FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[MammothDad]

Just hope the Mammoths get a L3 win on Saturday so they can have some optimism for next year.  Great families and kids in the program at this time but hoping the "Biddy Bottleneck" can work itself through so the younger players and future recruits can get Amherst back to winning and contending.

On another note ...

The New England Sports broadcasters are not all the same.  The doofus calling the Bowdoin home game this past week was beyond obnoxious and slanted.  I don't my a little home cooking in the call but dude was ridiculous and just bad at what he is paid a gift card to do.

[Nescacman]

Just hope the Mammoths get a L3 win on Saturday so they can have some optimism for next year.  Great families and kids in the program at this time but hoping the "Biddy Bottleneck" can work itself through so the younger players and future recruits can get Amherst back to winning and contending.

On another note ...

The New England Sports broadcasters are not all the same.  The doofus calling the Bowdoin home game this past week was beyond obnoxious and slanted.  I don't my a little home cooking in the call but dude was ridiculous and just bad at what he is paid a gift card to do.

Couldn't agree more on the NESCAC webcast announcers. We think they range from really good (better than ESPN+ coverage of the CAA) to really bad (HS level)...

We may be partial, but we think Wesleyan's webcast team of Chris Grace on play-by-play and Mike Whalen (current AD and former HCOF at Wes and the Ephs) on color are far and away the best. They blend objectivity and great insights with just enough home cooking to keep the Cardinal faithful happy. Next up would be the Williams crew followed by the all student production on the Jumbocast. Any deficiency in knowledge on the Tufts broadcast is made up for by the production quality (multiple camara's, instant replay, graphics, etc).

Which leads us to one of our major announcements...we are in early planning for 2024 to do a weekly NESCAC football podcast with Chris Grace which would include a season preview, weekly recap, game picks, special guests/interviews, and a season ending awards show. Stay tuned for more details...

[Nescacman]

D3 Football Podcast mentions the Little 3 victory around 29:30. Shout out to QB Niko Candido for career high of passing yards (365) and being responsible for 28/30 points in the Williams game Saturday. Golden Helmet for him this week by New England Football Writers for all of D2 and D3.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d3football-com-d3football-com-around-the-nation-podcast/id567343572?i=1000633799396

Third Gold Helmet for the Wes offense this year, btw.Congratulations to #19 Niko Candido. #rollcards

Also, congratulations to #1 Wesley Abraham for being selected as NESCAC DPOTW (his second of the year). #rollcards

[NescacAlum7]

I do think Williams has a returning core of skills guys with some real potential, they were just extremely young at those positions this year.  McHugh has to improve some of his decision-making but he has shown that with some seasoning he can be a good starting QB -- he certainly is a stellar overall athlete with plenty of upside.  Also in the mix will be another QB recruit who is supposedly quite good who missed this season with an injury, so hopefully some quality depth at the position.  Oris has improved and developed into a quality back-up TB (overtaxed at his size as a fill-in starter), and next year the Ephs could be loaded at RB if Fischetti can just stay healthy, plus Oris and adding Jon Marvan to the mix, who was a major recruit and has also missed the entire year with injury and hopefully give the Ephs that power back they REALLY need to thrive.

WR has further to go but Gering and Stahelski have each made some plays here and there -- both need to become more consistently reliable and improve their chemistry with McHugh, but since all three are frosh there is certainly some hope there; certainly there is some talent there, but it woudl sure help to add one true star to the receiving core in the next recruiting class.  I also think Williams can get more out of the TE unit with soph Sam Jaffee and big FY Will Baker starting to see more action, two guys who can hopefully develop into desperately needed big targets over the middle.  Williams' receivers really need to improve at making the tough catches in traffic or snagging balls that aren't perfectly thrown.  Against Bowdoin, Tufts, Wesleyan, Midd, Trinity, you just see the difference, the receivers simply make plays and beat DBs to tough balls (in addition to being more adept at getting open).  I'm hoping the young Eph receivers can get bigger, stronger, tougher, and more aggressive going up for the really difficult catches, and also polish the route running over time.  Again, there are no guarantees but this is at least an extremely green skill position group and all of them are back and most of them are back for several years at least.  And Fischetti alone is a major difference-maker. 

OL is another story, Williams is starting three seniors on the line (though one does have eligbility if he seeks to return) and Freeman is by far their best lineman.  They will need some rising sophs to really step up at that position. 

As for defense, the Ephs have been excellent at rushing the passer all year.  There are some talented, fast guys in the front seven and most of them are back next year.  Whether it's schemes or personnel, though, coverage deep down the field has killed the Ephs for, really, the last two years.  Too many wide open receivers and too many pass interference and defensive holding calls.  They just have to clean that up going forward.  For two years in a row loads of guys have cycled in and out of those positions so clearly the coaches are looking for some answers.

I think the Ephs have great deal of talent needs and OL next year going to be a big problem. RB position seems like Medical unit. Frishetti always hurt and Marvan has been injured throughout his career. So This will be a need in recruiting as well. Williams cannot afford anymore busts in recruiting they have found there QB and now need to work on skilled positions and Defensive and Offensive line help.

New to this board, long-time NESCAC fan, former high school coach, this board is great. I was at the Wesleyan-Williams game and wanted to join the town hall. The Williams D is strong, those kids were on the field all game; until Williams can avoid going three and out so often, (they have to find a way to complete a third-down pass) it will be impossible to judge the D. Those kids played hard and looked tired. Williams does have talent on O, they are just so one dimensional, even when they pass, they seem to turn it into a run. We could see that Williams has no intermediate passing game...I saw WR open, but missed chances, taking 4 yards on a scramble, it's tough to beat good teams that way... The QB looks like a good athlete, more of a runner/ath vs. one who sticks a 3rd and 9 pass that moves the chains, you would think Williams could recruit a passer as well.. I was impressed with Wesleyan's mental toughness; the offense had a rough first half and battled, got bailed out with some calls, although so did Williams on the last drive, so I guess it's equal... You are what your record says you are and Wesleyan pulled it out in the end, respect earned.  Exciting game. Colby - Bowdoin this weekend.

[SpringSt7]

Are any NESCAC football fans, besides Trinity fans, not rooting for Wesleyan this coming Saturday?
I suspect we are all Wesleyan fans this Saturday, except those on this board who are Trinity fans.

Hope Trinity wins by 80

[JEFFFAN]

Are any NESCAC football fans, besides Trinity fans, not rooting for Wesleyan this coming Saturday?
I suspect we are all Wesleyan fans this Saturday, except those on this board who are Trinity fans.

Hope Trinity wins by 80

Makes two of us but I would be fine with a close win for Trinity!

[Scoops]

How have Fetter, Clapp, Berlutti, Richardson, Kenon, or Wood not won the award yet this season? All better players at their position than Candido/Wilson respectively. Who decides on the recipient, and what are the criteria?

D3 Football Podcast mentions the Little 3 victory around 29:30. Shout out to QB Niko Candido for career high of passing yards (365) and being responsible for 28/30 points in the Williams game Saturday. Golden Helmet for him this week by New England Football Writers for all of D2 and D3.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d3football-com-d3football-com-around-the-nation-podcast/id567343572?i=1000633799396

Third Gold Helmet for the Wes offense this year, btw.Congratulations to #19 Niko Candido. #rollcards

Also, congratulations to #1 Wesley Abraham for being selected as NESCAC DPOTW (his second of the year). #rollcards

[Bantam4life]

With 1/2 weeks left in this beautiful season, still no front-runner for both OPOTY and DPOTY it feels like. As of now feels like OPOTY candidates include (in no particular order) Fetter, Kennon, Candido, Wood, Richardson and Clapp Any other possibilities? DPOTY seems like there is a million candidates.

[CC_Camels]

I was at the Bates - Trinity game in Hartford this weekend, and Trinity looked very strong in every facet of the game. Fetter was impressive, and the O Line protected him, gave him time and his throws were right on the money all afternoon long and during the game it was announced that he broke Joe Shield's career passing record at Trinity...very impressive!  The Bantam defense and kicking game were excellent as well.

Credit to both coaching staffs to get a lot of different players into the game

[Nescacman]

Are any NESCAC football fans, besides Trinity fans, not rooting for Wesleyan this coming Saturday?
I suspect we are all Wesleyan fans this Saturday, except those on this board who are Trinity fans.

Hope Trinity wins by 80

A little bitter after Saturday, Spring?!?

[The Mole]

Cardinal conspiracy, obviously.

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/5222ebfb-50ee-4753-bfe6-79356b22ac3d/downloads/2023%20Gold%20Helmet%20Selectors.pdf?ver=1699300294047

How have Fetter, Clapp, Berlutti, Richardson, Kenon, or Wood not won the award yet this season? All better players at their position than Candido/Wilson respectively. Who decides on the recipient, and what are the criteria?

D3 Football Podcast mentions the Little 3 victory around 29:30. Shout out to QB Niko Candido for career high of passing yards (365) and being responsible for 28/30 points in the Williams game Saturday. Golden Helmet for him this week by New England Football Writers for all of D2 and D3.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d3football-com-d3football-com-around-the-nation-podcast/id567343572?i=1000633799396

Third Gold Helmet for the Wes offense this year, btw.Congratulations to #19 Niko Candido. #rollcards

Also, congratulations to #1 Wesley Abraham for being selected as NESCAC DPOTW (his second of the year). #rollcards

[Nescacman]

Cardinal conspiracy, obviously.

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/5222ebfb-50ee-4753-bfe6-79356b22ac3d/downloads/2023%20Gold%20Helmet%20Selectors.pdf?ver=1699300294047

How have Fetter, Clapp, Berlutti, Richardson, Kenon, or Wood not won the award yet this season? All better players at their position than Candido/Wilson respectively. Who decides on the recipient, and what are the criteria?

D3 Football Podcast mentions the Little 3 victory around 29:30. Shout out to QB Niko Candido for career high of passing yards (365) and being responsible for 28/30 points in the Williams game Saturday. Golden Helmet for him this week by New England Football Writers for all of D2 and D3.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d3football-com-d3football-com-around-the-nation-podcast/id567343572?i=1000633799396

Third Gold Helmet for the Wes offense this year, btw.Congratulations to #19 Niko Candido. #rollcards

Also, congratulations to #1 Wesley Abraham for being selected as NESCAC DPOTW (his second of the year). #rollcards

Money talks....

The Gold Helmet is for the best individual performance in D2/D3 in New England during that particular week. There are about 100 colleges in New England at the D2/D3 level. Clearly, Niko and Chase were worthy of those honors since they were each selected by objective, different sports writers (not coaches, alums, players, etc.) who cover college sports in New England and are "in the know". What is sort of ridiculous is that they were not selected NESCAC OPOTW in any of those weeks. Further demonstrates how out of touch the NESCAC can be at times.

As far as rating players at the QB and WR position in the NESCAC, no doubt we have some excellent student-athletes across the conference. Scoops, you listed some of them. As far as Niko and Chase are concerned, they rate at the top or near the top in every key statistical category at their respective positions. Chase will be first team All-NESCAC (with Richardson and Clapp...his teammate, Thomas Elkhoury, will probably be 2nd team) and Niko will be in consideration for first team All-NESCAC (with Berlutti and Fetter). Not to throw cold water on your post, but we would argue that Wood is not even the best WR this year for the Pants (our vote would go to Jamin) and not sure Kennon belongs on your QB list in 2023 due to leading the league by a long shot with 12 INTs, although he has played better the past few weeks.

[BigKat]

NM....what version of the Red Birds need to show up to take down the dirty chickens on that lovable goat farm you call home field? I've only seen them play once and they were below mediocre for sure. I know you've seen a ton of their games so interested on your views.

[GroundandPound]

Maybe this year they can drop the "Athlete" designation and have 4 first team WR and 4 second team WR.  (Most teams line up w 3-4 WRs)
Last year they had 11 1st and 2nd team LBs, maybe WR should have 4 first team and 4 second team WR spots.  (Most teams line up w 4 LBs)
Last year they had 10 1st and 2nd team DL, maybe WR should have 4 first and 4 second team WR spots. (Most teams line up w 3-4 DL)
Last year they had 10 1st and 2nd team DBs, maybe WR should have 4 first and 4 second team WR spots. (Most teams line up w 4 DBs)
Based on current stats, I would think top 8 WRs should make All-NESCAC (I think 9th ranked is a TE and likely a First Team TE).

[NESCACFball24/7]

Cardinal conspiracy, obviously.

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/5222ebfb-50ee-4753-bfe6-79356b22ac3d/downloads/2023%20Gold%20Helmet%20Selectors.pdf?ver=1699300294047

How have Fetter, Clapp, Berlutti, Richardson, Kenon, or Wood not won the award yet this season? All better players at their position than Candido/Wilson respectively. Who decides on the recipient, and what are the criteria?

D3 Football Podcast mentions the Little 3 victory around 29:30. Shout out to QB Niko Candido for career high of passing yards (365) and being responsible for 28/30 points in the Williams game Saturday. Golden Helmet for him this week by New England Football Writers for all of D2 and D3.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d3football-com-d3football-com-around-the-nation-podcast/id567343572?i=1000633799396

Third Gold Helmet for the Wes offense this year, btw.Congratulations to #19 Niko Candido. #rollcards

Also, congratulations to #1 Wesley Abraham for being selected as NESCAC DPOTW (his second of the year). #rollcards

Money talks....

The Gold Helmet is for the best individual performance in D2/D3 in New England during that particular week. There are about 100 colleges in New England at the D2/D3 level. Clearly, Niko and Chase were worthy of those honors since they were each selected by objective, different sports writers (not coaches, alums, players, etc.) who cover college sports in New England and are "in the know". What is sort of ridiculous is that they were not selected NESCAC OPOTW in any of those weeks. Further demonstrates how out of touch the NESCAC can be at times.

As far as rating players at the QB and WR position in the NESCAC, no doubt we have some excellent student-athletes across the conference. Scoops, you listed some of them. As far as Niko and Chase are concerned, they rate at the top or near the top in every key statistical category at their respective positions. Chase will be first team All-NESCAC (with Richardson and Clapp...his teammate, Thomas Elkhoury, will probably be 2nd team) and Niko will be in consideration for first team All-NESCAC (with Berlutti and Fetter). Not to throw cold water on your post, but we would argue that Wood is not even the best WR this year for the Pants (our vote would go to Jamin) and not sure Kennon belongs on your QB list in 2023 due to leading the league by a long shot with 12 INTs, although he has played better the past few weeks.

I agree. My biggest knock on Wilson from Wesleyan is that 7 of his 10 touchdowns came against Hamilton and Amherst and he really hasn't shows up in any of the big games this year particularly  against tufts and Colby. I would still say he is in the running for first team but Richardson and clapp run away with the first two spots and  then fahey from bowdoin I would put third. And then a tight end taking the fourth spot based on their normal structuring of it. I will say that Wilson is probably my favorite for nescac opoy next year though.