FB: Midwest Conference

[Maverick]

Week 6 MWC Games

Beloit at Illinois College - IC, Blueboys break the losing skid
Monmouth at Ripon - MC, Scots rebound to win close on the road
St. Norbert at Carroll - SNC, but I hope the Pios win at home to keep things interesting for the rest of the season
Lake Forest at Grinnell - LFC, Foresters win again over the I-Pios
Knox at Lawrence - LU, close game but I'll take the home squad

As for the MC staph infection news, I did not know about that.  That's really bad to hear and I hope everything turns out ok for all the current Fighting Scots.

[Duck Duck Goose]

Got back a while ago from the Scot-Hawk showdown and what a showdown it was!  Monmouth's O seemed untouchable at times, as Ripon generatd little pressure and Tanney had all day to throw.  However, it semed that MC went to the pass happy attack too quickly, as they were SHREDDING  Ripon at timeswith their running game.  Missed oppurtunities doomed MC, especially failing to score from first and goal at the 2 foot line (WHY NOT SNEAK RATHER THAN HANDING THE BALL FIVE YARDS DEEP WHEN YOU HAVE TO GAIN TWO FEET )As per usual, Ripon's Greatest Offense Ever Devised^TM was clicking, I found it interesting tht MC was giving RC the give to Perkins rather than pinching down and taking it away, which was a departure from their game plan in the past.  RC also benefitted from a couple of, errrr, dubious calls with Roeder's INT and the downed ball at the one yard line late in the game, when it appeared that the downer was laying in the endzone when he touched it.  No matter, it was a tremendous win for Ripon in the final minute of play, thus setting up the showdown of excellence with the Knights next weekend (You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be there!).

Speaking of SNC, any word on SNC-Carroll fight to the finish besides the score?  Was anyone there?  I haven't taken a look at the stats yet, sounds like it also was quite a barn burner.  Unfortunately for the Wi-Pi's this hard fought loss means that they have been voted off the island, turn in your torch.

[Once a Pio always a Pio]

You have to be kidding me.......

The seniors deserve better to have that play called at the end of the game.

There is your difference between Carroll and SNC.  One program prides itself on finding a way to win, and another will just not reach out and take it when it is offered (I should know because I missed a few chances to take it as well). 

Got one of the most accurate kickers in the MWC who is the all time Carroll leading scorer sitting on the sideline ready to deliver the biggest win the last 12 years and you decide that the play to go with is a jump ball in the endzone which gets picked.

Needed 3 points to win and six yards to get in range, but somehow that got confused with needing 6 points and 30 yards.....

Always with pioneer pride...... just disapointed (the seniors should be proud of the effort they showed and the work they did to put the program in a position to make the game matter, you deserve better)

[SNCOLDAD]

I was at the game yesterday at Carroll. And yes, needless to say I was cheering on the Knights. With that said, let's move on.

Number 1 on the list to report on the game: Both teams suffered from a less than spectacular officiating crew. I talked to some Carroll parents as well as other SNC parents and it was pretty much agreed that the officiating was not the normal high caliber.
2. CC spotted SNC 14 points very early and did not fold. They could have but they showed their grit.
3. SNC did not seem to be firing on all cylinders. Offense was very sporadic compared to other games. CC caused some of it with their defense, but beyond that the SNC offense just did not seem to be fully on track.
4. I also agree with Once a PIO, from my side I was very nervous about the fild goal possibility at the end of the game. Thank you for not trying it.

I see ytour poijt also about one team finding a way to win vs. the other team just not quite knowing what to do in that situation. Maybe the same thing happened against Monmouth. I cannot believe they beat CC 6-3!!

CC players absolutely should be proud. Down by 14, come back to take the lead, never out of the game. Bugt I also think that the SNC players should be proud also. Always the target, still pull out the win when not playing your best.

Great game to be at and MOST of the parents I met from Carroll were great. Some comments we will let lie. We all have our certain fans we are not necessarily proud of.

On to next week. Let's hope for another beautiful Saturday for football.

[qbfan413]

I too am a SNC fan and agree with the above post.  What a great (but too close) game and the only reason I say great is that my favorite team, SNC, pulled out a win.  The defense was asked to constantly hold down CC and get the ball away from them which they did while the offense, usually clicking right along, was held in check by CC.

I said before that for the Monmouth and CC games taking care of the ball would be the deciding factor and yesterday was a great example.  The same will hold true for the game against Ripon which looks to be another slug fest for the Knights.....although I think SNC will regroup, study the film, and come out back on track.

Great job to the leadership to both teams and I hope that the good sportsmanship continues to come through.  Like the above poster from SNC, our apologies to CC for the SNC fans who were vocal on some of the official's calls.......they blew some major calls, however, they blew them for both of the teams.  I had 2 SNC "fans" behind me that had me putting in both of my radio ear buds to drown them out and reminded me why I sit closer to the visitor sections for the games.

Good luck boys on the rest of the season and keep up the good work!

[fightintitan2006]

Questions for Pat or anyone else...when do the first NCAA regional rankings come out?

Also, if a school like WASHU (where schools in the conference are from several regions) makes the playoffs, what region are they seeded in?

[The Roop]

No matter the geographic size of a given conference the team(s) selected will be placed into whatever region they belong in. In WashU.s case they would likely face the IIAC or CCIW Champ; which would be a west region game as there are only 4 regions in football. Although the south region would not be beyond the realm of possibility depending on the rest of the teams in the play-off field.

Economics determines the seedings in football much more than basketball. Since it costs a small fortune to fly a football team somewhere you will see as many bus rides as possible. And I certainly don't blame the NCAA for that. 500 miles or more = flying.

[CCAlum23]

Sorry for the late response to last weeks game!

But I was frustrated because Carroll out played St. Norberts in almost every category! but yet finds a way to lose.  I along with everyone else in the stadium felt Carroll was going to kick the field goal and win the game! Everything was set up perfect, there was still a minute left and we were all they way down to the 40 yard line! 

It basically is  the same situation of when St. Norberts came last time to Waukesha!!!!  Norberts is well coached!  and they are a program that is use to winning and they find a way to do it even when they get out played!

Good job Ripon on beatig Monmouth! Beat Norberts and make things more interesting for the rest!

[Duck Duck Goose]

Hey, if I had a nickel for every time I played on a team that completely outplayed SNC and somehow lost due to a series of unbelievably bad breaks, I'd have five cents.  Anyway, great effort Carroll, sounds like it was a real battle.  Now this sets up the determining game, but before that on to the rest of my picks for the week.

GC @ IC - The season hasn't gone like the Blueboys had hoped, but they have enough to roast the corn.        IC 38 GC 10.

LU @ BC - Larry seems to have things at least somewhat on track.  I'm thrilled.     LU 31 BC 7.

CC @ KC- The Knox Bowl plays games with minds at times, but not this time.  CC 42 KC 14.

MC @ LFC - Hopefully Monmouth still has some spring left in its step now that its title hopes have been dashed.  I'm sure they do.  The revenge element (seriously, HOW did MC lose to the Foresters last year?) gives the Scots all the spring they need.      MC 38 LFC 14.

RC @ SNC - This weeks calendar blesses us with a de facto conference championship game.  This is sort of a head vs. heart thing for this game..............Ah screw it.  LETS GO HAWKS!!!!!!!   RC 34 SNC 31.

[SNCOLDAD]

CCAlum23, it has actually been very quiet on here since Saturday. I have no doubt that the CARROLLs College fans are quite frustrated. That was my first trip to Carrolls and I was impressed with town. I was expecting a field goal attempt but it did not come. Thank goodness. I feel like St. Norbert is in the heads of the Carrolls players. It reminds me of my sons high school team owning their arch rival. Many times it was due to being inside their head. I have the utmost respect for the players of Carrolls. As I do for all the teams.
I also am saying prayers for the players at Monmouth. Staph is not a good thing.

Predictions for this weekend. None at this time.....except St Norbert all the way.

[rome]

Anything positive to see from the Bucs this weekend?

what are the chances v. Lawerence?

[Hawk Sighting]

What has happened to this board?  One of the biggest games is about to take place tomorrow and there is NO chatter about it, no one tearing down either team, talking about what the out come is going be?  I am sad to open this up today and see no one cares that the automatic bid to the playoffs lie's in the outcome of the Ripon vs Norberts game.  This is a huge contest!!  I for one am excited to be able to be present at this event.  It should be a great game.  Let's hear from some people, SNCDAD, you have to have some insight or words for this game.  It's Norberts homecomig also, thats just more fuel to add to the discussion for this board, yet no one is talking.  Hit me, lets hear something.  I can only check this till noon today, but I hope to see some words of wisdom (or the attempt that so many of you try) for this weeks contests.  

[SNCOLDAD]

I think the calm on this board is a reflection of how serious this game is to St. Norbert Fans. There have been some emails within the parent community going back and forth to get ready. A couple of special things may happen this Saturday in the fan base. As far as the game goes?

First of it is Ripon visiting St. Norbert, not St. Norberts. There are a few that do not seem to want to call SNC by the correct name.
I believe that the whole thing comes down to 2 major factors:
1. Stop the Ripon running game with some consistency
2. Get the offense back in sync like before the Carroll game.

If both of those are accomplished, SNC will show who is MWC Champs. If those 2 things are not accomplished, Ripon will be in the game.

Good luck to both teams.

[mwcfbdad]

Hey SNCDAD,
I was just wondering how often does your son play?If he is not playing this year do you think he has a good chance of playing next year?


This weeks picks:
IC over GC by 14  Ic has too many weapons for Gc to stop.
LC over BC by 10  What LC team is going to show up??
CC over KC by 28  Carroll takes out their frustration on KC
LFC over MC by 3  Lfc playing better Mc playoff hopes ended last week.
SNC over RC  by 1    I would like to pick RC but this is Norberts.Until they get beat they are the reining MWC champs.

[SNCOLDAD]

He has been on the 2 deep since the beginning of the year. I have been told that is good for a freshman. Backing up a Senior now so I believe he stands a good chance of starting next year. But a lot can happen between now and then. A LOT!