FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Mugsy]

Way to go Grizzlies on the great season and let's go all the way to the Stagg Bowl next year. 
Good luck in Alliance next week Wheaton... you're gonna need it.

Umm... Wheaton has 5 playoff loses.  All to Mount Union.  All by at least 21 points, if not worse.  We fully understand what we are up against.  You don't need to inform us of the fact we will need "some luck" in Alliance.  

[70_dc_alum]

NOT intended as a knock - I honestly don't know.  With all-world Chad Rupp graduating, is the team set to continue this year's success, or will they take a big step back?

Was wondering the same thing...Anderson tanked after losing all everything QB Joe Steele a few years back.  there are a lot of great players are Franklin with some depth even though there are several who are multi year starters that turned the program around similar to MSJ of a couple years ago.  so the question for the offseason is will they die off like Anderson or have built a HCSC dominate machine for a few years like MSJ.  my vote is the later coaches are too good to think they will die off

[GrizPride]

Well, I have read all of your posts over the past 3 years, and now that my career ended yesterday, I figured I would join you all!  Looking forward to following and chatting about the Grizzlies with all of you!


On the Grizzlies for next year?
The whole offensive line returns except for one guard.  Two solid running backs return, and a good group of recievers return.  The quarterback vacancy left by Rupp will be a three way race between two guys that will be juniors and one that will be a sophomore.  It should be interesting.  It wont be easy to fill Rupps shoes, however, the newly appointed qb will have pretty good players around him.  I think the Grizzlies will be all right on offense.  Defensively, D-line will be the biggest question mark.  The strength will be having several linebackers back with experience.  The dbs will be OK as well.  There might be some moving around of positions to fill the holes left by McManus, Smythe, and Rulon.  Should be interesting and fun to see how it all pans out!!!

Go Grizz!!!

[Pat Coleman]

Welcome to the board -- hope you stay around!

[GrizPride]

Thanks Pat!  I couldve waited a few more weeks to sign up!! But everything happens for a reason.

[Adam Sayer]

Kevin, I mean Keith Jackson...will you be in Alliance on Saturday calling the game?

[formerd3db]

GrizzPride:

I join our Moderator/Owner Pat in welcoming you to the board(s).  Even though I'm a "MIAA guy", I frequent this HCAC board to discuss with my friends here.  Congrats to you on your just finished career and fine season.  You will have many great life-time memories from that and I'm sure we'll look forward to you sharing some of those here and adding your own insight and opinions to the discussions here as well.

P.S.  You are welcome to "chime in" over on our MIAA board on occasion as well.   

[rscl70]

GrizzPride,
Congratulations on a great season.  I was really looking forward to seeing you in Alliance. (After all, you guys did some serious damage to our "OAC pride.")  Good luck to you after graduation and good luck to your Alma Matter in future seasons.

[GrizPride]

Thanks for the kind words!  It has been one heck of a ride, that is for sure.  I actually transferred to FC after going to a NAIA school.  Totally different mindset and ball game.  I NEVER thought I would be at Franklin College, and it was the best decision of my life.  Division 3 football only enhanced my experience.  What a great thing D3 football has going right now.....loved every minute of it!

RSC- Thanks and I wish we were preparing to head to Alliance as well!!!  Would have been nice to have been able to say I was able to play against the Purple Raiders during this unbelievable dynasty they have had for 15 years!!!  Was able to watch film of them against Otter.....great team!  Good luck this weekend!

[KYGrizzly]

GrizPride,

As a parent of a Franklin Alumni I would like to congratulate you and the entire team on your outstanding season. I know my son enjoyed his four years there and made friends he will never forget.

Good Luck to you in the future after graduation. Like others have said stick around on the message board it gets very interesting on here at times.

[SaintsFAN]

Sayer,

Not sure yet... might be going up no matter what. 

GP.. welcome.  Congrats on using up your eligibility.  Its something that in 10 years from now, you can brag about with your kids and then eventually grandkids.  If you take a sales job... you will close more sales by talking about the days when you played college football. 

Franklin next year: 

Lets let them celebrate this year before we start talking about the harshness of what happens when the best player in the history of your football program graduates.... and yes., its like THAT. 

They will still be in contention for the HCAC and probably even go undefeated again in the conference... but I think we're all either kidding ourselves or taking something away from Rupp if we think they'll just reload at QB. 

Think about it.

[GrizPride]

KyGrizzly, 

This is actually your son's roommate!!!   

He loves Franklin College football.  He is just as happy in a win as we all are, and just as upset when we lose.  I think that has made FC such a great place to play for.  Our fans are nothing short of amazing.  Success helps this of course!! We played in 5 different homecoming contests this year, and nothing compared to the FC homecoming, or the Victory Bell game, let alone the three playoff games.  I think we had more fans than Otter and North Central did and we were on the road!  It was awesome!

SaintsFan,

Good points, replacing Chad Rupp is not possible!! He was a great person and player to play with.  The Grizzlies need to focus on continuing to get everyone else better that is involved on the offense.  This will only help whoever becomes the next quarterback.  I expect the Grizzlies to shine next year, however, even without Chad Rupp.  You will see more running from the Grizzlies Im sure, especially with almost the whole Oline back, one of which will be in his 3rd year starting, and the other 2 will be 4 year starters!  That has to make the newly appointed quarterback feel pretty darn safe! Should be fun and interesting!

[KYGrizzly]

GrizPride,

I did a little research by checking out your E-mail and thought it may be you. Keep my son and future daughter in law out of trouble, I know you will have your hands full.

Also, tell him football and tailgating is over now and it is time to start working out for spring training for baseball next season. When he was home for thanksgiving he looked like he was catching up with me weight wise.

[GrizPride]

I will try my best to keep them out of trouble!! No easy task indeed!

He is going to have to help me drop some of these lineman lbs off, so we will be hitting the tracks and weightrooms more frequently as opposed to the local hangouts...lets hope!

[Adam Sayer]

The only way you stay out of the local hang out is by moving and finding a new one.