FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Trin9-0]

An email to football alumni from Devanney indicated that due to a combination of COVID and construction delays the new press box will not be ready for use until week 3 (Homecoming) against Middlebury. The new stands are completed.

[amh63]

Amherst's "offical" roster may have a slight delay imho...today is Yom Kipper!  Local school systems in my Maryland area are closed.

[SpringSt7]

I was going to do a full awards predictions thing but with all of the roster uncertainty and the extra year off, I decided to take inspiration from the NESCAC head coaches and completely mail it in by defaulting to team record! With that being said:


OPOY: Maimaron
DPOY: Rothmann
COY: Raymond


Seeing as this is how the coaches voted in 2019 with Middlebury it's how I think they'll vote again. For me, Williams was the favorite coming into 2020 (#1 total offense and #1 in total defense in 2019, home games vs. Middlebury, Wesleyan, and Trinity) and it also seems like they have received the greatest advantage in terms of 5th year senior turnover, retaining the vast, vast majority of their impact players. They have to stay healthy and get over the Wesleyan hurdle but it's hard to see a scenario in which the Ephs aren't the clear favorites, barring massive COVID year leaps from unknown players on other contenders. They returned the most and have now retained the most.

[polbear73]

I remember a conversation with an Amherst coach who felt that a HOF was a mixed blessing because while it would honor a number of players it would, of course, exclude many others ...

If that doesn't sum up the NESCAC in one sentence I don't know what does!

Profoundly true.

Brings me to the thought there are some new posters on the board who just don't understand the NESCAC. No offense intended to the poster who suggested that schools should "open their wallets" to enclose stadiums and remove tracks around fields. I hope he and his son understood this league before committing. In the NESCAC they are not going to enclose stadiums to get more fans. The great renovations going on at Trinity will be the exception and as far as any school will go.

This is D3 and it's not Mount Union D3.

Lumber, brings me back to the 70's when I was looking at NESCAC schools.  Back then, it was obvious that the last dollars spent were on athletic facilities and most resembled modest high school venues. Facilities were barely a factor in the choice of college to attend, other more meaningful elements came into play as school were not diffentiated by their athletic palaces. These venues were good enough for Freddie Scott,  Jean Fugett,  Doug Swift,  and Joe Bonasera. Again, I'm not complaining about progress, but there was something pure about Pratt, Weston, and Whittier Fields and others.

[Nescacman]

So TTUN's roster is out....only 46 listed (based on our quick count) and no first years...we suspect that HCOF Raymond will have 25-30 first years and a roster in the mid-70's...interest strategy when most of the contenders in the league will be carrying 90+....at the end of the day, you can only play 22 (11 back in LM63's day) so who knows...

[nescac1]

The roster you are looking at is only half complete.  Missing the last two classes.  Raymond said on the football show that he had over 80 guys. 

Lots of good info on the Ephs here.  Only two guys are starting who are not upperclassmen (Vilford and Tartaglia).  Playing TBs Nicholas and Vaughn together is interesting, but makes sense as two of the best three skill guys on the roster.  Also gives a chance for a deep core of talented young TBs to get a few touches behind them:

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/sports/college_sports/two-years-later-williams-college-is-set-to-return-to-farley-lamb-football-field/article_c3a331ae-1646-11ec-997a-8f3a00d972bd.html

[amh63]

polbear73...your post cited three former Amherst players that became NFL players and went on to other careers.  Freddy Scott was a walk on at Amherst and became an All Pro.  Amherst's HC chatted with F. Scott recently on-Line on a broadcast...on the Amherst football site.  D. Swift was the starting middle linebacker on the undefeated Dolphins/NFL champs is a MD.  The third pro became a successful businessman..played as a Cowboy and a Redskin .

[Nescacman]

The roster you are looking at is only half complete.  Missing the last two classes.  Raymond said on the football show that he had over 80 guys. 

Lots of good info on the Ephs here.  Only two guys are starting who are not upperclassmen (Vilford and Tartaglia).  Playing TBs Nicholas and Vaughn together is interesting, but makes sense as two of the best three skill guys on the roster.  Also gives a chance for a deep core of talented young TBs to get a few touches behind them:

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/sports/college_sports/two-years-later-williams-college-is-set-to-return-to-farley-lamb-football-field/article_c3a331ae-1646-11ec-997a-8f3a00d972bd.html

Thanks to our Eph friend...didn't seem right to us but roster still light when compared to others...looks like the dining hall is operating at 100%..surprised they don't have 7 stitched onto their pants as well 

[Nescacman]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 0

Are you ready for some football?!? It's finally time for our Week 0 Rankings:

1). (Tie) TTUN (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 7-2; Final 2019 Rank: 3): 2019 was the best year for the EPHs since the Whalen-built 2010 team went 8-0...is this HCOF Raymond's last year in Willytown (UConn? UMass?)...returning QB Maimaron will be an OPOTY candidate as will WR Stola (why does it seem like he's been playing for the Ephs since 2010)....they are loaded at the skill positions beyond the Q and Stola...DPOTY candidate LB Rothmann back to anchor the D...need to break the 7-game losing streak against Wes to win the league and Little 3...this week's match-up v. MID should be epic...looking forward to the 11/6 tilt when they host Wes...

1). (Tie) Wesleyan (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 8-1; Final 2019 Rank: 2): Terrific season in 2019....QB Ashton Scott stepped in and performed well in his first year as the Wes signal caller...Wes was Little 3 champs, tied the program record for wins and broke their losing streak in the Coop...Some great playmakers in Estevez and Simco (and Scott) who are all back...returning defensive ROTY Nick Heptig will content for DPOTY...Cards have depth and size in the line (along with two returning all league players)...secondary is a question but Coach Dice always seems to figure that out...key seniors back who would have graduated in 2020...best special teams in the league (K, P, returners)...

3). Middlebury (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3; 2019 Final Record: 9-0; Final 2019 Rank: 1): One of the largest rosters in the league...looks like the coaching staff has been busy reloading at key positions...key losses in the line, WR, and TE will be tough to replace...although all league QB Jernigan is back apparently one of the best RBs in the league is not...that is a huge loss for this team...2019 rookie RB provided them with something they have lacked in past years; balance and a running game...we think his loss puts too much pressure on the QB and the defense for the Pants to repeat in 2021. 

4). Hartford State (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3 2019 Final Record: 5-4; Final 2019 Rank: 4): Disappointing year for Hartford State...need to fix O-line issues and find some consistency to improve in 2021...known as the Bishop Sycamore of the NESCAC, we're sure the HCOF scoured local community colleges, junior colleges and reform schools to find replacements  ...they will benefit from larger roster size...we think the D will be better but it takes time to gel...

5). (Tie) Tufts (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 5): OE's look to get more consistent in 2021...were competitive in most games...this will be a much different offensive team with QB Woodson under center in 2021...will be in most games, but can they win???...

5). (Tie) Amhurst (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 7): 2019 was the first losing record in the HCOF Mills era and they were 0-2 in the Little 3 for the first time since 1993...QB Eberth graduates...although the LM's are a "system" team, they will have a new QB and his performance will go along way in determining the success of the LMs in 2021...resurgent TTUN since HCOF Kelton moving on has hurt Mills recruiting advantage over his arch-rival...

7). Colby (2021 Predicted Record: 4-5; 2019 Final Record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 8):  Only wins in 2019 were against Maine teams....we think they'll do better than that in 2021...will be improved and have a decent QB....however, need to develop a running game to take the pressure off Hersch...shot to break into the second tier of the league but they are not the next Hartford State yet...

8). Bowdoin (2021 Predicted Record: 2-7; 2019 Final Record: 0-9; Final 2019 Rank: 10): We think MC Hammer wins a game or two ...and they are better at QB (how could they be worse)...will miss all-league RB Richum...Polars have been winless in 3 of the last 4 seasons...

9). Hamilton (2021 Predicted Record: 1-8; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 6): Big leap forward for HAM in 2019 who came within 1 game of a winning season playing without their best playmaker for most of the year...lost a lot of their talent on O...lucky that Bowdoin and UBates are in the league...we think the CONTS take a step back in 2021...week 1 will be an interesting test for them...could win that one but will be downhill from there...

10. University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Predicted Record: 0-9; 2019 record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 9): Finished 2019 with 2 wins in a row....first two game win streak since 2017...what a mess...we feel bad for talented QB Costa...will be a long year in Lewiston....could this be the last year we see football at UBates?

2021 NESCACMAN PRE-SEASON AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Bobby Maimaron, QB, TTUN; David Estevez, Slash, WES

Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Helbig, DT, WES; Brian Casagrande, LB, HS

Special Teams Player of the Year: Mason Von Jess, K, WES

[lumbercat]

Trinity 8-1

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I counted 72 on Trinity roster- I've got to be mistaken, what am I missing?

That new stadium will be a gem but tell me there are stands on the visiting side.

[lumbercat]

I remember a conversation with an Amherst coach who felt that a HOF was a mixed blessing because while it would honor a number of players it would, of course, exclude many others ...

If that doesn't sum up the NESCAC in one sentence I don't know what does!

Profoundly true.

Brings me to the thought there are some new posters on the board who just don't understand the NESCAC. No offense intended to the poster who suggested that schools should "open their wallets" to enclose stadiums and remove tracks around fields. I hope he and his son understood this league before committing. In the NESCAC they are not going to enclose stadiums to get more fans. The great renovations going on at Trinity will be the exception and as far as any school will go.

This is D3 and it's not Mount Union D3.

Lumber, brings me back to the 70's when I was looking at NESCAC schools.  Back then, it was obvious that the last dollars spent were on athletic facilities and most resembled modest high school venues. Facilities were barely a factor in the choice of college to attend, other more meaningful elements came into play as school were not diffentiated by their athletic palaces. These venues were good enough for Freddie Scott,  Jean Fugett,  Doug Swift,  and Joe Bonasera. Again, I'm not complaining about progress, but there was something pure about Pratt, Weston, and Whittier Fields and others.

Joe, if that's you great to have you back on the board polbear73!

[polbear73]

I remember a conversation with an Amherst coach who felt that a HOF was a mixed blessing because while it would honor a number of players it would, of course, exclude many others ...

If that doesn't sum up the NESCAC in one sentence I don't know what does!

Profoundly true.

Brings me to the thought there are some new posters on the board who just don't understand the NESCAC. No offense intended to the poster who suggested that schools should "open their wallets" to enclose stadiums and remove tracks around fields. I hope he and his son understood this league before committing. In the NESCAC they are not going to enclose stadiums to get more fans. The great renovations going on at Trinity will be the exception and as far as any school will go.

This is D3 and it's not Mount Union D3.

Lumber, brings me back to the 70's when I was looking at NESCAC schools.  Back then, it was obvious that the last dollars spent were on athletic facilities and most resembled modest high school venues. Facilities were barely a factor in the choice of college to attend, other more meaningful elements came into play as school were not diffentiated by their athletic palaces. These venues were good enough for Freddie Scott,  Jean Fugett,  Doug Swift,  and Joe Bonasera. Again, I'm not complaining about progress, but there was something pure about Pratt, Weston, and Whittier Fields and others.

Joe, if that's you great to have you back on the board polbear73!

Thanks, Lumbercat. I'm back but I'm not sure what I'll have to offer as things have gotten frosty in Brunswick ahead of winter and football news is not freely flowing, other than what one hears on Twitter.  I do know that there is lots of room for improvement from 3-40 and I'm rooting hard for Coach Hammer. Also rooting hard for the Maine schools as past performances have been embarrassing.

[Trin9-0]

Trinity 8-1

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I counted 72 on Trinity roster- I've got to be mistaken, what am I missing?

That new stadium will be a gem but tell me there are stands on the visiting side.

Sorry, no insight into the roster size or make up for Trin. I posted yesterday about the stadium layout which you must have missed so will repost below. Short answer is, yes, it looks like there will be ample (though possibly off-center) visitor seating.

Here's an article on the new stadium which includes a few teaser pictures.

There has been some uncertainty about whether or not the new Trinity facility would include seating on the visitor side of the field. Based on the new Trinity ticketing site it looks as though there will be ample seating for visiting fans. I'm curious as to why the away stands appear to be off-center (running from the south goal line to the 30 yard line on the north end).


Of course, visiting fans could still purchase seats behind the Trinity bench.
Also, for now "premium" seats (those between the 40 yard lines with seat backs) are only available for this Saturday's game against Tufts. The remaining three home games currently only offer "reserved" or "general admission" tickets, though I'm assuming that will change.


Finally, with many of us heading to NESCAC campuses to enjoy a game here's a summation of the various tailgating, vaccine, and masking policies posted on NESCAC athletics websites:

Amherst:
No tailgating or post-game team gatherings with spectators is permitted until further notice. This includes:
Single or multi-family pre- or post-game tailgates
Team gatherings with parents, spectators, etc. prior to or after contests.

*All visitors are welcome to attend all outdoor athletic events but must be masked at all times.

Bates:
Temporary restrictions through Sept. 30: Indoor athletic events will only be open to Bates students, faculty and staff with valid ID. All indoor spectators must wear masks. There will be no tailgating at any athletic events through the end of September. Check back for updates as they become available.

Bowdoin:
Tailgating and post-game team gatherings with spectators will not be permitted until further notice. This includes

• Single or multi-family pre- or post-game tailgates
  
• Team gatherings with parents, spectators, etc. prior to or after contests
  
• Please plan to arrive for an event, enjoy the contest, and depart in a timely fashion
  

Spectators are expected to be fully vaccinated and are asked to be prepared to show proof of full vaccination in one of three ways:

• Registering for campus events through the Health Pass by Clear App
• A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
  
• A photocopy or mobile photo of a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
  

*Spectators under the age of 12 are permitted, but required to mask at outdoor events
All other spectators are asked to follow current CDC guidance for outdoor activities by considering masking when distancing cannot be maintained. Spectators will not be permitted within campus buildings; alternative restroom access will be provided

Colby:
Large gatherings with teams that include parents/friends/alumni before and after competitions are not allowed. Parents are able to provide post game "to go" food to teams at home and away competitions.
*Visitors who are vaccinated do not have to wear face coverings outdoors. If unvaccinated, visitors need to wear face coverings outdoors if unable to socially distance.

Hamilton:
The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) recently announced that it will not allow team gatherings or receptions with family and friends at home or away competitions until further notice. A number of NESCAC members, Hamilton included, will prohibit any similar type of gatherings, including pre- and postgame tailgates, for at least the month of September. These restrictions, which were discussed and approved by Hamilton's COVID-19 Task Force, also apply to our community members' participation in nonconference competitions, and include away contests, even if the host institution permits such gatherings.

*Neither proof of vaccination nor masks are required for outdoor events.

Middlebury:
NESCAC member institutions have decided they will not hold team gatherings or receptions with family and friends (e.g., postgame tailgates) home or away until further notice.  For spectators not involving team members, consumption of food and beverages is not prohibited at Middlebury events, but is discouraged where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

*Visitors must be fully vaccinated and are encouraged to wear a mask.

Trinity:
By agreement of the NESCAC Presidents, there will be no tailgating or pre-/post-game gatherings.

*Visitors must be able to provide proof of vaccination upon request. Masks are required by all fans in attendance over 2 years of age while they are not eating or drinking.

Tufts:

• All visitors must always wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status
  
• Vaccinated visitors are not required to wear face coverings outdoors
• Unvaccinated visitors must wear face coverings outdoors if unable to socially distance
• Group tailgating is not permitted

Wesleyan:
All NESCAC institutions have suspended postgame tailgates/gatherings/receptions with teams and families/friends until further notice.

*Visitors must be able to provide proof of vaccination upon request. Spectators under the age of 12 are required to mask at outdoor events. All other spectators are asked to follow current CDC guidance for outdoor activities by considering masking when distancing cannot be maintained.

Williams:
Because the consumption of food and beverages in close proximity to others increases the risk of spread, NESCAC member institutions are not holding team gatherings or receptions with family and friends (e.g., postgame tailgates) until further notice, either at home or away.

*Masks are not required outdoors.

[bantamweight]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 0

*yawn

[Nescacman]

Don't know what's going on in Amhurst or Hartford but still no rosters posted...totally out of character for those two athletic departments...guess it's hard getting the engine restarted here in 2021...