FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[PBPOP20]

PBPOP

So you can confirm that Bowdoin is in Medford this Saturday but the practice is closed- even to parents?

Knowing the configuration of the fields at Tufts I don't see where they can conduct a closed practice but who knows- maybe they can restrict some access to the turf Lacrosse field where the Jumbos practice adjacent to the Baseball Field ??

Why would they close a NESCAC practice/scrimmage....seems ridiculous especially since the teams play each other and wont be showing anything.

LC.. got word from my boy that the coaches do not want parents to attend... so, it's as 'official' as I need.    Not going to push boundaries yr 1.

[lumbercat]

Yes that's official -- gotta respect the decision of the  Head Coaches.

[ColbyFootballDad]

Yes that's official -- gotta respect the decision of the  Head Coaches.

I was going to take the short drive to Colby but decided against it as well. We all got emails from the head coach announcing the details so I assume Colby does not mind at all but I have decided to wait until the Williams Game to see what I have been hearing so much about. :-|

BTP

[Ephpapa20]

That sucks about the parent ban. I'm looking forward to the Purple and Gold Scrimmage tomorrow. I have no idea on what to expect.

[RetiredMule]

OH NO. Mayflower Hill is back guys ----

I apologize for my long absence from the boards. I hope all can be forgiven.

A quick run down on the off season for the Mules up in Waterville. We are excited to note our two captains as experienced players who have contributed and started for years in DE Henry Wallrapp and RB Jabari Hurdle-Price. The obvious thing of note is that SR QB Harrington is no longer a captain after being one his Junior season. Hurdle-Price was also honored as a pre-season 3rd Team All-American. JHP helps out both running and catching the ball, as well as returning kicks and punts.

The offense returns with with a good mix of experience throughout the field. There are notable returning receivers in Mayikana, Arsenault, Greenberg, and Kramer. The backfield will again be helmed by Harrington (3rd year) and Hurdle-Price, though my rumors have it that the one two punch at RB will lose Lipani after long term injuries. The offensive line returns three clear starters and another handful of players who have significant game time experience.

The defense comes back looking to rebound off of last season where they fielded a significantly young group. The significant portion of experience stands big at the defensive line with players like Wallrapp and Marano. The linebackers will be anchored by Junior Bryan McAdams who has seen time since his freshman year and started as a sophomore. The defensive secondary comes back with a group of sophomores who were pressed into playing and starting their first year on campus. Look for this group to improve greatly year over year.

Kicking duties will be returned to John Baron stepping into his second year in kicking duties.

Speaking about the new Mule OC, he is a interesting character because he spent 2007-2016 as the OC, QBs coach and Asst HC at Maine. He was the WR/TE/FB coach there starting in 2005. Interestingly enough, he has a Colby history, having been a football and track coach in 97/98. It will be interesting to see what he brings to the Colby offense as Michaeles has kept a relatively tight fist over it. This is evidenced by Colby running a similar offense since the time when Michaeles was OC (pre-2011).

An interesting summary will be to see how Colby changes some things up to take advantage of personnel and experience. I have in my mind to see a move towards a heavier look on defense and a more true West Coast style on offense. But we will see, I'm not on the staff.

Again, my apologies for disappearing. I faded into the doldrums of the offseason, then busy at work, and would like to thank PolarCat for dragging me back. I look forward to another great season with you NESCACers. Go Mules

[PolarCat]

Great to have you back!  Thanks for the informative post.

Request:  if you have a couple minutes could you write up a little guide to spectating / tailgating at Colby for the new kids (parents) on the block?  I did one for Bates a couple pages back.  Sorry to say I've already forgotten the name of the excellent deli you directed me to.  Advanced age does that (you'll find out for yourself soon enough).

[middhoops]

Colby Football
Glad you are encouraged in new Mule OC but dont be worried about re arranging deck chairs---you are new to Colby football, back off a bit----take some time to evaluate things without impulsive comment- your Colby FY will compete and he will do well. Its not high school anymore- the Colby coaching staff will take it from here- and your son will get a great education- he's in a good place.

Wow.  Haven't been here in a while.  Nice to check back in and find LC keeping it real and positive, per usual.  Always good to read your comments, Lumbercat.  Plus k.

[westcoastDad]

Did any of the NESCAC grads attempt to play professionally anywhere 2016?  Just curious

[lumbercat]

Retired Mule
Enjoyed your post and good to have you back on board!

[westcoastDad]

We need a play by play twitter feed of the scrimmages and games

[ColbyFootballDad]

Yes a play by play Twitter feed would be great suffering withdrawal here so far away  :-)

[Ephpapa20]

Saw the Williams intra squad scrimmage today. The team is a work in progress. Looking forward to the tailgaiting festivities...

[NESCAC.Football.Observer]

My Lord Jeff dad buddy attended the LJ scrimmage. 

- Soph Buck LB Andrew Yarmin (Cheshire, CT) was the best player on the field. "Totally mean beast" was the phrase used to describe his play.
- Alex Berluti has the QB job locked up.
- no running game today... OL overmatched, Kelly injured (knee), and Hickey et al ineffective.
- CB's are in a competition and were beat early and often deep
- OL looked large, to include a large supposedly starting Frosh RT, but they did nothing vs a starting DL that had 2 starters who didn't dress.

Amherst has work to do to match where it was a year ago.

[NESCAC.Football.Observer]

WestCoastDad.......  Can't speak for rest of NESCAC.....

No pro pursuits from Williams........

Amherst has 2 guys trying.....

- Huge LT Sam Hart signed to play in the new and inaugural Australia pro league.  Supposedly was the real deal..... Serious US D1A commits.... But the Sept 2016 start got suspended to 2017...... Sam now caught in limbo.....

- WR/P Jackson McGonagle passed a tryout and has moved to Charlotte and is working with punting guru Dan Orner in an attempt to hone his punting skills and get a shot in 2017........

Can't speak for the other 8 NESCAC TEAMS........

[westcoastDad]

I heard thE same about the Jeffs scrimmage.  The DL is banged up. 

The Secondary as expected isn't on point.  They lost 3 seniors that never came off the field.  Growing pains.  They better grow up quickly! 

So, it wasn't the NJ QB who lit up the secondary? Berluti is the man? 

Glad they didn't run much.  Injury bug has hit this team.  Wondering if they came into camp in the proper conditioning. 

When you haven't lost in awhile.....

Williams scrimmage will tell alot.  I hope they test us.  But, they are a young team.  Cannot expect too much.

Mills will have the Jeffs ready.  No doubt!