FB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

When Bergerstock and Juvan went out at Merrill Field, Ruggiero and Grastorf rallied the Bombers to a 30-0 scoring spree, taking Ithaca from a 21-13 deficit to a commanding 43-21 lead. Pep had hoped the Saxons could get to Grastorf and try to ruffle his feathers but it wasn't to be. To the Saxons credit, they fought back just the same to make it interesting.

The Bombers are in good hands with either Juvan or Grastorf....and Bergerstock or Ruggiero. Go Bombers!

Pep has often wished he could see a Cortaca just because Pep enjoys the big crowd atmosphere at a D3 game. Pep would like to see Cortaca II....time will tell.

I'm not sure you'd see the same atomsphere in two weeks, but, we'd love to have you as a guest. Bring an instrument. IC's band is weak

[dlippiel]

HEY BOMBERS! Poor Curry, they wont know what hit them!  I love that Ithaca has a great QB debate.  And not only that but possibly a RB debate!  I dont think Ithaca has ever had a team with BOTH positions having great battles for starters.  I dont think I would pull Grastorff after Saturday.  But, JUVON IS GOOD!  

can't wait for Cortland Rnd 2!

Fisher....... I guess you can hang your hats on the fact you beat the #2 team in the region at home.   It will be interesting to see the Bomber recruiting class next year with the 35 million dollar athletic center being built as a type. That should compete some what with the Bills money.  

dubbz

Technically, IC is the best team in the "East" if we're discussing geography. The NCAA's need to move teams around nonwithstanding, Ithaca would appear to be the class of the region...

Regarding the whole Grastorf/Juvan debate, knowing that Dan has been banged up all season, I don't have a problem going with Brian. You need to play the hot hand in this scenario. Last week was, for all intents and purposes, a playoff game, and frankly, a tougher game to win than Curry should be. If they had the confidence for Brian to beat their archrival on the road to put them in the playoffs, they've got to have the confidence for him to win at home against Curry.

Grastorf has run the offense very well, and other than the one bad decision leading to the pick last week, he played a flawless game at Cortland. Also, I think his mobility will be a huge plus for the Bombers. He ran for three first downs Saturday and that can't be discounted.

The Bergerstock/Ruggerio debate isn't as big. I'd suspect that, if healthy, Tom would be the guy to get the start, but Dan would be able to spell him, come in if Tom's ankle acts up on him, or just give Ithaca a different look and Curry someone different to prepare for. There's no reason to think these guys couldn't/shouldn't split time.

On a related note, who else is coughing up the 8/4 bucks for the Curry game on Saturday?

Brian Grasdorf Niskayuna Alum let's go Baby. His father used to have to discipline me in HS for getting booted from to many hockey games. They are really great people and Brian is a great talent. I hope he starts and helps the bombers kick the crap out of a 1 loss Curry team that shouldn't even be there.

[gobombers15]

I think you dress both Juvan and Bergerstock this week, but don't play them unless they're absolutely needed (and they shouldn't be). This will give them an extra week of rest to get healthy for a possible Cortaca II.

[Bombers798891]

I think you dress both Juvan and Bergerstock this week, but don't play them unless they're absolutely needed (and they shouldn't be). This will give them an extra week of rest to get healthy for a possible Cortaca II.

Here's a question buddy: If Ithaca hangs something like 40+ on Curry in a win, do you even go back to Juvan? You can split the RB carries if you're so inclined, but if we're being honest, Dan hasn't had the best season--even accounting for injuries. 11 TD/8 INT and a 60% comp rate is ok, but right now, I would argue that with Grastorf's ability to scramble, he gives the Bombers a better chance to win next week and vs. Cortland if they beat Curry. He's carved the State once this season. Why go against what's been working? Brian finished off the win over Springfield, he led the offense to what, 30 straight points at Alfred and had 5 TD's at Cortland. Do you want to risk Dan being 100% and possibly rusty?

[realistic]

it's a tough call, I think.....but history says backup QB's can make NCAA runs too.

PG, I suspect realistic was making a tongue-in-cheek reference to IC's run to the East Finals under backup Greg Sheeler who had to take the helm when BY got his head scrambled on the first play at Montclair in the first round.

I was....but I enjoy any Bob "throwin darts" Darnley references on here.

I am also not concerned about the RB situation.  IC is at its best when it has two great backs.

See, e.g., Nick Dibble-Ryan Carpenter, Tommy Giorgio-Dave Maddi, Alex Baez-Jamie Donovan.

great point on the duel RB's.  Also got me thinking, is the Dibble on this years team any relation to Nick?

On a related note, who else is coughing up the 8/4 bucks for the Curry game on Saturday?

too far of a trip for me for Curry.  I'll be at Butterfield the next week though (if they win), I'l be home for thanksgiving and it's an easy trip from the 'rents house.

[cstate19]

I think you dress both Juvan and Bergerstock this week, but don't play them unless they're absolutely needed (and they shouldn't be). This will give them an extra week of rest to get healthy for a possible Cortaca II.

Here's a question buddy: If Ithaca hangs something like 40+ on Curry in a win, do you even go back to Juvan? You can split the RB carries if you're so inclined, but if we're being honest, Dan hasn't had the best season--even accounting for injuries. 11 TD/8 INT and a 60% comp rate is ok, but right now, I would argue that with Grastorf's ability to scramble, he gives the Bombers a better chance to win next week and vs. Cortland if they beat Curry. He's carved the State once this season. Why go against what's been working? Brian finished off the win over Springfield, he led the offense to what, 30 straight points at Alfred and had 5 TD's at Cortland. Do you want to risk Dan being 100% and possibly rusty?

His scrambling killed us.  Absolutely killed us.  Big factor.

[SJFF82]

Enough is enough.  For all the criticism Union fans have been giving each other for so-called "Union Bashing" this year -- you guys, if you allow this thread to thrive, are going well beyond that scenario.  It's especially ugly when you consider that Union was 1-3 at one point, and Fisher is 6-4 with two losses to national powerhouse teams.  Expect and ask for more, yes.  Insult the players and coaches in an open forum to THIS degree, no.

I dont get it...Fisher fans...stop giving everyone else something to pick on.  There is just not the bashing going on that everyone wants to pretend is just so they can come on here and say "bad Fisher Fans"   Except for one SJF poster...everyone else has simply engaged in spirited objective and subjective debate about the team, including the aspects of it....nothing wrong with that.

Many non-SJF posters have gotten a bit opportunistic here in making it appear that all 'we' are doing is disrespecting the program.

[theoriginalupstate]

Enough is enough.  For all the criticism Union fans have been giving each other for so-called "Union Bashing" this year -- you guys, if you allow this thread to thrive, are going well beyond that scenario.  It's especially ugly when you consider that Union was 1-3 at one point, and Fisher is 6-4 with two losses to national powerhouse teams.  Expect and ask for more, yes.  Insult the players and coaches in an open forum to THIS degree, no.

I dont get it...Fisher fans...stop giving everyone else something to pick on.  There is just not the bashing going on that everyone wants to pretend is just so they can come on here and say "bad Fisher Fans"   Except for one SJF poster...everyone else has simply engaged in spirited objective and subjective debate about the team, including the aspects of it....nothing wrong with that.

Many non-SJF posters have gotten a bit opportunistic here in making it appear that all 'we' are doing is disrespecting the program.

Its ok 82, you can use my name instead of using "one SJF poster"...

I've said what I needed to say about it and i've left it at that.  Thats just how I feel about the situation...

[SJFF82]

Enough is enough.  For all the criticism Union fans have been giving each other for so-called "Union Bashing" this year -- you guys, if you allow this thread to thrive, are going well beyond that scenario.  It's especially ugly when you consider that Union was 1-3 at one point, and Fisher is 6-4 with two losses to national powerhouse teams.  Expect and ask for more, yes.  Insult the players and coaches in an open forum to THIS degree, no.

I dont get it...Fisher fans...stop giving everyone else something to pick on.  There is just not the bashing going on that everyone wants to pretend is just so they can come on here and say "bad Fisher Fans"   Except for one SJF poster...everyone else has simply engaged in spirited objective and subjective debate about the team, including the aspects of it....nothing wrong with that.

Many non-SJF posters have gotten a bit opportunistic here in making it appear that all 'we' are doing is disrespecting the program.

Its ok 82, you can use my name instead of using "one SJF poster"...

I've said what I needed to say about it and i've left it at that.  Thats just how I feel about the situation...

good enough....and you have also added some other objective and subjective analysis that makes sense other than what has been classified as "bashing"   

[JQV]

To be fair to Upstate, I don't think you can point to a single post he made that was over the line.  I stopped reading the ongoing debate between Frank and U89 months ago but I will say that I thought Upstate was reasonable in all his criticism.  

I don't think anything Upstate said counts as an insult.  These players don't play their games in an undisclosed location.  If the programs love all the positive attention they have to accept the negative attention when they underperform.  We haven't lobbed a lot of criticism at IC this year but that isn't always the case.

Fans can be critical when their team underperforms.  Your team has underperformed.  I think you are being awfully easy on the coaching staff and QB.

[boobyhasgameyo]

I found myself waking up this morning yelling NNNNOOOOOOO because my waking thought was the extra point getting blocked that could have let us go to the big dance.  I haven't really dwelled on it before now since I just said to myself at the time, well we blocked Alfred's XP earlier in the game so it's a wash.  But it's really setting in now that we could be in this playoff discussion as well.  I realize I have been spoiled from the past few years, but damn I love when Fisher is in the playoffs.  Plus the East looks so incredibly winable this year.....minus that one obvious team (Plymouth State).  

[SJFF82]

I found myself waking up this morning yelling NNNNOOOOOOO because my waking thought was the extra point getting blocked that could have let us go to the big dance.  I haven't really dwelled on it before now since I just said to myself at the time, well we blocked Alfred's XP earlier in the game so it's a wash.  But it's really setting in now that we could be in this playoff discussion as well.  I realize I have been spoiled from the past few years, but damn I love when Fisher is in the playoffs.  Plus the East looks so incredibly winable this year.....minus that one obvious team (Plymouth State).  

good post k

[Bark7]

Greetings to all!! I'm a nube. My son was brought up to the Alfred varsity 3 games ago. Up to that point I was following the Saxon JVs.The last three games have brought alot of fun to my family and I as my 83 y/o father-in-law got to see his grandson play D3 football against Rochester! the loss to Ithaca was heartbreaking but that kid Ruggeirio(sp) was a stud. The highlight of beating an excellent SJF team was terrific and that #83 was unstoppable,kudos! The character of the Saxons is showing up and at the right time. Can't wait for Saturday at RPI!!!!!........PS A tip of the hat to the pep band for the "block that kick" cheer at just the right time

                                                                        ON YOU SAXONS!!!!!!!

[maxpower]

Welcome as always to a non-IC/SJF poster. +k

[gobombers15]

I think you dress both Juvan and Bergerstock this week, but don't play them unless they're absolutely needed (and they shouldn't be). This will give them an extra week of rest to get healthy for a possible Cortaca II.

Here's a question buddy: If Ithaca hangs something like 40+ on Curry in a win, do you even go back to Juvan? You can split the RB carries if you're so inclined, but if we're being honest, Dan hasn't had the best season--even accounting for injuries. 11 TD/8 INT and a 60% comp rate is ok, but right now, I would argue that with Grastorf's ability to scramble, he gives the Bombers a better chance to win next week and vs. Cortland if they beat Curry. He's carved the State once this season. Why go against what's been working? Brian finished off the win over Springfield, he led the offense to what, 30 straight points at Alfred and had 5 TD's at Cortland. Do you want to risk Dan being 100% and possibly rusty?

I'm glad that I'm not the one that has to make that decision. That's why Welch makes the big bucks. In fairness to Juvan, they were also hanging crooked numbers on offense when he was running the team. It's not a situation where Juvan went down and the offense took off under Grastorf. Does Grastorf add the threat of a running QB? It sure seems like it. I question Grastorf's deep ball ability, but that is somewhat minimized during the playoffs and the accompanying weather.

What do I think will happen? I think Welch plays Grastorf against Curry, with the possibility of Juvan, if able, coming in during garbage time to get some work. I think Juvan will be ready for the Cortland game. It's my opinion that Welch will start Juvan against Cortland (big game, he's a senior, etc.), but will have a quick hook if Juvan is ineffective. That's how I see it playing out.