ryan, (2) C. Allen, (3) Moffie, (4) Lanz, (5) S. Secor.

Coach of year: new Trinity coach if he goes undefeated, if not whichever coach wins the Williams/Amherst match-up which as always will be a toss-up.

dirtybirds30-0 · September 07, 2006, 04:26:25 PM

I like all the comments although I think the Trinity defense is actually the weekest they have been in several years. They are a younger unit and there are only a few players that come to mind as potential stars in the league...Allen is a great player, but I am struggling to be so qucik to name many others.

Williams is definetly the biggest threat to the top four teams...I agree that their offense is due for a huge year...I actually think the go 7-1 or 8-0 and take down Trinity this year. The only question I have is their ability to block for thier QB's. I remember them as relatively soft in years past...

Season is right around the corner with a scrimmage next weekend for all teams...should be interesting to see if any teams come out of those games with injuries or personel changes.

bant551 · September 08, 2006, 08:51:44 AM

Here's to hoping that if a team has to knock off Trinity, it be one other than Amherst or Williams. Nothing against those schools, but it was great being a part of the turnaround at Trinity, and its always nice to see power shifting around more teams than the traditional two teams battling for the 8-0 record last game of the year! Good luck to all teams.