FB: USA South Athletic Conference

[coachmilburn]

Shenandoah determined to stop missing scoring chances
By Jeremy Stafford -- jstafford@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- The Shenandoah Hornets (1-6, 0-4) still boast the best defense in the USA South conference. They still boast the best scoring defense, the best pass defense and the best total defense. They allow the fewest first downs and the fewest fourth-down conversions.

Despite all the defensive statistics, the Hornets somehow have only one, measly win to hang their hat on.

"Our scoring chances need to be better," SU head coach Paul Barnes concluded. "Of all the stats, that's the one that sticks out."

Though the Hornets have displayed a magnificent ability to chew up yardage and consume precious minutes off the clock this season, Shenandoah only averages 17.3 points per game -- well short of N.C. Wesleyan's conference-leading 33.7 points per game.

Barnes has a remedy for SU's scoring woes, though -- a remedy more easily recognized on film than executed on the field.

"We have to make plays, let's face it," Barnes explained. "We have to make explosive plays, and I think we've done that lately -- we've been making more explosive plays than we have been.


http://www.nvdaily.com/sports/2009/10/offseason-key-for-wr-summer-workouts-help-sus-brown-improve-this-year.php


[remainder deleted to preserve copyright]

[kickerdad]

In response to the comments about the Averett facilities.........they are all correct. It is what I have been complaining about the past several years.

Now let me do some bragging for Averett.

1. The coaches are first class and are doing everything they can to improve the overall football program. They make sure the team has the best equipment to wear, they have a very nice facility for the Averett team right next to the field and they make sure that when the team travels they go first class (good, dependable and safe buses), they make sure they are feed properly and they make sure the team looks presentable when they travel. They also make sure the players are going to class and getting their grades so they will graduate on time. Dunlevy is a strict coach who won't hesitate to bench 1st team players who miss curfew, skip classes, or make trouble.
2. There is a new AD (Sam Ferguson) who is doing everything in his power in order to make improvements.
3. They have a new SID who used to be with the local newspaper and he is has done a great job with the media and website, with the help of the coaches.
4. There is a new President who has been there going on her 3rd year and she has made it a personal challange to upgrade the campus, and is doing a great job so far.

My concern is the amout of support they get from the Alumni and where are they with their capital fund raising. That is something you don't hear about in public and on the sidelines. You can only do so much with your yearly general fund budget. In order to make the upgardes we have all talked about on this board, they are going to have to invest in a firm that can help them raise the capital to build the stadium and make the improvements to the site. It will also take volunteer help from the boosters and alumni. They also need the support from the staff, professors, and the student body as well as the community. I am sure they read all this stuff and know what is being said. I am confident that they care and they are making attempts to improve, it will just take time.

[kickerdad]

Can someone work up this weeks pickems.......I am up to my shoulders in alligators with the auditors. Thank goodness they will be gone tomorrow. I will be able to figure up last weeks results tonight late, but hoping someone can get this weeks games on the board so everyone can start voting.

[narch]

i think with the addition of the new field house, the mu football facilities are very close to being outstanding...here is what i would do to upgrade and get them there...like 'nova says, it only takes money

- wrought iron fence with brick posts every 50 yards or so around the front and left (riddle center) side of the entire football field...build a nice entry gate

- build a permanent concession stand on one side of the press box and permanent restrooms on the other side of the press box

- put up temporary bleachers (which are permanent during the football season) on the "visitors" side of the field to put the visitors where they belong

- paint the MU on the 50 yard line (not sure why they stopped painting the M the last 2 years)

as the stadium is configured now, it's a great place to watch a game...almost perfect, in fact...there is plenty of shade and wide open spaces for the kids to run around in (a must if you've got little ones like me) and the game-day atmosphere is light years better than just 2-3 years ago

i'd be willing to bet this could be done for under $250K...and while we're at it with the wrought iron and brick posts, treat the soccer field, baseball field and softball field the same way - it would sure class each joint up and make a world of difference, in my mind

mu supporter, if you're good for 1/2 of the $250K, papi and rocket can kick in the rest

[musupporter]

Just committed money to the school last night.  Phone Call Fund Raising at its finest.  Unfortunately, my son is one that didn't get a lot of academic money but I love him just the same.  A little broker for it, but just the same.  So at this point it is a little hard to contribute more considering what I pay in tuition.  But I promise, if I win the lottery they will have to name the stadium after me .

Your suggestions are right on Narch.  I don't think anyone wants to lose the coziness of the small stadium.  Visitor bleachers, concession, and bathrooms would get it right.  It is almost embarrassing to have to use a port-a-jon at a school as fine as MU.

Appearances also go a long way in recruiting talent.  Dressing up the athletic fields would make a huge difference.  Maybe build a visitors locker room on the other side of the freshman dorms  .

[AUPOP]

Got you covered KickerDad

This weeks games

CNU @ Ferrum

Shenandoah @ Averett

NCW @ Methodist

Greensboro @ Maryville

[ProudFightingScot]

CNU @ Ferrum   (Almost picked Ferrum, but if Ferrum's defense can stop the run-could be an upset)

Shenandoah @ Averett  (Shenandoah pulls out a big win after a tough week on the blogs)

NCW @ Methodist  (NCW has it rolling towards playoff heaven)

Greensboro @ Maryville  (MC QB is back healthy against the Pride)

[Bishop64]

CNU @ Ferrum (Ferrum is big and strong up front)
Shenandoah @ Averett (Upset, talk will feed SU)

NCW @ Methodist (I think this one will be close, just hope the Bishops are not looking ahead))


Greensboro @ Maryville( Maryville will be rested and ready to play.)

[AUPOP]

CNU

Averett

NCWC

Greensboro

[AdmiralPapi]

- paint the MU on the 50 yard line (not sure why they stopped painting the M the last 2 years)



mu supporter, if you're good for 1/2 of the $250K, papi and rocket can kick in the rest

Narch, when I was there it was up to the Captains/Players to paint the emblems on the field.  We would draw the designs out and then spend Thursday afternoon painting.


If you can convince Uncle Sam to pay me about 10 times my salary then I'll kick in the 250K and help do the work  

[WFU34]

Picking with my heart - not head here.

Averett
Ferrum
Methodist
Greensboro

[narch]

cnu
averett
maryville

i'm not picking the monarch game...i've tried picking them and they lost, then i tried the reverse approach hoping for a win by picking against them...and they lost - maybe they'll get a "w" if i don't pick them at all

[Allen C]

Was planning on going to the CNU @ FC game, but my Mom is in the hospital, so I guess I will be listening on the internet again. I hope the Panthers can pull this one out-
Need the Monarchs to win too...but I am picking NCW

This weeks games

CNU @ Ferrum

Shenandoah @ Averett

NCW @ Methodist

Greensboro @ Maryville

[NaturalSelection]

not sure if i can participate in the pick-em but heres mine for the heck of it

CNU @ Ferrum (In a very tight game)

Shenandoah @ Averett

NCW @ Methodist (NCW wins big for a third year in a row against MU)

Greensboro @ Maryville (wouldnt be surprised if greensboro upset maryville)

[kickerdad]

Results from week 8:

ProudFightingScot      3-1
Allen-C                     4-0
Kickerdad                  1-3
AUPOP                      2-2
Bishop64                   4-0
Narch                       3-1
WFU34                     2-2
Crazylegg33              Didn't pick
Mosher                    Didn't pick
Rockett                   Didn't pick
GCGullett                 Didn't pick