FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[quicksilver]

Wow -- off-the-charts ending to the Bowdoin-Colby game, with 21 points scored in the last 51 seconds something like 14 in the last 3 or so seconds. Bowdoin wins 32-22, with Colby seeming to have all the momentum as it tied the game 20-20 on a quick drive with 51 seconds to go. Game seemed headed for OT. There's a 46-yard Bowdoin hail Mary on 4th down with 3 seconds to go (Caputi to Barone), and then a Colby block of the PAT and a 98-yard run back for 2 points, then Bowdoin intercepts a Colby lateral off the kickoff and scores another Bowdoin TD off the fumble. Phew. Never seen anything like it . .

Bates gets to keep the CBB crown as all 3 teams Maine had 1-1 records and the tie means that the prior year's champion gets to keep the title for another year.

[Lawrence Oliver]

Where is Al Davis???  Oh ALLLLLLLL!!!!!  Trinity thumped Wesleyan today!  From the first kickoff it was a bloodbath.  Wesleyan looked like the Middletown PAL Pop Warner Team.  Wes has nothing to be ashamed of for 7 games.  It takes a special team to go undefeated.  Even my kid got to play b/c the game was so lopsided.  As much as Wes has improved, they just can't hang with the BIG BOYS.  Seriously, the game was that one sided.  The Wes kids were limping off the field.  Oh, and that Evan Bunker, what a player!  Broke the record against this supposed great defense.  Watched the DC on the sideline.  It was like watching  Dazed and Confused!!!!  Down year for Trinity, but boy did they ruin Wes's season.  Enjoy your  3 way tie for a title.  Big Whoop!

[lewdogg11]

Where is Al Davis???  Oh ALLLLLLLL!!!!!  Trinity thumped Wesleyan today!  From the first kickoff it was a bloodbath.  Wesleyan looked like the Middletown PAL Pop Warner Team.  Wes has nothing to be ashamed of for 7 games.  It takes a special team to go undefeated.  Even my kid got to play b/c the game was so lopsided.  As much as Wes has improved, they just can't hang with the BIG BOYS.  Seriously, the game was that one sided.  The Wes kids were limping off the field.  Oh, and that Evan Bunker, what a player!  Broke the record against this supposed great defense.  Watched the DC on the sideline.  It was like watching  Dazed and Confused!!!!  Down year for Trinity, but boy did they ruin Wes's season.  Enjoy your  3 way tie for a title.  Big Whoop!

Who gets the playoff bid in a 3-way tie?

[gordonmann]

A what bid?

[nescac1]

Great to finally meet amh63 in person, truly a class act and a font of football knowledge!

Now turning to the game: fitting end to the worst season in three decades for Williams.  Really, nothing really changed this game.  The defense played as well as you could ask for considering the AWFUL situation the special teams and offense placed them in (another three interceptions -- one of which was not actually an interception, but still -- a blocked punt, a few fumbles, and a fake punt converted for a first down, not to mention a slew of three-and-out drives).  Amherst consistently started with the ball in Williams territory, which has been the problem all year for the Ephs. 

The bright spots in the game, and the season, were DL Adam Datema and James Howe.  They are going to be a dominating 1-2 punch on the defensive line next year, and both warrant all-NESCAC consideration, with a Howe a lock for the first team and a legit candidate for DPOY -- he added two more tackles for loss and another sack and once again led the team in tackles today.  Safety Tom Cabarle is another returning all-NESCAC caliber guy at safety.  The Williams defense is going to be very, very good next year with only three starters graduating and lots of young talent returning, including three frosh who saw a lot of time in the defensive backfield.

Unfortunately, the improving defense was overshadowed by yet another game with atrocious offensive strategy and execution.  The worst was attempting, down ten, a 45 yard field goal on 4th and 2 from the Amherst 30.  You just have to go for it there, every single time.  Let the QB do a run-pass option, try a draw play, anything.  Just a crazy coaching decision.  More generally, watching the Amherst offense, which has all sorts of creative shovel passes and misdirection and creative plays, not to mention the perfectly-executed fake punt, is SO painful compared to the unbelievably boring Williams attack, which seems to have three basic plays: run up the middle for no gain, throw yet another bubble screen, or throw deep.  That's the entire playbook, practically.  The offensive line once again had a very rough day which of course did not help matters, and the QB position is what it is.  But the strategy does not put the players in a great position to succeed, because the opposing team never seems to be fooled.  The one big TD pass was an exception, a play-action roll-out, but that was a rare sight this season. 

Williams has some hope heading into the offseason.  The offensive line, with the entire two-deep back, can only get stronger and better -- my hope is that they will make dramatic strides in the offseason and as a veteran unit will go from a weakness to a strength.  They should be able to find five talented guys, but it all depends on a motivated offseason where guys add bulk and strength so they can knock defenders off the ball in the running game.  The defense could be very, very good next year led by a strong group up front and a talented young secondary.  But, QB, for the FOURTH year in row, looks like a huge, huge question mark.  Incredible that this has gone on for so long.  Ephs desperately need to bring in a few frosh and maybe even a transfer who can compete at that spot right away.  I'm not sure if there will be changes in the coaching staff, but if there are not, they absolutely have to do whatever they can to bring in some talent at QB (and for that matter, a big-time RB, another position they have totally failed to bring needed bodies in, because next year, the TB corps is looking VERY thin with only one guy who ran the ball all season returning).  It's a shame because they have some great targets to throw to coming back in Sime, Kiesel, and Way, but it's oh-so-painful to watch as guys are overthrown by five yards or as passes go right to defenders.  Either the sophomore QB who does have some talent needs to make massive strides in the offseason, or they need a frosh who is ready to step in right away. And they also HAVE to get a bit more creative with the offensive system.  Let's see if the staff can turn this thing around and bring in a few big-time players at key positions (I am not terribly optimistic in light of what folks have said about the Ephs' recruiting style, but fingers crossed the new stadium and the opportunity for instant PT at a proud program is a big draw).  If they can't, Dicenzo is an Eph alum and would look pretty darn good as a NESCAC head coach .... particularly donning purple. 

On to basketball season, fortunately ! 

[amh63]

Back from watching the somewhat lopsided Amherst victory over Williams....20-7...on the grass field in Willy Town.  Surprised that Nescac1 did not text in the partial scores.  Missed a number of plays as chatting with old friends and even the Williams crowd distracted my normal concentration during a video contest.  Amherst won the turnover battle...5-0 with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.  There were several other Ephs fumbles that were contested.  Amherst was ahead 14-0 at the half.  Williams scored on a bomb for a TD...wide open uncovered WR and a fine throw by the QB.  Amherst made 2 of 3 field goals for its 20 points.  Amherst stopped Williams last scoring attempt in the red zone with about 2 minutes to go by causing a fumble and recovering it.  Amherst ran out the last 50 sec. with knee downs.  Question why Williams' HFC called time-outs with less than a minute and half and Amherst with the ball...and a 13 point lead...and making no attempt to score again.  Amherst basically wore Williams defense down with a large number of running plays....that got more yardage as the game went on.
Title is shared with the Cardinals and the Panthers.  Go Jeffs...happy for the seniors and me too

[Trin9-0]

51.

"Too bad about ya, Al."

Legitimately sorry that I missed you, though my mom confirmed that you stopped by the tailgate prior to kickoff. Homecoming at Trin is a busy time for me; I only wish I'd seen you after the 13th consecutive beating.

[frank uible]

It ain't the X's and O's; it's the Jimmys and Joes.

[quicksilver]

Here's the video of the last 3 seconds of the Bowdoin-Colby game and the 14 points scored in those 3 seconds. Wild times in Brunswick -- you can see by their joyful reactions that many of the Colby fans thought that the Colby run back of the blocked Bowdoin PAT just after Bowdoin went up 26-20 was a TD rather than 2 points.

[FightingCards]

Congratulations to all the Trins out there.  Despite Wesleyan bringing as large a crowd as the Bantams, the Coop remained untouched.  The game was never close.  QB Sonny and the Binker led backs along with the stingy defense were tough to say the least.  I did see Al Davis and sure he will respond to his following.  Nonetheless, who would have thought Middletown would have a 7-1 team where they also have the 2nd youngest set of starters (outside of Jumboland of course). Thanks go out to the Whalen Mafia for always showing up in great force.

Who's the best team in the league right now?  Middlebury?  Lord Jeffrey?  Trinity?  Wesleyan?

[FightingCards]

"Bunker" not BInker.....and he played his heart out today breaking the Nescac record. 

[AlDavis]

Bunker is He Him....and Trinity was He Him today defending their streak with true grit and glory fo sho , fo sho no doubt.....Season was still EPIC and even though short in 8 games , I am burnt out toast and can must imagine all Coaches and Entourage all get some well deserved little breather break....Coach Whalen gave an EPIC speech after the game and that's that .....the Seniors  , just as last years Seniors and the year before inherited that are now some of the Confident Young Coaches with some notches in their Coaching Belts have Rapidly advanced this which will be Front and Center and Still Fresh and Exciting Next Year with Plenty of Juicy Storylines to be Had....I was 100 percent confident Today without a doubt in my mind , and would never want to walk any streets late at night if I was never 100% confident and will be more Confident so next year........So Its On People and we just Talking Football Here People and am Happy that Amhurt and Williams are my Inherited enemies and will Root for Trinity to keep their Streak Alive to 58 so I can grab it next time in 2015.......I did go to one of my storage lockers today , this one over the bridge from Middletown and did not Have the Streak in my pocket to put away , but instead grabbed the Baseball Bag as phuuck it ya got to stay busy till football starts again.....All you can ask for as Serious Student Athlete Football player is to have the opportunity to play in Big Meaningful Games , that was promised at Wesleyan and that was Delivered at Wesleyan   and trust AlDavis when I speak to you humans out there , I have my Calendar already circled November 8th , 2014 Trinity 7 - 0 at Wesleyan 7 - 0 and its going to be EPIC.....I will Man Up and I will post a Song later singing to myself over todays loss and don't mistake Kindness for Weakness NESCAC Humans as the Whalen Mafia is real and not going anywhere and I met some more today with "BIG Westwood Dave".....I do congratulate Middlebury for Co-Champs and the EPICness of Foote and happy for Foote's father Mr. Foote is a good man .....Amhurt63 whatever bro , if I was around during the Civil War I would have a lot of phucken stories to talk about too but you Co- Champs too no doubt tru dat , but will approach Congress about your Segregated Tent Situation , as that is unlawful to have Segregated Tents by Snootyness........in Summary Summation , My AlDavis Handshake goes to Trinity , and on and on it goes......"Just Win Baby , next time."

[Vandy74]

Some great games to close out an exciting season....Sorry to see it end although my first love is basketball and that's going to be well worth the wait.  I was 1 for 2 on the upset predictions, although I see now that I actually predicted upsets in games that weren't scheduled.   I did however get the team pairings correct when I went on to explained myself which is often quite a trick in itself.  4 very good teams.  3 worthy co-champions.  Maybe, just maybe, plans in the works to make the NESCAC schedule a complete one in the near future.

I can't be too upset with the Amherst victory.  A father and two brothers who went there.  A niece I helped raise for a number of years is applying there ED.

McKillop followed by Foote to be followed by............very tough shoes to be filled at Middlebury.  And speaking of Middlebury HFC Ritter's son Bobby is a very talented member of the Middlebury high school football team that completed a 11-0 season winning the D1 State Championship last night.  That was the game I watched yesterday.

The finish of the Bowdoin-Colby game.  An unforgettable finish to any football contest but the perfect seasonender of such a great classic rivalry.  A friend of mine "transfered" from the Middlebury Sociology Dept. to the Bowdoin Sociology Dept. this year.  I'll have to find out if he was there.

I guess that's all I have to say.  I think I waited for the caffeine to kick in this time.  Now it's time to move on to some serious hoop.

[PistachioX]

Congratulations to Amherst, Wesleyan and Middlebury for earning a share the conference title ...and kudos to all the seniors whose football career as players, came to an end yesterday afternoon. 

Regarding the Trinity romping of Wesleyan - it was indeed, an "epic" beat down in our "walled off ghetto of a slum" yesterday.   The Bantam defense has been fierce all season long, but it was nice to see such dominant performance - essentially shutting down Wesleyan's running game to 99 yards (Ladarius WHO?)  ...and forcing the Wes QB to throw down field beyond his customary short yardage pass routes, into 3 interceptions - the first of the season for him.  It should have been 4 picks...but don't get me started on the pitiful officiating.

I was happy and relieved to see the offense kick into high gear with consistent play by the OL (nice addition/substitution of #78 to the lineup), some more diversified play calling from the OC ...and NO turnovers.  The play of special teams also added tremendously to the win.  It seems my football prayers after that second loss to Amherst, were heard!

It has been a pleasure to watch Evan Bunker's smash mouth run to the top, as the league's leading, all-time rusher.  A tip of the hat to him.

Many of the Nation's best universities are set in diverse, urban areas - Yale, Duke, Rice, UCLA, Vanderbilt...even Tufts is sprawled out into some scary neighborhoods.  My son chose Trinity over offers from his more bucolic NESCAC options, in part, BECAUSE of the diversity and urban vibe it would offer.  He also wanted to be part of a winning and proud tradition. 

Sure, some of the top LAC institutions within the conference have historically been more selective of its student athletes than others... but Trinity is making no more concessions with admissions, than are Wesleyan and Bates in the past several years.  The parity in the conference is growing, and I for one, welcome the heightened, more competitive level of play.

Just a Mom

[amh63]

Sunday morning and it is sunny!  Decided to wrap up a number of loose threads on this board before going to join Vandy on the BB board.
Got to watch the 2nd half of the game again care of NESN and WILLIAMS.  Surprising the things I missed.  First, there was only one fumble, not two.  Second, the HFC's time outs near the end of the game was in part to insert some senior players into the game....my bad!  Was amused by one interview question...interviewer asked the parents of an Amherst player, no. 77, who was wearing the number of his grandfather who played on an unbeaten LJ team, if their daughter would apply to Williams.  The parents, both Amherst grads looked shocked, the father turned to the camera to see if this was a "joke"...since he was also a player on an undefeated team. 
The last comment is for ALDavis to ponder...we are talking football here!
ALDavis...yes, I am responding to you.  You were always welcome at my tent...the one next to the lane where the players enter the field.  I admit I had a little concern about your multi-online personalities around my family.  In truth..I was also concerned about your health.  If you had come on strong with your mouth, ..I was fearing that a number of the "Amherst football Mafia" at the tent would have hung you upside down to clean your mouth in an urine. .  I should have known that you are the "smartest man in the room " and  have controlled the situation.  In any case, my bad again.
Where am I going with this?  Next year,  Amherst will be at Wes' Homecoming in Middletown.  If all goes well, I will be on your turf...so to speak.  I will look you up ALDavis to shake your hand and look for free food..at the Football tent?  Look for an ancient man with a cane with his body guard