FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

No question there is reason for optimism in Brunswick. Hammer has brought great change to the program, they just need to get some W's.
Boel was fantastic in the Amherst game when Mills refused to bring pressure. He didn't think the young kid could take his vanilla defense apart. He stayed with a 3-4 man rush and a soft zone and Boel killed them.

Since then other teams brought varying amounts of increased pressure to make Boel less comfortable and Bowdoin didn't win another game.
Pressure is what Boel will see this year, BJ and new OC will be working on that. Boel is a good one but I think the lefty may get on the field next year also.

That missed kick by Bowdoin this year was eerily similar to 2010, the last time Bowdoin beat Bates prior to their sole win in 2018. Identical circumstances, at the same end of the field trailing by one point with time expiring from 28 yards out the Bates kicker drove it off the upright and Bowdoin wins. Painful, they know that coulda, woulda feeling at Bates also.

[Charlie]

No question there is reason for optimism in Brunswick. Hammer has brought great change to the program, they just need to get some W's.
Boel was fantastic in the Amherst game when Mills refused to bring pressure. He didn't think the young kid could take his vanilla defense apart. He stayed with a 3-4 man rush and a soft zone and Boel killed them.

Since then other teams brought varying amounts of increased pressure to make Boel less comfortable and Bowdoin didn't win another game.
Pressure is what Boel will see this year, BJ and new OC will be working on that. Boel is a good one but I think the lefty may get on the field next year also.

That missed kick by Bowdoin this year was eerily similar to 2010, the last time Bowdoin beat Bates prior to their sole win in 2018. Identical circumstances, at the same end of the field trailing by one point with time expiring from 28 yards out the Bates kicker drove it off the upright and Bowdoin wins. Painful, they know that coulda, woulda feeling at Bates also.

I think the reason that Bowdoin will be constantly running in place is that they are finding it hard to get recruits. I think that Bates will be able to attract better players especially with the staff they have assembled. In addition while both are top academic institutions Bowdoin has more stringent admissions. The staff at Bates , better admissions practices and overall better facilities and location would make me lean to Bates pole vaulting the other schools in Maine. It was also part of the highering process that Coach Coyne is being given more B & C Band players in an effort to turn the program around.

[Charlie]

Charlie-
In doing some checking this morning-  it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Stanley will not be on the Cards staff much longer or has already left.
However, tight lips on the matter in Lewiston but you may be right on this.

Wow the situation at Wesleyan is getting worse. There are now two players who were not going exercise fith year option. One is a starting OL who is going to graduate school William & Mary and using his last year as a Preferred Walk on there. Another DL who had two years left has chosen to just complete his Senior year and not take his fifth year.

So now you have following Coaches departed.

lst your QB Coach Archer passing game and recruiter who was there 6 years is now gone.

Coach Coyne who was LB and DC and was there for five years.

Coach Stanley who was DL , Run Game and Strength Coach was there 7 years.

Kashif Moore Wr Coach was there for one year gone

Kevin Burke OC was there for three years is gone.

So there sems to be a great deal of turnover in this program and they have hired Coach Ruiz a graduate student who is TE and recruiter and Coach Chicoine from Colby to be new LB and DC. Despite the fact that he di not have one unit lead in any type of defensive catogory the last two years. So there appears to be a turnstile at Wesleyan which certainly will put a crimp in their recruitment process. There is also evidence that players are not preferring to stay. Curious to see which direction football program will move in.

[The Mole]

Charlemagne, stop stirring the pot. Cards story is more about who is returning versus not returning: 17 starters coming back and many 5th year players. Every single passing, rushing and receiving yard coming back. Losing a TE, Center and the OL you mentioned on offense. For the OL, Wesleyan doesn't have a graduate program to fit his area of study. Defensively, losing a starting DE and LB that were good players. Plenty of talent at LB and DL to replace those spots. All returning interceptions and most of the TFLs and sacks also coming back.

The departing coaches helped build the program but are younger coaches looking for opportunities and they should not be held back, wish them the best. The reality is the architects of the rebirth are in the hands of AD Whalen and HC DiCenzo. As long as they are around, the program is gong to be just fine.

Charlie-
In doing some checking this morning-  it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Stanley will not be on the Cards staff much longer or has already left.
However, tight lips on the matter in Lewiston but you may be right on this.

Wow the situation at Wesleyan is getting worse. There are now two players who were not going exercise fith year option. One is a starting OL who is going to graduate school William & Mary and using his last year as a Preferred Walk on there. Another DL who had two years left has chosen to just complete his Senior year and not take his fifth year.

So now you have following Coaches departed.

lst your QB Coach Archer passing game and recruiter who was there 6 years is now gone.

Coach Coyne who was LB and DC and was there for five years.

Coach Stanley who was DL , Run Game and Strength Coach was there 7 years.

Kashif Moore Wr Coach was there for one year gone

Kevin Burke OC was there for three years is gone.

So there sems to be a great deal of turnover in this program and they have hired Coach Ruiz a graduate student who is TE and recruiter and Coach Chicoine from Colby to be new LB and DC. Despite the fact that he di not have one unit lead in any type of defensive catogory the last two years. So there appears to be a turnstile at Wesleyan which certainly will put a crimp in their recruitment process. There is also evidence that players are not preferring to stay. Curious to see which direction football program will move in.

[Charlie]

Charlemagne, stop stirring the pot. Cards story is more about who is returning versus not returning: 17 starters coming back and many 5th year players. Every single passing, rushing and receiving yard coming back. Losing a TE, Center and the OL you mentioned on offense. For the OL, Wesleyan doesn't have a graduate program to fit his area of study. Defensively, losing a starting DE and LB that were good players. Plenty of talent at LB and DL to replace those spots. All returning interceptions and most of the TFLs and sacks also coming back.

The departing coaches helped build the program but are younger coaches looking for opportunities and they should not be held back, wish them the best. The reality is the architects of the rebirth are in the hands of AD Whalen and HC DiCenzo. As long as they are around, the program is gong to be just fine.

Charlie-
In doing some checking this morning-  it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Stanley will not be on the Cards staff much longer or has already left.
However, tight lips on the matter in Lewiston but you may be right on this.

Wow the situation at Wesleyan is getting worse. There are now two players who were not going exercise fith year option. One is a starting OL who is going to graduate school William & Mary and using his last year as a Preferred Walk on there. Another DL who had two years left has chosen to just complete his Senior year and not take his fifth year.

So now you have following Coaches departed.

lst your QB Coach Archer passing game and recruiter who was there 6 years is now gone.

Coach Coyne who was LB and DC and was there for five years.

Coach Stanley who was DL , Run Game and Strength Coach was there 7 years.

Kashif Moore Wr Coach was there for one year gone

Kevin Burke OC was there for three years is gone.

So there sems to be a great deal of turnover in this program and they have hired Coach Ruiz a graduate student who is TE and recruiter and Coach Chicoine from Colby to be new LB and DC. Despite the fact that he di not have one unit lead in any type of defensive catogory the last two years. So there appears to be a turnstile at Wesleyan which certainly will put a crimp in their recruitment process. There is also evidence that players are not preferring to stay. Curious to see which direction football program will move in.

Again helped build that program. Your argument is with some merit. So would you say this is a make or break year for the Cards ?

I would think other than Williams it should come down to the Trinity game. Williams has lost too much offensive fire power. But if you recall last years game Wesleyan could not score against Williams and the core if not all Williams Defense returning. Trinity is what they are a power house.

But I think this is a make or break year for the Cards would you agree ?

[The Mole]

If they stay healthy they should be right in it to the end. This was a young team in 2019 that caught the league by surprise. Cards were not sneaking up on anyone last year and had some injuries. The 5th year factor was also a game changer that caused disruption across the league and country.

IMHO in 2022 it comes down to healthy QB play which allows Estevez to perform in the SLASH role of Wildcat QB/WR/RB/KR/PR. Simco and Tomlinson and Elkhoury back at WR is a talented trio. Have to get a little tougher and more physical upfront on both sides of the ball. Williams and Trinity pushed us around a little. 78 players returning means a deep roster plus 25 freshman joining the fold. I would not call it make or break, but this is a year where it is there for the taking.

Not intending this to be cliche, but you cannot count anyone out. Trinity will be tough, as always. Williams and Amherst in those rivalry games are never a cakewalk. Tufts is a dangerous team, if they can slow people down they will be a major factor. Middlebury is a proud program, they will not stay down for long, although they looked soft. I think it will take Coyne a few years to make his mark in Lewiston. Bowdoin needs to get more players the other teams want. Colby needs to notch some more Ws, good poach of their DC for the Cards, that is a telling move. Hamilton had the worst point differential in the NESCAC (-98).

8-1 probably wins it. Could this be a year with 7-2 multiple champions? Would not be a shock. Spring practice starts this week in Middletown. Looking forward to a competitive season

Charlemagne, stop stirring the pot. Cards story is more about who is returning versus not returning: 17 starters coming back and many 5th year players. Every single passing, rushing and receiving yard coming back. Losing a TE, Center and the OL you mentioned on offense. For the OL, Wesleyan doesn't have a graduate program to fit his area of study. Defensively, losing a starting DE and LB that were good players. Plenty of talent at LB and DL to replace those spots. All returning interceptions and most of the TFLs and sacks also coming back.

The departing coaches helped build the program but are younger coaches looking for opportunities and they should not be held back, wish them the best. The reality is the architects of the rebirth are in the hands of AD Whalen and HC DiCenzo. As long as they are around, the program is gong to be just fine.

Charlie-
In doing some checking this morning-  it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Stanley will not be on the Cards staff much longer or has already left.
However, tight lips on the matter in Lewiston but you may be right on this.

Wow the situation at Wesleyan is getting worse. There are now two players who were not going exercise fith year option. One is a starting OL who is going to graduate school William & Mary and using his last year as a Preferred Walk on there. Another DL who had two years left has chosen to just complete his Senior year and not take his fifth year.

So now you have following Coaches departed.

lst your QB Coach Archer passing game and recruiter who was there 6 years is now gone.

Coach Coyne who was LB and DC and was there for five years.

Coach Stanley who was DL , Run Game and Strength Coach was there 7 years.

Kashif Moore Wr Coach was there for one year gone

Kevin Burke OC was there for three years is gone.

So there sems to be a great deal of turnover in this program and they have hired Coach Ruiz a graduate student who is TE and recruiter and Coach Chicoine from Colby to be new LB and DC. Despite the fact that he di not have one unit lead in any type of defensive catogory the last two years. So there appears to be a turnstile at Wesleyan which certainly will put a crimp in their recruitment process. There is also evidence that players are not preferring to stay. Curious to see which direction football program will move in.

[Charlie]

If they stay healthy they should be right in it to the end. This was a young team in 2019 that caught the league by surprise. Cards were not sneaking up on anyone last year and had some injuries. The 5th year factor was also a game changer that caused disruption across the league and country.

IMHO in 2022 it comes down to healthy QB play which allows Estevez to perform in the SLASH role of Wildcat QB/WR/RB/KR/PR. Simco and Tomlinson and Elkhoury back at WR is a talented trio. Have to get a little tougher and more physical upfront on both sides of the ball. Williams and Trinity pushed us around a little. 78 players returning means a deep roster plus 25 freshman joining the fold. I would not call it make or break, but this is a year where it is there for the taking.

Not intending this to be cliche, but you cannot count anyone out. Trinity will be tough, as always. Williams and Amherst in those rivalry games are never a cakewalk. Tufts is a dangerous team, if they can slow people down they will be a major factor. Middlebury is a proud program, they will not stay down for long, although they looked soft. I think it will take Coyne a few years to make his mark in Lewiston. Bowdoin needs to get more players the other teams want. Colby needs to notch some more Ws, good poach of their DC for the Cards, that is a telling move. Hamilton had the worst point differential in the NESCAC (-98).

8-1 probably wins it. Could this be a year with 7-2 multiple champions? Would not be a shock. Spring practice starts this week in Middletown. Looking forward to a competitive season

Charlemagne, stop stirring the pot. Cards story is more about who is returning versus not returning: 17 starters coming back and many 5th year players. Every single passing, rushing and receiving yard coming back. Losing a TE, Center and the OL you mentioned on offense. For the OL, Wesleyan doesn't have a graduate program to fit his area of study. Defensively, losing a starting DE and LB that were good players. Plenty of talent at LB and DL to replace those spots. All returning interceptions and most of the TFLs and sacks also coming back.

The departing coaches helped build the program but are younger coaches looking for opportunities and they should not be held back, wish them the best. The reality is the architects of the rebirth are in the hands of AD Whalen and HC DiCenzo. As long as they are around, the program is gong to be just fine.

Charlie-
In doing some checking this morning-  it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Stanley will not be on the Cards staff much longer or has already left.
However, tight lips on the matter in Lewiston but you may be right on this.

Wow the situation at Wesleyan is getting worse. There are now two players who were not going exercise fith year option. One is a starting OL who is going to graduate school William & Mary and using his last year as a Preferred Walk on there. Another DL who had two years left has chosen to just complete his Senior year and not take his fifth year.

So now you have following Coaches departed.

lst your QB Coach Archer passing game and recruiter who was there 6 years is now gone.

Coach Coyne who was LB and DC and was there for five years.

Coach Stanley who was DL , Run Game and Strength Coach was there 7 years.

Kashif Moore Wr Coach was there for one year gone

Kevin Burke OC was there for three years is gone.

So there sems to be a great deal of turnover in this program and they have hired Coach Ruiz a graduate student who is TE and recruiter and Coach Chicoine from Colby to be new LB and DC. Despite the fact that he di not have one unit lead in any type of defensive catogory the last two years. So there appears to be a turnstile at Wesleyan which certainly will put a crimp in their recruitment process. There is also evidence that players are not preferring to stay. Curious to see which direction football program will move in.

Agree on many of your assertions personally I think Coyne should have waited for HC job. I think he would have eventually landed the Tufts Job. I know Tufts does put emphasis on football program but they do get some good talent there and would have been a better landing spot and easier turn around. I do not see Civetti lasting there. But Tufts ususally gets some good talent. I would diagree with Amherst despite Coach Mills and his years of service I think that program is in somewhat of a decline. But based on your opinions I think it will be between Wesleyan and Trinity

[lumbercat]

Civetti has proven to be a good program builder but he's another guy who, after a rocky start followed by a nice accent, has come back to earth when the stage was set for him to take the next step into that top NESCAC layer. Things have stalled out for Coach Civ and he is now at the crossroads. He was said to be Patriot or Ivy material but he hasn't closed the deal at Tufts. If he doesn't win a NESCAC title pretty soon he's going to be the next Rocky Carzo which is by no means a negative destination.

[The Mole]

He's done a pretty decent job since the 0-24 start--37-23 since (37-47 overall). Jumbos have not won a NESCAC title in last 30 years, is it a realistic expectation for them to win one? Tufts recruiting process has been brought up here before--seems to be a possible impediment. You would think they could be a juggernaut. Look at lacrosse and soccer.

Civetti has proven to be a good program builder but he's another guy who, after a rocky start followed by a nice accent, has come back to earth when the stage was set for him to take the next step into that top NESCAC layer. Things have stalled out for Coach Civ and he is now at the crossroads. He was said to be Patriot or Ivy material but he hasn't closed the deal at Tufts. If he doesn't win a NESCAC title pretty soon he's going to be the next Rocky Carzo which is by no means a negative destination.

[Charlie]

He's done a pretty decent job since the 0-24 start--37-23 since (37-47 overall). Jumbos have not won a NESCAC title in last 30 years, is it a realistic expectation for them to win one? Tufts recruiting process has been brought up here before--seems to be a possible impediment. You would think they could be a juggernaut. Look at lacrosse and soccer.

Civetti has proven to be a good program builder but he's another guy who, after a rocky start followed by a nice accent, has come back to earth when the stage was set for him to take the next step into that top NESCAC layer. Things have stalled out for Coach Civ and he is now at the crossroads. He was said to be Patriot or Ivy material but he hasn't closed the deal at Tufts. If he doesn't win a NESCAC title pretty soon he's going to be the next Rocky Carzo which is by no means a negative destination.

No question Tufts could be a powerhouse great location, great size school and excellent academics. The problem is the AD truly I believe could care less about football. In order for any NESCAC school the AD has to be on the same page as the football program. Look at their new stadium and poor facilities for the players and visiting teams. Did you know that the new turf field was built with all private money and donors the school did not contribute. Clearly indicates Tufts Athletics could care less about football. They also pay the assistant coaches the lowest of all NESCAC schools. Incidentally went to game there last year and entire field smells like a lumber yard.

Civetti is trying but keeps having Coaching blunders and the archaic recruiting method just is not working. Tufts is the Only NESCAC school to have music band at games which I like I think every NESCAC  football team should have one adds a flair to Saturday afternoons. I think every NESCAC school has music department just adds to college football games. It is a sad commentary when a school like Tufts which is most geographically desirable puts up a mediocre product year after year. If they get a new AD with football acumen would be huge lift for program.

[lumbercat]

Charlie-

You've got the AD situation wrong at Tufts. The current AD came on board during the bad losing streak and enacted significant change that allowed Civetti to turn the program around completely.
The commitment to all sports at Tufts was elevated significantly by this AD.

Civetti's goal and intent at Tufts is to win the NESCAC title and they have given him the level of support to achieve this. I expected the Jumbos to compete for the NESCAC crown following the turnaround in the Tufts athletic department but it hasn't happened. This was my point in saying progress seems to have stalled for Civetti and Tufts football.

This will be an important year for Civetti with a very good young QB at the helm. Lets see if he can right the ship and get back on track to compete for a championship.

[Charlie]

Charlie-

You've got the AD situation wrong at Tufts. The current AD came on board during the bad losing streak and enacted significant change that allowed Civetti turn the program around completely.
The commitment to all sports at Tufts was elevated significantly by this AD.

Civetti's goal and intent at Tufts is to win the NESCAC title and they have given him the level of support to achieve this. I expected the Jumbos to compete for the NESCAC crown following the turnaround in the Tufts athletic department but it hasn't happened. This was my point in saying progress seems to have stalled for Civetti and Tufts football.

This will be an important year for Civetti with a very good young QB at the helm. Lets see if he can right the ship and get back on track to compete for a championship.

I do not see how he has helped the program. The fact that he did not even assist or raise funds for the football field is terrible. The new facility they built is so far away from the field. Why did they not just build new locker rooms at the field where the old half time ones were. Tufts opening game last year against Williams was atrocious. Hardly any fans ,  no fan fair for new stadium. Poor attendance.

In terms of recruiting what is Civetti thinking. He does not communicate with recruits and try to recruit until November. The Massachusetts recruiter from last year who was also DC left and all the recruits were left wondering who was picking up the area and received no answers. In fact Tufts has still not listed a recruiting Coordinator for Massachusetts.

When you have the top DE in the state go to the high school in a town the HC resides in and wants to go to Tufts and is academically eligible and you do not reciprocate or stay in touch with that recruit than you deserve the record you have. Furthermore you allow that recruit to go to the perennial power house in NESCAC is ludicrous.

Civetti's assumption is that he will wait for all the kids who dont go to Ivy League to come to Tufts. Meanwhile if you were a recruit and you did not get into an Ivy would you want to play for Trinity , Williams , Amherst or Wesleyan. Absolutely ! So you are getting the second and third choices for kids schools. I am not saying all the players are all bad that go to Tufts and you will get some great players. For the most part though you are getting the mediocre kids and consequently the near .500 record every year Tufts has achieved.

[lumbercat]

I've seen consistently good recruiting classes at Tufts under Civetti including a handful of guys who are among the the best players I've ever seen in the NESCAC.

Civetti's twitter page must show 100 class of '23 and '24 kids he is following and a number higher than that who are following him. Someone has made an early recruiting connection.

Watch the level and quality of the Tufts recruits when they announce results after May1.

[Charlie]

I've seen consistently good recruiting classes at Tufts under Civetti including a handful of guys who are among the the best players I've ever seen in the NESCAC.

Civetti's twitter page must show 100 class of '23 and '24 kids he is following and a number higher than that who are following him. Someone has made an early recruiting connection.

Watch the level and quality of the Tufts recruits when they announce results after May1.

Should be noted just because you are following someone on Twitter does not mean they are prospects. Clear evidence is the BS Virtual days out there. Yes kids will get invited but 1 in 25 actually matriculate to the school. I believe that number may even be higher. I sincerely hope you are not banking on a successful season as to Social media likes. I have said that Tufts has had some good recruits in the past. However not one school in NESCAC recruits like Tufts does and for a reason it does not work. If your recruiting is not getting the upper echelon players that are even at your back door playing football then perhaps you should change your strategy dont you think ?

[lumbercat]

I say Tufts has had very good recruiting results in recent years and think they will have good results this year as well regardless of the anomalies you allege in their recruiting process. A number of NESCAC schools would love to have Tufts recruiting results. They are among the best in the league in terms of recruiting.