FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[ContinentalsMan]

DC53 ... good for you and your wife ... great outlook for life ... Go Continentals ...

[PolarCat]

I've been riding that particular vehicle for the last 4 years. My son is a senior (survivor) on the Contls' football team and I haven't missed a game in 4 years. That makes me either a masochist, a lunatic, or both.

Actually it means you're a supportive Dad.  One of the tougher jobs out there....(right behind supportive Mom)

But there's a silver lining in that role: Saturdays spent supporting the Conts or the Bobcats means fewer Saturdays spent working your way through the Honey Do list.  I think my wife has finally accepted that the neighbors won't disown us if we don't plant all those silly mums each fall, and that the leaves I didn't rake will actually blow into someone else's lawn and become "their" problem.  Manning the Weber at the tailgate beats manual labor any day!   

[hamgrand]

DC53 -

I also saw that rainbow - very beautiful - and upon reflection of your eloquent post - I agree it was a sign for the resurgence of Hamilton Football.  I can also relate to your story.

I also think the program is in great hands under Coach Murray and his staff.  And while your son can not get the 2 years back, it is fortunate that he and the other seniors get to experience their final year in a much more positive environment.  And when the program enjoys its first winning season (sooner than later is my guess) the Hamilton Seniors can look back on the fact that they had some contribution to the effort, and were there in the beginning of the turnaround!

And speaking of turnaround, wouldn't it be great if it started this week!  Last week was an exception.  The kids have been playing hard, and it would be just awesome if they could start the winning tradition this week versus Williams.  They have the coaching, and they have enough talent to get it done.  They just have to execute on Saturday!  Wishing the best of Luck to the Continentals!

Go Blue!

[mariner75]

Tufts-Amherst game preview from the Jumbos site:

http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/amherst_preview

[Nescacman]

Latest New England D3 Football rankings....Trinity to #2, Amherst to #4 and Wesleyan drops to #6.

2014 NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III FOOTBALL POLL


Week #6 - 10/20/14
Rank   Team    Record   (First-Place Votes)   Points   Last Week's Rank
1   Western New England   6-0   (8)   190   2
2   Trinity   5-0   (5)   180   4
3   Framingham St.   5-1   (5)   174   3
4   Amherst   5-0   (2)   170   5
5   MIT   5-0   (2)   139   6
6   Wesleyan   4-1      116   1
7   Western Connecticut   5-2      73   10
8   Springfield   5-2      64   9
9   Endicott   4-2       55   8
10   Fitchburg St.   5-2      26   7
Also Receiving Votes (to be listed a team must receive at least one percent of the available points and appear on at least two ballots):  Husson (10).

[amh63]

Second try for this post...first one went to wrong board...day going bad quickly.
Anyway...thanks for the info Nescacman.  Do not follow polls much...especially one that can put MIT ahead of WES. 
Like the HC Mills preach...one game at a time. 

[Nescacman]

2014 Week #6 NESCAC Preview and Power Rankings

Welcome to Week 6 in the NESCAC..."the league where they pay to play".

Last week was a great week of football in the 'CAC. #1 ranked Wesleyan lost in a nail biter to Amherst despite controlling TOP by 9 minutes and outgaining the Lord Jeffs, Tufts upset former 'CAC powerhouse Williams for their 3rd straight win at home, Colby got their first win in a convincing fashion against Hamilton and Trinity struggled but still won against an outmanned Bowdoin squad.

In week 5 we went 3-2 with our picks. We knew Wesleyan/Amherst was going to be close, and it could have gone either teams way. We took a shot on the Conts last week, but as with any team in transition, they are going to have their good weeks and their bad weeks. We had some movement in this week's rankings with Wes falling out of the top spot and Colby climbing out of the bottom spot off of their first win. Williams continued their plummet falling to an all-time low ranking of 9th out of the 10 team NESCAC.

2014 Week #6 NESCAC Power Rankings

1 (tie). Amherst (LW #3): Amherst has won close games. They play solid defense, have very good special teams and the offense has been reinvigorated since senior QB Max Lippe has taken the helm. Case in point; the Lord Jeffs have scored 68 points in the last 6 quarters with Lippe as QB compared to 51 points in the first 14 quarters of the year with Berlutti and Foy at QB. Tufts won't go down without a fight this week, but Coach Mills will keep his squad focused at they head into their Week #7 battle v. Hartford State in a game that could decide the 2014 NESCAC championship.

1 (tie). Trinity (LW #2): Finally, Trinity's exhibition season is over. Trinity is #1 in total offense, total defense and scoring defense and is #2 in scoring offense. However, they have done this against less than stellar competition. The combined record of their opponents in 2014 thus far is 7-18. The only winning team they have faced is a 3-2 Tufts squad (to remind you, Tufts was 1-31 over the last 4 years coming into this year). This week they face a very competent Middlebury squad at home before they face Amherst in week 7 and rival Wesleyan in week 8. 

3. Wesleyan (Last Week: #1): Wesleyan falls out of our top spot with their OT loss to Amherst. Wesleyan had at least 3 chances to seal a win (missed XP, poor punt with less than 2 minutes left that would have forced Amherst to drive 50 yards to get into FG range instead of just 20 yards and a poor spot in OT on 4th and 1 inside Amherst's 5). Wesleyan is a very good team, leading the 'CAC in turnover differential, scoring offense and passing efficiency. They still hope to have a shot to play for another NESCAC title in week 8 against Hartford State. For that to happen, they are going to need some help. The amazing thing to us is that they have played well offensively all year without first team All-NESCAC RB LaDarius Drew. At this point, it looks like "LD" will be back in 2015 as he attempts to break Wesleyan and NESCAC rushing records. 

4. Middlebury (LW #4): Middlebury has played exceptional defense thus far and is second in the NESCAC in turnover differential. Combine that with the play of 'CAC pass TD leader Matt Milano and you have a dangerous team that faces Hartford State this week.

5. Tufts (LW #5): Tufts is 3-0 at home and 0-2 on the road. We think the biggest difference for Tufts this year is the play of senior QB Jack Doll. This week, the Jumbos head out on the road again as they face the Lord Jeffs in Amherst.

6. Bowdoin (LW #8): Bowdoin continues to confound the critics losing a close, hard fought game to Trinity last week and moving up 2 places in our rankings. Bowdoin was actually leading the Bantams 10-3 entering the 4th quarter before Hartford State scored 14 unanswered points for the come from behind win. That loss ended Bowdoin's 2 game winning streak. Bowdoin boasts the leading rusher in the 'CAC in Tyler Grant. This week, the Polar Bears travel to Middletown to face Wesleyan.

7. Bates (LW #6): Bates needs to put their week #5 drubbing at the hands of Middlebury in the rearview mirror as they begin the C-B-B portion of their schedule this week against Colby. Last week was Bates worst game of the year. We know QB Cannone is hurt and it appears back-up Duggan is hurt as well since he didn't play last week. We think Bates will have a problem the rest of the way unless they get Cannone back healthy.

8. Colby (LW#10): Colby found their offense in week #5 unleashing on Hamilton for 47 points. In Colby's previous 4 games they scored a total of 31 points.

9. Williams (LW #7): Dear HCOF Kelton, "Da Da Da...Da Da Da....hey, hey, hey good-bye!!!". Love, NESCACMAN

10. Hamilton (LW #9): We like HC Murray and the Conts. We really do. We would love to see them beat the Ephs this week. Do they have a chance for their first win this week? Yes, but their best chance for that to happen will be in week #8 against Bates.

Week #6 NESCAC Preview

Is this the week Hamilton gets their first win against a reeling Williams squad? Can Wes bounce back against Bowdoin after last week's emotional loss? Can Trinity keep their home winning streak and undefeated season hopes alive against a motivated Middlebury in this weeks GOTW?

Tufts University at Amherst College: We give Tufts a punchers chance in this one. QB Doll will have to have the game of his life for Tufts to guarantee them their first .500 season since 2008. As long as Amherst doesn't look ahead to their week #7 battle with Trinity, they should come away with a win in this one, which would be their 7th in a row against Tufts.

Amherst 24 Tufts 14
Weather: Not a factor (weather courtesy of the Weather Channel).

Colby College at Bates College: Finally, the start of the highly anticipated C-B-B season (or is it B-C-C?). Since Bates QB Matt Cannone got hurt in the Williams game, Bates offense has struggled the last two weeks scoring only 16 points. Meanwhile Colby's offense finally came alive last week against the Conts when they erupted for 47 points. For Colby to win, we think QB Gabe Harrington will have to air it out. For Bates to win, their defense is going to have to play their best game of the season and keep the score low. A good game between two evenly matched Maine teams.

Colby 17 Bates 10
Weather: Not a factor.

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Wesleyan will attempt to bounce back after their heartbreaking OT loss to Amherst last week. Two things could happen to the Cards today. Either they come out flat after last week's emotional loss and just go through the motions or they come out fired up knowing that they still have a chance at their second straight NESCAC title. We think the Wes coaching staff and their senior leadership will make sure the latter happens. We expect Wes QB Jesse Warren to take advantage of the porous Bowdoin secondary and have a big day for the Cards. Bowdoin will have to run the ball effectively with leading 'CAC rusher Tyler Grant leading the way. Last year, Grant had a big game against the Cards for the Polar Bears running for over 100 yards in Brunswick. If Wes stops Grant and makes Bowdoin go to the air, we could see a record number of interceptions.

Wesleyan 35 Bowdoin 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Williams College at Hamilton College: We would love to see Coach Murray win his first game in the 'CAC against the Keltmen, we really would. Williams is 0-2 on the road and Hamilton has played well at home thus far this year. Williams is not good against the run but unfortunately, the Conts don't run the ball particularly well. This game will come down to turnovers and special teams. We think Williams figures out a way to win a close game, although we would not at all be surprised if Coach Murray & Co. are celebrating in Clinton at the end of this one.

Williams 28 Hamilton 24
Weather: Chance of showers late in the afternoon, high in the low 60's.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Middlebury College at Trinity College: Trinity goes for their 54th straight win at home and tries to avenge their loss last year to Middlebury. This is the first of 3 challenging games in a row for the Bantams. Middlebury will have a tough time running the ball against the tough Trinity run D. Middlebury QB Mike Milano, who leads the 'CAC in passing TDs, will need to have a career day to spoil Trinity's undefeated season and home winning streak. Trinity will have to play better this week than they did last week against Bowdoin to beat Middlebury. Trin needs to avoid turnovers and run the ball effectively with RB Chudi Iregbulem leading the way.

Trinity 24 Middlebury 17 
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Man's Picks
Last week: 3-2
2014 Season: 19-6
2013 Season: 32-8

[amh63]

Nescacman...fair and balanced reporting...or ball gazing?  Hope your weather source is ok.  Anyway +K

[Nescacman]

Nescacman...fair and balanced reporting...or ball gazing?  Hope your weather source is ok.  Anyway +K

Thanks amh63...good luck today. Looks like a perfect day for fall ball in New England. We're on our way to Middletown to watch our friends son play for the PBs.

[Go Continentals!]

Hamilton was about to score with Hopsicker at QB.  Then, they put Rosenberg in for a turnover.  Bring back Hopsicker...or Colin P!

[Go Continentals!]

With Rosenberg, Hamilton is down 13-0. 

[Panthernation]

Middlebury (3-2) up 20-7 at Trinity (5-0) early in the fourth quarter, the 53-game home winning streak hanging in the balance. Matt Milano has been dialed in, throwing three TD passes to Matthew Minno. Middlebury run defense has been superb -- white jerseys in seemingly every gap -- limiting Chudi Iregbulem and making a key 4th-and-goal stop midway through the 3rd quarter. The two biggest plays of the game both came from Middlebury linebacker Dan Pierce: a long interception return that set up one TD, and an onside kick recovery at the onset of the second half that set up another.

Trinity has preserved the streak through dire circumstances before. Must watch football down the stretch.

[amh63]

Amherst wins over Tufts 30-3 at Pratt Field.  It was 24-3 at the half.  No points in the Third period.  max Lippe threw a long ball TD in the 4th to make it 30-3....extra point missed!
Three things were key in the Win...4 int...with 2-3 others almost...no cigars.  defense shined for Amherst....Tufts starter taken out in the first half and never returned.  Replaced QB for Tufts played well but three picks.  The 2nd half was played with two Tall opposing QBs.  the Tufts replacement QB is 6'5", while Lippe stands 6'6".
Both teams defenses stopped the run offense.
Will post later after checking the stats....seems Tufts had more TOP, etc.
Missed some of the game as my wife had an electrician in...wants to upgrade the lighting in the Kitchen.  I had to put my inputs in to control the costs :
Congrats to Midd...broke the record!  Now you made the Bantams MaD...when Amherst visit the COOP next week.

[Trin9-0]

I haven't had much time to contribute to the board this season but felt compelled to chime-in regarding the end of the winning streak at Jessee/Miller Field, aka The Coop. First, congrats to Midd. I was working and could only follow the action intermittently on my phone. However, from what I could tell they played the perfect game to steal a win in Hartford; get an early lead, take chances, and capitalize on every opportunity. If they allowed Trinity to make it close at the end, I truly believe the Bants would have found a way to win it. But the Panthers kept their foot on the pedal and never strayed from their aggressive game plan. The onside kick call was brilliant and the goal line stand to keep the score at 20-7 was huge.

I'm saddened to see the streak end, especially because it was a tangible link to my days playing for Trin. I'll be 33 in a few weeks and the last time Trinity lost at home I was a sophomore in college!!! However, all things must come to an end and I know that every Bantam player and coach who contributed to the streak takes immense pride in what was accomplished.

A part of me thought it would have been fitting for Williams to finally end the streak but with Kelton at the helm that never really seemed like a possibility. I suppose it makes sense that it's Midd, who has always given the Bants trouble and nearly ended the streak a few times in the past. I'm looking forward to next week's Homecoming game with Amherst. Hopefully Trin can start a new streak and keep their chances alive for a NESCAC championship. 

[Nescacman]

Observations from Middletown today...Wesleyan finally put it together playing their best all around game of the year...offense keyed by the passing of Jesse Warren (5 TD passes) and the running of Lou Stephens (121 yards) generated 417 yards of total offense and controlled the clock with 13 minutes more of TOP than the Polar Bears...Wes defense shut down Bowdoin completely limiting them to 170 yards of total offense and only 12 first downs recording their first shut out of the year...Coach Caputi was forced to bench his son Mac, who was 4-10 for 78 yards and a pick...second QB was just as ineffective...Wes limited 'CAC leading rusher Grant to only 52 yards...score was 35-0 but it really wasn't even that close...Middlebury helps Wes title chances as they beat Trin at home...now they need to root for Trinity next week when they face the Lord Jeffs.