FB: Empire 8

[sjfcards]

Well, I see there hasnt been a post in a while, and i'm bored...so, I will do a 3 part preview of the Alfred Saxon's upcoming campaign, part 1 being offense, part 2 being defense and part 3 being a game by game prediction (including playoffs).


Part 1: The Offense.

The offensive unit for the Alfred Saxons last year, when clicking, proved to be the best in the empire 8. With a 42 point showing against a good St John Fisher defense, a 308 yard rushing performance against what was a highly ranked run defense, and a 34 point performance on a tough cortland defense, it's hard to say the AU offense doesnt have the potential to be absolutely deadly.The problem was, there were times the offense didnt click, and every game Alfred lost was ultimately due to this lack of cohesion (the defense actually put up a pretty decent showing in all 3 losses). Will a group that, skill position wise, returns almost every major player be cohesive enough to make up for the deficiencies that ultimately cost them against Mount Union? Lets break it down position by position:

QB- Alfred not only has the best QB in the E8 in Tom Secky, but probably the 3rd or 4th best QB in the E8 in TJ Killcarr. Secky had a great year last year, but needs to work on his consistency. Killcarr provides for a backup who can legitimately lead an offense of a title contending team

RB- One of the biggest question marks going into the season last year was runningback, but Austin Dwyer answered that question with an All E8 year and several huge performances. In terms of depth, both Chris Lopez and Derek Echevarrea recieved carries last year and have proven to be solid options at halfback.

WR- Alfred loses big play WR Ryan Thon, but returns recievers Andre McCloud and Josh Phillips, along with EJ Beauford and a couple of other targets who recieved time last year. I think this unit will be solid, but sincerely hope the coaching staff has recruited a true "#1" type wideout, because though I believe Phillips can be a #1 guy at this stage in his career he wouldn't be the ideal #1 guy.

TE- Adam Schutz return at Tight End, having had a pretty productive year at the position last year. DJ Loughlin-Pope will be tough to replace, but I have full confidence that Schutz can get the job done.

Tackle- Though the offensive line is the big question mark going into the season, Alfred actually has some quality experienced talent coming back at offensive tackle. Returning starting right tackle Ryan Diflavio hopes to build on a freshman campaign where he proved he belonged as a freshman. Left tackle Harold Spetla is a weight room beast and was solid in backing up at both tackle spots last season.

Guard- The biggest question mark on this team, bar none. With both spots seemingly vacated and only one returner with any experience on the depth chart in Vito Sinsingalli, Alfred has to hope that there are some recruits waiting to take big roles at guard, or the interior run game could be an issue.

Center-With All E8 center Jeff VanDewalker finally graduating, a lot of the pressure falls on Tim Demersman. Demersman, like Spetla has some experience as a backup, but unlike Spetla has never really been thrown into a starting role before nor played any important minutes. I have to call this spot a question mark as well, though not nearly as much so as the guard position.

Overall: This is a unit that, as it always has been, could be the best in the empire 8 on any given day. One thing this unit loses from last season is experienced OLine talent, but at this point last year we were all wondering how Alfred would replace the experience they lost on OLine. My guess is that Alfred will equal last years recruiting success, but this time with a playmaking wide reciever and atleast one standout offensive guard. My purple colored glasses forsee a unit that has enough experience to place a few young guys in starting spots and not miss much of a beat, though they only officially return 5 of 11 starters, this saxon unit has proven talent at 8 of the 11 positions (with Spetla, Schutz and returning fullback Brandon Yarnes being 3 of the experienced returners). We will see how they develop, but I think Coach Murray will have this group ready to compete against anybody by the time the playoffs role around!

Does anyone have this type of information for Fisher? Great stuff for mid-summer...

[AUSaxons]

Fear not pep, Andre will be back in purple n gold this coming season....I can tell you this with 100% confidence in my information. And thank god, having a guy who runs a legit sub 4.4 is always useful!

Well, I see there hasnt been a post in a while, and i'm bored...so, I will do a 3 part preview of the Alfred Saxon's upcoming campaign, part 1 being offense, part 2 being defense and part 3 being a game by game prediction (including playoffs).

WR- Alfred loses big play WR Ryan Thon, but returns recievers Andre McCloud and Josh Phillips, along with EJ Beauford and a couple of other targets who recieved time last year. I think this unit will be solid, but sincerely hope the coaching staff has recruited a true "#1" type wideout, because though I believe Phillips can be a #1 guy at this stage in his career he wouldn't be the ideal #1 guy.

Pep has reason to believe Andre McCloud will not be back this season.

[fisheralum91]

Cards,
I am very distressed about the lack of getting the visitor stands and bathrooms completed.
Honestly people, when you pack a few thousand people into a place there needs to be adequate facilities.
God, that best change by the time i get there this fall.
I know that they are in limbo waiting for the nfl lockout to finish, but geez louize, get stuff done!!!

[sjfcards]

Cards,
I am very distressed about the lack of getting the visitor stands and bathrooms completed.
Honestly people, when you pack a few thousand people into a place there needs to be adequate facilities.
God, that best change by the time i get there this fall.
I know that they are in limbo waiting for the nfl lockout to finish, but geez louize, get stuff done!!!

I was actually back at Fisher today after another trip to Rochester for work, and was able to get a better look at the new facility than last time. The new stadium is beautiful. The field and track look great. It looked to me like the finishing touches were being put onto the stadium, and still no sign of new visitors stands. The area has been paved again, so it looks like something could be done with the area, but for now it is just empty (no stands of any kind). The exterior of the Polisani stadium (facing the football stadium) has been completed and does not look like any additions will be going on before this season.

I am pretty upset about not having the addition to Growney as well.  I love the idea of a new soccer stadium, but I think Fisher missed a chance to beef up an already above average facility and help in recruiting and such.

I am not sure how to feel about this years Fisher team. There is a lot to replace from last year, but they do have some playmakers coming back. I go back and forth almost hour by hour.

Any Fisher fans taking advantage of the season ticket package this year?

[fisheralum91]

Cards,
Thanks again for the updates!
I know that they were under the gun time wise because of the (maybe, hopefully) Bills camp.
Hopefully the second phase of the construction will see the reality that is bathrooms and decent visitors stands!
That said, as a former Fisher soccer player- what a nice addition!  Back in the day we played on a field (where growney is now) that was an absolute mess!  The football field back in those days was on the new soccer field..
Go figure!

[AUSaxons]

Part 2: The Defense

The Alfred defense was a unit of great poise last season. As the season went on you saw a young secondary grow up and become one of the E8's best, and a front 7 who was dominant all season long, progressing as the year went on and culminating a great season with a solid performance against Mount Union and holding Cortlands Justin Autera to a mere 58 yards rushing. This coming after a 60-0 demolishing of overmatched SUNY Maritime, a triple option team who struggled to get a mere first down. Alfred returns 10.5 starters to this team (with Stephon Brown being half a starter, as he split time with Torrance Jones) on the defensive side of the ball, and is poised to be a dominant force in 2011.

Defensive End:
Alfred returns a pair of fantastic run stopping defensive ends in Chris Steeves (39 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks) and Marcellus Jones (58 tackles, 11 TFL, 8 sacks) who also have a high pass rushing capability. This group is one who got better as the season went on, and is experienced talent returning for the  Saxons next season.

Defensive Tackle:
This may be Alfred's most underrated unit, and it also may be their most talented one! When mentioning front 7 players who make a tremendous difference out there, it has to start with Nose Tackle Mike Raplee (87 tackles 18 TFL 6 Sacks). Mike was an All American selection last season and is poised for a tremendous junior year. The player manning the other tackle position is Stephon Brown (24 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack). Stephon got much better as the season progressed and by the end of the year was taking most of the snaps as a starting DTackle. Stephon got on the Alfred weight lifting records this spring, and may be their physically strongest player. You have to think having a year of experience where he faced the likes of Mount Union, Cortland, St John Fisher and Ithaca College will do him a world of good, expect him to take a role as a major force on the front 7 next season.

Linebacker:
A linebacker unit that Mount Union coach Larry Kehres reportedly said was the "best linebacker corps we've seen all year" returns 2 of 3 starters, losing captain and leader Chad Pieri (79 tackles, 9.5 TFL 1.5 sacks). Nonetheless, the Saxons return both their most talented player Nick Clark (112 Tackles 12.5 TFL 4 Sacks, 121 rushing yards, 12 rushing TD's) and run stopping middle linebacker Wes Smith (57 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2 INT's). Alfred will rely on a guy who saw a ton of time last year in Brady Bonacquisti (57 tackles, 2.5 TFL) to take over for Pieri. This unit, interestingly enough, was also the best unit on Alfred's JV squad all season long, so the depth seems to be very built in at this position.

Cornerback:
Cornerback was a position that was shaky to say the least for the Saxons back in 2009, but this year this unit grew into a very good one and developed a ball hawking sense. Star corner Roland O'Brien (36 tackles, 1 TFL, 8 INT) had a few key picks for the Saxons this season, with the one standing out in my mind being the INT return for a TD on the first play from scrimmage of the St John Fisher game. Alfred shuffled through a couple of cornerbacks before finding a standout in Jon Jackson (22 tackles, 2 INT's) who didn't even really get much playing time early in the year until the Utica regular season finale. Jackson played valiantly as the cornerback his raw measurables (which are fantastic) said he could be. A year of experience should help Jackson as a returning starter to solidify the cornerback position. Returning depth is, however, limited, and the Saxons could use a good cornerback to come in on nickel type situations off the bench.

Safety:
Another position that was very productive last season was the safety position. Returners Reggie Pressley (75 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 INT) and Alec Currier (38 Tackles, 2 INT) provide both solid run support and pass coverage. Currier had a down year from a terrific sophomore campaign, and if he can return to the same form as he had his sophomore year this will be yet another unit of Saxon strength.

There are not many questions on the Saxon defense, perhaps what kind of depth they will have at all positions will be a question. Jackson and Brown are, while talented, not quite proven players at this point. That all being said, I can't see a scenario where Alfred does not have the best defense in the E8 again this season. Recruiting wise, the cornerback I highlighted would probably be the biggest need, along with a goalline defensive tackle/more overall dline depth, but nothing huge by any means. The Saxon defense, at its best, was one of the best in the nation, and if they can build on that they will be at the level to take on the best the east region has to offer (and after that, who knows?).

[AUPepBand]

AUSaxons:

Last time Pep was chatting with Torrance Jones, he was debating whether to return this fall as he has a year of eligibility remaining. Would be nice to have Torrance back, together with his (unrelated) brother, Marcellus.

Funny that when typing "Jones," Pep was reminded of an old Ray Stevens melodramatic song called "And Then Along Came Jones!" Perhaps the Pep Band could play that when one of the Jones gets a sack....another indicator of Pep's quest for timely tunes.

On Saxon Warriors!

[AUKaz00]

Come on Pep.  If you're gonna go back to Ray Stevens then you gotta make it all the way back to the Coasters original of Along Came Jones.  Great tune, though I'm not sure either of the Jones' would want to be described as in the chorus: "Tall, thin Jones. Slow-walkin Jones. Slow-talkin Jones."  I would love hearing the band call out "and then!" when playing the tune (presumably after a sack), but it may prove to be impractical before the next snap.

[AUPepBand]

Gosh, 'Zoo, how old are you?

[AUSaxons]

Part 3: Game by game predictions/season outlook

With everything I have said about the various positions the Saxons bring back a lot of talent at, it should come as no shock that I see a positive season for the Saxons next year. How good can this unit be, in my opinion? Lets take a look!

Game 1: vs. RPI

In what I see as a brilliant scheduling move by the Alfred coaching staff, RPI is the opener for the 2011 campaign. RPI is coming of a 6-4 season which saw a high in a one point win over the Saxons last season, though also several lows including being blown out by Utica and Fisher, a loss to 3-7 WPI and a loss to a less then stellar St. Lawrence team. This is also a team who loses their longtime head coach, and will be in their first game under a new head coach. They return their best player, Mike Hermann, a dual threat QB. The reason I believe this is brilliant scheduling is that you want your first game to ideally be one against a team who's a class below you, and RPI is probably a class below Alfred (that doesn't discredit the win, but Alfred was probably a better team last year and probably will be this year). But the brilliance of it is because this is a team that beat the Saxons last season, they will come firing on all cylinders for this one, and will shut down RPI. The run defense will have a field day, and the running game on offense will flourish. Prediction: Alfred 31 RPI 10

Game 2: vs St. Lawrence

Alfred has another game with the Saints after a narrow 8 point Alfred win in last years game up in north country. St Lawrence returns a 5-6 squad (5-1 in LL play) who was a surprise entrant into the NCAA tournament. St Lawrence returns their entire backfield, though they do not return their starting QB. One thing i noticed with a quick look over their stats is that they were a mess statistically, giving up an average of 8 more PPG and 78 more yards per game then their opponents give up against them. Their profile gives off the impression that they're a scrappy group with a very solid defense but a suspect offense. I think this one may be extremely low scoring, but eventually Alfred will pull away, and the score will not indicate the kind of game that it was. Saxons fans who see this game will not feel good about it walking away, similar to last years game. Prediction: Alfred 27 St Lawrence 6

Game 3: vs. Springfield.

Game 3 presents a true test as Alfred goes up against E8 foe Springfield. Springfield was a very quiet yet solid 9-2 last season, with a shootout win over Fisher 55-49 being the highlight of the year. Alfred escaped with a hard fought, well played 35-28 victory over the Pride last year, making it the 4th season in a row the Saxons have won that matchup. Springfield returns QB Austin Bateman (who was the starter by the end of last season) and a slew of halfbacks used in that triple option offense. Now of all of last years E8 teams Springfield is the one I know least about, but one thing I do know is that last year Alfred held them 100 yards below their season average. Alfred has had a lot of success as of late against the triple option offense (consistently beating Springfield and the 60-0 thrashing of an overmatched Maritime squad), and their run defense was top notch last season. Springfield is always a threat, but I think Alfred is just a little better. Prediction: Alfred 35 Springfield 20

Game 4: @ St. John Fisher

The big E8 matchup of Fisher and Alfred returns, with the winner being the presumed favorite to win the E8. Fisher went 9-2 last season, with the highlight being a 34-10 win over Ithaca. Now, at the risk of sounding inflammatory, the season highlight being a win over a 6-4 squad (and a very one dimensional one at that) has to be considered disappointing after the expectations Cardinal fans had coming into the season. Fisher loses star QB and E8 player of the year Tim Bailey, though they do return both of their feature runningbacks and both of their main targets at WR. Most of the Fisher defense is also returning. I cannot confirm this, but I have heard they also had many senior OLinemen graduating. Whatever the case may be, Fisher did not put up a great showing against Alfred last season, and with most of that Alfred defense coming back I don't see a QB in the waiting of Bailey's caliber. Alfred will likely try to take away the run at all costs here, and make a young and inexperienced QB beat them. I see a hard fought win for AU coming out of Growney. Prediction: Alfred 35 St John Fisher 24

Game 5: vs. Hartwick

Alfred returns home in game 5 against Hartwick. Hartwick comes off a 4-5 season, highlighted by a minor upset over Utica. They return their starting runningback and one half of their dual starting QB look from last season. Alfred will come into this one probably riding a high of having vanquished their (in my opinion) 2 toughest opponents, and perhaps will be caught looking ahead to a Salisbury game that could be critical in deciding an E8 champion. They may stumble a bit, and I actually worry quite a bit about Alfred slipping up in this game. They are the much better team, but I feel like Hartwick could slip under the radar. This will not result in a loss, but will definitely scare a few fans. Prediction: Alfred 24 Hartwick 20

Game 6: vs. Salisbury

Salisbury returns a 7-3 squad who made the NCAA tournament last season, and is poised for a solid season. They return their star QB Dan Griffin and a significant portion of their backfield.This game may very well determine a lot about what happens in the E8. If my predictions hold serve (lets assume for arguments sake they do) Alfred will be 3-0 in conference, with Salisbury, Springfield, Fisher and Ithaca probably all having atleast one loss in conference. Alfred, as of late, has done extremely well against the triple option and has a run defense that is extremely good. Salisbury, to their credit, has a very good defense last year as well. In my opinion, this will be the best team Alfred faces in the regular season next year. This may be a spot where my bias shows, but I don't see a triple option team that runs the ball just about exclusively beating a run defense that has proven to be one of the best in the region. Prediction: Alfred 27 Salisbury 21

Game 7: @ Frostburg State.
Frostburg was an abysmal 2-8 last season, and served as somewhat of a whipping boy for several teams, losing by 25+ 6 times. Alfred takes the long trip to Maryland, and I expect them to regroup after a couple of close games with a solid effort and a blowout victory. Frostburg was horrid against the run last year, look for Dwyer to have a big game. Prediction: Alfred 45 Frostburg 14

Game 8: @ Rochester
Though they come off a 4-5 season, I am sort of expecting a breakout year from Rochester next year. i think their schedule bodes very well for them to come into this game at 5-1/4-2 and a serious opponent. They return most of their backfield and their QB, as well as a couple wide receivers. Rochester is very balanced on both sides of the ball, and it will take a complete effort to defeat the Saxons. Alfred will control Rochester with a stifling run defense that will force turnovers. The offense will manage the game better then last time, and another quality win will be had. Prediction: Alfred 34 Rochester 20

Game 9: @ Ithaca
Alfred will look to lock up the E8 once and for all in this matchup against Ithaca. Ithaca is coming off a 6-4 season in which they were an abysmal 1-4 against teams over .500. They lose star QB Rob Zappia, as well as nearly all of their wide receiving corps. That could be potentially devastating news for a team that was nearly useless in the run game last season. Coming into this game, I believe Alfred will have the #1 seed in sight and will take a no prisoners approach to these last couple of games. I also feel like Ithaca will fall of in a horrid manner next year, and be around 4-4/5-3 coming into this one. The bombers will have no luck moving the ball against the Saxon defense. A stingy IC defense holds tough for a while, but eventually breaks under the pressure of the offense not moving the ball. Yet another game that's closer than the score, but that doesnt mean it was close. Prediction: Alfred 38 Ithaca 10

Game 10: vs. Utica

Alfred will finish off the regular season against a Utica team that showed a high octane offense and flashes of brilliance last season. Coming off a 5-5 year that included a surprising blowout of RPI, a convincing win over St Lawrence and very respectable performances against Springfield and Fisher, albeit in losing efforts. They return all of their weapons on offense, and much of their defense. This all being said, I wouldn't necessarily crown Utica with the status of "contender" just yet. They still only beat one team with a .500+ record, and a lot of their offensive stats came against teams of...well, lets say questionable ability level. Even still, I feel Utica will probably be 6-3 coming into this game with losses to Salisbury, Springfield and Fisher. Alfred will want to send off an outstanding senior class with their first unbeaten season in many years, and come out firing in this one. East region fans rejoice, no Mount in our bracket this season! Prediction: Alfred 41 Utica 24

So, as all of this ends, I see the E8 looking something like:

Alfred: 10-0 (7-0)....NCAA #1 seed
Salisbury: 8-2 (6-1)....Possible Pool C bid as parity ensues amongst other conferences
Springfield: 8-2 (5-2)....Another solid year, but back to the ECAC's.
St John Fisher: 7-3 (4-3).....See Springfield
Utica: 6-4 (3-4).....Taking another step in the right direction, Utica sets itself up to be a contender in 2012
Ithaca: 4-6 (2-5)....Major step backwards, as bad as IC has been in a long time.
Hartwick: 4-6 (1-6)....admittedly I could not find a schedule for Hartwick, but this is my prediction based on last years sched
Frostburg State: 0-10 (0-7)...I tried to find a game I thought Frostburg would win, but alas I cannot.


In playoffs, who knows, but I have the saxons making a final 4 run and losing to Mount/UWW. I know that this is an extremely optimistic prediction, but I don't see why Alfred fans shouldn't be optimistic going into this season. There are very few holes to fill, and a lot of the ones which need to be filled are being filled with experienced talent who is proven to some extent as a backup. I think the biggest difference we see from Alfred last year to this year will be consistency. They were erratic on offense at times last year, but with most of the skill guys coming back with another year of experience I expect they will have gelled further and the consistency will develop. It shall certainly be an interesting season!

[Frank Rossi]

Any word on any teams to replace Springfield in 2012 or 2013 in the E8?  Remember, Frostburg and Salisbury are only in for two years and will likely not re-up that unless the landscape changes somehow, and Buffalo State is the only announced long-term entry.  That would leave 6 teams again in 2013.  What is different this time around is that the exemption may be harder to come by for a Pool A bid as more schools have added football and more Pool A bids will exist at that point (making Pool B/C considerations important).  As I asked, though, any word on any movement in this respect?

[maxpower]

Game 9: @ Ithaca
Alfred will look to lock up the E8 once and for all in this matchup against Ithaca. Ithaca is coming off a 6-4 season in which they were an abysmal 1-4 against teams over .500. They lose star QB Rob Zappia, as well as nearly all of their wide receiving corps. That could be potentially devastating news for a team that was nearly useless in the run game last season. Coming into this game, I believe Alfred will have the #1 seed in sight and will take a no prisoners approach to these last couple of games. I also feel like Ithaca will fall of in a horrid manner next year, and be around 4-4/5-3 coming into this one. The bombers will have no luck moving the ball against the Saxon defense. A stingy IC defense holds tough for a while, but eventually breaks under the pressure of the offense not moving the ball. Yet another game that's closer than the score, but that doesnt mean it was close. Prediction: Alfred 38 Ithaca 10

GAWD I hope I remember
to bring this up in November....

[AUSaxons]

I'm totally in the mood for a little respectful E8 football banter....so tell me, why am I wrong? 

Game 9: @ Ithaca
Alfred will look to lock up the E8 once and for all in this matchup against Ithaca. Ithaca is coming off a 6-4 season in which they were an abysmal 1-4 against teams over .500. They lose star QB Rob Zappia, as well as nearly all of their wide receiving corps. That could be potentially devastating news for a team that was nearly useless in the run game last season. Coming into this game, I believe Alfred will have the #1 seed in sight and will take a no prisoners approach to these last couple of games. I also feel like Ithaca will fall of in a horrid manner next year, and be around 4-4/5-3 coming into this one. The bombers will have no luck moving the ball against the Saxon defense. A stingy IC defense holds tough for a while, but eventually breaks under the pressure of the offense not moving the ball. Yet another game that's closer than the score, but that doesnt mean it was close. Prediction: Alfred 38 Ithaca 10

GAWD I hope I remember
to bring this up in November....

[maxpower]

haha, i hadn't gotten that far yet. i don't know much about this year's team, i'm just earmarking your post in case things turn out differently from, you know, alfred going 10-0.

[AUSaxons]

Haha I got you, that is the thing about making bold predictions, you either look like a genius or the village idiot!

haha, i hadn't gotten that far yet. i don't know much about this year's team, i'm just earmarking your post in case things turn out differently from, you know, alfred going 10-0.