FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[gridiron]

Regarding Colby QB status...in addition to UConn transfer Ecke, last season's back up, Gabe Harrington, is a tall, strong armed QB who looked good during limited action as a freshman in 2013.  Style is very different from Ciero's run first, throw second approach.  Noticed Colby listing 84 on its preseason roster.  Large incoming freshmen group and lots of returning starters on both sides of the ball including skill position players at TE, WR and running back.  While Ciero certainly is a big loss, good things do appear to be happening with football in Waterville.

Unconfirmed but heard Amherst may also have a QB transfer in.  If so, could push the existing trifecta of returning QBs.  Anyone else hear anything?

[amh63]

Competition at a critical position is good.  However, in spite of the fact that there has been a bit of rotation of QBs for Amherst the past two seasons, senior Lippe has two factors going for him...one...having experience as a starter and two..having the confidence of the coaches in his decision making/ judgement during games.  The younger players behind him need to gain game experience, and Amherst needs backup QBs.....so there will be further rotations of QBs, IMO.
Other than stating the obvious ....I too must await the roster posting in a few weeks to see what Amherst has to work with. 
I was surprised a little to read that there are 99 players available at TrinitY.  I remember in the not too distant past when Amherst....and Williams....would field teams of 90 plus players during the season.  Yes, before the 75 Limit ruling.  Never checked the size of the squads at the other schools.  In my parochial mind, assumed that was normal. 

[nescac1]

Wesleyan pre-season preview.  They sound, as expected, absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball.  The Cards have, by a wide margin, the best DB and RB units returning in NESCAC, as well as the top returning QB.  All of their other units are at worst in the top-three in the league.  They will be very, very tough to beat:

http://www.wesleyan.edu/athletics/news/2014/08/fbpreview081414.html

[amh63]

After reading the Wes write-up of its team...I'm having second thoughts about my trip to Middletown this season. .   Wait!....I'm promised a free lunch at the football team's tailgate...can not give up free food.   In any case, I expect a good game between The Jeff's and Cardinals.  Both teams will have good defenses and a steady QB on offense. 
The athletic website for Wes is first class...out with the sports info early for all sports.  Reflects the platform that is leading the Capital fundraising drive just initiated by Wes.  It is noted here that the other "Little Three" schools have recently completed MAJOR fundraising efforts.....both successfully.
The above bravado comment is also based on the fact that last season, Wes did not play Middlebury....the other co-champs along with Amherst...that it was a toss-up game last year with all those same Wes stars and finally, Amherst seems to play well in CT in recent history.

[fulbakdad]

So as I read that write up on Wes, they have 3 pre season D3 All Americans?  From what source?

[Pat Coleman]

There's one group that named 642 (or 624, I can't remember) players to its preseason All-American team. Having three would put a school right above average.

[fulbakdad]

Some times you can only say "Hmmmm".

[amh63]

A Nescac football player...Amherst Alex Bernstein'97....featured in a SI article...Aug. 25 issue.  Alex played in the NFL for 3 years and became a tech business man who now invest in tech companies after leaving the pros.  Story in SI is found on the Amherst athletic website.

[amh63]

Wesleyan's pre-season 2014 roster is available...updated 8/19/14.  Roster has 90 plus candidates...including 25 freshmen and two graduate students.
Hamilton Colege has updated it's football page.  Short writeup states that the Continental's season finishes with Middlebury.   The season's final game is referred to as "the old rocking chair" contest!
Interesting!!  Any Panther fans comments on the history of this label?....what does the "trophy" look like?

[Pat Coleman]

Is this the first you've heard of the Old Rocking Chair?

[amh63]

Pat C.....yep! 

[lumbercat]

Yes the old rocking chair game is an under publicized NESCAC tradition.

I am among many who feel that Middlebury-Hamilton should continue this tradition annually  on the final day of the NESCAC season.
And the the Tufts-Bates rivalry on the final day of the season should also be revived.

This scheduling adjustment makes total sense in terms of travel and maintaining and developing meaningful rivalries on the final day of the season.

Middlebury/Tufts.......Bates/Hamilton makes no sense- reverse it and you have 2 meaningful regional rivalries to end the NESCAC season.

[amh63]

Lumbercat.....seems like a sensible schedule adjustment....even in an 8 game schedule.  The last game of the season should be with a "traditional" rival.  Thought came up wrt to the rocking chair post.  Checked Middlebury's last season schedule....the Hamilton game was the next to last game.  So much for a rival game tradition like the Wes-Trinity and the AMH-Williams games to close out season.

Frank U.....seems like the New Williams football stadium is progressing well.  The new social media links provided pics of the progress.....including locker room looks and the new media building above the stands.   Looking good!  Seems the Ephs are going modern in style vs. the LJ's retro style.  Seems there will be a backstop net behind the north end goal posts to prevent kicked footballs from going into the street.  Wow, Must be expecting fine kickers on the way.

[frank uible]

amh63: The home opener is scheduled for 9/20, and the scrimmage vs. Amherst on 9/13 is also slated to be in Williamstown. The latest report is that the complex will be ready to receive the scrimmage. I'm from Missouri - we haven't yet had a hurricane this year.

[lumbercat]

Amh 63
Where did you find the pictures of new Weston Field?