FB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

How was MUCs running back and running game?

Didn't look to me like they'd settled on one. Five guys got at least four carries, and really, none were overly impressive. They didn't make guys miss and they didn't break a long run all game. Some of that could be the line I suppose. Eventually, Fisher got worn down late in the game, but Mount seemed to be a team that will rely more on the passing game.

That's not to take anything away from SJF's run defense, which was solid. But MUC doesn't appear to have a stud guy this season, at least at this point

[HScoach]

How was MUCs running back and running game?

Didn't look to me like they'd settled on one. Five guys got at least four carries, and really, none were overly impressive. They didn't make guys miss and they didn't break a long run all game. Some of that could be the line I suppose. Eventually, Fisher got worn down late in the game, but Mount seemed to be a team that will rely more on the passing game.

That's not to take anything away from SJF's run defense, which was solid. But MUC doesn't appear to have a stud guy this season, at least at this point

SFJ did a nice job along the line of scrimmage against the Mount running game.  The difference between this season and last is the guy carrying the ball.  As our season goes along, I'd be very happy if we found a "good" RB to replace Kmic.   At this point, we're still searching.

In regards to covering Cecil Shorts, good luck.  The boy has some serious wheels.  The little out route in front of the Fisher bench was sick. 

Congrats to SJF for playing hard and scheduling Mount to open the season.  Not many teams are willing to do so.  We enjoyed our trip to Pittsford and hope to face you guys again come playoff time.

Good luck on the rest of your season.

[sjfcards]

How was MUCs running back and running game?

Didn't look to me like they'd settled on one. Five guys got at least four carries, and really, none were overly impressive. They didn't make guys miss and they didn't break a long run all game. Some of that could be the line I suppose. Eventually, Fisher got worn down late in the game, but Mount seemed to be a team that will rely more on the passing game.

That's not to take anything away from SJF's run defense, which was solid. But MUC doesn't appear to have a stud guy this season, at least at this point

I think a lot of that could be from all of us being used to Kmic for the last few years. Don't get me wrong the running game was not nearly as impressive as last year or the year before, but they still had 150 yards in the game. It was nice to see them not have 400 yards rushing for a change, but I think Fisher really decided to take away the run as much as possible this year.
I agree with bombers that MUC's run game was not overly impressive compared to what we are used to seeing, but I think they have plenty in the tank to beat everyone they play.

[skunks_sidekick]

Believe it or not, I was not being snide, or gloating.  I fully expected Mount to win the game, but I did have some concerns about the offense with the RB situation.  I guess most of my comments were due to my erroneous belief that based on the last few years, Fisher was attempting to "gear up" to be a regular national player on the D-III football scene.  Obviously, having a winning season, winning your conference, and beating your rival (if you have one) are all benchmarks of a good season. 

Upon further reflection, I thought Fisher's D-line was solid, and both RB's gave Fisher a one-two punch on offense.  Time will tell how Fisher will match up against the rest of the E-8.  I would guess they would have a winning record, and compete for the conference crown. 

[sjfcards]

Turning the page on this weekend, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the game that really stands out is IC at Union. That should be a real good one, with two of the better programs in the East Region going at it. When was the last time these two teams played each other?

Should be interesting to see how Utica follows up their big win next weekend as well. That is an impressive score for them to throw on the bard, regardless of who they were playing.

I don't know anything about Buff State or FDU Florham so I will stay away from those games for the time being.

Looks like all of the E8 team swere impressive this weekend, except for Fisher (but who knows how much of that was MUC).

[AUPepBand]

Turning the page on this weekend, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the game that really stands out is IC at Union. That should be a real good one, with two of the better programs in the East Region going at it. When was the last time these two teams played each other?

Should be interesting to see how Utica follows up their big win next weekend as well. That is an impressive score for them to throw on the bard, regardless of who they were playing.

I don't know anything about Buff State or FDU Florham so I will stay away from those games for the time being.

Looks like all of the E8 team swere impressive this weekend, except for Fisher (but who knows how much of that was MUC).

FDU Florham has a weak record but can put it together occasionally such as last year when they beat a very good Delaware Valley team (that had beaten both Wesley and Salisbury). They have a versatile QB who gave AU fits last year, giving FDU a 14-0 halftime lead, which, with adjustments, AU overcame to win at Merrill Field 21-14 last year. Pep expects a good game in Madison, NJ.

[sjfcards]

Turning the page on this weekend, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the game that really stands out is IC at Union. That should be a real good one, with two of the better programs in the East Region going at it. When was the last time these two teams played each other?

Should be interesting to see how Utica follows up their big win next weekend as well. That is an impressive score for them to throw on the bard, regardless of who they were playing.

I don't know anything about Buff State or FDU Florham so I will stay away from those games for the time being.

Looks like all of the E8 team swere impressive this weekend, except for Fisher (but who knows how much of that was MUC).

FDU Florham has a weak record but can put it together occasionally such as last year when they beat a very good Delaware Valley team (that had beaten both Wesley and Salisbury). They have a versatile QB who gave AU fits last year, giving FDU a 14-0 halftime lead, which, with adjustments, AU overcame to win at Merrill Field 21-14 last year. Pep expects a good game in Madison, NJ.

Thanks Pep...

[tecmobowler]

I've wanted to post this for a while, but it looks like Welch's staff did a superb job of recruiting this year.  Each year when the roster is posted, I run the freshman names through to find any all-state kids or whatnot... in years past, it's been really dry, but this years incoming class is littered with kids who were all-state in just NYS.

We've already discussed Mike Matthews who was second team all-state at QB two years back, and first attended Purdue as a "preferred walk on"  JoseQ told us that the Prep school he attended in Floriday is a really legit program.  I'm a bit curious as to how they're handling him, as he wasn't one of the top three on the depth chart yesterday at LarrieVille. Wonder if they'll get him a couple starts with the JV team, or consider redshirting him, and give him three years with the offense. 

There seems to be a added push to recruit out of those big, north-side of Chicago schools... (where our friend Lineback is from...).  Out of there comes Owen Kugler, a graduate from Highland Park, who was all-state in Illinois, and named lineman of the year in his conference. 

You can read a nice article about him here:

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/highlandpark/1324435,hp-Kugler-121108-s1.article

and it looks like there's some youtube highlight reel of him as well.  He had a pretty good day yesterday with a bunch of tackles and a sack... one of the few freshman on the varsity roster.

The last name I wanted to throw out there is Jake Fietkiewicz.  He was a first team Class AA  wideout out of Syracuse-area West Genny, and won a state championship there.  Delaney's article said he was poised to reutrn kicks and punts, but I don't believe he was in uniform yesterday.

I'm not sure if Welch has put more effort in recruiting lately, or if they're targeting different areas or populations, but this incoming class is loaded with a really solid pedigree...

[Bombers798891]

Turning the page on this weekend, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the game that really stands out is IC at Union. That should be a real good one, with two of the better programs in the East Region going at it. When was the last time these two teams played each other?

Should be interesting to see how Utica follows up their big win next weekend as well. That is an impressive score for them to throw on the bard, regardless of who they were playing.

I don't know anything about Buff State or FDU Florham so I will stay away from those games for the time being.

Looks like all of the E8 team swere impressive this weekend, except for Fisher (but who knows how much of that was MUC).

Cards,

They last met in the NCAA's in 2005 at Union. 55-41 Union. They met a few times in the ECAC's in the late 90's early 2000's I believe and I want to say the home team won all handily. But those ECAC games are odd. I don't recall the last time they met in the regular season

[dewcrew88]

Turning the page on this weekend, I am looking ahead to next weekend and the game that really stands out is IC at Union. That should be a real good one, with two of the better programs in the East Region going at it. When was the last time these two teams played each other?

Should be interesting to see how Utica follows up their big win next weekend as well. That is an impressive score for them to throw on the bard, regardless of who they were playing.

I don't know anything about Buff State or FDU Florham so I will stay away from those games for the time being.

Looks like all of the E8 team swere impressive this weekend, except for Fisher (but who knows how much of that was MUC).

The Pioneers play Castleton State this weekend for homecoming, brand new team that beat Anna Maria 42-28. As an alum, I hope they put up a ton of points again, but we'll see. The real benchmark will be against RPI at ECAV on the 19th.
By the way, your ATE columnist will be at both of these games.. so if you come, make sure you say hi... I might even buy you a beer!

[sjfcards]

... I might even buy you a beer!

Welp...I am in.

[tecmobowler]

The Union-Ithaca playoff game was a sad one... Felicetti marched the boys right down the field on the first possesion, scoring on my favorite play from the old playbook..... where he'd roll right, then throw back across the field to the tight end.

Unfortunately, that was the most vulnerable defense IC has had in my ten years around here... they were carved to pieces.  Just as the Bombers got back into it, Union screwed up a squib kick, and it bounced off a Bomber helmet and deflected right back to the kicker.  At that point, it was game over.

Union fans were interesting to say the least.  They seemed genuinely offended that so many Ithaca people showed up, and were actively cheering for their team.  A weird sense of entitlement in the air at that place...

[not so rowdy bomber]

Ehhh Bombers!

[Bombers798891]

The Union-Ithaca playoff game was a sad one... Felicetti marched the boys right down the field on the first possesion, scoring on my favorite play from the old playbook..... where he'd roll right, then throw back across the field to the tight end.

Unfortunately, that was the most vulnerable defense IC has had in my ten years around here... they were carved to pieces.  Just as the Bombers got back into it, Union screwed up a squib kick, and it bounced off a Bomber helmet and deflected right back to the kicker.  At that point, it was game over.

Union fans were interesting to say the least.  They seemed genuinely offended that so many Ithaca people showed up, and were actively cheering for their team.  A weird sense of entitlement in the air at that place...

I agree. The offense masked a lot of issues that defense had. As early as Week 2, it was apparent that they weren't going to get the job done.

It's going to be an interesting game this week. If Ithaca wins it, I really like their chances to be 5-0 heading into SJF. Widener and Hartwick won't be cakewalks, but I think they're very winnable, especially with Widener at home.

It would be nice to see Bergerstock back next week. Anyone know anything?

[dlippiel]

 

A weird sense of entitlement in the air at that place...

[/quote]

Interesting, dlip has never noticed this and has been going to Union games since he was 5 years old. Not really a fair statement here in dlips mind. All dlip could say is that as a Union fan he welcomes and hopes more opposing fans (and for that matter Union fans) come to the games and get the place wound up. dlip was at the Ithaca/Union playoff game and really did not notice any BS between fans and found the visiting Ithaca fans he talked with to be very cool.