FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[AmherstStudent05]

Sounds like a classic NESCACMAN plant headline but thought provoking just the same.

True of not, I know this-- Lord Jeffrey would be out of his mind to leave Trinity.  There is no other program outside of the Power 5 conferences where a coach has more overwhelming advantages in terms of recruiting leniency, college support and alumni support that so far exceeds every other program in his conference. He's got loaded dice at Trinity- can't think of another coaching job where he would have such a huge edge within another conference.

My question for lumbercat, Nescacman, and anyone else who discredits Trinity's success in football, is why don't the Bantams dominate in every sport? According to you, there are no admissions criteria at Trinity (wrong), they have unparalleled facilities (laughable) and unlimited "alumni support" (7th highest endowment). Shouldn't all Trinity teams be producing a winning percentage that mirror's Devanney's .836? They should be winning the Directors Cup every year!

A look at the winning percentage of Trinity's other NESCAC sponsored team sports since 2000/2001 (when the league officially began crowning champions) tells a much different tale:

Baseball: .695
Field Hockey: .548
Men's Basketball: .639
Men's Ice Hockey: .671
Men's Lacrosse: .429
Men's Soccer: .434
Softball: .485
Volleyball: .511
Women's Basketball: .514
Women's Ice Hockey: .526
Women's Lacrosse: .705
Women's Soccer: .568

Average: .560

Clearly the three Trinity Athletic Director's, five Admissions Deans, and eight College Presidents since 2000 only care about the success of the football program! Or maybe... maybe it's just possible that Devanney is an excellent coach with an excellent staff, who recruit kids who fit the NESCAC academic profile, want to play for a tradition-rich program in a capital city, with a beautiful campus, and great social culture?

Nah, it must just be those "loaded dice".

No doubt that HCOF Jeff does a fine job coaching/recruiting as did HCOF Chuck before him, however, we think there is more to the story here...our understanding, corroborated by several NESCAC ADs, is that Hartford State uses more of their allocated TIPs on football than any other NESCAC school...we are just communicating that information second hand and have no way to confirm that...we're sure the stats exist deep in the bowels of NESCAC HQ (maybe where the webmaster used to work?) but that info is definitely not public...we do know that many of our recruits had no problem getting into HS and we could not get them into their first NESCAC school of choice...

At least in my day, which sadly was now some time ago, Amherst was strictly limited to 14 football tips per year. But perhaps this was a Little III requirement rather than a NESCAC one?

The word on Trinity has always been that they have much more flexibility in admitting their 14 chosen TIPS. I've heard this stated confidently from various people throughout my two decades following NESCAC football. However, I have never once seen any evidence supporting this claim. I suppose it is just as likely that this claim started as a form of resentment for Trinity's sustained dominance in NESCAC football.

[Bartman]

For something a little different... here's the Week 1 NESCAC Football Uniform Report:

Amherst at Bates
Grade: F
Woof! The Bobcats, once again, go with their monochromatic maroon on maroon on maroon combo and they are still sporting the tiger striped helmets (bobcats have spots!). The Mammoths need to ditch the grey pants all together but they're especially terrible when paired with the white jerseys. It makes it look like their game pants never arrived so they needed to put on some dingy old practice pants.


Wesleyan at Colby
Grade: C+
Both programs debuted new helmets on Saturday. The Cardinals updated their lids with their new angry bird logo which was a necessary, though not exactly positive change. The white jersey looks sharp with the black lids and pants despite the unnecessary piping. Meanwhile the Mules massively upgraded their helmets by replacing the oval Mule logo with the new Colby "C". We still long for the days of the old wishbone "C" and they lose points in my book for using players numerals on one side but it's still significant improvement. Next they need to ditch their high school-esque uniforms.


Middlebury at Williams
Grade: B-
Talk about the haves and the have nots. Middlebury, as always, looked resplendent in their road whites with the classic winged helmet. One of the best looks, home or away, for any team in the NESCAC. It was a sharp contrast to the disaster of a uniform that Williams continues to trod out each Saturday. Mismatched shades of purple, illegible logos, inconsistent striping; yuck. Get it together, Cows.


Tufts at Trinity
Grade: B
I love the traditional navy jersey, white pants combo for the Bantams. There's been far too much of the all navy combo in the recent past. The grey jersey for Tufts just doesn't work. And while I'm a fan of the scrip "Jumbos" on the helmet, the player numerals on the other side look especially bad when they don't match the uniform number font.


Bowdoin at Hamilton
Grade: B+
My pick for the most aesthetically appealing game of the week! The new home blue uniforms for the Continentals look sharp and add just enough color and consistency to match their pants/helmet. A very solid look. As for Bowdoin, I still think their uniform lacks something (need Bears or Polar Bears or Bowdoin on the chest) but I'm a sucker for an all white combo and their helmets are still among the best in the league.

+K for the entertaining post illustrating and rating the sartorial elegance of the NESCAC gridiron gentlemen.

[Hawk196]

NESCAC tailgating rule

People at Trinity had their tables, BBQs and booze set up right in front of the warning placard....absolute joke!

and the bozo who said the area is bad (Montessori school on Broad ave)......give me a break...where did you grow up? Iceland

now a mile down the road it wasn't great...but come on

[ITH radio]

Enjoyed talking about the NESCAC games with Matt Noonan on his latest podcast.

I realized a little late that the new QB for Trinity is a local kid (I live in Orlando/Winter Park area). He's a couple of years older than our kids, but I definitely saw him play a time or two and I recall kind of chuckling of the irony of a kid from Trinity Prep ending up at Trinity College.

[Nescacman]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 1

1). (Tie) TTUN (2021 Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 1): Impressive opening day win at home for the Ephs...Maimaron is very talented but other than him ad-libbing and running around, offense needs to get more organized/creative...not sure the QB can survive doing that week after week all year...for what it's worth, Wesner deserved to be DPOTY ...next up: @ Tufts

1). (Tie) Wesleyan (2021 Record: 1-0; LW Rank: 1): Defense played well and offense did enough to win...Wes easily could have scored 2-3 more times...receivers were wide open running down field and rust showed as they were missed with overthrown passes...they will definitely clean that up...defensive POTY candidate Helbig had a big game with 1 sack and numerous pressures...secondary stepped up with 2 INTs and kept everything in front of them...we're looking for them to rebound in a big way on O at home this weekend...next up: v. Hamilton

3). Hartford State (2021 Record: 1-0; LW Rank: 4): Interesting developments at QB...either Lambert is hurt or he he got beat out by Fetter (who looked impressive in Week 1)...O-line played better (no sacks, ran the ball well)....secondary did not (gave up almost 400 yards passing, 4 passing TDs, no INTs)...will have a chance to work out the kinks this weekend at the scrimmage in Brunswick...next up: @ Bowdoin 

4). Middlebury (2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 3): Loss of RB put a lot of pressure on QB and D...offense looked more like 2015 than 2019...should bounce back this week...part of the 180 point 4x parley with nescac1...next up: v. Bates   

5). Tufts (2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 5): Ran into a buzz saw last week...look like they are going with another QB rotation in 2020....need tho get the running game going this week....doesn't get any easier this week at home...next up: v. Williams

6). Amhurst (2021 Record: 1-0; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; LW Rank: 6): Scare v. UBates...Costa kept Lord Mammoths on edge and had a legitimate shot at an upset...need to play better or will end up with second straight year with a losing record...better play better this week or they could get knocked off at home by a team that we think is superior to last week's competition...next up: v. Colby

7). Colby (2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 7):  Have not beaten a non-Maine team since 2018; is this the week???....played hard and QB always gives them a shot...they look improved to us...next up: @ Lord Mammoths

8). Hamilton (2021 Record: 1-0; LW Rank: 9): Not sure anyone else watched the game v. Bowdoin but it was a tough one to stomach...just not good football...QB can run but is challenged throwing the ball...lucky that Bowdoin and UBates are in the league...next up: @ Wesleyan

9). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 10): Put Costa on Hartford State, Wes, Mid or the Ephs and he is first team all-NESCAC...reminds us of Kenny Gray...is UBates better than we thought or LMs worse???....catching MID after a big loss is not good for the Bobcats...next up: @Middlebury

10). Bowdoin (2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 8): We think HCOF Hammer completely underestimates the level of talent in the NESCAC (and what it takes to win)...we are scratching our theory that they are better at QB...why not go with a younger player at Q who can learn if you are going to lose anyway?...could easily go winless again this season...next up: v. Hartford State

[Nescacman]

While we are waiting for the Lord Mammoths to post their 2021 roster, thought some of you would enjoy this instead...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPHIZip9FP4

[SpringSt7]

The Estevez passing TD wasn't as impressive as I had hoped.

[AmherstStudent05]

I agree with Trin 8-0. The grey pants are not a great look for Amherst.

[bantamweight]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 1

....secondary did not (gave up almost 400 yards passing, 4 passing TDs, no INTs)...will have a chance to work out the kinks this weekend at the scrimmage in Brunswick...next up: @ Bowdoin 

What did your game correspondent tell you about the Trinity secondary and all those passing yards & TD's?

[nescac1]

Hard to say Trinity is behind Wes and Williams after the hurting they put on a quality Tufts team week one but we will see.   A lot of those passing yards were off a kind of fluke play early, it sounds like, and then late in the game vs I'm guessing some back-ups. 

After Bates hung with Amherst I feel pretty good getting 180 ... seems like they can at least score the ball. 

[Nescacman]

Hard to say Trinity is behind Wes and Williams after the hurting they put on a quality Tufts team week one but we will see.   A lot of those passing yards were off a kind of fluke play early, it sounds like, and then late in the game vs I'm guessing some back-ups. 

After Bates hung with Amherst I feel pretty good getting 180 ... seems like they can at least score the ball.

Who's to say the Jumbo's or the LM's are any good, just to be a contrarian??? Time will tell...

We still have much to learn about the '24's and '25's, some of whom are major contributors this year...

[lumbercat]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 1

9). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 10): Put Costa on Hartford State, Wes, Mid or the Ephs and he is first team all-NESCAC...reminds us of Kenny Gray...is UBates better than we thought or LMs worse???....catching MID after a big loss is not good for the Bobcats...next up: @Middlebury




Well stated NESCACMAN---Costa has the strongest arm and best release in the conference. Kenny Gray maybe a better athlete but he couldn't throw it like Costa. As Ive said prior, if they can give him some protection he will continue to be a factor and a big time problem as he was on Saturday. Ask EJ Mills what he thinks of the kid- he made throws into some windows on Saturday like no one in the league- take a look at the tape.

[PolarCat]

Ah, tradition.  It's been 90 weeks since I've savored the sour grapes surrounding HS's recruiting and Admissions.  OF COURSE HS has Admissions requirements!  I am reasonably sure all members of the team have attended high school.  Most of them graduated.  The fact some may have needed 5, 6 or 7 years to do so, is actually admirable.  It shows a level of grit and determination.

And let's face it: If you had kids at HS - especially a vulnerable first year who is experimenting with alcohol and recreational pharmaceuticals for the first time - wouldn't you thank the Administration for allotting 47 tips to the football team?  I mean, until the kids have cars and fake ID's good enough to get them into Foxwoods, HS needs winning football to keep the kiddos inside the relative sanctuary of the Coop, rather than letting them roam the streets in the hood while drunk or stoned! 

So what if those 24-year-old linemen make it more difficult for your son's team to escape with a W?  Adversity builds character; your son and his buds can still open a can of whoop azz on the CBB teams.  Show a little empathy for those worried HS parents, and begrudge them their cloistered open containers.

Finally, Hawk 196: I'm glad you had a good experience on your first visit.  With 2 NESCAC athletes, one of whose road to the NESCAC championship and NCAA tourney always went through Hartford, we made 7 or 8 visits to the Coop in our time.  Sounds like the hood has been gentrified since our last game.  You should buy an investment property while you still can, and ride the wave of appreciation.

[Nescacman]

Ah, tradition.  It's been 90 weeks since I've savored the sour grapes surrounding HS's recruiting and Admissions.  OF COURSE HS has Admissions requirements!  I am reasonably sure all members of the team have attended high school.  Most of them graduated.  The fact some may have needed 5, 6 or 7 years to do so, is actually admirable.  It shows a level of grit and determination.

And let's face it: If you had kids at HS - especially a vulnerable first year who is experimenting with alcohol and recreational pharmaceuticals for the first time - wouldn't you thank the Administration for allotting 47 tips to the football team?  I mean, until the kids have cars and fake ID's good enough to get them into Foxwoods, HS needs winning football to keep the kiddos inside the relative sanctuary of the Coop, rather than letting them roam the streets in the hood while drunk or stoned! 

So what if those 24-year-old linemen make it more difficult for your son's team to escape with a W?  Adversity builds character; your son and his buds can still open a can of whoop azz on the CBB teams.  Show a little empathy for those worried HS parents, and begrudge them their cloistered open containers.

Finally, Hawk 196: I'm glad you had a good experience on your first visit.  With 2 NESCAC athletes, one of whose road to the NESCAC championship and NCAA tourney always went through Hartford, we made 7 or 8 visits to the Coop in our time.  Sounds like the hood has been gentrified since our last game.  You should buy an investment property while you still can, and ride the wave of appreciation.

WELL DONE POLAR....WISH WE COULD GIVE YOU MORE THAN ONE +K!

[Nescacman]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 1

9). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Record: 0-1; LW Rank: 10): Put Costa on Hartford State, Wes, Mid or the Ephs and he is first team all-NESCAC...reminds us of Kenny Gray...is UBates better than we thought or LMs worse???....catching MID after a big loss is not good for the Bobcats...next up: @Middlebury




Well stated NESCACMAN---Costa has the strongest arm and best release in the conference. Kenny Gray maybe a better athlete but he couldn't throw it like Costa. As Ive said prior, if they can give him some protection he will continue to be a factor and a big time problem as he was on Saturday. Ask EJ Mills what he thinks of the kid- he made throws into some windows on Saturday like no one in the league- take a look at the tape.

LUMBER....the crazy thing was not only was he stuck at UBates his first few years, but he was a wishbone QB only throwing the ball 12-15x per game...in some ways the air raid O limits him creatively as well...