FB: Empire 8

[Longtooth]

who do the bombers open with?

[AUPepBand]

AUPepBand

I too have been wondering if you have heard anything about Chaz Bruce either returning to AU and/or the team.  Any news??  Thanks

Here's what I know: Chaz was working out with the team during spring training. It's my understanding that he was given the opportunity to return to the team by correcting his ways. I haven't heard, first hand, any final determination of his status since. Anything more would be mere hearsay.

Certainly a talented back...I watched him as a freshman, after sitting out first half of JV game with Ithaca, (for disciplinary reasons) he "ran" about 7 minutes off the clock to help the AU jayvees beat the Jr. Bombers.

[AUPepBand]

AUPB  What's this I hear about Chaz looking for a new team???

That's the first I've heard of it....where'd you hear that?

[AUPepBand]

who do the bombers open with?

The Bombers host the Huntingdon Hawks out of Montgomery, Alabama....a mysterious and, apparently, formidable (7-2 in 2005) opponent...with a southern drawl.

[er1948]

AUPB  Heard the rumor from a good source in Rochester, can't confirm it

[AUPepBand]

AUPB  Heard the rumor from a good source in Rochester, can't confirm it

Since Chaz is a Rochester kid, you're probably closer to someone who knows what he's up to. Fact is, while the kid has great wheels and moves who ran for 1400+ yards in AU's 8-3 finish in 2004, I can't imagine the Saxons are going to bench Newsome, the Empire 8's 2005 leading rusher who went for 1243 yards despite yielding all season to short yardage runner Brenton Brady (AU's leading scorer was a linebacker?) and 3rd-and-long specialist Julio Fuentes.

Newsome and Fuentes are both affable team players. It's a good thing when RBs get along with and are liked by the offensive linemen. Both Newsome and Fuentes, while virtually unknown before '05, fit nicely into the scheme of things at AU. I'd bet there are still Fisher fans shaking their heads and saying, "I can't believe we couldn't tackle that little #20."

[tecmobowler]

Ithaca tackled them both pretty well

[AUPepBand]

Ithaca tackled them both pretty well

Tecmo:
Can't argue with you there. I'd say the Bombers' D played us better than anyone we faced in '05. They always do. AUPepBand was happy the Saxons made a game of it at ButterField.

AU grad (1965?) has a daughter at IC and, it being Family Weekend on South Hill, was coerced into sitting on the Ithaca side for the AU game. Seems he ended up sitting next to Mrs. Butterfield and very much enjoyed carrying on conversation with the very football-knowledgeable woman. Is she a candidate for the offensive coordinator position or has that been filled?

[tecmobowler]

Not sure what the scoop is with that (assuming Welch will take over the duties?).

That being said, whoever it is has an interesting situation to deal with.  Apparently this incoming QB from Niskayuna is the real deal.  I have a friend who works at the school district (a big class A school outside of Albany) and apparently this kid is legit.  A quick search of his name pops up the fact he went to some Nike recruitment camps, and put up big numbers for a very very good program.  Only downfall seems to be that he might be soft, and has had a couple pretty substantial injuries. 

I found one video clip of him (you can too with some good research skills).  It made the news when he chose to go to Ithaca over Union (good decision kid).  Not everyday a HS QB makes the news when he picks a D III college.

His father is Nisky's athletic director.

Juvan & Grastorf! Hopefully they'll be our Young and Montana...

[tecmobowler]

Niskayuna is the alma mater of NFL wideout Andre Davis.

Forgot to mention that Grastorf was an All-Albany all star as well for basketball.  Sounds like he's playing both sports, at least to start off his college career.

[maninyellowhat]

yellowhat,
How'd the phone interview go?

Pep,

I thought it went pretty well, but still haven't heard anything, so I accepted a job in Colorado.  Looks like another year of 1-2 games I'll be able to attend.  Hoping that NY is in my future somewhere though.

[JQV]

It aint so bad being away from NY.  We got streaming video and, all the other fans know its big game if you and I both make it.

['gro]

Sorry to report bad news. Former Ithaca FB player Ryan Winslow dies in boat accident.

Times Union Article

[bomber27]

To Ryan Winslow's family if they read this.  Your son was a pleasure to play with and be around.  My prayer's will be with you through this troublesome time. 

[Grido03]

Sad news. I hope Ryan's family and friends are able to find comfort in their community and loved ones. The entire Bomber family mourns.