FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[SpringSt7]

In my experience attending games at Farley-Lamb, Wesleyan fans should probably not be the ones waiting at the front of the line to criticize post Little Three victory etiquette.

That is, if you still lose sleep over how 18-22 year olds celebrate victories over their rivals.

[lumbercat]

The truth of it is Little 3 victories and titles are far from plentiful for the Cards. So maybe you're right, it is new territory for the Birds-- despite all the chest pounding in Middletown they are without the championships. The Whale is understandably their biggest shill and there is a big PR play down there but the image and the persona is not supported by their record. Gotta get some hardware, some rings. I'm no Trinity lover but the Bants own them.......in the words of Edward G Robinson in the cinematic classic "The Cincinnati Kid"......"You're good kid, but as long as I'm around you'll always be second best"

Thinking about the different NESCAC programs and coaches Garcelon Field is unique in terms of the proximity it allows to the visitors bench.

I spend a lot of time on that side of the field as I like to like to watch first hand the sideline organization and game day Coaching regimen of the NESCAC programs from 20 feet away.

In summary my take on the 3 game day benches and coaching staffs this year at Garcelon Field:

Amherst-
well oragnized and controlled until the 4th quarter when EJ became more animated and began pacing more and more. When it became a one score game in the last 8 minutes he was fidgety and panicky,---walking around like a cat on a hot tin roof. A minor missed call elicited loud shrieks at the refs. Sounded like a guy headed to the electric chair.

Wesleyan- a great talented team but an unorganized sideline, All day they were awful getting people on and off the field given their offensive sets with 2 QBs. A lot of yelling -seemingly couldn't decide on QB or offense. Lucky to win that day. As a new observer to their offense I thought they needed to stick one QB for 2-3 series and make changes from there but they seemed to micromanaging things against a lesser team. A lot of wasted energy against a lesser opponent.

Williams- A whole new day. Totally impressive. Raymond is a truly great game day coach. Unlike most teams the Williams O and D essentially are separated on the bench on both side of the 50. Raymond totally delegates coaching responsibility between the 2 units. He goes back and forth on the sideline box depending on ball position but maintains total control and composure. Almost Belechick like- none of the high school crap panicking and jumping around. Called out the refs a couple of times in a professional way making one think he might get the next call. The whole sideline was the picture of composure, confidence and control with no lack of emotion. Raymond never blew his cool- that's a great game day coach. Totally in control. Best I've seen.

[SpringSt7]

I don't know anything about the rest of the coordinators and staff personnel in the NESCAC but Raymond is very lucky to have Tom Bluemenauer on his staff as Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach. Coach Blue was with him for 4 years at St. Lawrence and made one year stops at Endicott and Bowdoin before joining back up with Raymond when he took the Williams job. If you didn't know any better you would be easily confused in thinking that he was the HC during games. Blue is almost 100% in charge on his own of the offense (easier to do when you have a mind like Maimaron's) which allows Raymond to focus on the defense, which is where he buttered his bread as a coordinator. There is also a Raymond/Blumenauer duo down at Cole Field as their better halves are the HC and AC of the women's soccer team.

With that being said, Raymond's DC is Mark McDonough, who played for Raymond as an All-American LB when Raymond was the DC at Ithaca. He has also been there since 2017. So between the high levels of trust in his coordinators and a really low level of turnover on the coaching staff, it isn't surprising that their sideline operates at a very high level. Not to mention they have former Patriot League Coach of the Year Dan Hunt who took over as RB/TEs coach after leaving Colgate this past spring.

[The Mole]

And what is your evaluation of Malik/Argast/whoever is in charge?

1-6 averaging just over 15 points a game and the second worst point differential (-75, Hamilton is bottom at -76) but should be Coach of the Year?

The truth of it is Little 3 victories and titles are far from plentiful for the Cards. So maybe you're right, it is new territory for the Birds-- despite all the chest pounding in Middletown they are without the championships. The Whale is understandably their biggest shill and there is a big PR play down there but the image and the persona is not supported by their record. Gotta get some hardware, some rings. I'm no Trinity lover but the Bants own them.......in the words of Edward G Robinson in the cinematic classic "The Cincinnati Kid"......"You're good kid, but as long as I'm around you'll always be second best"

Thinking about the different NESCAC programs and coaches Garcelon Field is unique in terms of the proximity it allows to the visitors bench.

I spend a lot of time on that side of the field as I like to like to watch first hand the sideline organization and game day Coaching regimen of the NESCAC programs from 20 feet away.

In summary my take on the 3 game day benches and coaching staffs this year at Garcelon Field:

Amherst-
well oragnized and controlled until the 4th quarter when EJ became more animated and began pacing more and more. When it became a one score game in the last 8 minutes he was fidgety and panicky,---walking around like a cat on a hot tin roof. A minor missed call elicited loud shrieks at the refs. Sounded like a guy headed to the electric chair.

Wesleyan- a great talented team but an unorganized sideline, All day they were awful getting people on and off the field given their offensive sets with 2 QBs. A lot of yelling -seemingly couldn't decide on QB or offense. Lucky to win that day. As a new observer to their offense I thought they needed to stick one QB for 2-3 series and make changes from there but they seemed to micromanaging things against a lesser team. A lot of wasted energy against a lesser opponent.

Williams- A whole new day. Totally impressive. Raymond is a truly great game day coach. Unlike most teams the Williams O and D essentially are separated on the bench on both side of the 50. Raymond totally delegates coaching responsibility between the 2 units. He goes back and forth on the sideline box depending on ball position but maintains total control and composure. Almost Belechick like- none of the high school crap panicking and jumping around. Called out the refs a couple of times in a professional way making one think he might get the next call. The whole sideline was the picture of composure, confidence and control with no lack of emotion. Raymond never blew his cool- that's a great game day coach. Totally in control. Best I've seen.

[D3FLETCH]

What happened to Alex Smith (Williams OC)?

I don't know anything about the rest of the coordinators and staff personnel in the NESCAC but Raymond is very lucky to have Tom Bluemenauer on his staff as Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach. Coach Blue was with him for 4 years at St. Lawrence and made one year stops at Endicott and Bowdoin before joining back up with Raymond when he took the Williams job. If you didn't know any better you would be easily confused in thinking that he was the HC during games. Blue is almost 100% in charge on his own of the offense (easier to do when you have a mind like Maimaron's) which allows Raymond to focus on the defense, which is where he buttered his bread as a coordinator. There is also a Raymond/Blumenauer duo down at Cole Field as their better halves are the HC and AC of the women's soccer team.

With that being said, Raymond's DC is Mark McDonough, who played for Raymond as an All-American LB when Raymond was the DC at Ithaca. He has also been there since 2017. So between the high levels of trust in his coordinators and a really low level of turnover on the coaching staff, it isn't surprising that their sideline operates at a very high level. Not to mention they have former Patriot League Coach of the Year Dan Hunt who took over as RB/TEs coach after leaving Colgate this past spring.

[Nescacman]

Here's a friendly question to all of our friends on this thread that all (well almost all) of us can relate to....what's the best thing about the Purple Cows beat down of Hartford State 42-3??? 

[Jonny Utah]

The truth of it is Little 3 victories and titles are far from plentiful for the Cards. So maybe you're right, it is new territory for the Birds-- despite all the chest pounding in Middletown they are without the championships. The Whale is understandably their biggest shill and there is a big PR play down there but the image and the persona is not supported by their record. Gotta get some hardware, some rings. I'm no Trinity lover but the Bants own them.......in the words of Edward G Robinson in the cinematic classic "The Cincinnati Kid"......"You're good kid, but as long as I'm around you'll always be second best"

Thinking about the different NESCAC programs and coaches Garcelon Field is unique in terms of the proximity it allows to the visitors bench.

I spend a lot of time on that side of the field as I like to like to watch first hand the sideline organization and game day Coaching regimen of the NESCAC programs from 20 feet away.

In summary my take on the 3 game day benches and coaching staffs this year at Garcelon Field:

Amherst-
well oragnized and controlled until the 4th quarter when EJ became more animated and began pacing more and more. When it became a one score game in the last 8 minutes he was fidgety and panicky,---walking around like a cat on a hot tin roof. A minor missed call elicited loud shrieks at the refs. Sounded like a guy headed to the electric chair.

Wesleyan- a great talented team but an unorganized sideline, All day they were awful getting people on and off the field given their offensive sets with 2 QBs. A lot of yelling -seemingly couldn't decide on QB or offense. Lucky to win that day. As a new observer to their offense I thought they needed to stick one QB for 2-3 series and make changes from there but they seemed to micromanaging things against a lesser team. A lot of wasted energy against a lesser opponent.

Williams- A whole new day. Totally impressive. Raymond is a truly great game day coach. Unlike most teams the Williams O and D essentially are separated on the bench on both side of the 50. Raymond totally delegates coaching responsibility between the 2 units. He goes back and forth on the sideline box depending on ball position but maintains total control and composure. Almost Belechick like- none of the high school crap panicking and jumping around. Called out the refs a couple of times in a professional way making one think he might get the next call. The whole sideline was the picture of composure, confidence and control with no lack of emotion. Raymond never blew his cool- that's a great game day coach. Totally in control. Best I've seen.

I played at Ithaca (where four or the Williams coaches played/coached) and we separated offense and defense at the 50.  I thought that was standard for all of football but maybe I just never thought about it?

[BigKat]

Sounds like more terrible Nescac officiating. Maybe if it were same crew that has done other games this year, Wes should have kicked the short FG in OT. Make or miss it would have been called good;)

Sorry to hear about Costa. Hope he gets to play another game. Extremely tough and competitive kid.

[SpringSt7]

What happened to Alex Smith (Williams OC)?

Smith left this past offseason, I think it was "mutual". He seems to be out of coaching now---no teams listed in his Twitter bio. Searching "Alex Smith football" online does not get the results you would want 

[lumbercat]

And what is your evaluation of Malik/Argast/whoever is in charge?

1-6 averaging just over 15 points a game and the second worst point differential (-75, Hamilton is bottom at -76) but should be Coach of the Year?

The truth of it is Little 3 victories and titles are far from plentiful for the Cards. So maybe you're right, it is new territory for the Birds-- despite all the chest pounding in Middletown they are without the championships. The Whale is understandably their biggest shill and there is a big PR play down there but the image and the persona is not supported by their record. Gotta get some hardware, some rings. I'm no Trinity lover but the Bants own them.......in the words of Edward G Robinson in the cinematic classic "The Cincinnati Kid"......"You're good kid, but as long as I'm around you'll always be second best"

Thinking about the different NESCAC programs and coaches Garcelon Field is unique in terms of the proximity it allows to the visitors bench.

I spend a lot of time on that side of the field as I like to like to watch first hand the sideline organization and game day Coaching regimen of the NESCAC programs from 20 feet away.

In summary my take on the 3 game day benches and coaching staffs this year at Garcelon Field:

Amherst-
well oragnized and controlled until the 4th quarter when EJ became more animated and began pacing more and more. When it became a one score game in the last 8 minutes he was fidgety and panicky,---walking around like a cat on a hot tin roof. A minor missed call elicited loud shrieks at the refs. Sounded like a guy headed to the electric chair.

Wesleyan- a great talented team but an unorganized sideline, All day they were awful getting people on and off the field given their offensive sets with 2 QBs. A lot of yelling -seemingly couldn't decide on QB or offense. Lucky to win that day. As a new observer to their offense I thought they needed to stick one QB for 2-3 series and make changes from there but they seemed to micromanaging things against a lesser team. A lot of wasted energy against a lesser opponent.

Williams- A whole new day. Totally impressive. Raymond is a truly great game day coach. Unlike most teams the Williams O and D essentially are separated on the bench on both side of the 50. Raymond totally delegates coaching responsibility between the 2 units. He goes back and forth on the sideline box depending on ball position but maintains total control and composure. Almost Belechick like- none of the high school crap panicking and jumping around. Called out the refs a couple of times in a professional way making one think he might get the next call. The whole sideline was the picture of composure, confidence and control with no lack of emotion. Raymond never blew his cool- that's a great game day coach. Totally in control. Best I've seen.

Mole-

Malik is gone. Argast has done a good job as Interim Coach holding things together. He is a seasoned pro but he's inherited a tough situation.
I will let you know my thoughts on the new HC next year.

[Nescacman]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Week 7

What we learned in Week #7:

1. Congratulations to the Purple Cows on their big win against Hartford State.
2. Ephs completely control their won destiny; they win out and they win their first NESCAC and Little 3 title since 2010.
3. Looks like the Ephs did learn a thing or two from the Colby tape on how to beat Hartford State.
4. Speaking of Hartford State, who saw that coming? We did pick the Ephs but did not see a beat down of that magnitude coming....One dimensional nature of HS offense was exposed in a big way...42 yards rushing on 32 attempts (wow)...and the Ephs had 313 yards rushing (and only attempted 7 passes all day).
5. Who knew the Dumbo's were hiding a kicker...where was he all year?
6. Joe Willie Jernigan is alive!!! Apparently, the real Jernigan finally shows up in game 7 for the Pants albeit against a hapless defense.
7. If Costa is done for the year, so are the Bobcats...preview of what's to come in 2022 in Lewiston, we're afraid.
8. Tufts leads the league in total offense, unfortunately they are 9th in total defense. Kudo's to them after losing their "top" 2 QBs earlier in the season.
9. Wes is #1 in rushing defense...they'll be tested this week as they face the #1 rushing offense in the Purple Cows...
10. Williams is last in passing offense in the NESCAC, mostly because they haven't had to pass all year.
11. Wesleyan has only allowed 29.9% of opponent 3rd down conversions and 1 out of 15 on 4th down (both #1 in the NESCAC).
12. Interesting battle for #1 receiver in NESCAC with Lutz, Tomlinson, Reid and Girard all in the mix.
13. Ephs Nicholas could set the NESCAC all-time season rushing TD record.

This week's rankings:

1). TTUN (2021 Record: 7-0; Last Week Rank: 1-tie): Who would have thought they would have a blowout win against Hartford State...Ephs now own the longest winning streak in the league...next up: v. Wesleyan

2). Wesleyan (2021 Record: 6-1; LW Rank: 3): Cards with a narrow loss to the Lord Jeffs...we think their loss was "more impressive" than Hartford State's loss hence the move ahead of them...defense playing much better as of late...word is Simco may be back this week for the Cards which could be big headed into the Ephs and Hartford State...next up: @ TTUN

3). Hartford State (2021 Record: 6-1; LW Rank: 1-tie): Drop to third based on falling on their face against the Ephs...largest loss in many years...can still get into the mix for the league title but it is totally out of their control...curious to see how they bounce back against a tough Lord Jeff squad...next up: v. Amhurst

4). Amhurst (2021 Record: 5-2; LW Rank: 4): Lord Jeffs biggest win of the year...statement win...very slim chance but still could share a league title and Little 3 by winning out and having other games go their way...next up: @ Hartford State

5). Colby (2021 Record: 3-4; LW Rank: 5): Big drop in quality to our #5 team...Game v. UBates was pretty much what we expected...with Costa out for UBates, looks like week 9 match-up v. Bowdoin will be for all the marbles in the C-B-B...next up: @ Tufts

6). Tufts (2021 Record: 2-5; LW Rank: 7): Congratulations to Tufts on their 2 game winning streak...still have a legit shot to go 4-5 in 2021...some good momentum headed into 2022...Berlutti is a force to be reckoned with...will there by a QB controversy headed into '22?...next up: v. Colby

7). Middlebury (2021 Record: 2-5; LW Rank: 10): Maybe we were a bit harsh on the Pants...Jernigan comes alive against one of the worst defenses in the league.......should feast against another bad defense in Hamilton this week...next up: @ Hamilton   

8). Bowdoin (2021 Record: 1-6; LW Rank: 6): Although the Polars are clearly better than they were in 2019, results are still the same...next 2 games very winnable for them...going forward, they will need to get Boel more weapons, improve upfront and get much better on defense to be more competitive in 2022 ...next up: v. UBates

9). Hamilton (2021 Record: 2-5; LW Rank: 9): Gave the Dumbo's a battle but couldn't close it out...Another loss as they drop their fourth straight...need to get much better upfront on both offense and defense to improve in 2022...tough test for their defense this week...next up: v. Middlebury

10). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Record: 1-6; LW Rank: 8): Without their best player, Costa, the wheels could easily come off the bus for the 'Cats...despite some promising moments during the year, they are about where we thought they would be record-wise...will be interesting to see what they do at HCOF and QB in 2022...looking forward to the night-time pillow fight in Brunswick this week...next up: @ Bowdoin

[SpringSt7]

Interesting stuff on conversion rate re: Wesleyan. Should obviously come as no surprise with their run game that Williams is 2nd (44.6%) on 3rd down conversions and 1st (66.7%) on 4th.

This is obviously not news with how myself and nescac1 have been treating this game but anyone from Williams expecting a blowout or even a comfy 2 score win on Saturday is lying to themselves. This will be the biggest game in 10 years at Williams, should be close to a record crowd for a non Amherst game with it being the first homecoming in 2 years, and it's against a team that no one on the roster has defeated, with the exception of DL coach Tom Foote '13!

[Charlie]

Interesting stuff on conversion rate re: Wesleyan. Should obviously come as no surprise with their run game that Williams is 2nd (44.6%) on 3rd down conversions and 1st (66.7%) on 4th.

This is obviously not news with how myself and nescac1 have been treating this game but anyone from Williams expecting a blowout or even a comfy 2 score win on Saturday is lying to themselves. This will be the biggest game in 10 years at Williams, should be close to a record crowd for a non Amherst game with it being the first homecoming in 2 years, and it's against a team that no one on the roster has defeated, with the exception of DL coach Tom Foote '13!

Williams at home coming off that Trinity pounding will have no problem. The OL/DL comparison says it all they are bigger stronger and more physical. Trinity's DL is better then Wesleyan and looked what happened to them. It is going to be another old fashion smash mouth game. Just when you think Wesleyan will have the inside answer for runs Williams Qb will take it outside. Wesleyan does not have enough athletes to combat the running attack.

[Nescacman]

Bobby Maimaron v. Wes (career)

2017-Wes 35 Purple Cows 0 @Wesleyan
7 of 20 passing for 51 yards; 0 TDs/2 INTs/2 sacks
10 carries for 11 yards; 0 TDs

2018-Wes 21 Purple Cows 14 @Billville
11 of 21 passing for 116 yards; 0 TDs/0 INTs/4 sacks
15 carries for 4 yards; 0 TDs
*Injured in 3rd quarter and did not return.

2019-Wes 27 Purple Cows 21 (OT) @Wesleyan
8 of 28 passing for 123 yards; 2 TDs/0 INTs/0 sacks
18 carries for 125 yards; 1 TD

Total Career-Wes 83 Purple Cows 35
26 of 69 passing for 290 yards; 2 TDs/2 INTs/6 sacks
43 carries for 138 yards; 1 TD

[SpringSt7]

Would rather not be on the same side as the guy who thought Williams was at a coaching disadvantage against Trinity.

Wesleyan is tougher mentally and tougher physically than Trinity, talent gap aside. If Williams punches Wesleyan in the mouth early they won't fold immediately like Trinity did. DiCenzo is too good of a coach and has done too good of a job instilling his personality in his group to let that happen. If you asked him if he would rather beat Williams or win the league I don't know that he isn't picking beat Williams.