FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[ITH radio]

We got the same film from SU. Coach Wood's account doesn't match it. That's the problem and the NCAA has noticed.

[wesleydad]

Disappointing end to the season.  Wesley was out everythinged yesterday.  Del Val was much better prepared and Wesley had no answer on either side of the ball.  There was no flow to the offense.  Del Val planned to keep everything in front of them and with getting enough pressure only having to send 4 they had no trouble doing that.  On defense Wesley could not stop the sweeps which others have said was an issue all year and did not make any adjustments to stop number 80 who ran open all over the field.  If it wasn't for the Del Val QB being average and overthrowing a number of open receivers Del Val could have had 21 - 28 more points.  I did not see any adjustments made in the second half except for the fake handoff instead of an RPO that went for an 88 yard touchdown.  The team should be embarrassed by the number of personal foul/after the play stupid penalties they took yesterday.  Fry looks like he could be good so they are ok at QB, but they need to improve the defense if they are going to compete at the national level again.  Shame is that they could have finally avoided Mount, but I would not have wanted to see them play NCC with the way NCC throws the ball.

[jmcozenlaw]

Disappointing end to the season.  Wesley was out everythinged yesterday.  Del Val was much better prepared and Wesley had no answer on either side of the ball.  There was no flow to the offense.  Del Val planned to keep everything in front of them and with getting enough pressure only having to send 4 they had no trouble doing that.  On defense Wesley could not stop the sweeps which others have said was an issue all year and did not make any adjustments to stop number 80 who ran open all over the field.  If it wasn't for the Del Val QB being average and overthrowing a number of open receivers Del Val could have had 21 - 28 more points.  I did not see any adjustments made in the second half except for the fake handoff instead of an RPO that went for an 88 yard touchdown.  The team should be embarrassed by the number of personal foul/after the play stupid penalties they took yesterday.  Fry looks like he could be good so they are ok at QB, but they need to improve the defense if they are going to compete at the national level again.  Shame is that they could have finally avoided Mount, but I would not have wanted to see them play NCC with the way NCC throws the ball.

Fontana was average yesterday (other than when he found Dan Allen, number 80) for three touchdowns. Fry looked poor compared to his prior two games, without the Nobile's getting any sacks. You and I blew this prediction in a massive way. DelVal was much more prepared and much more fired up. I could not believe the difference in the stands as well. The DelVal crowd was louder from the jump. Is this a normal occurrence in Dover or just a DelVal thing (who does bring a sizable and loud crowd)?

Wesleydad, you are spot on with your post and I knew you'd never "blame the game on the refs". This truly had zero to do with the refs. Thanks for the honesty.

[thewaterboy]

Disappointing end to the season.  Wesley was out everythinged yesterday.  Del Val was much better prepared and Wesley had no answer on either side of the ball.  There was no flow to the offense.  Del Val planned to keep everything in front of them and with getting enough pressure only having to send 4 they had no trouble doing that.  On defense Wesley could not stop the sweeps which others have said was an issue all year and did not make any adjustments to stop number 80 who ran open all over the field.  If it wasn't for the Del Val QB being average and overthrowing a number of open receivers Del Val could have had 21 - 28 more points.  I did not see any adjustments made in the second half except for the fake handoff instead of an RPO that went for an 88 yard touchdown.  The team should be embarrassed by the number of personal foul/after the play stupid penalties they took yesterday.  Fry looks like he could be good so they are ok at QB, but they need to improve the defense if they are going to compete at the national level again.  Shame is that they could have finally avoided Mount, but I would not have wanted to see them play NCC with the way NCC throws the ball.

A fair assessment. I don't think Wesley has had the capability of competing nationally since Joe Callahan's senior year (2015). They have always been missing some element of a nationally competitive team. This year it was defense and the QB position. They made the right call by going with Fry, but he was too green. I look forward to what next year brings.

[WesleyFB_8]

Well 4 years of playing football at Wesley has come to an end for my son. Played his final game at linebacker, a position he's never played in his life and led the team in tackles, still think he should have stayed at Safety. Now time to represent Wesley in Ft. Worth Texas in January. Also a huge s/o to the Del Val coaches who pulled my son to the side and talked to him. It's usually just a hand shake and a "good game" comment but these coaches went above and beyond that. My son appreciated that and I appreciate it even more that they knew who he was, not just a player on Wesley.
Been a fun 4 years, I'll still be going to the games just wish the ending would have turned out differently. Big s/o to Coach Azz for getting my son to Wesley and of course Coach Drass for helping and preparing the transition from high school to college. Freshman year - How was camp?  Coach Drass is crazy!!! Lol! Wonder how this team would do under Drass and his discipline?

[jmcozenlaw]

Well 4 years of playing football at Wesley has come to an end for my son. Played his final game at linebacker, a position he's never played in his life and led the team in tackles, still think he should have stayed at Safety. Now time to represent Wesley in Ft. Worth Texas in January. Also a huge s/o to the Del Val coaches who pulled my son to the side and talked to him. It's usually just a hand shake and a "good game" comment but these coaches went above and beyond that. My son appreciated that and I appreciate it even more that they knew who he was, not just a player on Wesley.
Been a fun 4 years, I'll still be going to the games just wish the ending would have turned out differently. Big s/o to Coach Azz for getting my son to Wesley and of course Coach Drass for helping and preparing the transition from high school to college. Freshman year - How was camp?  Coach Drass is crazy!!! Lol! Wonder how this team would do under Drass and his discipline?

Coach Greco and staff are about the classiest group of coaches you'll find at any level in any sport. I'm glad they reached out to your son. he is quite the player by the way!!

[WesleyFB_8]

Well 4 years of playing football at Wesley has come to an end for my son. Played his final game at linebacker, a position he's never played in his life and led the team in tackles, still think he should have stayed at Safety. Now time to represent Wesley in Ft. Worth Texas in January. Also a huge s/o to the Del Val coaches who pulled my son to the side and talked to him. It's usually just a hand shake and a "good game" comment but these coaches went above and beyond that. My son appreciated that and I appreciate it even more that they knew who he was, not just a player on Wesley.
Been a fun 4 years, I'll still be going to the games just wish the ending would have turned out differently. Big s/o to Coach Azz for getting my son to Wesley and of course Coach Drass for helping and preparing the transition from high school to college. Freshman year - How was camp?  Coach Drass is crazy!!! Lol! Wonder how this team would do under Drass and his discipline?

Coach Greco and staff are about the classiest group of coaches you'll find at any level in any sport. I'm glad they reached out to your son. he is quite the player by the way!!

Yes very classy move and good luck to Del Val this Saturday!

[MRMIKESMITH]

After looking into stats from this past weekend and listening to the post-game interview. Both defenses played well in the second half. For Salisbury, they only gave up 30% of Union total yardage in the 2nd half. I think the defense made some timely interceptions late 2nd and early 3rd that created separation and this was aided by some personnel changes in the back 4. The good thing that was mentioned by Salisbury coach was, it's always good to know that you can improve on somethings after a win, especially in playoffs. Another stat that was mentioned was the punt coverage, the few times that Union forced Salisbury to punt, they were unable to flip the field as oppose to the few times Salisbury forced Union to punt, Salisbury was able to take advantage and create good field position. Going forward, I expect the defensive coverage unit to tighten up as most of the routes which was mentioned during the post-game interview were good timing routes that can be corrected from a defensive standpoint. Another thing that was mentioned in the post-game interview was a 3rd and 6/7 play, that created a big pile, I was impressed with how the offensive lineman help push the QB to a first down, that was a defining moment for Salisbury as I believe Salisbury went onto get it's final td.

Looking ahead, Salisbury has a common opponent in TCNJ with Muhlenberg, never really look into those transitive things as one game was played Week 2, while the other week 8, we know teams change from Week 2 to Week 8 (i.e. Wesley v. Del Val), but it appeared that both games flowed the same. Again, Salisbury appears to be peaking offensively and defensively they can learn from Union game and scheme to improve to take the defense to another level of play. Looking forward to the match-up. Will look into more detail of the Mules as the week progress. I'm just happy for the players and coaches that they can move on for another week, get one more game for Seniors,more reps for underclassman and such. 

[wesleydad]

After looking into stats from this past weekend and listening to the post-game interview. Both defenses played well in the second half. For Salisbury, they only gave up 30% of Union total yardage in the 2nd half. I think the defense made some timely interceptions late 2nd and early 3rd that created separation and this was aided by some personnel changes in the back 4. The good thing that was mentioned by Salisbury coach was, it's always good to know that you can improve on somethings after a win, especially in playoffs. Another stat that was mentioned was the punt coverage, the few times that Union forced Salisbury to punt, they were unable to flip the field as oppose to the few times Salisbury forced Union to punt, Salisbury was able to take advantage and create good field position. Going forward, I expect the defensive coverage unit to tighten up as most of the routes which was mentioned during the post-game interview were good timing routes that can be corrected from a defensive standpoint. Another thing that was mentioned in the post-game interview was a 3rd and 6/7 play, that created a big pile, I was impressed with how the offensive lineman help push the QB to a first down, that was a defining moment for Salisbury as I believe Salisbury went onto get it's final td.

Looking ahead, Salisbury has a common opponent in TCNJ with Muhlenberg, never really look into those transitive things as one game was played Week 2, while the other week 8, we know teams change from Week 2 to Week 8 (i.e. Wesley v. Del Val), but it appeared that both games flowed the same. Again, Salisbury appears to be peaking offensively and defensively they can learn from Union game and scheme to improve to take the defense to another level of play. Looking forward to the match-up. Will look into more detail of the Mules as the week progress. I'm just happy for the players and coaches that they can move on for another week, get one more game for Seniors,more reps for underclassman and such.

Muhlenberg has given up 0 points so far in the playoffs.  That has to be concerning.  I am pretty sure they won't shut Salisbury out, but 0 in 2 round of the playoffs is rather impressive.

[wally_wabash]

After looking into stats from this past weekend and listening to the post-game interview. Both defenses played well in the second half. For Salisbury, they only gave up 30% of Union total yardage in the 2nd half. I think the defense made some timely interceptions late 2nd and early 3rd that created separation and this was aided by some personnel changes in the back 4. The good thing that was mentioned by Salisbury coach was, it's always good to know that you can improve on somethings after a win, especially in playoffs. Another stat that was mentioned was the punt coverage, the few times that Union forced Salisbury to punt, they were unable to flip the field as oppose to the few times Salisbury forced Union to punt, Salisbury was able to take advantage and create good field position. Going forward, I expect the defensive coverage unit to tighten up as most of the routes which was mentioned during the post-game interview were good timing routes that can be corrected from a defensive standpoint. Another thing that was mentioned in the post-game interview was a 3rd and 6/7 play, that created a big pile, I was impressed with how the offensive lineman help push the QB to a first down, that was a defining moment for Salisbury as I believe Salisbury went onto get it's final td.

Looking ahead, Salisbury has a common opponent in TCNJ with Muhlenberg, never really look into those transitive things as one game was played Week 2, while the other week 8, we know teams change from Week 2 to Week 8 (i.e. Wesley v. Del Val), but it appeared that both games flowed the same. Again, Salisbury appears to be peaking offensively and defensively they can learn from Union game and scheme to improve to take the defense to another level of play. Looking forward to the match-up. Will look into more detail of the Mules as the week progress. I'm just happy for the players and coaches that they can move on for another week, get one more game for Seniors,more reps for underclassman and such.

Muhlenberg has given up 0 points so far in the playoffs.  That has to be concerning.  I am pretty sure they won't shut Salisbury out, but 0 in 2 round of the playoffs is rather impressive.

It's not just impressive, it is literally unprecedented.  It's never been done before. 

[thewaterboy]

Well now that we are midweek, I have thought a little more about the game. I don't think Wesley has been that "out-done" since the 70-21 loss to Mount Union. Really disappointing still, especially since Wesley would have had another home game with North Central beating Mount Union (although I think Rutter would have made it a long day for the Wesley defense). Strange too, I think the promotion of Fry upgraded the offense... or did it? Not sure.... just a very confusing result still on Saturday.

[bluenote]

Salisbury has been on my radar for quit some time... from what I've seen and down they are a running team that likes to milk the clock... I think that's a good strategy... I'd love Linfield to play Salisbury! You guys are awesome n my humble opinion! 

[CNU85]

Interesting.....the last Top 25 through games as of 11/17.....the remaining 8 teams are ranked 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,

(I'm sure this has been mentioned somewhere and I'm just waking up!)

[Bartman]

After looking into stats from this past weekend and listening to the post-game interview. Both defenses played well in the second half. For Salisbury, they only gave up 30% of Union total yardage in the 2nd half. I think the defense made some timely interceptions late 2nd and early 3rd that created separation and this was aided by some personnel changes in the back 4. The good thing that was mentioned by Salisbury coach was, it's always good to know that you can improve on somethings after a win, especially in playoffs. Another stat that was mentioned was the punt coverage, the few times that Union forced Salisbury to punt, they were unable to flip the field as oppose to the few times Salisbury forced Union to punt, Salisbury was able to take advantage and create good field position. Going forward, I expect the defensive coverage unit to tighten up as most of the routes which was mentioned during the post-game interview were good timing routes that can be corrected from a defensive standpoint. Another thing that was mentioned in the post-game interview was a 3rd and 6/7 play, that created a big pile, I was impressed with how the offensive lineman help push the QB to a first down, that was a defining moment for Salisbury as I believe Salisbury went onto get it's final td.

Looking ahead, Salisbury has a common opponent in TCNJ with Muhlenberg, never really look into those transitive things as one game was played Week 2, while the other week 8, we know teams change from Week 2 to Week 8 (i.e. Wesley v. Del Val), but it appeared that both games flowed the same. Again, Salisbury appears to be peaking offensively and defensively they can learn from Union game and scheme to improve to take the defense to another level of play. Looking forward to the match-up. Will look into more detail of the Mules as the week progress. I'm just happy for the players and coaches that they can move on for another week, get one more game for Seniors,more reps for underclassman and such.

Muhlenberg has given up 0 points so far in the playoffs.  That has to be concerning.  I am pretty sure they won't shut Salisbury out, but 0 in 2 round of the playoffs is rather impressive.

The 2 teams that Muhlenberg shut out were MIT and Brockport. MIT is understandable, and Brockport has been struggling at times on Offense, but still impressive to shutout the E8 champs. I was even more impressed with how strong the Mules O was against a tough Brockport D. The Mules DC is Kory David who might be the best DC in D3 football. He will be quite challenged to come up with a game plan to stop Salisbury from what I saw against Union. If Salisbury wins they will need to play well on both sides of the ball, the Mules will make more stops than Union, but will the Seagulls D make enough stops? It should be a great game .

[MRMIKESMITH]

After looking into stats from this past weekend and listening to the post-game interview. Both defenses played well in the second half. For Salisbury, they only gave up 30% of Union total yardage in the 2nd half. I think the defense made some timely interceptions late 2nd and early 3rd that created separation and this was aided by some personnel changes in the back 4. The good thing that was mentioned by Salisbury coach was, it's always good to know that you can improve on somethings after a win, especially in playoffs. Another stat that was mentioned was the punt coverage, the few times that Union forced Salisbury to punt, they were unable to flip the field as oppose to the few times Salisbury forced Union to punt, Salisbury was able to take advantage and create good field position. Going forward, I expect the defensive coverage unit to tighten up as most of the routes which was mentioned during the post-game interview were good timing routes that can be corrected from a defensive standpoint. Another thing that was mentioned in the post-game interview was a 3rd and 6/7 play, that created a big pile, I was impressed with how the offensive lineman help push the QB to a first down, that was a defining moment for Salisbury as I believe Salisbury went onto get it's final td.

Looking ahead, Salisbury has a common opponent in TCNJ with Muhlenberg, never really look into those transitive things as one game was played Week 2, while the other week 8, we know teams change from Week 2 to Week 8 (i.e. Wesley v. Del Val), but it appeared that both games flowed the same. Again, Salisbury appears to be peaking offensively and defensively they can learn from Union game and scheme to improve to take the defense to another level of play. Looking forward to the match-up. Will look into more detail of the Mules as the week progress. I'm just happy for the players and coaches that they can move on for another week, get one more game for Seniors,more reps for underclassman and such.

Muhlenberg has given up 0 points so far in the playoffs.  That has to be concerning.  I am pretty sure they won't shut Salisbury out, but 0 in 2 round of the playoffs is rather impressive.

The 2 teams that Muhlenberg shut out were MIT and Brockport. MIT is understandable, and Brockport has been struggling at times on Offense, but still impressive to shutout the E8 champs. I was even more impressed with how strong the Mules O was against a tough Brockport D. The Mules DC is Kory David who might be the best DC in D3 football. He will be quite challenged to come up with a game plan to stop Salisbury from what I saw against Union. If Salisbury wins they will need to play well on both sides of the ball, the Mules will make more stops than Union, but will the Seagulls D make enough stops? It should be a great game .

Bartman, I think your assessment is much closer to my initial thoughts the past two days. Muhlenberg has been dominating teams and to shutout its opponents in the playoffs two weeks in a row as Wally and Wesleydad mentioned is both unprecedented and equally very impressive. However, looking at both MIT and Brockport based upon our ERFP, MIT was not even ranked (probably 7th seed in quadrant) and Brockport (6th seed in quadrant) was listed as the 8th best team under a good 7th ranked Hobart team that had beat them 33 to 7 earlier in the year. I think many of the teams we had ranked higher would have put up similar performance against a young, but overachieving Brockport team, which had 80 to 85% of the starting players being underclassmen. Now regarding Salisbury, I think playing Union could have been a blessing in disguise as they surprised Salisbury with their game plan. I went back and looked at all of Union's top games (Ithaca, RPI, etc...) they actually ran the ball and was very effective doing so. I think Salisbury may have over compensated for that, especially considering the LL OPOY was Irabor at HB. Regarding Salisbury upcoming game against Muhlenberg, I think it comes down to Salisbury protecting the ball, which when running the option is always key and Salisbury not over compensating for last week mistakes, but respecting and taking mental notes on how Union took advantage of something Salisbury coaches weren't expecting. Furthermore, continuing to be good on special teams, which can be taken for granted, I think Salisbury did a great job in coverage last week and controlling field position. Honestly, as a fan watching Salisbury the past 15 year's or so, I've watched them play Muhlenberg maybe twice, once back in 2007 in the 1st round of the playoffs, where Muhlenberg jumped out early and Salisbury stormed back to tie game only to fumble twice on it's final two drives and ended up losing 31-21. I think Salisbury had 10 or 13 turnovers that game including turnover on downs and only lost by 10. I think Salisbury had the better athletes then, but Muhlenberg were well coached and played good assignment football and played very hard nose football. Then the 2nd game was an ECAC bowl in 2013, where Salisbury escaped with a 21-19 win, prevailing on a failed two-point conversion by Muhlenberg. Although those two games were some year's ago, if you see a trend, Muhlenberg has always been good defensively, holding the 2007 team to 21 that average 39 ppg and the slightly above average 2013 squad that only average 28 ppg to 21. So the magic number for me is 21. Knowing both teams are much better than their respective 2007 and 2013 squads, offensively for sure, the magic number for Salisbury is 21.  I'll give my prediction tomorrow on my outcome and possible score.