FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[wesleydad]

Wesley is packed with athletes.
There is a missing key. Is it the team being on different pages a lot of the time?
I suppose all the teams left can win it all if they minimize costly mistakes from here on out.

DOC, the defense is not very good.  I am not sure exactly why, but the linebackers have trouble covering the pass and the d backs do seem on different pages some of the time.  The eye test says they are not that good but somehow keep the other team in check just enough.  Yesterday, they played real well to keep Wesley in the game with the 3 interceptions in the first quarter.  Then it got crazy in the second half and they could not stop anything.  They will need to have no mistakes if they are going to compete with Mount next week.

[Teamski]

.  Then it got crazy in the second half and they could not stop anything.  They will need to have no mistakes if they are going to compete with Mount next week.

To be honest, I think the defense simply ran out of steam.  You had multiple players cramping up.  JHU had 205 yards of offense in the 4th quarter and their running back was having a field day at that point.  This reminded me of Cecil Shorts with the wildcat on Wesley's first visit to Alliance in 2009.  Wesley was doing fine there just to have a rested Shorts running amuck across the field.

Again, this game was an unnecessary nail biter.  So many "ifs" would have made this game a comfortable win for Wesley.   If Shade didn't fumble the ball on the 5 and Wesley scored, which they would have, the game would have been over there and then.

-Ski

[Teamski]

You can watch the game on demand here.  Nice production values:

http://portal.stretchinternet.com/jhu/portal.htm?eventId=254275&streamType=video


-Ski

[skunks_sidekick]

Hello Friends From Wesley!

Gee...what a surprise...here we are again. 

I took in my first Mount game of the year yesterday, and there really wasn't much to conclude from their game with Albright.  In my mind, it was the usual 1st or 2nd round game.  A decent team having neither the skill or speed to play with Mount. 

I have watched Mount on TV three or four times this year, and my analysis is this.

The defense has been lights out all year, however, they really haven't been challenged like Wesley's offense will do so next week.  Mount's d-line is ferocious, and they cover up what I believe to be is a "good" secondary, but one that can be exploited.

The offense has been strong running the ball all year.  Logan Nemeth has come into his own with the injuries to Mitchell, and really fills the roll as a power back that can make the first wave miss, and finishes runs with authority.  Taurice Scott is an extremely athletic quarterback with breakaway quickness & speed, and a rocket for an arm.  However, that arm isn't the most accurate, and his decision making skills are lacking at times.  He just hasn't learned to throw the ball away at times, and always thinks he can make a play.

If Wesley doesn't let the stink of last year's game to affect their mindset, and plays mistake free football, they could compete and potentially win this game.  Hopefully, it will be a good one.

WD - let me know if you are headed this way. 

[wesleydad]

Hello Friends From Wesley!

Gee...what a surprise...here we are again. 

I took in my first Mount game of the year yesterday, and there really wasn't much to conclude from their game with Albright.  In my mind, it was the usual 1st or 2nd round game.  A decent team having neither the skill or speed to play with Mount. 

I have watched Mount on TV three or four times this year, and my analysis is this.

The defense has been lights out all year, however, they really haven't been challenged like Wesley's offense will do so next week.  Mount's d-line is ferocious, and they cover up what I believe to be is a "good" secondary, but one that can be exploited.

The offense has been strong running the ball all year.  Logan Nemeth has come into his own with the injuries to Mitchell, and really fills the roll as a power back that can make the first wave miss, and finishes runs with authority.  Taurice Scott is an extremely athletic quarterback with breakaway quickness & speed, and a rocket for an arm.  However, that arm isn't the most accurate, and his decision making skills are lacking at times.  He just hasn't learned to throw the ball away at times, and always thinks he can make a play.

If Wesley doesn't let the stink of last year's game to affect their mindset, and plays mistake free football, they could compete and potentially win this game.  Hopefully, it will be a good one.

WD - let me know if you are headed this way.

Skunks, good to hear from you.  My big concern is the O line versus the Mount D line.  Wesley will have to be able to run the ball some, or Callahan will be running for his life all game.  This may sound crazy, but if they can keep the sacks to <6 that would be good.  12 and 11 for Mount the last 2 weeks is just crazy.  I hope that Wesley's O line is slightly better than the last 2 teams. 

I have not decided if I am traveling yet.  Need to look at plans for the next couple of weekends to see which is better.  I hope if I do take the ride that the game will be better than last year.

[jmcozenlaw]

I said at the beginning of the season that Wesley's "season" started in the National Semifinals, probably against Mount Union. Right thought, right opponent, wrong round (due to Salisbury). To be the best......you've got to beat the best.

I have first dibs on the 2016 Stagg Bowl..........Mount Union vs. UWWW

[PA_wesleyfan]

  Wesley has been missing that depth on D that they normally have due to some injuries that happened before the season. Would it make a difference ? Not sure . But in years past you wouldn't see the types of changes that we have seen this year. A lot of situation moves but not the kind of moves that give the big guys up front a breather. I did watch Yorkman on a few plays that he was in and he moved that big tackle and guard into  the QB a couple times. I think he is a Soph. As for the offence , If they put a whole game together then we could see a real good game

[purpled]

Wesley fans...welcome back to Alliance! I have to disagree with Skunks regarding Mount's DB's...they are so much better than good. I've been to all home games and they are a big reason our "D" is a Beast. In addition, if you don't double team Lally, #90 JC will be running around the entire game.

Speaking of defense, how's Wesley's this year?

Safe travels to all!

[HScoach]

I respectfully disagree with Purple on the Mount secondary.    They're supremely athletic, but not fundamentally sound.   As a whole they're good, but because they have very good speed mixed with average coverage skills.  Very typical Moun't secondary.

One difference from last year is the Dline is deeper and better.  And Lally at DT is a difference maker.

S-S is right about Scott at QB.  Think D3 version of Braxton Miller.  Crazy legs, but questionable decision making and VERY inconsistent arm.  Will make a great olay, then miss a wide open WR for an easy 10 yards.  Quite frustrating after watching K Burke for the last 3 years.

[wesleydad]

Wesley fans...welcome back to Alliance! I have to disagree with Skunks regarding Mount's DB's...they are so much better than good. I've been to all home games and they are a big reason our "D" is a Beast. In addition, if you don't double team Lally, #90 JC will be running around the entire game.

Speaking of defense, how's Wesley's this year?

Safe travels to all!

Not as good as last years which doesn't bode well for Wesley.

[wesleydad]

How can Wesley win this game?  It does not seem likely, but if the following things happen just maybe.
No turnovers
Limit sacks to 6, sounds like a lot, but Mount has 23 in the last 2 weeks
Baynard runs for 80+ yards, allows Wesley to control the clock and keep Mounts offense off the field
Callahan runs for 40+ yards and keeps plays alive by sliding around the pocket like 2 years ago
Callahan throws for 400+ yards and 5 or 6 TDs
Kyle George has 6+ catches making the linebackers and safeties cover the middle of the field
No mental mistakes like poor decisions on kickoff/punt returns
Limit penalties to physical ones, no personal fouls
Mount has 3 or more turnovers
Mount scores less than 50

I hope that Wesley shows better than they did last year.  This team has been baffling on defense all year so keeping Mount under 50 will be a tall order.  They have a punchers chance and in the end that is all you need.  Final 8 again this year is something to be proud of.  Show up and let it fly and see what happens.

[thewaterboy]

Early forecast for Saturday calls for 50 degrees and sunny weather. Drastically different from last year.

[Teamski]

Early forecast for Saturday calls for 50 degrees and sunny weather. Drastically different from last year.

The warmer the better!

-Ski

[thewaterboy]

Early forecast for Saturday calls for 50 degrees and sunny weather. Drastically different from last year.

The warmer the better!

-Ski

Amen to that! Yesterday was beautiful as well!

Not sure if I am being naive (probably), but I think this game shapes up to be a shootout much like 2013, with Wesley hanging in there better than some may expect.

[Teamski]

Congrats to James Okike for getting a gameball from Kieth McMillan for his 249 yard performance this weekend.  Well done mate!   

-Ski