FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Back2BackBantam]

I agree my pick would be clapp based off production. However I will say it seemed like teams had tailored their defensive game plans to stop richardson a lot more than they did for clapp. Partly because trinity had more threats. But it looked to me in the games I watched that richardson was drawing double and triple coverage in every game in a way that clapp was just not attracting and that's a fact. Maybe in part because of the difference in their ability to burn you for a big one. I'd also be interested to see how many targets the two got. Everytime trinity threw it feels like it went to clapp who got 10-15 targets a game where as richardson got maybe 5-6 targets a game that he took full advantage of.

I bet Wesleyan wishes they double / triple teamed Clapp more. I wouldn't ask their DC if Clapp has the ability to burn a CB 1-on-1 or not.

[Trin9-0]

Trin9-0,

You seem reasonable and fair.

I hope I can post about Trinity with you to better understand why Trinity is the FB perennial power it it in the NESCAC.

MammothDad, for all the analysis of why Trinity is consistently the dominant NESCAC football power it's a fairly simple formula but one that is difficult to execute.
Great players + great coaching + institutional support = championships.

Trinity has great players: They maximize their recruiting advantages and sell tradition/culture of winning, location, and the alumni network.

• Every recruit who has committed to Trinity since 1998 and played for four years has graduated with at least one championship ring. Every kid wants to win and at Trinity it is almost assured.
• Trinity is located in a capital city with ample internship opportunities, easily accessible to NYC and Boston and is convenient to travel to/from. Beyond the benefits of Hartford, the on campus social scene is a significant selling point for 18 year old men.
• The program does all the right things regarding making sure the student are supported in the classroom with academic advisors, etc. They also have a top-notch alumni career counselling and mentoring program to help players land internships and job opportunities through the vast network of football alumni.

The coaching staff can identify talent, know what kind of kids fit their culture, understand where Trinity fits in the marketplace. They also have a proven ability to develop talent through a consistent strength and conditioning program and good coaching. With all of that said, they don't always just have better players. Tufts, and to a lesser extent Wesleyan, have had rosters that were comparable (if not exceeded Trinity) in terms of high end talent in recent years. 

Trinity has excellent coaching: Beyond Devanney who, despite what some on this board think, is an outstanding head coach, they also have two coordinators who could easily be successful head coaches elsewhere.

• Lew Acquarulo is the Associate Head Coach. He has been at Trinity for 19 seasons and presided over nearly two decades of dominant defenses. He's a TOP tier recruiter and a wildly underrated reason for Trinity's success.
• Mark Melnitsky has been at Trinity for 18 seasons and the offensive coordinator for 13 years. Under his watch Trinity has routinely topped the league in offense and set numerous offensive records.

The benefits of this level of consistency at the top of the program cannot be understated.

Trinity is committed to success: This may be a bit harder to quantify but there is some available data per the U.S. Department of Education which annually produces an Equity in Athletics Data Analysis. You can take a look yourselves but I've compiled the available data relevant to NESCAC football program expenses and what percent of their overall athletics expenses are allocated to football below:





   
   

   
   

   
   


   


   
   
   
   
   

   
   


   

   

School	Football Expenses	% of Overall Athletics Expenses
Tufts	$962,949	15.7%
Trinity	$988,685	15.6%
Hamilton	$789,895	15.2%
Amherst	$816,390	13.1%
Bowdoin	$731,065	12.3%
Wesleyan	$718,959	12.1%
Colby	$852,876	11.5%
Bates	$599,090	10.9%
Middlebury	$598,816	10.9%
Williams	$596,176	9.5%

Trinity is not an outlier, but clearly toward the top echelon of schools who invest in their football program. The aforementioned "tutoring program" is really not much more than a study hall for first year players and those who have a GPA below a certain threshold. All players have the option to seek help from one of three faculty/staff liaisons. These roles are not unique to football at Trinity and at quick glance it appears that many, if not all sports, also have at least one faculty/staff liaisons.

The football program hosts annual networking receptions where alumni come back to campus and talk to students about their career paths and give advice on how to approach various professional tracks. It has been extremely successful and is a big selling point in the recruiting process. Alumni love it too; and we enjoy the engagement that Devanney and his staff provide. Golf tournaments, recognition of past championship teams, coming back to campus to talk to the team during preseason. All of those little things matter when it's time to fundraise and let's be honest, it's more fun to support a winner.

Despite numerous and frequent accusations by posters on this board, I have never seen any evidence that Trinity uses a larger percentage of their allotted tips for football than other sports. They follow all NESCAC and NCAA rules in this regard. Are there kids who get into Trinity that don't get into other NESCAC schools? Yeah, of course. Does Trinity also frequently win recruiting battles for kids who were accepted to other NESCAC schools? Also, yes. They find kids who fit the academic profile of the school and who can contribute to the football program and the College. I feel extremely confident that there is minimal (if any) difference between the overall quality of student on any football rosters in the NESCAC.


As for why there is so much hate for the Bantams I will simply share the following admission of truth from our very own Trinity-hater in chief, who so eloquently provided the single most accurate explanation:

...a lot of the comments made about Hartford State are tongue in cheek and probably made more out of jealousy.

[Charlie]

Trin9-0,

You seem reasonable and fair.

I hope I can post about Trinity with you to better understand why Trinity is the FB perennial power it it in the NESCAC.

MammothDad, for all the analysis of why Trinity is consistently the dominant NESCAC football power it's a fairly simple formula but one that is difficult to execute.
Great players + great coaching + institutional support = championships.

Trinity has great players: They maximize their recruiting advantages and sell tradition/culture of winning, location, and the alumni network.

• Every recruit who has committed to Trinity since 1998 and played for four years has graduated with at least one championship ring. Every kid wants to win and at Trinity it is almost assured.
• Trinity is located in a capital city with ample internship opportunities, easily accessible to NYC and Boston and is convenient to travel to/from. Beyond the benefits of Hartford, the on campus social scene is a significant selling point for 18 year old men.
• The program does all the right things regarding making sure the student are supported in the classroom with academic advisors, etc. They also have a top-notch alumni career counselling and mentoring program to help players land internships and job opportunities through the vast network of football alumni.

The coaching staff can identify talent, know what kind of kids fit their culture, understand where Trinity fits in the marketplace. They also have a proven ability to develop talent through a consistent strength and conditioning program and good coaching. With all of that said, they don't always just have better players. Tufts, and to a lesser extent Wesleyan, have had rosters that were comparable (if not exceeded Trinity) in terms of high end talent in recent years. 

Trinity has excellent coaching: Beyond Devanney who, despite what some on this board think, is an outstanding head coach, they also have two coordinators who could easily be successful head coaches elsewhere.

• Lew Acquarulo is the Associate Head Coach. He has been at Trinity for 19 seasons and presided over nearly two decades of dominant defenses. He's a TOP tier recruiter and a wildly underrated reason for Trinity's success.
• Mark Melnitsky has been at Trinity for 18 seasons and the offensive coordinator for 13 years. Under his watch Trinity has routinely topped the league in offense and set numerous offensive records.

The benefits of this level of consistency at the top of the program cannot be understated.

Trinity is committed to success: This may be a bit harder to quantify but there is some available data per the U.S. Department of Education which annually produces an Equity in Athletics Data Analysis. You can take a look yourselves but I've compiled the available data relevant to NESCAC football program expenses and what percent of their overall athletics expenses are allocated to football below:





   
   

   
   

   
   


   


   
   
   
   
   

   
   


   

   

School	Football Expenses	% of Overall Athletics Expenses
Tufts	$962,949	15.7%
Trinity	$988,685	15.6%
Hamilton	$789,895	15.2%
Amherst	$816,390	13.1%
Bowdoin	$731,065	12.3%
Wesleyan	$718,959	12.1%
Colby	$852,876	11.5%
Bates	$599,090	10.9%
Middlebury	$598,816	10.9%
Williams	$596,176	9.5%

Trinity is not an outlier, but clearly toward the top echelon of schools who invest in their football program. The aforementioned "tutoring program" is really not much more than a study hall for first year players and those who have a GPA below a certain threshold. All players have the option to seek help from one of three faculty/staff liaisons. These roles are not unique to football at Trinity and at quick glance it appears that many, if not all sports, also have at least one faculty/staff liaisons.

The football program hosts annual networking receptions where alumni come back to campus and talk to students about their career paths and give advice on how to approach various professional tracks. It has been extremely successful and is a big selling point in the recruiting process. Alumni love it too; and we enjoy the engagement that Devanney and his staff provide. Golf tournaments, recognition of past championship teams, coming back to campus to talk to the team during preseason. All of those little things matter when it's time to fundraise and let's be honest, it's more fun to support a winner.

Despite numerous and frequent accusations by posters on this board, I have never seen any evidence that Trinity uses a larger percentage of their allotted tips for football than other sports. They follow all NESCAC and NCAA rules in this regard. Are there kids who get into Trinity that don't get into other NESCAC schools? Yeah, of course. Does Trinity also frequently win recruiting battles for kids who were accepted to other NESCAC schools? Also, yes. They find kids who fit the academic profile of the school and who can contribute to the football program and the College. I feel extremely confident that there is minimal (if any) difference between the overall quality of student on any football rosters in the NESCAC.


As for why there is so much hate for the Bantams I will simply share the following admission of truth from our very own Trinity-hater in chief, who so eloquently provided the single most accurate explanation:

...a lot of the comments made about Hartford State are tongue in cheek and probably made more out of jealousy.

Excellent explanation and hits all the points !!

[NESCACFball24/7]

I agree my pick would be clapp based off production. However I will say it seemed like teams had tailored their defensive game plans to stop richardson a lot more than they did for clapp. Partly because trinity had more threats. But it looked to me in the games I watched that richardson was drawing double and triple coverage in every game in a way that clapp was just not attracting and that's a fact. Maybe in part because of the difference in their ability to burn you for a big one. I'd also be interested to see how many targets the two got. Everytime trinity threw it feels like it went to clapp who got 10-15 targets a game where as richardson got maybe 5-6 targets a game that he took full advantage of.

I bet Wesleyan wishes they double / triple teamed Clapp more. I wouldn't ask their DC if Clapp has the ability to burn a CB 1-on-1 or not.

My point with clapp was not that he couldn't win 1 on 1. It was that leaving richardson 1 on 1 poses a bigger threat to make that short catch into a 50+ yard touchdown in a way that clapp doesn't. He routinely torched defense on the deep ball or by taking slants or digs and making one guy miss and running it in. Clapp like I said was more of a possession guy who made his money of intermediate routes. Both very good players in their own rights. Point was just that richardson was probably a better athlete but regardless I still said I'd vote for clapp off of production whatever the reason for it was.


Fun fact, a friend familiar with both schools told me recently that Richardson was down to deciding between tufts and trinity out of high school. Imagine having him in that trinity team the last few years. That would have been something!!   

[Back2BackBantam]

I agree my pick would be clapp based off production. However I will say it seemed like teams had tailored their defensive game plans to stop richardson a lot more than they did for clapp. Partly because trinity had more threats. But it looked to me in the games I watched that richardson was drawing double and triple coverage in every game in a way that clapp was just not attracting and that's a fact. Maybe in part because of the difference in their ability to burn you for a big one. I'd also be interested to see how many targets the two got. Everytime trinity threw it feels like it went to clapp who got 10-15 targets a game where as richardson got maybe 5-6 targets a game that he took full advantage of.

I bet Wesleyan wishes they double / triple teamed Clapp more. I wouldn't ask their DC if Clapp has the ability to burn a CB 1-on-1 or not.

My point with clapp was not that he couldn't win 1 on 1. It was that leaving richardson 1 on 1 poses a bigger threat to make that short catch into a 50+ yard touchdown in a way that clapp doesn't. He routinely torched defense on the deep ball or by taking slants or digs and making one guy miss and running it in. Clapp like I said was more of a possession guy who made his money of intermediate routes. Both very good players in their own rights. Point was just that richardson was probably a better athlete but regardless I still said I'd vote for clapp off of production whatever the reason for it was.


Fun fact, a friend familiar with both schools told me recently that Richardson was down to deciding between tufts and trinity out of high school. Imagine having him in that trinity team the last few years. That would have been something!!   

I understood your point, my apologies. Was just taking a friendly jab at the rival. Richardson is a great player and was not a lot of fun to play against due to his big play ability. I wish him nothing but the best whether he remains at Tufts, or the more likely situation, plays some FCS ball.

[NESCACFball24/7]

I know we spend alot of time talking about the top programs in the league but does anybody know what's going up in Clinton? Have they just accepted not giving the program the support they need? Even Bates has seems to turn a corner with the support from the school. Granted Hamilton had an update they pulled off this year, they have accomplished literally nothing in the last decade+. Frankly doing their players and coaches a disservice. If/when that job becomes open it gotta be one of the least desirable programs in all of college football to try and take over and turn around.

[BantChamps]

New to the board. After viewing some of the previous comments surrounding season power rankings, I find it somewhat laughable to find Wesleyan within the top 4. Not only did they suffer two blowout losses to both Trinity and Tufts, they could barely survive an injury plagued Ephs roster who quite frankly should have won that game by a considerable amount. Football is decided on the line of scrimmage, and seeing that Wesleyan produced lack luster performances on both sides of the line this season it is somewhat remarkable they were able to secure 6 wins. IMHO not good enough to be ranked within the top 4. Pleasure to be apart of the beloved boards as a long time viewer.

OK, Mr. Third Place in the Little 3, who is your Top 4? Can't wait to hear this....

While we are on this note-

Congrats to Trinity on being Little 3, CBB, and (whether you like it or not) NESCAC Champs!!! The triple crown sure does feel good 

[lumbercat]

Lol- bottom fishing now after Middlebury trumped you guys- really weak, lol

[Charlie]

Lol- bottom fishing now after Middlebury trumped you guys- really weak, lol

If people on this message baord have such influence on awards and there outcomes why not use this power of persuasion to change the tie breaking rules or make a playoff format. You seem to have the influence ?

[Vandy74]

I know we spend alot of time talking about the top programs in the league but does anybody know what's going up in Clinton? Have they just accepted not giving the program the support they need? Even Bates has seems to turn a corner with the support from the school. Granted Hamilton had an update they pulled off this year, they have accomplished literally nothing in the last decade+. Frankly doing their players and coaches a disservice. If/when that job becomes open it gotta be one of the least desirable programs in all of college football to try and take over and turn around.

It's been so long since the Continentals won their Classic rivalry game against the Panthers, it's not surprising the folks running the show there are off their rocker.

[continentalarmy]

I know we spend alot of time talking about the top programs in the league but does anybody know what's going up in Clinton? Have they just accepted not giving the program the support they need? Even Bates has seems to turn a corner with the support from the school. Granted Hamilton had an update they pulled off this year, they have accomplished literally nothing in the last decade+. Frankly doing their players and coaches a disservice. If/when that job becomes open it gotta be one of the least desirable programs in all of college football to try and take over and turn around.

Similar to Back2BackBantam, just finished my Hamilton career and have read the boards for a while now. As someone who spent 5 years in the program, I think it is finally headed in the right direction. New coaches have brought great energy to the program, and the recent classes have lots of talent. Two talented QBs in Kurzum and Rubey who kept it a two possession game with Trinity as the backup.

Started the season 0-5 (threw away games against Amherst and Williams), but winning 3 of the last 4 (including NESCAC game of the year 5OT win vs. Tufts) gave the team energy it needed going into next season. The team returns a lot of talent, excited for what they do next year.

[Back2BackBantam]

I know we spend alot of time talking about the top programs in the league but does anybody know what's going up in Clinton? Have they just accepted not giving the program the support they need? Even Bates has seems to turn a corner with the support from the school. Granted Hamilton had an update they pulled off this year, they have accomplished literally nothing in the last decade+. Frankly doing their players and coaches a disservice. If/when that job becomes open it gotta be one of the least desirable programs in all of college football to try and take over and turn around.

Similar to Back2BackBantam, just finished my Hamilton career and have read the boards for a while now. As someone who spent 5 years in the program, I think it is finally headed in the right direction. New coaches have brought great energy to the program, and the recent classes have lots of talent. Two talented QBs in Kurzum and Rubey who kept it a two possession game with Trinity as the backup.

Started the season 0-5 (threw away games against Amherst and Williams), but winning 3 of the last 4 (including NESCAC game of the year 5OT win vs. Tufts) gave the team energy it needed going into next season. The team returns a lot of talent, excited for what they do next year.

Thank you for joining me continentalarmy, and congratulations on finishing your career.

While obviously Trinity did not play their best game against the Alexander Hamilton's this year, IMHO they were a tougher opponent and played the game harder and with more will to win than a good amount of other teams we faced. I know Trinity always has a target on its back and people get up to play against the Bantams, but based on sheer toughness, Kurzum probably took the most hits out of anyone we played (after Robbie Long, that kid is tough as nails) and still got up to come after us. I think the Alexander Hamiltons will be alright, and could give a winning season a run for its money in the coming years.

[Bantam4life]

I agree my pick would be clapp based off production. However I will say it seemed like teams had tailored their defensive game plans to stop richardson a lot more than they did for clapp. Partly because trinity had more threats. But it looked to me in the games I watched that richardson was drawing double and triple coverage in every game in a way that clapp was just not attracting and that's a fact. Maybe in part because of the difference in their ability to burn you for a big one.

I'd also be interested to see how many targets the two got compared to each other. My bet would be on almost double for Clapp. Everytime trinity threw it feels like it went to clapp who got 10-15 targets a game where as richardson got maybe 5-6 targets a game that he took full advantage of.

Very different receivers clapp being more of a possession guy but richardson with the big play ability and probably more physical gifts. Another Civetti coaching blunder in not getting him the ball more? My guess would be Richardson projects better as a transfer due to his physical skillset and speed.

With that being said, would still vote clapp OPOY given his crazy productive year regardless of who is qb was. Also would not be surprised if coaches voted for richardson given the way they tailored specific game plans to him every week.

Personally, I think that if HCOF Jeff nominated Clapp over Fetter (Which feels unlikely, when in doubt give it to the senior) Clapp would probably win the award handily. It's Fetter's "Non-Playing antics" that may prevent him from winning the award outright which is unfortunate, while the ball-throwing incident was unfortunate and could have been handled differently it showed the passion and emotion he plays the game with and in the heat of battle you make decisions you regret and I'm sure he regrets that. Overall a great career for Number 12/1. One of if not the best to line up under center in Hartford.

[oxen1999]

As a parent of a current Hamilton sophomore, I watched every game this year. This team is vastly improved over last years team. The biggest improvement is the rush defense and starting QB. Kurzum & Rubey are both young and made mistakes, but the team feels good about them and where the team is headed. The secondary was prone to giving up big plays because of youth but also the lack of a pass rush. The D-Line could be the strength of the team next year with the players returning. Depth is still a big problem, especially on the O-Line. Overall I like Hamilton's chances to break into the middle tier of teams next year and threaten to win 5 games.

[Nescacman]

While we anxiously await Thanksgiving Day, the continuation/culmination of NJ HS Football Play-offs this weekend (all we have to look forward to in the NY Metro Area this year, unfortunately, due to not having a "professional" football team), and Mr. NESCAC to announce individual league awards and All-NESCAC performers (hopefully, before the 2024 starts...is the NESCAC SID also the Lord Mammoth SID?!? Asking for a friend), the League has posted the 2024 schedule. Some games of note:

Week 1:Wes opens at defending league champ Middlebury (where they have had problems in recent years) and the new look Polars with travel to the Coop to face second place Hartford State, who will have a new signal caller.

Week 2: The Jumbo's travel to Wes in what will be a fun game under the lights as the Cards will look for some payback after the 2023 drubbing.

Week 3: We think the Ephs in the Coop against the Roosters in McHugh's year 2 is one to watch..

Week 4: Hartford State plays the Jumbo's at Ellis Oval, in what could be another payback game this time for the Berlutti led Elephant's.

Week 5: Purple Cows playing Middlebury in Vermont could be a fun game in HCOF Doug's soph season.

Week 6: The long awaited rematch between the 2023 league Champion Panthers and Hartford State, this time in Vermont.

Week 7: Little 3 game as the Lord Mammoths host the Cards. The other interesting game has the Jumbo's traveling to the Purple Mountains to face the Ephs, who we do expect to be better.

Week 8: Of course, the Ephs facing Wes in the homecoming tilt in Middletown is the primary game. We think UBates should be improved and they host Bowdoin in week 8 in a C-B-B battle, probably under the lights.

Week 9: A bunch of fun games...Wes traveling to the hood to face Hartford State, Tufts hosting the Panthers (hopefully these games are important to decide the 2024 league champ), and of course, for the elitist's on the Board, Williams hosts the Lord Mammoths in the Little 3 consolation game.

To those former players who have joined the Boards, welcome. Awesome when other former NESCAC student-athletes jump in. Would love to have you as guests for our NESCAC Football podcast beginning late summer of 2024.