FB: Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

[victorybell_57]

glenville is the same school that put out ted ginn jr and numerous others. they are good, i don't know if they play as a team like some powerhouses do though. we'll see. warrent central has been very good in recent years, this may be a classic.

[wabashcpa]

Glenville 38, WC 36

That was almost the halftime score, so both teams decided defense might be a good idea in the second half. 

WC off to an 0-2 start, but will still be a factor before it's all over.

[SaintsFAN]

Saw some good things at the scrimmage on Saturday between Thomas More and Wilmington at Newport HS's field...

The team is young overall, but has some talent.  We saw the QB's completing passes, receivers blocking downfield on catches, and 3 very good RB's who carried the ball.  Also a taller WR did impress me as well by his willingness to go over the middle and take a lick...on a side note, didn't know JP would install the wishbone using 5 yard splits by the offensive lineman...interesting look....should take many by suprise this year. 

Not sure how I'd rate the scrimmage overall....1st half was controlled scrimmage which Thomas More scored twice and Wilma none....then the 25 and in produced some TD's on 3rd down for the Quakers. 

Side note:  If you play Wilma this year....look to stop the bubble screen and also the fade pattern and you are set.  They ran the bubble about 15-17 times that I saw...and I left the 2nd half (game conditions) early.   

Lots of chit talking from a team that didn't score their first TD until week 4 of last season and was shut out 5 of their 10 games.  I know what conference they are in, but these guys were also hitting players during the kicking game and having refs drag their OL off a DB on one TD play AFTER the whistle had been blown.  Coach Hilvert definitely has a group that doesn't lose it in situations like that....which can be good and bad. 

[SaintsFAN]

Also,

Has anyone checked out Hanover's roster for this year?  Given the lack of season previews by HCAC teams again this year, I was looking around.  I counted 72 total players....that has to be a low...those admissions requirements must be really tough..

http://sports.hanover.edu/hcfootballroster.htm

[tepee]

i love it

[KYGrizzly]

I heard that Franklin looked good in their scrimmage against Depauw last Saturday by outcoring them 24 - 0. I wasn't at the scrimmage, this is second hand information given to me.

Any other reports on scrimmages from the HCAC.

[victorybell_57]

not too much on my end. i keep hearing the grizzlies will be tough this year. i am hoping they can hurdle the lions and the other hcac teams to get into the playoffs. i think that would be very special for the fans in ol grizzly country.

72 players has to be a low. i remember their sidelines always being jam packed in blue uniforms, with very fast receivers. times are changing on the ohio river. can't say i am too upset about it, i like the conference with FC, MSJ, and others battling for the title.

[Adam Sayer]

As much as I hate Hanover, I have the same opinions as a few others that its a shame they only have 72 players and that program's heading where its heading. Personally, I'd love to see a conference where Hanover has a chance to win it, MSJ has a chance, and now with the recent success of Franklin and to a point Defiance, both of them have a shot. Playing in a conference where 4 schools routinely have a shot to win any given year makes things interesting and overall better for the league. And until a HCAC does well in the playoffs, Hanover's recent downspell has hurt the HCAC's reputation.

The fact that MSJ is picked again to win the HCAC should tell you where our conference is. Not that I'm saying MSJ isn't talented because they are and have great coaches, but they lost their OC, DC, a few other coaches, and have a question mark at QB. MSJ is a mystery team. You're picking a team who has to adhere to new philosophies, learn new systems, and adapt to new coaching personalities on both sides of the ball in addition to the usual rigor of beginning a new season.

IF YOU'RE IN THE CINCINNATI/CANTON AREA!!!!!!!!

The Kirk Herbstreit Challenge is this weekend at Nippert and Canton. If you are anywhere near, I recommend seeing these games. Glenville plays Long Beach Poly, Colerain plays Hoover from MTV's 2 a days, St. X plays DeMatha (I believe they are ranked 3rd in the USA today poll), plus other great games. It's 9/1 and 9/2. Check the website if you think you may want to go.

http://www.ohiovsusa.com/

[SaintsFAN]

IMO,

Franklin will win the HCAC this season...too much firepower...unless the transfers at MSJ do well.  We all know the history of transfers (to a D3 program) hasn't been good....(see:  R. Lewis).  I don't think you bet against the Lions, however.  They are "king of the hill", until they get knocked off. 

I do think this is the year for it though...

HCAC, outside of Franklin is a little weak compared to the past few years.  I DON'T think Defiance is going to be a factor in the big games.  Too much uncertainty at QB.  Hanover, we've all seen what's going on down in Madison (though they'll rise up for their rivalry games).  Who else?  RHIT? Dare I say Bluffton or Manchester? 

Seriously, this league needs a boost. 

I'm trying to make it down to the Hanover/Thomas More game this weekend, but its going to take a miracle.  On a side note:  This is the last edition of the rivalry game...fitting that JP is on the sideline for the Saints in this one, being that its AT Hanover? 

[Adam Sayer]

Everytime I walk into Purcell (which is where I'm helping out), I look for a picture of JPC, more or less you make fun of him for the late 80's style, but can't find a single picture. It depresses me everytime. I just had to get that off my chest.

Since I know he reads this all the time, I'll give a shout out to Mr. Annexation of Puerto Rico himself, Evan Dreyer, as he helps prepare HIS Colerain Cardnals for Hoover Buccaneers. For those of you who don't know Evan, he's famous for two things. Hooking up with big-busted red-heads and running the Annexation of Puerto Rico to a T.

[Adam Sayer]

Prepsnation.com ranks St. X #1 in the USA and DeMatha (MD) #3

[SaintsFAN]

Who is running the picks this year?

[dc_has_been]

Just got back from Tahiti today from my honeymoon & let me tell ya, that place is amazing!  My wife & I stayed in Moorea for four days & La Tahaa for 3 & it is just flipping amazing! 
We also had the opportunity to feed sting ray & (I think) white tip sharks for just one of the activities.  The sharks were little, but when you are underwater & see them coming right at you, it makes you pucker up a bit that is for sure.
Anyways, it is nice to be back & get caught up w/ all the discussion.  I agree with Sayer on the HCAC building a reputation by getting some W's in the playoffs.  The thing is whom ever represents the HCAC, they need to go undefeated in order to get a higher seed in the region.  I would like to think that would get them a home field advantage & possible a game against a weaker team in an automatic bid conference to get the ball rolling.
On regards to Defiance I think if Vetter gets his act together w/ all the weapons he has to his disposal it could be big things for the Jackets.  The defense is going to be a question mark w/ losing a lot on the dline, but they still should be strong everywhere else.  So look for DC being in the mix again towards the end of the season. 
For the rest of the conference Franklin does look like the team to beat & you still can't forget about MSJ b/c I feel they are better off in their QB area from last year & they sill are a strong program.  RHIT again is a team that could surprise a few.   Anderson & Hanover have been having their ups & downs & I see them making some noise but not enough to be in the hunt for the crown.  For Bluffton & Manchester, well it would be nice to see them do well in nonconference play.

[dc_has_been]

here is also some rankings that some might be interested in.  http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1ccbach_mw_brief.php
Good to see some HCAC schools representing.

[wabashcpa]

I've started the Pick 'ems on the General Football thread.  First game is tomorrow night (Tri-State @ Manchester), so if interested, enter your picks ASAP.