FB: Liberty League

[Bartman]

BARTMAN's LL Rankings(same as last week):

1. ITHACA
2. RPI
3. UNION
4. HOBART
5.  ROCHESTER
6. BUFFALO ST.
7. ST. LAWRENCE

STANDINGS/with 5 weeks left....still time to join for percentage correct....big prizes for weiners


Participant                  Wins per week.                        Total.             Percentage

ICAlum(the instigator).      5/6/5/-/3/3#                           22/25*.           .880
UnionPalooza.                   7/5/-/4/2/3#                            21/24.             .875
Bartman.                          6/7/5/5/2/2#                          27/31.            .870
Ice Bear.                          6/6/4/5/2/3#                          26/31.             .834
Jersey 42.                        6/-/-/5 /-/-                             11/12.             .916
Machiavelli                       -/5/6/5/3/2 #                         23/26.             .885
Oline.                              -/4/-/-/2/-                               6/10.              .600
IC798891.                       -/-/5./-/-/0                               5/7.               . 714
UFAN.                              -/-/-/4/2/3                              9/11.               .818    .

Congratulations to those who picked the three winners this weekend.
# met 5 week minimum
* no selection for the first  Friday night  game was made

[ICAlum16]

As I think more and more about this coming weekend and the Union and Ithaca match up the more I think that this Ithaca team is rounding into form and gets me excited for this match up. Cleary, the early season road tests have paid dividends and this team just finds ways to win. Now, this is about the time of the year where I really wish Butterfield was still grass to help slow down the explosive offense of the CHARGERS (maybe worst nickname in all of D3 but a discussion for later).

Now, as I rewatch some of the RPI v Ithaca game on youtube I do worry about the Ithaca secondary against the Union passing attack as this is something that has been a bit of a week spot all season especially on the new fast track on the South Hill. Ultimately, I think the experience of Ithaca gets them by in a game where they out physical Union. Union will continue to be little brother to the Bombers. One of you historians will correct me but I believe Union has only beaten Ithaca once in the last 11 years (2019 LL champs Union). The dominance over Union will continue this weekend.

[Ice Bear]

As I think more and more about this coming weekend and the Union and Ithaca match up the more I think that this Ithaca team is rounding into form and gets me excited for this match up. Cleary, the early season road tests have paid dividends and this team just finds ways to win. Now, this is about the time of the year where I really wish Butterfield was still grass to help slow down the explosive offense of the CHARGERS (maybe worst nickname in all of D3 but a discussion for later).

Now, as I rewatch some of the RPI v Ithaca game on youtube I do worry about the Ithaca secondary against the Union passing attack as this is something that has been a bit of a week spot all season especially on the new fast track on the South Hill. Ultimately, I think the experience of Ithaca gets them by in a game where they out physical Union. Union will continue to be little brother to the Bombers. One of you historians will correct me but I believe Union has only beaten Ithaca once in the last 11 years (2019 LL champs Union). The dominance over Union will continue this weekend.

I'm not going to bother to look but I'll definitely agree that Ithaca has Union's number. They always have and that is no secret. I've always looked at Ithaca as a top notch program and one that does it, meaning D3 football, right.

To me, Ithaca is the clear favorite going into this weekend's match-up for a few reasons. They are ranked #16th in the country and they have certainly earned that ranking. IC is battle tested and having already defeated two of the three top LL teams they are in position to win the league with a win over Union (I say this assuming with confidence that if they beat Union, they will not have a hiccup against the likes of Rochester, SLU, or Buffalo State). Union's passing O struggled this past week against a decent Rochester secondary and they really became somewhat one dimensional. A one dimensional team that is not outstanding and mistake free, won't beat Ithaca at Ithaca. Ithaca has a very tough defense up front and will challenge Union's O line and talented backs in Fiore and Anderson. IC also makes teams pay for mistakes. I really do believe RPI was the more athletic and talented team, however they just couldn't bring their top game against IC on Saturday. That's what the Bombers do to their opponents. They take them down a notch right off the rip. Their special teams play always stands out as well. Union will have a tall order standing in front of them come Saturday at Butterfield.

I do believe that Union's strengths, according to what we have seen from them in the first 5 games (not the Rochester game), albeit against lesser opponents, come across to me as a good match up for the Garnet Chargers. Union's defensive strength is their front seven. They are physical, experienced, and play the run very hard. Union's defensive weakness sits in its inexperienced secondary which was really exposed last week. Where this benefits Union is the fact that so far this season we have seen what appears to be a very different quarterback (in comparison to last season) in A.J. Wingfield. Don't get me wrong as I am a HUGE Wingfield fan. Whatever the reason for Ithaca's lack of a med/deep passing game this season A.J. has often taken it upon himself to run the ball with gusto. The young man is as tough as they come. With that said again, it plays into Union's hands on paper with their very strong play against the run. I do think for Union to have success they are going to have to stuff the IC run (I'm high on Osbourne as well) and short passing game early and force Wingfield to try and work downfield through the air.

Union's offense has a strong line and very strong rushing attack. However for Union to be successful I truly believe they are going to have to successfully move the ball through the air enough to force the IC D to favor the pass and open up more of the ground game for Union. I will say this, If So. WR Landers Green does not play, like he didn't this past weekend, Union will be in trouble. As good as Tolbert is, I believe his game works off of Green's ability to make tough catches in bunches, draw attention, and then create space for Tolbert. The two really play off of each other. You've got to focus on them both, which is hard to do. IMHO for Union to win Pacatte will need to be on point through the air right out of the gate. If he struggles so will Union. A one dimensional running attack, even one as good as Union's, just won't cut it at Butterfield.

Just my initial thoughts about the game on Monday. Ithaca has owned Union time and again and there is only one thing the Garnet Chargers can do to change that, win. If it was only that easy.

[UfanBill]

As I think more and more about this coming weekend and the Union and Ithaca match up the more I think that this Ithaca team is rounding into form and gets me excited for this match up. Cleary, the early season road tests have paid dividends and this team just finds ways to win. Now, this is about the time of the year where I really wish Butterfield was still grass to help slow down the explosive offense of the CHARGERS (maybe worst nickname in all of D3 but a discussion for later).

Now, as I rewatch some of the RPI v Ithaca game on youtube I do worry about the Ithaca secondary against the Union passing attack as this is something that has been a bit of a week spot all season especially on the new fast track on the South Hill. Ultimately, I think the experience of Ithaca gets them by in a game where they out physical Union. Union will continue to be little brother to the Bombers. One of you historians will correct me but I believe Union has only beaten Ithaca once in the last 11 years (2019 LL champs Union). The dominance over Union will continue this weekend.

ICAlum, Have you watched Union play?...I'm kinda hoping Ithaca prepares for a Union team that it will out physical. The Garnet are tough and experienced on the line of scrimmage. The defense especially has 7 seniors manning the line and LBs in their 3-4 front. They will not be pushed around as evidenced by their 4th place ranking in the nation in rushing defense allowing only 37 yds/gm. They're also 1st in first downs allowed defense. Try to overpower them.

Explosive offense? While Union can and has hit for big plays it's a grind it out running game that's been the offensive focus. So go ahead Bombers play a prevent defense. Put in another DB. Union will put in another O-lineman and run, run, run causing Ithaca to cheat up...Then they'll hit you with that explosive play.   

[ICAlum16]

As I think more and more about this coming weekend and the Union and Ithaca match up the more I think that this Ithaca team is rounding into form and gets me excited for this match up. Cleary, the early season road tests have paid dividends and this team just finds ways to win. Now, this is about the time of the year where I really wish Butterfield was still grass to help slow down the explosive offense of the CHARGERS (maybe worst nickname in all of D3 but a discussion for later).

Now, as I rewatch some of the RPI v Ithaca game on youtube I do worry about the Ithaca secondary against the Union passing attack as this is something that has been a bit of a week spot all season especially on the new fast track on the South Hill. Ultimately, I think the experience of Ithaca gets them by in a game where they out physical Union. Union will continue to be little brother to the Bombers. One of you historians will correct me but I believe Union has only beaten Ithaca once in the last 11 years (2019 LL champs Union). The dominance over Union will continue this weekend.

ICAlum, Have you watched Union play?...I'm kinda hoping Ithaca prepares for a Union team that it will out physical. The Garnet are tough and experienced on the line of scrimmage. The defense especially has 7 seniors manning the line and LBs in their 3-4 front. They will not be pushed around as evidenced by their 4th place ranking in the nation in rushing defense allowing only 37 yds/gm. They're also 1st in first downs allowed defense. Try to overpower them.

Explosive offense? While Union can and has hit for big plays it's a grind it out running game that's been the offensive focus. So go ahead Bombers play a prevent defense. Put in another DB. Union will put in another O-lineman and run, run, run causing Ithaca to cheat up...Then they'll hit you with that explosive play.   

Admittedly, I have not watched a ton of complete Union games this year outside of some highlights online and reading some box scores.  My rhetoric is based off of that plus my knowledge of some of their returning players. What I really think this will come down to is Ithaca being more tested in tougher games this season. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for RPI so I hold that win for Ithaca in very high regard and doing it in that fashion on the road really changes a lot of my perspective on this Ithaca team.

Who knows what will happen as the week goes on but Ithaca just knows how to beat Union.I think this Ithaca team is a lot more like the 2013 team than the 2022 team and if this is more of a grind it out Union team, it makes me even more confident against this version of Ithaca. I am excited for more healthy debates as the week continues!

[Bartman]

First, let me tip my hat to Ithaca for the two wins against Hobart and RPI. In my opinion the difference between the top four teams is probably razor thin(I'm not sure about Union due to their struggle against Rochester, but I give them the benefit of the doubt this Saturday). Without taking anything away from Ithaca, they won two games because they didn't make critical, game changing mistakes that their opponents did.....not because they outgained or out toughed RPI or rolled over Hobart like they did last year.  Ithaca is 3 snaps away from being in a very different position. Two snaps in the Hobart game yielded them 10 points . In the Union game a bad snap on the 4th and 1 from what I could see on the video gave them the ball with time to make the winning score. Also Isernia should have arguably gone for the FG (IMO) instead of going for it on fourth down. In that case the tieing FG would have been the winning FG. So if Ithaca is ranked #16, RPI should be ranked #17, the difference is that close. As far as Hobart, I think they are a slim notch below Ithaca and RPI but that 99 yard drive with an Oline that is still coming together was also very  impressive and showed their toughness as well. It has been a joy to watch these three teams compete and show how strong the LL is.
Now as far as Union is concerned , I'm assuming they will meet the same LL toughness test on Saturday and give us another classic competition . Union should be totally focused after almost overlooking Rochester. I think this game goes to the team that makes fewer mistakes because I don't think there is a huge difference between the these teams when it comes to the headknockers upfront . I also think Ithaca is vulnerable to the pass game so, although Union is really a run first team, I think they have enough skill in the passing game to mix it up better than Hobart and similar to RPI. If Ithaca plays another mistake free game, they win(at least no BIG mistakes at critical times )......now,  everyone is human and it could be Union's luck to benefit from a Bombers miscue or two.We'll find out on Saturday if the Garnet Chargers name change brings them luck or the old Dutchmen curse them for ditching their legacy.

[Bartman]

LL Players of the Week:

Offensive Performer of the Week: Jonathan Anderson, Union
Defensive Performer of the Week: Jake Connolly, Ithaca
Special Teams Performer of the Week: Derek Baldin, Ithaca
Rookie of the Week: Kayden White, RPI
Honor Roll: Anthony D'Agostino, RPI; Trey Johnson, Rochester; Jake Kazanowsky, RPI; Drew Walsh, Hobart; Tobias Wefering, Hobart; Alex Wing, Rochester

[Jonny Utah]

First, let me tip my hat to Ithaca for the two wins against Hobart and RPI. In my opinion the difference between the top four teams is probably razor thin(I'm not sure about Union due to their struggle against Rochester, but I give them the benefit of the doubt this Saturday). Without taking anything away from Ithaca, they won two games because they didn't make critical, game changing mistakes that their opponents did.....not because they outgained or out toughed RPI or rolled over Hobart like they did last year.  Ithaca is 3 snaps away from being in a very different position. Two snaps in the Hobart game yielded them 10 points . In the Union game a bad snap on the 4th and 1 from what I could see on the video gave them the ball with time to make the winning score. Also Isernia should have arguably gone for the FG (IMO) instead of going for it on fourth down. In that case the tieing FG would have been the winning FG. So if Ithaca is ranked #16, RPI should be ranked #17, the difference is that close. As far as Hobart, I think they are a slim notch below Ithaca and RPI but that 99 yard drive with an Oline that is still coming together was also very  impressive and showed their toughness as well. It has been a joy to watch these three teams compete and show how strong the LL is.
Now as far as Union is concerned , I'm assuming they will meet the same LL toughness test on Saturday and give us another classic competition . Union should be totally focused after almost overlooking Rochester. I think this game goes to the team that makes fewer mistakes because I don't think there is a huge difference between the these teams when it comes to the headknockers upfront . I also think Ithaca is vulnerable to the pass game so, although Union is really a run first team, I think they have enough skill in the passing game to mix it up better than Hobart and similar to RPI. If Ithaca plays another mistake free game, they win(at least no BIG mistakes at critical times )......now,  everyone is human and it could be Union's luck to benefit from a Bombers miscue or two.We'll find out on Saturday if the Garnet Chargers name change brings them luck or the old Dutchmen curse them for ditching their legacy.

One interesting note for Ithaca is that their run game has stepped it up in the absence of power/inside zone runner Jake Williams.  RPI had given up 203 yards rushing in the first 4 games (ranked top 25 in the country) and gave up 219 to Ithaca on Saturday (4.8 average compared to the 1.8 average per carry before the game).  Watching the IC/Endicott game I was wondering (As were other bomber fans) why Wingfield wasn't running more as it was kinda clear he could have pulled the ball more on zone reads.  Well next few games he did exactly that, and it probably pushed them over the edge.  He is no Joe G (in terms of size) and it looked like he sat out a play against RPI after a big hit (backup Colin Shum had a nice run the play he was out however) but he still has to run the ball for IC to win.  Anyway IC has to be careful running him too much but the inside zone is their play, so I'm not sure how you can get away from him not running it.  They also have seemed to incorporate Hines and Leonard-Osborne into the running game just fine. 

Not sure you can get much out of national stats at this point in the season though either.  Too many non conference games versus varied opponents will skew those numbers. 

[unionpalooza]

First, let me tip my hat to Ithaca for the two wins against Hobart and RPI. In my opinion the difference between the top four teams is probably razor thin(I'm not sure about Union due to their struggle against Rochester, but I give them the benefit of the doubt this Saturday). Without taking anything away from Ithaca, they won two games because they didn't make critical, game changing mistakes that their opponents did.....not because they outgained or out toughed RPI or rolled over Hobart like they did last year.  Ithaca is 3 snaps away from being in a very different position. Two snaps in the Hobart game yielded them 10 points . In the Union game a bad snap on the 4th and 1 from what I could see on the video gave them the ball with time to make the winning score. Also Isernia should have arguably gone for the FG (IMO) instead of going for it on fourth down. In that case the tieing FG would have been the winning FG. So if Ithaca is ranked #16, RPI should be ranked #17, the difference is that close. As far as Hobart, I think they are a slim notch below Ithaca and RPI but that 99 yard drive with an Oline that is still coming together was also very  impressive and showed their toughness as well. It has been a joy to watch these three teams compete and show how strong the LL is.
Now as far as Union is concerned , I'm assuming they will meet the same LL toughness test on Saturday and give us another classic competition . Union should be totally focused after almost overlooking Rochester. I think this game goes to the team that makes fewer mistakes because I don't think there is a huge difference between the these teams when it comes to the headknockers upfront . I also think Ithaca is vulnerable to the pass game so, although Union is really a run first team, I think they have enough skill in the passing game to mix it up better than Hobart and similar to RPI. If Ithaca plays another mistake free game, they win(at least no BIG mistakes at critical times )......now,  everyone is human and it could be Union's luck to benefit from a Bombers miscue or two.We'll find out on Saturday if the Garnet Chargers name change brings them luck or the old Dutchmen curse them for ditching their legacy.

One interesting note for Ithaca is that their run game has stepped it up in the absence of power/inside zone runner Jake Williams.  RPI had given up 203 yards rushing in the first 4 games (ranked top 25 in the country) and gave up 219 to Ithaca on Saturday (4.8 average compared to the 1.8 average per carry before the game).  Watching the IC/Endicott game I was wondering (As were other bomber fans) why Wingfield wasn't running more as it was kinda clear he could have pulled the ball more on zone reads.  Well next few games he did exactly that, and it probably pushed them over the edge.  He is no Joe G (in terms of size) and it looked like he sat out a play against RPI after a big hit (backup Colin Shum had a nice run the play he was out however) but he still has to run the ball for IC to win.  Anyway IC has to be careful running him too much but the inside zone is their play, so I'm not sure how you can get away from him not running it.  They also have seemed to incorporate Hines and Leonard-Osborne into the running game just fine. 

Not sure you can get much out of national stats at this point in the season though either.  Too many non conference games versus varied opponents will skew those numbers.

All of the above sounds about right to me.  You have to think Ithaca will be juiced up playing at home with the LL title basically on the line, and the fact that they have already battled four tough teams definitely gives them an advantage.  On the other hand I think Union matches up pretty well with Ithaca from a strength/weakness perspective.  On D, they are incredibly stout at the line of scrimmage, but more susceptible to the deep passing game; Wingfield will need to be able to push the ball down field, as I don't think you can dink and dunk your way to 4 or 5 TDs against this Union team.  On O, I think it will 100% come down to whether Union's passing game is clicking; it was not against Rochester, and while they could be one-dimensional and just run the ball for 400 yards against the Bees to grind out a win, that will not work against Ithaca.  More than anything, it will come down to who avoids the big mistakes.  Should be a great one.

[Jonny Utah]

First, let me tip my hat to Ithaca for the two wins against Hobart and RPI. In my opinion the difference between the top four teams is probably razor thin(I'm not sure about Union due to their struggle against Rochester, but I give them the benefit of the doubt this Saturday). Without taking anything away from Ithaca, they won two games because they didn't make critical, game changing mistakes that their opponents did.....not because they outgained or out toughed RPI or rolled over Hobart like they did last year.  Ithaca is 3 snaps away from being in a very different position. Two snaps in the Hobart game yielded them 10 points . In the Union game a bad snap on the 4th and 1 from what I could see on the video gave them the ball with time to make the winning score. Also Isernia should have arguably gone for the FG (IMO) instead of going for it on fourth down. In that case the tieing FG would have been the winning FG. So if Ithaca is ranked #16, RPI should be ranked #17, the difference is that close. As far as Hobart, I think they are a slim notch below Ithaca and RPI but that 99 yard drive with an Oline that is still coming together was also very  impressive and showed their toughness as well. It has been a joy to watch these three teams compete and show how strong the LL is.
Now as far as Union is concerned , I'm assuming they will meet the same LL toughness test on Saturday and give us another classic competition . Union should be totally focused after almost overlooking Rochester. I think this game goes to the team that makes fewer mistakes because I don't think there is a huge difference between the these teams when it comes to the headknockers upfront . I also think Ithaca is vulnerable to the pass game so, although Union is really a run first team, I think they have enough skill in the passing game to mix it up better than Hobart and similar to RPI. If Ithaca plays another mistake free game, they win(at least no BIG mistakes at critical times )......now,  everyone is human and it could be Union's luck to benefit from a Bombers miscue or two.We'll find out on Saturday if the Garnet Chargers name change brings them luck or the old Dutchmen curse them for ditching their legacy.

One interesting note for Ithaca is that their run game has stepped it up in the absence of power/inside zone runner Jake Williams.  RPI had given up 203 yards rushing in the first 4 games (ranked top 25 in the country) and gave up 219 to Ithaca on Saturday (4.8 average compared to the 1.8 average per carry before the game).  Watching the IC/Endicott game I was wondering (As were other bomber fans) why Wingfield wasn't running more as it was kinda clear he could have pulled the ball more on zone reads.  Well next few games he did exactly that, and it probably pushed them over the edge.  He is no Joe G (in terms of size) and it looked like he sat out a play against RPI after a big hit (backup Colin Shum had a nice run the play he was out however) but he still has to run the ball for IC to win.  Anyway IC has to be careful running him too much but the inside zone is their play, so I'm not sure how you can get away from him not running it.  They also have seemed to incorporate Hines and Leonard-Osborne into the running game just fine. 

Not sure you can get much out of national stats at this point in the season though either.  Too many non conference games versus varied opponents will skew those numbers.

All of the above sounds about right to me.  You have to think Ithaca will be juiced up playing at home with the LL title basically on the line, and the fact that they have already battled four tough teams definitely gives them an advantage.  On the other hand I think Union matches up pretty well with Ithaca from a strength/weakness perspective.  On D, they are incredibly stout at the line of scrimmage, but more susceptible to the deep passing game; Wingfield will need to be able to push the ball down field, as I don't think you can dink and dunk your way to 4 or 5 TDs against this Union team.  On O, I think it will 100% come down to whether Union's passing game is clicking; it was not against Rochester, and while they could be one-dimensional and just run the ball for 400 yards against the Bees to grind out a win, that will not work against Ithaca.  More than anything, it will come down to who avoids the big mistakes.  Should be a great one.

Yea it might come down to a "trick play".  Ithaca is like 5/5 on these this year, all for big yards.  I'm hoping they are saving a few more for this game.  And Hobart and RPI also had a few of these that worked against IC (and other teams).  It's just IC does the same thing over and over on offense and then it's like they are just waiting for the opponent to break down enough and throw that special play in.  And hell it doesn't have to be a WR pass, it just has to be something the other team hasn't seen yet.  Anyway I bet Union and Ithaca will be pulling out all the stops for this game.  As much as Ithaca needs it, Union might need this more seeing they still have to play Hobart and RPI.  But Rochester also doesn't seem like a pushover.  They have won some good games this year and have played tough.  Bartman is 100% right ranking Rochester in the middle after the top 4.

[Ice Bear]

My LL Rankings:

1.) Ithaca
2.) RPI
3.) Hobart
4.) Union
5.) Rochester
6.) SLU
7.) Buffalo State

[Bartman]

One factor I think the Bombers have on their side is Wingfield. He just seems to be a winner and maximizes his given talents and looks like a leader on the field(I have no idea whether he really is, but he looks like it). As an opponent , I  wish he were on my side. Technically Germinerio had better skills, but when it came to crunch time he could not lead the Bombers past Union or RPI for the LL title.  Nabi(also had Jersey No.6) gave me that same feeling when he led the Bombers to two LL Co-Championships. I wonder what Nabi could have done in his senior year without the Germinerio trade (oops, I mean transfer).

[ICAlum16]

One factor I think the Bombers have on their side is Wingfield. He just seems to be a winner and maximizes his given talents and looks like a leader on the field(I have no idea whether he really is, but he looks like it). As an opponent , I  wish he were on my side. Technically Germinerio had better skills, but when it came to crunch time he could not lead the Bombers past Union or RPI for the LL title.  Nabi(also had Jersey No.6) gave me that same feeling when he led the Bombers to two LL Co-Championships. I wonder what Nabi could have done in his senior year without the Germinerio trade (oops, I mean transfer).

I went back and re watched some of the post game interviews that coach terp and Wingfield did with Frank Rossi and two things were abundantly clear - one is that they definitely believe that RPI is their toughest in conference opponent and getting a win in Troy meant a tremendous amount of to the program. Two is that Wingfield is the unquestioned leader of that team and they really feed off of him and his composure, that was very clear during that drive at the end of the 4th quarter to take the 3 point lead. I think now they have to rely on that experience and leadership to not have a let down against Union after an incredibly emotional physical game (they both essentially said that this was the most physical game of the year and that RPI always brings it). They need to be able to close the door on a somewhat historic win and get ready for a hungry little brother.

[Bartman]

One factor I think the Bombers have on their side is Wingfield. He just seems to be a winner and maximizes his given talents and looks like a leader on the field(I have no idea whether he really is, but he looks like it). As an opponent , I  wish he were on my side. Technically Germinerio had better skills, but when it came to crunch time he could not lead the Bombers past Union or RPI for the LL title.  Nabi(also had Jersey No.6) gave me that same feeling when he led the Bombers to two LL Co-Championships. I wonder what Nabi could have done in his senior year without the Germinerio trade (oops, I mean transfer).

I went back and re watched some of the post game interviews that coach terp and Wingfield did with Frank Rossi and two things were abundantly clear - one is that they definitely believe that RPI is their toughest in conference opponent and getting a win in Troy meant a tremendous amount of to the program. Two is that Wingfield is the unquestioned leader of that team and they really feed off of him and his composure, that was very clear during that drive at the end of the 4th quarter to take the 3 point lead. I think now they have to rely on that experience and leadership to not have a let down against Union after an incredibly emotional physical game (they both essentially said that this was the most physical game of the year and that RPI always brings it). They need to be able to close the door on a somewhat historic win and get ready for a hungry little brother.

ICAlum, I just gave you a +k , to see if it registered( and you deserve it in general) , because I noticed your post # never seems to change from 22. Hmmm, sure you're not a bot for the IC Athletic Dept??

[ICAlum16]

One factor I think the Bombers have on their side is Wingfield. He just seems to be a winner and maximizes his given talents and looks like a leader on the field(I have no idea whether he really is, but he looks like it). As an opponent , I  wish he were on my side. Technically Germinerio had better skills, but when it came to crunch time he could not lead the Bombers past Union or RPI for the LL title.  Nabi(also had Jersey No.6) gave me that same feeling when he led the Bombers to two LL Co-Championships. I wonder what Nabi could have done in his senior year without the Germinerio trade (oops, I mean transfer).

I went back and re watched some of the post game interviews that coach terp and Wingfield did with Frank Rossi and two things were abundantly clear - one is that they definitely believe that RPI is their toughest in conference opponent and getting a win in Troy meant a tremendous amount of to the program. Two is that Wingfield is the unquestioned leader of that team and they really feed off of him and his composure, that was very clear during that drive at the end of the 4th quarter to take the 3 point lead. I think now they have to rely on that experience and leadership to not have a let down against Union after an incredibly emotional physical game (they both essentially said that this was the most physical game of the year and that RPI always brings it). They need to be able to close the door on a somewhat historic win and get ready for a hungry little brother.

ICAlum, I just gave you a +k , to see if it registered( and you deserve it in general) , because I noticed your post # never seems to change from 22. Hmmm, sure you're not a bot for the IC Athletic Dept??

Haha, thank you, Bartman, +k for you as well. Not sure why the number of posts doesn't increase maybe it reads off of quote replies versus regulars posts. Either way, I can assure you I am not an IC athletic department plant, just a passionate alum who has either been involved in (on sideline as a back up or actually contributing on field) or watched essentially every single IC game since my freshman year on the South Hill in the fall of 2012.

I just try to be as objective as possible and trust my eyes while managing my love for the team and the school that did mean and still does mean a lot to me.