Top Game Analysis for Saturday 11/22
All 77 of my predictions for this weeks games can be found on the Football Gazette website [use link on the right side to get there] and then click on Don's predictions.
First, I will list the Top Game, as I see them, for each of the four divisions, including playoff games (NCAA 1-AA, II, III and NAIA) this Saturday.
As time permits I will try to give my analysis on as many games as possible.
PIONEER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Morehead State (8-2) over at Valparaiso (7-4). (NOTE: TFN http://www.footballnetwork.com will televise this game on a tape delay at 7pm est). Morehead State coach Matt Ballard after a 2-19 start in his first two seasons while MSU was switching from the Ohio Valley Conference to playing as a Division I-AA Independent with need-based scholarships only, Ballard has led MSU to a 47-24 record the past seven seasons. The 2001 Eagles were 6-5 and finished second in the Pioneer Football League South Division in their first season in the league. A 42-year old native of Davidson, N.C., Ballard compiled a 35-25-1 record in his six seasons (1988-93) directing the Union football program. He led Union to its best single season record and to the institution's first Mid-South Football Conference championship. He was named Mid-South and NAIA District 32 Coach of the year in 1992. Tom Horne is entering his 14th season as head coach at Valpo. In 2000, Horne guided the Crusaders to a share of the Pioneer Football League Championship, marking the school's first conference title in 32 years. The 48-year-old directed the Crusaders to a 7-4 record in 2000, which included a title-clinching 16-15 victory over perennial champion Dayton. In the early portion of the 2000 season, the Crusaders were ranked #1 among non-scholarship NCAA I-AA schools for three straight weeks by Football Gazette. Horne, who also coaches the tight ends, now has 60 wins at Valpo, becoming the second winningest coach in the school's football history. The Morehead State Eagles offensive attack is generated with the skillful hands of senior quarterback (#10) David Caudill who has thrown for 2,329 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 166-of-301 passes while also rushing for 426 yards with three scores on 110 carries. Heading the lineup of receivers for Caudill is senior (#7) Ralph Delsardo with 41 receptions for 781 yards and five TDs. Checking-in with 24 catches for 415 yards and six touchdowns is (#25) Eli Parkes, while senior (#4) Matt Loy has tucked in 19 passes for 309 yards and one score. On special teams the evasive Loy has 32 punt returns for an 8.9 average per return and 11 kickoff returns for an average of 21.5. Morehead State does not rush that often, but if Caudill is not doing the rushing it will most likely be freshman fullback (#31) Jabari McGee who has 45 carries for 252 yards and four scores. The Eagles’ defense is led by junior linebacker (#51) Craig Unger with 102 tackles, 10 for losses, two sacks, 10 QB hurries and three interceptions including 108 return yards and one touchdown. Senior linebacker (#53) Odi Anyanwu has a team-leading 13.5 tackles for loss with three sacks on a total of 60 tackles. Junior (#18) Kwesi Williams hits the tackle charts with 49, while also totaling four interceptions, four pass breakups and 14 QB hurries, and senior defensive end (#44) Joel Wainscott’s totals are 30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass deflections and 10 QB hurries. Morehead State’s freshman punter (#85) Aaron Charles is averaging 39.1 yards per punt, with a long of 68 yards including 21 of 48 kicks inside the 20. Place kicker, sophomore (#81) Adam Jones, is 9-for-12 on field goal tries with a long of 49 yards. The Valparaiso Crusaders prolific passing attack is led by their astute signal caller, senior (#7) David Macchi. Macchi has completed 216-of-378 pass attempts with 34 touchdowns and 3,403 yards and has rushed 96 times for 228 yards and two scores! Topping Macchi’s bevy of receivers in receptions is junior (#6) Kevin Knudson with 69 catches for 1,032 yards with five scores. Deceptive Junior (#89) Rob Giancola has brought down 52 passes for 1,356 yards and 22 touchdowns! Senior (#5) Ryan Barno has 36 receptions for 394 yards with one score and has averaged 8.5 yards per return on punts. Leading the competition for top-man on the tackle chart is senior linebacker (#33) Lawrence Canada with 98, while also registering eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and four pass blocks. Pushing Canada for the team lead in tackles is sophomore (#13) Brad Sweja with 90, along with one interception, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries and is averaging 26.2 yards on six kickoff returns while also returning 12 punts for an 11.2 average. Other Valparaiso standouts on defense are junior defensive back (#24) Chris Daniels who totals 45 tackles, six interceptions and five pass deflections, sophomore lineman (#66) Bill Marshall tallies 42 tackles, 15 for losses, six sacks and three pass breakups, and freshman defensive end (#50) James Riker has 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and two pass blocks. Not forgotten, and the man that could be the difference for a Valpo win, is freshman place kicker (#82) Andrew McCawley who has connected on 11-of-15 field goal tries including a long of 52 yards while being successful on 28-for-33 PAT’s. My Observations: Morehead State must stop the Valparaiso passing game, that means that Kwesi Williams and his backfield teammates will have to be wary of the Valpo receivers coming off the line of scrimmage. Craig Unger will be called on to keep pressure on the quarterback The Eagles’ David Caudill and Jabari McGee will have to do more rushing to keep that Valpo pass attack on the sidelines. Valpo will need to at least make an attempt to run with the ball, but their main offensive contribution in the game will be sparked by David Macchi as he attempts to find an open receiver (Valpo is averaging 315.5 passing yards per game). Bill Marshall needs to add to his tackles for loss and sack totals for the Crusaders to compete successfully. Players to Watch: I would watch Caudill for Morehead State who can be tricky when he tucks the ball in and gains significant yardage on the ground. Ralph Delsardo has been successful in avoiding his coverage to make long gainers via the airways. It could come down to the successful foot of place kicker Adam Jones for a Morehead State victory. For Valpo, David Macchi is their main man with his smooth and accurate delivery to his receivers. Bill Marshall needs to be in the Eagles’ quarterback’s face all afternoon. Valpo’s superb return man Brad Sweja on kickoff and punt returns. Also for Valpo, the deciding factor for a win could very well be off the toe of kicker Andrew McCawley. Should be a fun and entertaining game, and I will be there! I’m looking forward to it too. I do pick Morehead State to win 23-21.
NCAA II First Round Playoff Game
Valdosta State (10-1) over Carson-Newman (10-1). The following webcast link will be available a few minutes before the football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at 1 pm et. http://vsutv.valdosta.edu:8080/ramgen/encoder/athletics.rm Ken Sparks is in his 24th season as the head coach of the Carson-Newman Eagles. Since he took over the Eagle program in 1980, Sparks has built a national football powerhouse first at the NAIA level and now at the NCAA Division II level. The numbers speak for themselves when examining the success coach Sparks has brought to the Eagle football program- Five national championships, four
national runner-up finishes, 17 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championships and 19 NAIA or NCAA playoff appearances. Coach Sparks’ 233 wins (233-53-2) is the best among all Division II coaches and is eighth among NCAA coaches in all three divisions. His winning percentage of .813 is 11th among all NCAA head coaches. Both these coaches have differing offensive philosophies, Coach Chris Hatcher has directed VSU to a 46-5 record including 34-2 in the Gulf South Conference and were national runners-up last year in the NCAA Division II playoffs losing to Grand Valley State 31-24 in the finals. Hatcher's playing career: Valdosta State, 1991-94 (41 consecutive starts, compiled 29-10-2 record); holds 14 achool records, 13 Gulf South Conference and 17 Division II national records; Two-time all-America (1993 and 1994); Harlon Hill Trophy (best player in Division II) winner by the second largest vote margin in the history of the award (1994); two-time winner of the Gulf South Conference Commissioner's Trophy (1993 and 1994); member of Gulf South Conference Team of the 1990's; NCAA Top Eight Award Winner (1994); awarded one of 16 post-graduate scholarships from the National Football Foundation (1994); GTE Academic All-America National Player of the Year (1994); elected in his first year of eligibility to Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2001; elected to Macon Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2001 (last class was elected in 2001). Valdosta State will pass about three-out-of-four times and Carson-Newman will rely on their ground attack three-out-of-four times. The Blazers passing attack is sparked by sophomore quarterback (#11) Barrett Wilkes who has passed for a prodigious 2,958 yards and 24 touchdown completing 248-of-390 (63.6 percent)passes. With 10 receivers that have 16 or more receptions, anyone that VSU brings in at a receiver spot will be very capable performing at that position. Surprisingly, their sophomore tight end (#82) Andre Zeller leads all receivers in receptions with 39, and yards with 507 including seven TDs. Their other sophomore tight end (#6) Bama Adams has 22 catches for 402 yards and five scores while also returning 29 punts for an average of 11.5 yards per return including one for a touchdown. At wide receiver for the Blazers are junior (#9) Tyrone Jordan with 35 grabs for 481 yards and five scores and freshman (#3) Raymond Thomas who has tucked in 35 tosses for 447 yards and three touchdowns. The Blazers also have a pair of very capable running backs. Junior (#20) Tyran Robinson has 95 carries for 537 yards and five scores while also catching 17 passes for 133 yards and returning 12 kickoffs an average of 20.6 yards per return. Their senior workhorse (#14) Aaron Jenkins has 126 rushes for 528 yards and three TDs while also pulling in 24 receptions for 149 yards and one more score. VSU’s tackle leader is senior linebacker (#53) Jason Cost with 75 stops, 11 for losses and three pass blocks. At another linebacker slot is senior (#34) Marlin Adams with 56 hits, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and one pass breakup. Rounding out the Blazers defensive leaders is senior free safety (#47) Wesley Brown with 57 tackles, three behind the line of scrimmage, two kick blocks and two pass deflections, while sophomore defensive end (#91) Tim Thompson claims 48 hits, 15 for losses including six sacks and one pass block. Carson-Newman is one rushing son-of-a-gun averaging 329.8 yards on the ground per game! The one calibrating their rushing attack is junior quarterback Shane Kelley who is second on the team in carries (113) and rushing yards (607) and tied for the lead in touchdowns with nine while also completing 58-of-116 passes for 1,235 yards and nine scores. Chief among the running backs is sophomore J.J. Chatmon with 119 carries for 743 yards and nine scores while sophomore Ray Hightower has gained 471 yards on 63 carries (with no negative yards) for three scores. Kiel Angry brings 389 yards on 67 carries with five TDs to the Eagles rushing totals and sophomore Rayvon Howard is credited with 69 carries for 378 yards and five touchdowns. The most likely target to catch any passes thrown by the Eagles quarterback is senior Alvin Sanders who has 20 receptions for 461 yards and five scores. The Eagles’ defensive tackle leader is sophomore linebacker (#8) Eric Solomon with 66 hits, five for losses and three pass breakups. Senior linebacker (#42) Robbie Tebow has registered 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss including five sacks and seven QB hurries. Senior defensive lineman (#93) Junior Glymph is a terror to opposing quarterbacks and leads the team in sacks with seven and has totaled 34 tackles, nine for losses, one pass breakup and five QB hurries. The Eagles’ defensive backfield is patrolled by their crafty defensive back (#6) Deonte Bolden who has a team-leading seven interceptions for 125 return yards, including one he returned 81 yards for a score, while totaling 23 tackles, and three pass breakups. Also sophomore Henry Chennault is a threat on kick returns with 14 punt returns for a 12.4 average per return and nine kickoff returns for a 23.4 average. My Observation: Carson-Newman, if they have a weakness, it is their overall pass defense and I see Valdosta State exploiting it, which means Deonte Bolden and his teammates will be kept very busy defending against the pass. If Bolden can snare one of Wilkes passes, with his moves and quickness he could take it all the way back for a touchdown. The Blazers having a network of receivers will present a major problem for the Eagles’ defense. Thompson, Cost and Marlin Adams will be putting a lot of pressure on the C-NC quarterback. Carson-Newman needs to establish their running game early to take control of the game. I think this is their salvation against the Blazers. Chatmon, Kelley and Hightower will need to perform this Herculean task in order to keep the Blazers passing attack on the sidelines. Bolden will be a major player in the game as he needs to be alert as the Blazer receivers accelerate from the line of scrimmage. Tebow and Glymph must get to the Blazers’ quarterback to put pressure on him. Players to Watch: For Valdosta State: Quarterback Wilkes and his great arm. Andre Zellner at tight end, especially when the Blazers are close to the Eagles’ goal line. Thompson putting relentless pressure on Kelley. For Carson-Newman: Kelley as he hands off or does a keeper. Bolden on pass coverage. If the game is close in the final minutes, Angel Gonzalez could figure in the mix with his accurate field goal kicking 10-of12, long 45). In a tight one I’ll take Valdosta State at home, 23-20.
NCAA III First Round Playoff Game
Bethel (9-1) over at Wartburg (10-0). Listen Live: http://www.go-knights.net/ In 2001, coach Steve Johnson directed Bethel to their second consecutive MIAC championship and their second consecutive berth in the NCAA playoffs. Over the past three years, Coach Johnson has led Bethel to a 27-3 regular season record and an MIAC best 29-6 record in conference play. Johnson says, “At Bethel College, we have a very distinct football program philosophy, one that is consistent with the message and mission of Bethel College. The cornerstone of our program and school is a real and intelligent faith in Jesus Christ. This faith manifests itself not in contrived or superficial ways, but in very real ways that are evidenced by our attitudes and behaviors. Wartburg coach Rick Willis heads the Knights’ football program and has turned it into a yearly contender for the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference crown since Willis took over the reigns in 1997. His six-year record of 63-10 ranks him in the top five among winningest active coaches percentage-wise in NCAA Division III. A 53-5 run in the IIAC over the past six seasons and conference championships in 2003, 2002 and 1999 are included in that mark. It’s just a shame that these two exceptionally talented teams must meet in the first round of the playoffs. Bethel had last week off while Wartburg was defeating old nemesis Central College 29-3. Wartburg has a very strong defense and is allowing its opponents just 55.4 yards on the ground and 143.3 yards in the air. It will be up to the steady hands and eyes of Bethel’s dependable senior quarterback (#5) Scott Kirchoff to find a weakness in Wartburg’s rugged defense. Kirchoff has completed 129-of-220 passes for 1,781 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kirchoff’s favorite target has been senior (#7) John Kilde who has brought down 34 passes for 683 yards and seven scores while also returning 23 punt for an average of 13.2 yards a return and 20 kickoffs for a 19.8 yard average. In receptions, senior (#10) Jeff Lehn is right behind Kilde with 31 catches for 383 yards and one TD, while freshman (#80) Zach Ludvigson has 19 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Heading the Royals ball carriers is freshman (#25) Phil Porta with 818 yards gained and three scores on 149 carries. Sophomore I-back (#39) Jesse Dick has picked up 394 yards on the ground with a pair of touchdowns on 75 carries while junior fullback (#33) Chris Evans has scrambled for 240 yards on 65 carries with six scores. Bethel’s defense is headed by their leading tackler, senior strong safety (#21) Sam Lacy with 99 hits, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and five blocked kicks! Senior linebacker (#41) Matt Wassink has totaled 85 stops, six behind the line, one interception and two pass blocks while senior defensive tackle (#59) Scott Wessman registers 29 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and has returned his interception for a touchdown. The Royals junior cornerback (#3) Jeremy Sather has 48 tackles, 10 pass blocks, one blocked kick and six interceptions including one that he returned for a score. In game winning situations their strong footed kicker, senior (#18) Paul Tschetter, is a valuable asset for the Royals, connecting on 10-of-15 field goal tries, including a long of 52 yards with 4-of-6 from 40 yards or longer. Engineering the Wartburg offense is sophomore quarterback (#14) Reed Hoskins who has thrown for 2,238 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 148-of-228 pass attempts. Senior (#22) Chris Winter has the most receptions with 48 for 842 yards and 11 scores. Leading the Royals rushing attack is senior (#34) Brad Hodapp with 191 carries for 1,050 yards and 11 scores, while junior (#5) Andy Parker has picked up 603 yards on 132 carries with 11 touchdowns. As the Wartburg defensive stats would indicate, they have a number of defensive bullies on their team. And the player which causes the tintinnabulation (I just had too. Couldn’t help it! lol) because he leads the tackle chart, is the Royals speedy defensive back (#1) Brian McIntire with 64 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, six pass breakups and one blocked kick. Senior defensive end (#96) Vince King chimes in with 56 tackles, 17 for losses, including 10 sacks while senior linebacker (#44) Matt Stoffel has recorded 54 hits , 15.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 11 sacks. Senior defensive back (#23) John Mosback has 25 tackles and five interceptions. The Royals very dangerous senior defensive back (#4) Cody Kelley has 23 hits, six picks, two pass blocks and when on offense as a receiver he has 42 receptions for 651 yards and nine touchdowns. Kelley also runs back kickoffs and punts. Another veritable threat for Bethel is freshman kick returner (#19) Reggie Doby with nine punt returns for an average of 27.3 yards per return including two touchdowns, and four kickoff returns for an average of 19.8 per return. My Observation: Bethel lost their final game of the season in a cliffhanger to perennial power St. John’s (10-0), 29-26. So the Royals’ certainly know how to move the ball against the best of teams. After that disappointing loss this squad would like nothing better than to get a second-chance against St. John’s in the playoffs, but it will not be easy against Wartburg’s stellar defense. Wartburg is not looking at this game as the culmination of their season, they have their sights set much higher than that. So we have here an historical struggle of two mighty behemoths. Which one of these Titans can claw their way to victory? For Bethel everything starts with Scott Kirchoff. With the Knights rushing defense being so stingy I expect that Kirchoff and Kilde will need to connect frequently to succeed in this game. The Royals offensive line must find ways to propel Porta and Dick through an opening. Wassink and Wessman must put pressure on the Knights quarterback. Sather will be a very busy man on pass coverage and I expect he will be covering Chris Winter of the Knights and must be wary of their hustling receiver. I think the Knights’ will try to exploit the Royals defensive line with Hodapp and Parker leading their ground attack. Chris Winter will see some action also, but will need to be watchful of Bethel’s outstanding cornerback Jeremy Sather. Players to Watch: For Bethel, Scott Kirchoff for his passing ability. John Kilde might be the difference in bringing a victory for Bethel. Kilde is shifty and smart in his moves, especially watch him on punt and kick returns. Wessman and Lacy’s coverage of Wartburg’s receivers. For Wartburg, Reed Hoskins prowess in throwing the ball to his receivers. Chris Winter evading his coverage. Wartburg’s junior punter (#80) Mark Giesmann (39 punts, 41.1 average, 63 long, 17 inside the 20) pinning Bethel deep in their own territory. Vince King pressuring the Bethel quarterback. I will take Bethel, after a whale-of-a-ballgame, 16-14.
NAIA Playoff Game
at St. Francis, Ind. (10-0) over Georgetown, Ky. (9-2). You can listen to the game on internet radio at http://www.sf.edu/athletics or http://www.wrvg-fm.org/audio03.htm St. Francis head coach Kevin Donley, who has established himself as one of the most successful small college football coach’s in the country, has taken two different programs to national prominence, won a national championship and national coach of the year honors, begins his fifth season as head football coach at the University of Saint Francis. Donley led the high-powered Cougars to a their fourth straight Mid-States Football Association Mideast League championship and their fourth consecutive NAIA Playoff berth. Donley, who was head coach at Georgetown College for 11 seasons from 1982-92, ranks 10th in the nation in total wins and is closing in on the rare 150 victory plateau. While at Georgetown, Donley led the Tigers to the 1991 NAIA national championship with a 13-1 record, a season in which he earned NAIA National Coach of the Year honors. Faced with a monumental building process during his tenure with the Tigers, Donley’s record was an impressive 77-42 (.647) at Georgetown. Donley’s overall coaching record is 154-101-1 (24 years). Georgetown head coach Bill Cronin has taken his Tigers’ to five straight NAIA finals, winning three times. Cronin has built a football dynasty at Georgetown. The St. Francis offense is inaugurated by their talented junior quarterback (#4) Chris Bramell who has completed 125-of-236 passes for 1,989 yards with 22 touchdowns while also gaining 341 yards with seven scores on 51 carries. Bramell’s favorite target is junior (#15) Greg Seiss with 25 receptions for 570 yards and five TDs. The Cougars have six ball carries with 200 or more yards gained in 2003. Leading this cluster of running backs is sophomore (#34) Mike Ledo with 163 carries for 1,075 yards and six touchdowns while also gaining 268 yards on 20 receptions with three more scores. Senior (#2) Luther Stroder has picked up 378 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns on 64 carries and has caught 17 passes for 228 yards and two more TDs. Very dangerous when he gets his hands on the ball is freshman (#27) Cory Jacquay with 18 kick returns for an average of 24.8 yards a return, including one for a score and on offense has caught 23 passes for 352 yards and six more touchdowns. St. Francis has many outstanding defensive players, including their top tackler junior defensive back (#8) Jamie Holman with 91 stops, three interceptions and four pass deflections. Topping the chart in tackles for loss is sophomore defensive end (#97) Chris Van Horn with 13, and has 38 tackles, six sacks and an interception that he returned 24 yards for a score. Senior defensive back (#25) Alan Ganaway leads the team in both interceptions (6) and pass breakups (15) and has 38 tackles. The Cougars’ sophomore defensive back (#7) Clarence Ellington claims 58 hits, two interceptions and nine pass blocks while senior linebacker (#41) Ben Rogers tips in at 69 tackles, seven for losses including two sacks. Georgetown came out of the gate slow but has been terrorizing their opponents lately. The Tigers offense is spread about even between the ground and the airways. Directing this varied offense is their enterprising senior quarterback (#10) Neil Warren with 564 yards gained rushing on 102 carries with six touchdowns and has completed 175-of-291 passes for 2,150 yards and 19 scores. Receiving most of the opportunities to catch a Warren pass is junior (#18) Jeremiah Akers with 45 grabs for 444 yards and four TDs. Junior (#30) Ryan Payne has 34 receptions for 483 yards and six touchdowns while junior (#25) Jerome Gearlds has tucked in 27 passes for 487 yards including five scores and is also very dangerous on punt returns averaging 14.4 yards per return (19 returns), including two for touchdown and 10 kickoff returns for an average of 24.8 yards. The Tigers senior fullback (#45) Nick Ayers has rushed for 535 yards and 10 touchdowns on a team-leading 106 carries while also catching 20 passes for 167 yards and one more TD. Senior linebacker (#9) John Michael Sullivan leads the Tigers in tackles with 79, including 6.5 sacks. Junior cornerback (#7) Ian Ruth has 59 stops, five for losses, two fumble recoveries and a team-high nine pass blocks. Junior defensive back (#37) Seth Faulkner totals 28 tackles, three pass breakups and a team-high seven interceptions with 202 return yards including one for a score. Senior defensive back (#33) Gerald Parker has contributed 27 tackles, three pass deflections and four interception with one for a touchdown, and junior linebacker (#5) Jimmy Carter’s numbers are 42 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery and two pass blocks. My Observations: St. Francis will be well tested in this game as Georgetown has many ways to punish you with their offense. Bramell must be able to establish his passing game, if he does not it could be a very long day for the Cougars. I think the speedy receiver Jacquay will be used more often than usual by Bramell to get the ball to. Ledo will be counted on to pick up needed yardage on the ground especially on short and third down plays. Van Horn and Rogers breaking through the Georgetown offensive line while Holman, Ellington and Ganaway will be consumed with pass coverage. Ganaway will possibly be covering the lightning-quick Georgetown receiver Gearlds. Georgetown needs to establish their running attack and control the clock with it. So if the game is close I expect Ayers and Warren to do a lot of rushing. I believe that St. Francis will be kicking away from the Georgetown returner Gearlds, but if he does get his hands on a ball, look out! Faulkner and Parker will be a pain for the St. Francis receivers all afternoon. Players to Watch: For St. Francis, Chris Bramell who is very clever with his hands and it’s hard to tell if he is throwing the ball or handing it off to a running back. Jacquey for his quickness and Ledo shaking off would be tacklers. On defense watch the clever Van Horn break through the line of scrimmage putting pressure on the Georgetown quarterback. Ganaway’s tough coverage on the Tigers receivers. For Georgetown, the mobility of Warren looking for an open receiver. The cat-like moves of Gearlds on kick returns. John Michael Sullivan (when first I saw that name it reminded me of the great John L. Sullivan of boxing fame. No I’m not that old, but close! lol) putting pressure on the St. Francis quarterback. Faulkner and Parker with their intense coverage of the Cougars’ receivers. Somehow I think that St. Francis will finally find a way to defeat Georgetown. Just a hunch, but we all know the percentages connected with hunches. Oh well! I’ll take St. Francis 28-24.
NAIA Playoff Game
at Mary (9-1) over Azusa Pacific (8-1). For live internet broadcast click here http://www.umary.edu/sports/umarysports.ram Head coach Myron Schulz, a Bismarck native, graduated from the University of Mary with bachelor’s degrees in social and behavioral sciences and physical education. He earned a master’s degree in health and human development from Montana State University. Before being hired as head coach at the University of Mary, Schulz spent seven years as an assistant coach for the University of Mary. During that time he was the defensive coordinator during four national playoff seasons. Schulz was also a graduate assistant coach at Montana State University under Head Coach Earle Solomonson and Offensive Coordinator Bart Andrus. Schulz led the Marauders to their first out-right Conference title and to the NAIA Semi-Finals in his first year as head coach. "My experiences have given me tremendous insight into the building of a championship football program," explains Schulz. "I strive to bring continuity to the U-Mary football program. I also work hard to keep the program based on football and to stress the importance of academics." Azusa Pacific head coach Peter Shinnick A large likeable man with a booming voice and a compassionate spirit, Shinnick came to Azusa Pacific in 1999 with the task of leading the Cougars in the defense of their national championship while continuing to build Azusa Pacific into a consistent national power. He met the challenge head on. His first Cougar team won 9 of 12 games, returned to the NAIA playoffs and advanced to the semifinals. He achieved his second goal of consistency as a second-year coach when in 2000 he guided the Cougars to a third straight NAIA postseason appearance - a first in program history. "My father set an example that you can be successful and put God first, family second and your job third," said Shinnick. "His example is why I am in coaching and have the beliefs I do. Having played for Bill McCartney, I saw how a man with passion can lead a team from the conference bottom to the conference championship. And having worked for the likes of Dal Shealy, Ken Hatfield, Jerry Pettibone and Fred Whitmire, I have seen godly men in action be successful by building their programs on the right set of principles." The University of Mary does a lot of passing and leading that passing attack is senior quarterback (#10) Tim Garcia who has completed 155-of-235 pass attempts for 2,146 yards and a remarkable 26 touchdowns. His favorite target is junior (#88) Jake Pfau with 49 receptions for 894 yards and 15 scores. Senior (#88) Reed Ruggles has grabbed 15 passes for 205 yards and a score while senior (#80) Derek Schatz has brought down 29 tosses for 302 yards with two touchdowns. Their rushing attack is supported by senior (#34) Gerald Fryman with 561 yards gained with seven TDs on 150 carries. Mary’s explosive sophomore running back (#30) Aaron Wald has 70 carries for 379 yards and two scores while also registering 12 punt returns for a 12.8 yards per return average. On defense, sophomore defensive back (#16) Chris Murdock has seven interceptions. Azusa Pacific relies more on a rushing attack with sophomore (#34) Ben Buys leading the way with 186 carries for 996 yards and 12 TDs while catching three passes for 15 yards. Freshman (#20) James Keeler has rushed for 362 yards and three touchdowns on 71 carries and has caught five passes for 35 yards and one more score. Sophomore quarterback (#15) Sean Davis has had 45 carries for 113 yards and completed 80-of-175 passes for 1,119 yards and nine scores. Leading the receiving corps is junior (#14) Jon Miller with 29 catches for 365 yards and two TDs. Senior (#80) Nate Farris has pulled in 13 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, and is extremely dangerous on punt returns with 14 for an average of 27.4 yards per return with two scores. On defense sophomore linebacker (#23) Steve Holte leads the tackle chart with 60, including four for lost yardage, one interception and three pass breakups. A pair of Cougar defensive ends have played a major role for the teams success this year. Senior (#77) Nick Travaglione has a team-high 60 tackles, including 16 behind the line with nine sacks. Senior (#44) Anthony Diggs has 47 hits, 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five pass breakups and one blocked kick. Also worthy of mention is junior defensive lineman (#52) Peder Moore with 38 stops, nine for losses, one interception and two pass blocks. My Observations: Mary will stick mostly to their passing game with Garcia and Pfau connecting often. Fryman will be counted on to help the passing attack by grinding out some meaningful yards. Murdock will carry the load on pass coverage. For Azusa Pacific I expect they will do a little more passing in this game than usual. Mary’s defense is only allowing 43.4 yards per game rushing. Ben Buys is a very strong runner so I do expect him to gain some yardage on the ground. Davis and Miller could be the winning combination for the Cougars. You should hear the names of Tavaglione and Diggs called often as they will be quick forcing their way through the Mary offensive line putting pressure on the quarterback. Players to Watch: For Mary, the quick release of the ball by Garcia and the sure hands of Pfau with the reception. Fryman driving straight ahead and gaining yardage. For Azusa Pacific watch Ben Buys once he gets past the line of scrimmage and accelerates for major yardage. Davis’s playmaking. Tavaglione and Diggs crashing through the Mary offensive line. In a nip-and-tuck battle I’ll take Mary to come out with the victory, 17-13.
First, I will list the Top Game, as I see them, for each of the four divisions, including playoff games (NCAA 1-AA, II, III and NAIA) this Saturday.
As time permits I will try to give my analysis on as many games as possible.
PIONEER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Morehead State (8-2) over at Valparaiso (7-4). (NOTE: TFN http://www.footballnetwork.com will televise this game on a tape delay at 7pm est). Morehead State coach Matt Ballard after a 2-19 start in his first two seasons while MSU was switching from the Ohio Valley Conference to playing as a Division I-AA Independent with need-based scholarships only, Ballard has led MSU to a 47-24 record the past seven seasons. The 2001 Eagles were 6-5 and finished second in the Pioneer Football League South Division in their first season in the league. A 42-year old native of Davidson, N.C., Ballard compiled a 35-25-1 record in his six seasons (1988-93) directing the Union football program. He led Union to its best single season record and to the institution's first Mid-South Football Conference championship. He was named Mid-South and NAIA District 32 Coach of the year in 1992. Tom Horne is entering his 14th season as head coach at Valpo. In 2000, Horne guided the Crusaders to a share of the Pioneer Football League Championship, marking the school's first conference title in 32 years. The 48-year-old directed the Crusaders to a 7-4 record in 2000, which included a title-clinching 16-15 victory over perennial champion Dayton. In the early portion of the 2000 season, the Crusaders were ranked #1 among non-scholarship NCAA I-AA schools for three straight weeks by Football Gazette. Horne, who also coaches the tight ends, now has 60 wins at Valpo, becoming the second winningest coach in the school's football history. The Morehead State Eagles offensive attack is generated with the skillful hands of senior quarterback (#10) David Caudill who has thrown for 2,329 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 166-of-301 passes while also rushing for 426 yards with three scores on 110 carries. Heading the lineup of receivers for Caudill is senior (#7) Ralph Delsardo with 41 receptions for 781 yards and five TDs. Checking-in with 24 catches for 415 yards and six touchdowns is (#25) Eli Parkes, while senior (#4) Matt Loy has tucked in 19 passes for 309 yards and one score. On special teams the evasive Loy has 32 punt returns for an 8.9 average per return and 11 kickoff returns for an average of 21.5. Morehead State does not rush that often, but if Caudill is not doing the rushing it will most likely be freshman fullback (#31) Jabari McGee who has 45 carries for 252 yards and four scores. The Eagles’ defense is led by junior linebacker (#51) Craig Unger with 102 tackles, 10 for losses, two sacks, 10 QB hurries and three interceptions including 108 return yards and one touchdown. Senior linebacker (#53) Odi Anyanwu has a team-leading 13.5 tackles for loss with three sacks on a total of 60 tackles. Junior (#18) Kwesi Williams hits the tackle charts with 49, while also totaling four interceptions, four pass breakups and 14 QB hurries, and senior defensive end (#44) Joel Wainscott’s totals are 30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass deflections and 10 QB hurries. Morehead State’s freshman punter (#85) Aaron Charles is averaging 39.1 yards per punt, with a long of 68 yards including 21 of 48 kicks inside the 20. Place kicker, sophomore (#81) Adam Jones, is 9-for-12 on field goal tries with a long of 49 yards. The Valparaiso Crusaders prolific passing attack is led by their astute signal caller, senior (#7) David Macchi. Macchi has completed 216-of-378 pass attempts with 34 touchdowns and 3,403 yards and has rushed 96 times for 228 yards and two scores! Topping Macchi’s bevy of receivers in receptions is junior (#6) Kevin Knudson with 69 catches for 1,032 yards with five scores. Deceptive Junior (#89) Rob Giancola has brought down 52 passes for 1,356 yards and 22 touchdowns! Senior (#5) Ryan Barno has 36 receptions for 394 yards with one score and has averaged 8.5 yards per return on punts. Leading the competition for top-man on the tackle chart is senior linebacker (#33) Lawrence Canada with 98, while also registering eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and four pass blocks. Pushing Canada for the team lead in tackles is sophomore (#13) Brad Sweja with 90, along with one interception, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries and is averaging 26.2 yards on six kickoff returns while also returning 12 punts for an 11.2 average. Other Valparaiso standouts on defense are junior defensive back (#24) Chris Daniels who totals 45 tackles, six interceptions and five pass deflections, sophomore lineman (#66) Bill Marshall tallies 42 tackles, 15 for losses, six sacks and three pass breakups, and freshman defensive end (#50) James Riker has 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks and two pass blocks. Not forgotten, and the man that could be the difference for a Valpo win, is freshman place kicker (#82) Andrew McCawley who has connected on 11-of-15 field goal tries including a long of 52 yards while being successful on 28-for-33 PAT’s. My Observations: Morehead State must stop the Valparaiso passing game, that means that Kwesi Williams and his backfield teammates will have to be wary of the Valpo receivers coming off the line of scrimmage. Craig Unger will be called on to keep pressure on the quarterback The Eagles’ David Caudill and Jabari McGee will have to do more rushing to keep that Valpo pass attack on the sidelines. Valpo will need to at least make an attempt to run with the ball, but their main offensive contribution in the game will be sparked by David Macchi as he attempts to find an open receiver (Valpo is averaging 315.5 passing yards per game). Bill Marshall needs to add to his tackles for loss and sack totals for the Crusaders to compete successfully. Players to Watch: I would watch Caudill for Morehead State who can be tricky when he tucks the ball in and gains significant yardage on the ground. Ralph Delsardo has been successful in avoiding his coverage to make long gainers via the airways. It could come down to the successful foot of place kicker Adam Jones for a Morehead State victory. For Valpo, David Macchi is their main man with his smooth and accurate delivery to his receivers. Bill Marshall needs to be in the Eagles’ quarterback’s face all afternoon. Valpo’s superb return man Brad Sweja on kickoff and punt returns. Also for Valpo, the deciding factor for a win could very well be off the toe of kicker Andrew McCawley. Should be a fun and entertaining game, and I will be there! I’m looking forward to it too. I do pick Morehead State to win 23-21.
NCAA II First Round Playoff Game
Valdosta State (10-1) over Carson-Newman (10-1). The following webcast link will be available a few minutes before the football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at 1 pm et. http://vsutv.valdosta.edu:8080/ramgen/encoder/athletics.rm Ken Sparks is in his 24th season as the head coach of the Carson-Newman Eagles. Since he took over the Eagle program in 1980, Sparks has built a national football powerhouse first at the NAIA level and now at the NCAA Division II level. The numbers speak for themselves when examining the success coach Sparks has brought to the Eagle football program- Five national championships, four
national runner-up finishes, 17 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championships and 19 NAIA or NCAA playoff appearances. Coach Sparks’ 233 wins (233-53-2) is the best among all Division II coaches and is eighth among NCAA coaches in all three divisions. His winning percentage of .813 is 11th among all NCAA head coaches. Both these coaches have differing offensive philosophies, Coach Chris Hatcher has directed VSU to a 46-5 record including 34-2 in the Gulf South Conference and were national runners-up last year in the NCAA Division II playoffs losing to Grand Valley State 31-24 in the finals. Hatcher's playing career: Valdosta State, 1991-94 (41 consecutive starts, compiled 29-10-2 record); holds 14 achool records, 13 Gulf South Conference and 17 Division II national records; Two-time all-America (1993 and 1994); Harlon Hill Trophy (best player in Division II) winner by the second largest vote margin in the history of the award (1994); two-time winner of the Gulf South Conference Commissioner's Trophy (1993 and 1994); member of Gulf South Conference Team of the 1990's; NCAA Top Eight Award Winner (1994); awarded one of 16 post-graduate scholarships from the National Football Foundation (1994); GTE Academic All-America National Player of the Year (1994); elected in his first year of eligibility to Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2001; elected to Macon Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2001 (last class was elected in 2001). Valdosta State will pass about three-out-of-four times and Carson-Newman will rely on their ground attack three-out-of-four times. The Blazers passing attack is sparked by sophomore quarterback (#11) Barrett Wilkes who has passed for a prodigious 2,958 yards and 24 touchdown completing 248-of-390 (63.6 percent)passes. With 10 receivers that have 16 or more receptions, anyone that VSU brings in at a receiver spot will be very capable performing at that position. Surprisingly, their sophomore tight end (#82) Andre Zeller leads all receivers in receptions with 39, and yards with 507 including seven TDs. Their other sophomore tight end (#6) Bama Adams has 22 catches for 402 yards and five scores while also returning 29 punts for an average of 11.5 yards per return including one for a touchdown. At wide receiver for the Blazers are junior (#9) Tyrone Jordan with 35 grabs for 481 yards and five scores and freshman (#3) Raymond Thomas who has tucked in 35 tosses for 447 yards and three touchdowns. The Blazers also have a pair of very capable running backs. Junior (#20) Tyran Robinson has 95 carries for 537 yards and five scores while also catching 17 passes for 133 yards and returning 12 kickoffs an average of 20.6 yards per return. Their senior workhorse (#14) Aaron Jenkins has 126 rushes for 528 yards and three TDs while also pulling in 24 receptions for 149 yards and one more score. VSU’s tackle leader is senior linebacker (#53) Jason Cost with 75 stops, 11 for losses and three pass blocks. At another linebacker slot is senior (#34) Marlin Adams with 56 hits, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and one pass breakup. Rounding out the Blazers defensive leaders is senior free safety (#47) Wesley Brown with 57 tackles, three behind the line of scrimmage, two kick blocks and two pass deflections, while sophomore defensive end (#91) Tim Thompson claims 48 hits, 15 for losses including six sacks and one pass block. Carson-Newman is one rushing son-of-a-gun averaging 329.8 yards on the ground per game! The one calibrating their rushing attack is junior quarterback Shane Kelley who is second on the team in carries (113) and rushing yards (607) and tied for the lead in touchdowns with nine while also completing 58-of-116 passes for 1,235 yards and nine scores. Chief among the running backs is sophomore J.J. Chatmon with 119 carries for 743 yards and nine scores while sophomore Ray Hightower has gained 471 yards on 63 carries (with no negative yards) for three scores. Kiel Angry brings 389 yards on 67 carries with five TDs to the Eagles rushing totals and sophomore Rayvon Howard is credited with 69 carries for 378 yards and five touchdowns. The most likely target to catch any passes thrown by the Eagles quarterback is senior Alvin Sanders who has 20 receptions for 461 yards and five scores. The Eagles’ defensive tackle leader is sophomore linebacker (#8) Eric Solomon with 66 hits, five for losses and three pass breakups. Senior linebacker (#42) Robbie Tebow has registered 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss including five sacks and seven QB hurries. Senior defensive lineman (#93) Junior Glymph is a terror to opposing quarterbacks and leads the team in sacks with seven and has totaled 34 tackles, nine for losses, one pass breakup and five QB hurries. The Eagles’ defensive backfield is patrolled by their crafty defensive back (#6) Deonte Bolden who has a team-leading seven interceptions for 125 return yards, including one he returned 81 yards for a score, while totaling 23 tackles, and three pass breakups. Also sophomore Henry Chennault is a threat on kick returns with 14 punt returns for a 12.4 average per return and nine kickoff returns for a 23.4 average. My Observation: Carson-Newman, if they have a weakness, it is their overall pass defense and I see Valdosta State exploiting it, which means Deonte Bolden and his teammates will be kept very busy defending against the pass. If Bolden can snare one of Wilkes passes, with his moves and quickness he could take it all the way back for a touchdown. The Blazers having a network of receivers will present a major problem for the Eagles’ defense. Thompson, Cost and Marlin Adams will be putting a lot of pressure on the C-NC quarterback. Carson-Newman needs to establish their running game early to take control of the game. I think this is their salvation against the Blazers. Chatmon, Kelley and Hightower will need to perform this Herculean task in order to keep the Blazers passing attack on the sidelines. Bolden will be a major player in the game as he needs to be alert as the Blazer receivers accelerate from the line of scrimmage. Tebow and Glymph must get to the Blazers’ quarterback to put pressure on him. Players to Watch: For Valdosta State: Quarterback Wilkes and his great arm. Andre Zellner at tight end, especially when the Blazers are close to the Eagles’ goal line. Thompson putting relentless pressure on Kelley. For Carson-Newman: Kelley as he hands off or does a keeper. Bolden on pass coverage. If the game is close in the final minutes, Angel Gonzalez could figure in the mix with his accurate field goal kicking 10-of12, long 45). In a tight one I’ll take Valdosta State at home, 23-20.
NCAA III First Round Playoff Game
Bethel (9-1) over at Wartburg (10-0). Listen Live: http://www.go-knights.net/ In 2001, coach Steve Johnson directed Bethel to their second consecutive MIAC championship and their second consecutive berth in the NCAA playoffs. Over the past three years, Coach Johnson has led Bethel to a 27-3 regular season record and an MIAC best 29-6 record in conference play. Johnson says, “At Bethel College, we have a very distinct football program philosophy, one that is consistent with the message and mission of Bethel College. The cornerstone of our program and school is a real and intelligent faith in Jesus Christ. This faith manifests itself not in contrived or superficial ways, but in very real ways that are evidenced by our attitudes and behaviors. Wartburg coach Rick Willis heads the Knights’ football program and has turned it into a yearly contender for the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference crown since Willis took over the reigns in 1997. His six-year record of 63-10 ranks him in the top five among winningest active coaches percentage-wise in NCAA Division III. A 53-5 run in the IIAC over the past six seasons and conference championships in 2003, 2002 and 1999 are included in that mark. It’s just a shame that these two exceptionally talented teams must meet in the first round of the playoffs. Bethel had last week off while Wartburg was defeating old nemesis Central College 29-3. Wartburg has a very strong defense and is allowing its opponents just 55.4 yards on the ground and 143.3 yards in the air. It will be up to the steady hands and eyes of Bethel’s dependable senior quarterback (#5) Scott Kirchoff to find a weakness in Wartburg’s rugged defense. Kirchoff has completed 129-of-220 passes for 1,781 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kirchoff’s favorite target has been senior (#7) John Kilde who has brought down 34 passes for 683 yards and seven scores while also returning 23 punt for an average of 13.2 yards a return and 20 kickoffs for a 19.8 yard average. In receptions, senior (#10) Jeff Lehn is right behind Kilde with 31 catches for 383 yards and one TD, while freshman (#80) Zach Ludvigson has 19 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Heading the Royals ball carriers is freshman (#25) Phil Porta with 818 yards gained and three scores on 149 carries. Sophomore I-back (#39) Jesse Dick has picked up 394 yards on the ground with a pair of touchdowns on 75 carries while junior fullback (#33) Chris Evans has scrambled for 240 yards on 65 carries with six scores. Bethel’s defense is headed by their leading tackler, senior strong safety (#21) Sam Lacy with 99 hits, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and five blocked kicks! Senior linebacker (#41) Matt Wassink has totaled 85 stops, six behind the line, one interception and two pass blocks while senior defensive tackle (#59) Scott Wessman registers 29 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and has returned his interception for a touchdown. The Royals junior cornerback (#3) Jeremy Sather has 48 tackles, 10 pass blocks, one blocked kick and six interceptions including one that he returned for a score. In game winning situations their strong footed kicker, senior (#18) Paul Tschetter, is a valuable asset for the Royals, connecting on 10-of-15 field goal tries, including a long of 52 yards with 4-of-6 from 40 yards or longer. Engineering the Wartburg offense is sophomore quarterback (#14) Reed Hoskins who has thrown for 2,238 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 148-of-228 pass attempts. Senior (#22) Chris Winter has the most receptions with 48 for 842 yards and 11 scores. Leading the Royals rushing attack is senior (#34) Brad Hodapp with 191 carries for 1,050 yards and 11 scores, while junior (#5) Andy Parker has picked up 603 yards on 132 carries with 11 touchdowns. As the Wartburg defensive stats would indicate, they have a number of defensive bullies on their team. And the player which causes the tintinnabulation (I just had too. Couldn’t help it! lol) because he leads the tackle chart, is the Royals speedy defensive back (#1) Brian McIntire with 64 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, six pass breakups and one blocked kick. Senior defensive end (#96) Vince King chimes in with 56 tackles, 17 for losses, including 10 sacks while senior linebacker (#44) Matt Stoffel has recorded 54 hits , 15.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 11 sacks. Senior defensive back (#23) John Mosback has 25 tackles and five interceptions. The Royals very dangerous senior defensive back (#4) Cody Kelley has 23 hits, six picks, two pass blocks and when on offense as a receiver he has 42 receptions for 651 yards and nine touchdowns. Kelley also runs back kickoffs and punts. Another veritable threat for Bethel is freshman kick returner (#19) Reggie Doby with nine punt returns for an average of 27.3 yards per return including two touchdowns, and four kickoff returns for an average of 19.8 per return. My Observation: Bethel lost their final game of the season in a cliffhanger to perennial power St. John’s (10-0), 29-26. So the Royals’ certainly know how to move the ball against the best of teams. After that disappointing loss this squad would like nothing better than to get a second-chance against St. John’s in the playoffs, but it will not be easy against Wartburg’s stellar defense. Wartburg is not looking at this game as the culmination of their season, they have their sights set much higher than that. So we have here an historical struggle of two mighty behemoths. Which one of these Titans can claw their way to victory? For Bethel everything starts with Scott Kirchoff. With the Knights rushing defense being so stingy I expect that Kirchoff and Kilde will need to connect frequently to succeed in this game. The Royals offensive line must find ways to propel Porta and Dick through an opening. Wassink and Wessman must put pressure on the Knights quarterback. Sather will be a very busy man on pass coverage and I expect he will be covering Chris Winter of the Knights and must be wary of their hustling receiver. I think the Knights’ will try to exploit the Royals defensive line with Hodapp and Parker leading their ground attack. Chris Winter will see some action also, but will need to be watchful of Bethel’s outstanding cornerback Jeremy Sather. Players to Watch: For Bethel, Scott Kirchoff for his passing ability. John Kilde might be the difference in bringing a victory for Bethel. Kilde is shifty and smart in his moves, especially watch him on punt and kick returns. Wessman and Lacy’s coverage of Wartburg’s receivers. For Wartburg, Reed Hoskins prowess in throwing the ball to his receivers. Chris Winter evading his coverage. Wartburg’s junior punter (#80) Mark Giesmann (39 punts, 41.1 average, 63 long, 17 inside the 20) pinning Bethel deep in their own territory. Vince King pressuring the Bethel quarterback. I will take Bethel, after a whale-of-a-ballgame, 16-14.
NAIA Playoff Game
at St. Francis, Ind. (10-0) over Georgetown, Ky. (9-2). You can listen to the game on internet radio at http://www.sf.edu/athletics or http://www.wrvg-fm.org/audio03.htm St. Francis head coach Kevin Donley, who has established himself as one of the most successful small college football coach’s in the country, has taken two different programs to national prominence, won a national championship and national coach of the year honors, begins his fifth season as head football coach at the University of Saint Francis. Donley led the high-powered Cougars to a their fourth straight Mid-States Football Association Mideast League championship and their fourth consecutive NAIA Playoff berth. Donley, who was head coach at Georgetown College for 11 seasons from 1982-92, ranks 10th in the nation in total wins and is closing in on the rare 150 victory plateau. While at Georgetown, Donley led the Tigers to the 1991 NAIA national championship with a 13-1 record, a season in which he earned NAIA National Coach of the Year honors. Faced with a monumental building process during his tenure with the Tigers, Donley’s record was an impressive 77-42 (.647) at Georgetown. Donley’s overall coaching record is 154-101-1 (24 years). Georgetown head coach Bill Cronin has taken his Tigers’ to five straight NAIA finals, winning three times. Cronin has built a football dynasty at Georgetown. The St. Francis offense is inaugurated by their talented junior quarterback (#4) Chris Bramell who has completed 125-of-236 passes for 1,989 yards with 22 touchdowns while also gaining 341 yards with seven scores on 51 carries. Bramell’s favorite target is junior (#15) Greg Seiss with 25 receptions for 570 yards and five TDs. The Cougars have six ball carries with 200 or more yards gained in 2003. Leading this cluster of running backs is sophomore (#34) Mike Ledo with 163 carries for 1,075 yards and six touchdowns while also gaining 268 yards on 20 receptions with three more scores. Senior (#2) Luther Stroder has picked up 378 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns on 64 carries and has caught 17 passes for 228 yards and two more TDs. Very dangerous when he gets his hands on the ball is freshman (#27) Cory Jacquay with 18 kick returns for an average of 24.8 yards a return, including one for a score and on offense has caught 23 passes for 352 yards and six more touchdowns. St. Francis has many outstanding defensive players, including their top tackler junior defensive back (#8) Jamie Holman with 91 stops, three interceptions and four pass deflections. Topping the chart in tackles for loss is sophomore defensive end (#97) Chris Van Horn with 13, and has 38 tackles, six sacks and an interception that he returned 24 yards for a score. Senior defensive back (#25) Alan Ganaway leads the team in both interceptions (6) and pass breakups (15) and has 38 tackles. The Cougars’ sophomore defensive back (#7) Clarence Ellington claims 58 hits, two interceptions and nine pass blocks while senior linebacker (#41) Ben Rogers tips in at 69 tackles, seven for losses including two sacks. Georgetown came out of the gate slow but has been terrorizing their opponents lately. The Tigers offense is spread about even between the ground and the airways. Directing this varied offense is their enterprising senior quarterback (#10) Neil Warren with 564 yards gained rushing on 102 carries with six touchdowns and has completed 175-of-291 passes for 2,150 yards and 19 scores. Receiving most of the opportunities to catch a Warren pass is junior (#18) Jeremiah Akers with 45 grabs for 444 yards and four TDs. Junior (#30) Ryan Payne has 34 receptions for 483 yards and six touchdowns while junior (#25) Jerome Gearlds has tucked in 27 passes for 487 yards including five scores and is also very dangerous on punt returns averaging 14.4 yards per return (19 returns), including two for touchdown and 10 kickoff returns for an average of 24.8 yards. The Tigers senior fullback (#45) Nick Ayers has rushed for 535 yards and 10 touchdowns on a team-leading 106 carries while also catching 20 passes for 167 yards and one more TD. Senior linebacker (#9) John Michael Sullivan leads the Tigers in tackles with 79, including 6.5 sacks. Junior cornerback (#7) Ian Ruth has 59 stops, five for losses, two fumble recoveries and a team-high nine pass blocks. Junior defensive back (#37) Seth Faulkner totals 28 tackles, three pass breakups and a team-high seven interceptions with 202 return yards including one for a score. Senior defensive back (#33) Gerald Parker has contributed 27 tackles, three pass deflections and four interception with one for a touchdown, and junior linebacker (#5) Jimmy Carter’s numbers are 42 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery and two pass blocks. My Observations: St. Francis will be well tested in this game as Georgetown has many ways to punish you with their offense. Bramell must be able to establish his passing game, if he does not it could be a very long day for the Cougars. I think the speedy receiver Jacquay will be used more often than usual by Bramell to get the ball to. Ledo will be counted on to pick up needed yardage on the ground especially on short and third down plays. Van Horn and Rogers breaking through the Georgetown offensive line while Holman, Ellington and Ganaway will be consumed with pass coverage. Ganaway will possibly be covering the lightning-quick Georgetown receiver Gearlds. Georgetown needs to establish their running attack and control the clock with it. So if the game is close I expect Ayers and Warren to do a lot of rushing. I believe that St. Francis will be kicking away from the Georgetown returner Gearlds, but if he does get his hands on a ball, look out! Faulkner and Parker will be a pain for the St. Francis receivers all afternoon. Players to Watch: For St. Francis, Chris Bramell who is very clever with his hands and it’s hard to tell if he is throwing the ball or handing it off to a running back. Jacquey for his quickness and Ledo shaking off would be tacklers. On defense watch the clever Van Horn break through the line of scrimmage putting pressure on the Georgetown quarterback. Ganaway’s tough coverage on the Tigers receivers. For Georgetown, the mobility of Warren looking for an open receiver. The cat-like moves of Gearlds on kick returns. John Michael Sullivan (when first I saw that name it reminded me of the great John L. Sullivan of boxing fame. No I’m not that old, but close! lol) putting pressure on the St. Francis quarterback. Faulkner and Parker with their intense coverage of the Cougars’ receivers. Somehow I think that St. Francis will finally find a way to defeat Georgetown. Just a hunch, but we all know the percentages connected with hunches. Oh well! I’ll take St. Francis 28-24.
NAIA Playoff Game
at Mary (9-1) over Azusa Pacific (8-1). For live internet broadcast click here http://www.umary.edu/sports/umarysports.ram Head coach Myron Schulz, a Bismarck native, graduated from the University of Mary with bachelor’s degrees in social and behavioral sciences and physical education. He earned a master’s degree in health and human development from Montana State University. Before being hired as head coach at the University of Mary, Schulz spent seven years as an assistant coach for the University of Mary. During that time he was the defensive coordinator during four national playoff seasons. Schulz was also a graduate assistant coach at Montana State University under Head Coach Earle Solomonson and Offensive Coordinator Bart Andrus. Schulz led the Marauders to their first out-right Conference title and to the NAIA Semi-Finals in his first year as head coach. "My experiences have given me tremendous insight into the building of a championship football program," explains Schulz. "I strive to bring continuity to the U-Mary football program. I also work hard to keep the program based on football and to stress the importance of academics." Azusa Pacific head coach Peter Shinnick A large likeable man with a booming voice and a compassionate spirit, Shinnick came to Azusa Pacific in 1999 with the task of leading the Cougars in the defense of their national championship while continuing to build Azusa Pacific into a consistent national power. He met the challenge head on. His first Cougar team won 9 of 12 games, returned to the NAIA playoffs and advanced to the semifinals. He achieved his second goal of consistency as a second-year coach when in 2000 he guided the Cougars to a third straight NAIA postseason appearance - a first in program history. "My father set an example that you can be successful and put God first, family second and your job third," said Shinnick. "His example is why I am in coaching and have the beliefs I do. Having played for Bill McCartney, I saw how a man with passion can lead a team from the conference bottom to the conference championship. And having worked for the likes of Dal Shealy, Ken Hatfield, Jerry Pettibone and Fred Whitmire, I have seen godly men in action be successful by building their programs on the right set of principles." The University of Mary does a lot of passing and leading that passing attack is senior quarterback (#10) Tim Garcia who has completed 155-of-235 pass attempts for 2,146 yards and a remarkable 26 touchdowns. His favorite target is junior (#88) Jake Pfau with 49 receptions for 894 yards and 15 scores. Senior (#88) Reed Ruggles has grabbed 15 passes for 205 yards and a score while senior (#80) Derek Schatz has brought down 29 tosses for 302 yards with two touchdowns. Their rushing attack is supported by senior (#34) Gerald Fryman with 561 yards gained with seven TDs on 150 carries. Mary’s explosive sophomore running back (#30) Aaron Wald has 70 carries for 379 yards and two scores while also registering 12 punt returns for a 12.8 yards per return average. On defense, sophomore defensive back (#16) Chris Murdock has seven interceptions. Azusa Pacific relies more on a rushing attack with sophomore (#34) Ben Buys leading the way with 186 carries for 996 yards and 12 TDs while catching three passes for 15 yards. Freshman (#20) James Keeler has rushed for 362 yards and three touchdowns on 71 carries and has caught five passes for 35 yards and one more score. Sophomore quarterback (#15) Sean Davis has had 45 carries for 113 yards and completed 80-of-175 passes for 1,119 yards and nine scores. Leading the receiving corps is junior (#14) Jon Miller with 29 catches for 365 yards and two TDs. Senior (#80) Nate Farris has pulled in 13 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, and is extremely dangerous on punt returns with 14 for an average of 27.4 yards per return with two scores. On defense sophomore linebacker (#23) Steve Holte leads the tackle chart with 60, including four for lost yardage, one interception and three pass breakups. A pair of Cougar defensive ends have played a major role for the teams success this year. Senior (#77) Nick Travaglione has a team-high 60 tackles, including 16 behind the line with nine sacks. Senior (#44) Anthony Diggs has 47 hits, 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five pass breakups and one blocked kick. Also worthy of mention is junior defensive lineman (#52) Peder Moore with 38 stops, nine for losses, one interception and two pass blocks. My Observations: Mary will stick mostly to their passing game with Garcia and Pfau connecting often. Fryman will be counted on to help the passing attack by grinding out some meaningful yards. Murdock will carry the load on pass coverage. For Azusa Pacific I expect they will do a little more passing in this game than usual. Mary’s defense is only allowing 43.4 yards per game rushing. Ben Buys is a very strong runner so I do expect him to gain some yardage on the ground. Davis and Miller could be the winning combination for the Cougars. You should hear the names of Tavaglione and Diggs called often as they will be quick forcing their way through the Mary offensive line putting pressure on the quarterback. Players to Watch: For Mary, the quick release of the ball by Garcia and the sure hands of Pfau with the reception. Fryman driving straight ahead and gaining yardage. For Azusa Pacific watch Ben Buys once he gets past the line of scrimmage and accelerates for major yardage. Davis’s playmaking. Tavaglione and Diggs crashing through the Mary offensive line. In a nip-and-tuck battle I’ll take Mary to come out with the victory, 17-13.
posted by Don @ 11/19/2003 09:46:00 PM
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