FB: Liberty League

[dlippiel]

Dlip's write up for tomorrow's homecoming game between Union and WPI on Dlip 's blog. www.dlipthedutchman.blogspot.com

[mattvsmith]

I'm getting more excited than usual for the Hobart V Springfield game. Normally, I just get wound up before RPI and Union. This year I'm in high anticipation for Springfield. Usually I hope for a close-ish game to make things interesting and so that no one is truly disgraced, but for some reason I really want to see Hobart put down Springfield like an old dog. I have nothing against Springfield, so I don't even understand myself here.

[amh63]

Dlip...read your blog and now realize you are an Union fan of great knowledge.  This year, the Amherst football team has two transfers...one from Wesleyan and one from Union...Sam Hart, an OL of good size.  He is a local kid..from Amherst, Ma.  Many local players go away, understandable.  For me it is unusual for one to return . Any input to share on Mr. Hart?  As you may know, the "CAC" does have a player limit and Amherst often has to drop players to meet the limit.

[Stlarry]

Here is the link to the St. Lawrence - RPI video stream (free):
http://www.saintsathletics.com/sports/2013/9/3/FB_0903131722.aspx?path=football

[res ipsa loquitur]

Webb has to be an All-American this year, right? 

That's 102 carries, for 978, and 13 TDs, in 5 games.  Whoa.  Keep rollin' Bart.

[mattvsmith]

Webb has to be an All-American this year, right? 

That's 102 carries, for 978, and 13 TDs, in 5 games.  Whoa.  Keep rollin' Bart.

If Webb is not a first team All-American this year it will be a travesty.

[D3MAFAN]

I think Hobart made a big statement today. Had a chance to take a look at the box score and play by play, appears that Hobart really dominated this game against Springfield.

Now, as for St. Lawrence, that lost to Morrisville doesn't look as bad since Morrisville just beat Rowan by a considerable amount and they got a good win against RPI and it appears that in a month we could be having the de facto championship game for the Liberty League in month between Hobart and St. Lawerence.

[Pat Coleman]

Webb has to be an All-American this year, right? 

That's 102 carries, for 978, and 13 TDs, in 5 games.  Whoa.  Keep rollin' Bart.

If Webb is not a first team All-American this year it will be a travesty.

We only put two backs on our first team but Webb is certainly having an All-American year.

[ITH radio]

Rev -

Was at the game and this team looks great.  Webb could have had 400 yards if they kept him in the game (and reportedly he was playing hurt / not 100%).  I seriously hope he starts getting some looks for the Gagliardi.  He's an amazing athlete. 

[pumkinattack]

I was having the Webb conversation w another and I just hope people in the rest of the country understand he's only playing 2.5 quarters a game.  There hasn't been a game this season that he couldn't get 250+ yards and have a 6-8yd/carry avg if they wanted.  I see scores like Wisener last year or Heidelberg this week and don't understand why.  Cragg would take a knee in the 3rd quarter if that's what it meant to get a healthy win.

On the one hand, Hobart hasn't been tested all year and that worries me.  On the other hand they're playing 50-80 guys in every game so the starters and second string (beyond Janoff and elder who got hurt in preseason), should remain healthy and well rested while many talented FR and Sophs who are stuck behind all league/all east players are getting tons of experience against opposing teams first string.  These backups, even against Sr starters, need to tighten up though.  Those two fourth quarter TDs shouldn't be happening even if the game was beyond out of hand.

Heard this team appeared to be on a different plane from the opening snap. 

Btw,I watched this while at a baptism on an IPad and the free Springfield video was far superior to the Hobart/ICS/Sidearm Sports garbage broadcast I but for every home game (and lax games).  Please read and take note Coach Hanna.

[res ipsa loquitur]

I was having the Webb conversation w another and I just hope people in the rest of the country understand he's only playing 2.5 quarters a game.  There hasn't been a game this season that he couldn't get 250+ yards and have a 6-8yd/carry avg if they wanted. 

On the one hand, Hobart hasn't been tested all year and that worries me.

A very good point, and basically that was what I was trying to point out.  There may be other backs that have similar numbers at the end of the year, but this kid is doing it on very few snaps and carries.  Has there been a game yet where he hasn't scored from mid-field or better?  And I absolutely can relate to your anxiety about the lack of a test.  If someone does shut down the run somehow, can Hobart chuck it when they have to?  Not sure, but I'm guessing we might not find out until round 2, the way things are going.  A good problem to have, one might say. 

[pumkinattack]

Conlon seems to be getting his feet under him and becoming pretty efficient.  We'll see if he has to make a key throw, but he's looking a lot better as the season progresses and I still think his upside is higher than Strang's which is very high praise given Nick's tremendous success.  Hobart fans may recall that Mizro had a lot of 9 of 15, 150yd games, but stepped up when needed.  I also have seen way, way too many dropped passes.  The top four (Souffrant, Robinson, Fasano and Yosh, plus Berkowitz) have all dropped passes that were largely uncontested by the defense and clearly on target.  Woodard is probably the biggest loss from last year'a team.

The past two games Webb has 316yds and 5tds on 27 carries (after 207, 150 and 93).  And he's been making plays for four years, just had to share the stage with All LL (and all east I think) Dougherty last year.  I'm sure people will howl, scream and protest  from their respective schools, but Webb should be considered one of the best in the East the past 10-15yrs and discussed in the same place as Robinson and Tom A (who I still consider better than Coney). 

Also, keep an eye on Trayvon Toney.  Only a Soph and all over the field.  If he stays healthy, he'll make us forget about Hager and Sanders (who along. With Aruck earned high praise from the Mt Union folks).

[hobart16]

Agree on Conlon.  He looks more confident every week. He can run and I think they are saving some of that for the playoffs. 

Cragg never plays freshman unless they are in Tyre Coleman territory so having a frosh catch a TD is great.  Speaking of which did you see Coleman hurl that running back into the Springfield QB?  Wow. 

Offense has more upside if you can believe it since they have not been bad up to now.  The other guy who is not going to get enough credit is Ellis.  He is an absolute monster.  He can run obviously but check out his blocking he can drive people. 

The schedule is an issue.  Not getting enough reps under fire but the last thee games should be more competitive.  Those three will bring their best against Hobart. 

Special teams play is improved over prior years and there is no weakness on the line on either side of the ball and that can be overlooked when you have a scintillating talent like Webb. 

[Upstate]

RE: Webb

He's legitimately one of the best RB's in the past 10 years in the east. Would love to see what he could have done with a full workload over his career. Knew the kid was special when I saw him his freshman year vs SJF. Even though Bart was blown out Webb had a great game and made some big plays.

Hopefully we see Bart make a run in the playoffs so Webb can get the ball all game.

[dlippiel]

Dlip agrees wholeheartedly regarding the ability of Webb. Dlip thinks the kid is fantastic and clearly fits in the discussion with Robinson, Arcidiacano (who was much more valuable than Coney IDHO), and a couple others. Dlip is a big Webb fan.