FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[NewtoNescac]

This is a sad day for Colby. They have been put down and lost for years on end. Unfortunately, I am not defeatist like NewtoNescac. I think there were positives this fall that can grow. Colby had some upside. As I noted, wait to pass judgement until later when level heads can play. But Colby needs to see upside or they can kill themselves in terms of play.

I used lower case as a good natured show of last game exhaustion, while still cheering them on. As I did at the game.

As for being a defeatist, I am anything but. I look forward to a better year for Colby football next year.  And, if asked, I will continue to help the program.

But, anyone connected with Colby football is entitled to ask why this somewhat talented team was dead last this year with a 1-7 record. I have my personal opinion based on attending every single game in person this year, as well as the Bates scrimmage. No point in sharing it since it's only my opinion. But, for anyone following Colby football the past two years to not see a problem is foolish, blind, or both. Recognizing this, does not make me a defeatist, just a realist.

They came out and played a flat game at  Bowdoin, and looked like they weren't prepared to play. It was their worst overall performance of the year in just about every facet of the game. Despite some positives, something is very wrong with football in Waterville.

[westcoastDad]

I can't believe we haven't had any Jumbos fans post yet.  (I think we need to all make a New Year's resolution to recruit some to this board - we could do with some fresh blood).

I watched the Tufts-Midd 4th quarter, and it was an excellent effort by both teams.  Milano (who appeared to be playing hurt) made some terrific 4th down plays when he needed to, culminating with an 80-yard drive that started with 4:12 left in the game, with 3 separate 4th down conversions, a TD and a 2 point conversion with 54 seconds left on the clock to pull the Panthers within 3, and setting up an onside kick to give Midd a chance to tie the game.

For all that Mills has accomplished, Civetti is my pick for COTY.  It's amazing how he's turned the program around.  And it's not just what he does with the X's and O's - the Nothing but NESCAC article earlier this year on what he did for the player whose dad has Alzheimer's, convinced me Civetti is one of the all-time good guys.  I bet you'll see Civetti and the Jumbos snag some really big-time recruits in coming years, despite having the ugliest uniforms in the history of the game.  (I mean, really: what kid wants to be photographed on NLI day wearing dog poop brown and teal?)

And a HUGE shout out to the Jumbos' webcast team.  FOUR (or was it five?) cameras, a play-by-play AND a color announcer, both of whom actually understood the game and could pronounce players' names, and honest-to-God Instant Replay.  They put the dreadful NSN offerings with their freezing and dropped feeds to shame.  Well played!

Don't forget instant replay!  That was icing on the cake

[amh63]

Was in Annapolis, MD and missed the ongoing CAC contests online...a bit.  Seems there was a SMU vs Navy game in town so I got a feel of big time football atmosphere.  Even chatted with Navy parents waiting for a seat for breakfest at the favorite diner on Main Street.
Getting to a place with Internet....I saw the scores of unfolding games....some interesting ones indeed.  Not waiting for the delayed broadcast of the Game in Willytown...I followed the 2nd half via Live Stats.  When I did see the delayed game...it was amusing to see NESN "off-line"....in particular when one announcer on the field told the crew to hurry up before he gets frost bite!  There was an interview with two members of Williams class of '85...both former football players who had sons in the game....only they were seniors at Amherst.  One, FS Gow was on crutches.  His father told the lady interviewer in response to the obvious question...when you get older, you will understand that it is best to let your child make the decision of where to go to school.  I believe many posters here can relate to that.
Yes, there was the NESN lost of the last five minutes.  My classmates around the country on our private online connection was complaining of the drop off, etc.  when one revealed the final score via his son who was at the game...other class mates complained...they were waiting for the delay broadcast.  All in all, I will miss the seniors on this team.  I had followed a number over the years and met their loyal parents.  Ragone from Florida was out with an injury.  Fairfield-Sonn from Old Lyme excelled again...his father attends the same church as my best man.  I remember talking to the Spears parents after their son, a freshman CB, closed out the Williams game with a interception.  It was most fitting to see CB Spears close out his last Williams game with an interception.
It is to be noted that the seniors on the team have Never lost to Williams...a very big accomplishment!
....giving the history of the Williams Football Program.  I look forward to the games when their program rises again.

[gridiron]

While Colby football is presently down, it will not be forever.  Too much pride and interest among alum, former and current players, coaches, administrators and parents.  While the 127th meeting between Colby and Bowdoin went Bowdoin's way this year, the Polar Bears should (and deserve to) enjoy the victory this season, because the Mules shall return.  Outgoing seniors gave it their all for four years facing much adversity along the way.  Many positives to be gained from the experience not the least of which are strong relationships which will last a lifetime.

And at least next season Williams returns to their schedule...   Sorry, Ephs fans, Colby supporters just looking for something to joke about.

[NewtoNescac]

While Colby football is presently down, it will not be forever.  Too much pride and interest among alum, former and current players, coaches, administrators and parents.  While the 127th meeting between Colby and Bowdoin went Bowdoin's way this year, the Polar Bears should (and deserve to) enjoy the victory this season, because the Mules shall return.  Outgoing seniors gave it their all for four years facing much adversity along the way.  Many positives to be gained from the experience not the least of which are strong relationships which will last a lifetime.

And at least next season Williams returns to their schedule...   Sorry, Ephs fans, Colby supporters just looking for something to joke about.

I attended every game the past two seasons. I live and die supporting Colby Football. My heart broke for the seniors yesterday. I will be back supporting the team any way I can, regardless of what's happening on the field. But, I would be lying if I said I felt any reason to be optimistic.

We were thoroughly outcoached yesterday against our arch rivals. Which makes me feel even worse for those seniors. I've gone up and back on whether a new HC is needed, but after yesterday's game I am convinced Colby must bring a new HC in. They will not win with the current HC.

[westcoastDad]

Was in Annapolis, MD and missed the ongoing CAC contests online...a bit.  Seems there was a SMU vs Navy game in town so I got a feel of big time football atmosphere.  Even chatted with Navy parents waiting for a seat for breakfest at the favorite diner on Main Street.
Getting to a place with Internet....I saw the scores of unfolding games....some interesting ones indeed.  Not waiting for the delayed broadcast of the Game in Willytown...I followed the 2nd half via Live Stats.  When I did see the delayed game...it was amusing to see NESN "off-line"....in particular when one announcer on the field told the crew to hurry up before he gets frost bite!  There was an interview with two members of Williams class of '85...both former football players who had sons in the game....only they were seniors at Amherst.  One, FS Gow was on crutches.  His father told the lady interviewer in response to the obvious question...when you get older, you will understand that it is best to let your child make the decision of where to go to school.  I believe many posters here can relate to that.
Yes, there was the NESN lost of the last five minutes.  My classmates around the country on our private online connection was complaining of the drop off, etc.  when one revealed the final score via his son who was at the game...other class mates complained...they were waiting for the delay broadcast.  All in all, I will miss the seniors on this team.  I had followed a number over the years and met their loyal parents.  Ragone from Florida was out with an injury.  Fairfield-Sonn from Old Lyme excelled again...his father attends the same church as my best man.  I remember talking to the Spears parents after their son, a freshman CB, closed out the Williams game with a interception.  It was most fitting to see CB Spears close out his last Williams game with an interception.
It is to be noted that the seniors on the team have Never lost to Williams...a very big accomplishment!
....giving the history of the Williams Football Program.  I look forward to the games when their program rises again.

Was cold as heck.  Snow flurries and wind chill but luckily the sun would break through every once in awhile to bring the temp up to maybe 40 degrees.   
I had breakfast with my son at the Tavern this morning and in walked Fairfield-Sonn, Spears, Gaines and Ward with their back to back NESCAC champions caps.  Still basking in the aftermath of the finish of another great season.  Class of 16' finished 29-3.  But the class of 17' is 23-1.  Class of 18' even better but many have yet to touch the field.  I'm told they will soon be meeting to begin the work for the next 2 seasons.  They are wanting to continue the run. 

[JEFFFAN]

Was in Annapolis, MD and missed the ongoing CAC contests online...a bit.  Seems there was a SMU vs Navy game in town so I got a feel of big time football atmosphere.  Even chatted with Navy parents waiting for a seat for breakfest at the favorite diner on Main Street.
Getting to a place with Internet....I saw the scores of unfolding games....some interesting ones indeed.  Not waiting for the delayed broadcast of the Game in Willytown...I followed the 2nd half via Live Stats.  When I did see the delayed game...it was amusing to see NESN "off-line"....in particular when one announcer on the field told the crew to hurry up before he gets frost bite!  There was an interview with two members of Williams class of '85...both former football players who had sons in the game....only they were seniors at Amherst.  One, FS Gow was on crutches.  His father told the lady interviewer in response to the obvious question...when you get older, you will understand that it is best to let your child make the decision of where to go to school.  I believe many posters here can relate to that.
Yes, there was the NESN lost of the last five minutes.  My classmates around the country on our private online connection was complaining of the drop off, etc.  when one revealed the final score via his son who was at the game...other class mates complained...they were waiting for the delay broadcast.  All in all, I will miss the seniors on this team.  I had followed a number over the years and met their loyal parents.  Ragone from Florida was out with an injury.  Fairfield-Sonn from Old Lyme excelled again...his father attends the same church as my best man.  I remember talking to the Spears parents after their son, a freshman CB, closed out the Williams game with a interception.  It was most fitting to see CB Spears close out his last Williams game with an interception.
It is to be noted that the seniors on the team have Never lost to Williams...a very big accomplishment!
....giving the history of the Williams Football Program.  I look forward to the games when their program rises again.

Was cold as heck.  Snow flurries and wind chill but luckily the sun would break through every once in awhile to bring the temp up to maybe 40 degrees.   
I had breakfast with my son at the Tavern this morning and in walked Fairfield-Sonn, Spears, Gaines and Ward with their back to back NESCAC champions caps.  Still basking in the aftermath of the finish of another great season.  Class of 16' finished 29-3.  But the class of 17' is 23-1.  Class of 18' even better but many have yet to touch the field.  I'm told they will soon be meeting to begin the work for the next 2 seasons.  They are wanting to continue the run.

Glad to hear, Westcoastdad.  I think that the best running back on the team was Hickey, who had no choice but to wait his turn.  A great run by these seniors ... we will hope for a continuation of this special run!

[westcoastDad]

Hickey may turn out to be the best but for now I think they made the right decision to let him watch more than play. He run standing tall and has fumbled way to many times considering how tough a runner he is.  He's tall like Nick Kelly (who also fumbled).  Those guys are tough to bring down but need to run with a little bit more lean imho. 

I think Rheem Jackson will be back next year as well.  That position is deep. 

QB depth?  How does it ever get developed?  Very difficult without true preseason games. 

At wideout we are loaded.  The secondary should be good.   Inexperienced but come from top HS programs and are 3 years out of school.   

Linebackers we r deep. 

DL and OL we will lose a lot of seniors that contributed huge.

But 19 and counting!

[westcoastDad]

Congrats to Tufts on great season!  Congrats to Hamilton on winning their last two games!  Hoping those two teams continue to bring in solid recruits to help their cause.  The league will benefit from better competition.  Keeps everybody on their game!

[JEFFFAN]

So if we look at teams that were disappointed in their seasons; teams that were happier than they thought they might be - or put differently met ambitious goals; and teams that sort of did what they expected to do - where do we put each of the NESCAC schools?

[westcoastDad]

Wesleyan, Trinity, Tufts and Amherst all should be feeling good about next season. 
Trinity probably felt they had a legit chance this year but fell short.
Wesleyan is young and set up nicely for the future.  Should be top 1 or 2 in 2016
Tufts had an amazing 6-2 campaign.  Has the biggest student body aND is closest to Boston.  Recruiting should be easier for them to build into a consistent contender.
Amherst is the hunted.  But until beaten.....they deserve it

Middlebury has to be concerned.  They lose Tim Patricia on defense.  He's a been a stud linebacker for last 3 years.  Their offense is one dimensional and it's not paying dividends.

HaMelton could be on the rise.  Look for them to finish above the Maine schools and maybe even Middlebury next year. 

All of the Maine schools should feel lousy.  They weren't ready for 2015.  Not at all.

Just my take!

[NewtoNescac]

Wesleyan, Trinity, Tufts and Amherst all should be feeling good about next season. 
Trinity probably felt they had a legit chance this year but fell short.
Wesleyan is young and set up nicely for the future.  Should be top 1 or 2 in 2016
Tufts had an amazing 6-2 campaign.  Has the biggest student body aND is closest to Boston.  Recruiting should be easier for them to build into a consistent contender.
Amherst is the hunted.  But until beaten.....they deserve it

Middlebury has to be concerned.  They lose Tim Patricia on defense.  He's a been a stud linebacker for last 3 years.  Their offense is one dimensional and it's not paying dividends.

HaMelton could be on the rise.  Look for them to finish above the Maine schools and maybe even Middlebury next year. 

All of the Maine schools should feel lousy.  They weren't ready for 2015.  Not at all.

Just my take!

It's hard to argue with anything you've said.

[westcoastDad]

Wow, I forgot to mention Williams!  That's how gloomy it's been for them I guess.  Loved the campus.  First time visiting it this past weekend. But it's in the sticks!  Kept looking for a colonial soldier to ride by with a musket. 

Good luck Williams football.  It starts with the coach and players.  That's all I can say from this viewpoint. 

[amh63]

westcoastdad.....guess your Frank posts got you some dings.  Liked your last post.  Spot on about being in the sticks!  A reason that their first Prez, Zephs...note the " Ephs" ...led some students down to Amherst to help start Amherst College.  It also was a reason for Williams to form the first Alum Society in the country, I understand.
Plus K. 

[JEFFFAN]

I enjoy NESCAC.com and am likely one of the more politically incorrect people on this site, but I think that the site was wrong today to include the Drake song clip that they did.  If you are reading this, NESCAC.com ... seriously might want to reconsider that one in light of the issues being raised in academia these days.  Love you but ...

Also - re admission standards and concerns of an arms war - anyone interested should Google the Bowdoin school newspaper and a three-part series on NESCAC admissions that is must-read information.   Excellent discussion of how Tom Parker and the Director of Admissions from Williams put together guidelines about 10 years ago that all of the NESCAC schools utilize.   Terrific writing.