Month: October 2019

PAINFUL HOMECOMING DAY!

Well….we walk off the field following a rough game with Susquehanna on Homecoming and I run into several former players.  Guys who have fought their butts off for the Blue and Grey.  Guys who have seen a lot of success and put in a lot of hard work for Moravian College.

You would think the first thing you hear coming out of there mouths would be complaints about the current state of Moravian football and some disappointment and perhaps anger at us as coaches.  But no not that at all.

They know all of us well.  Recognize the 80 plus hour weeks (NO EXAGGERATION) that are put in by the coaching staff.  Countless hours on the phones getting not only athletes – but students for Moravian (Hmmm that professor in English, History, Math – how many students do they bring in?). The former athletes know.

First comments are “Hey, so nice to see you…. and great to be here again!  What can I (we) do to help get this right again?  You guys work so hard with so little respect from the school”  That is comforting because although we hear more encouragement and positive reinforcement from family, friends and alums….it is hard to ignore some nagging complaints from others.

I confide in several former players and interested alums that there has become a separation of three teams from the pack in the Centennial Conference.  Hopkins and Muhlenberg have always had an edge due to money (we have little) facilities (on the road we see the superiority our opponents have compared to ours) and academics (well just read about liberal arts school rankings in national publications).   These are not complaints just the pure and simple facts of Centennial football.

But now Susquehanna has copied the Muhlenberg model of packaging need and financial aid.  Their requirements for admission allow them to open their doors to many students from all over Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.  Where we have become more restrictive in our admissions our CC opponents have become more liberal.

Susquehanna has risen from being our peer to now becoming a nationally ranked team.  McDaniel has changed and continues to rework their policies and from what I understand Gettysburg will be making some changes soon as well.

My suggestion to any former players and Alums is to get together and reach out to the coaching staff (SOON!) and develop a solid group to help Moravian Football in conjunction with the powerful and always helpful Blue and Grey group.  I am not talking about raising money – I am talking about forming a powerful wing to drive Moravian football to the forefront of our campus – force the school administration to address the needs of the program!

But like I was once told before a big game, although on  an equal playing field, “If you are scared don’t show up!”

SPECIAL FORCES  – SPECIAL (RAINY) DAY!

On a really great note….we took the “Special Forces” over to Muhlenberg on Sunday and had a great – although wet Sunday playing football.

The guys had a blast!  Young coaches worked with these guys and put on a great show for the fans who braved the soggy weather!

I functioned as the cheerleader, assistant coach and ball boy (someone had to keep the balls dry).  Watched our offense move up and down the field – make outstanding long plays!  Witnessed great tackling and aggressive play by the defense!

What a fantastic effort and gratifying day.  These guys show some special stuff and are truly unselfish.  I venture to say that some of these guys will see action. on the field in the next few Saturdays.

The Special Forces are hungry and may supplant some of the more casual players who have been taking reps in the last games on Saturdays.  One thing as a coach you notice is players who loaf, miss tackles and or just aren’t putting in a solid days work.  Might be time to rattle a few cages.

Whatever happens…thanks for the great efforts Special Forces!  Many thanks to Family and Friends who were getting wet last Sunday with the rest of us!

JUNIATA

Taking a quick look at the Juniata Eagles.  They have one more win than we do to this point.  But, obviously we are going to change that this weekend.

The Eagles have two big road wins.  A 44-38 upset at Ursinus gave Juniata it’s first victory and then a 28-14 win at McDaniel over the sliding Green Terrors was their second.

This is a strong team that has a hard time stringing solid games back to back – this has been the case over the years.  But, that is not to say they don’t have a talented bunch of players.

Austin Montgomery (12) is a very good quarterback who is basically a three year starter (he was injured most of last season).  Currently he is completing 61.4% of his passes which is second in the Centennial Conference (94-153 for 1215 yards.)

The Juniata offense is diverse and uses multiple personnel groups and many different formations to confuse their opponents.  This makes the Eagles a difficult team to defense.  Having a trigger man like Montgomery (12)  and a pair of receivers like Sam Owens (8) and Shaheed Ross (11), who each have 20 or more receptions, makes them  hard to stop.

Although Juniata has given up a high number of points they have also generated 11 turnovers on defense.  The Eagles have intercepted seven passes and recovered four fumbles.

Like the Moravian defense they have had some difficulty snacking the quarterback as both the Hounds and Juniata have each managed ten.  But, also like Moravian they have several other chances only to have the QB escape and scramble out of trouble.

Below is some more information for the casual football fan!

2019 Juniata Stats

2019 Juniata Record and Stats

 

We had some time off with a bye week after a hard fought win on the road at Gettysburg.  The guys played well and really did a nice job of prepping prior to our trip to play the Bullets.

I drove over to Gettysburg and  then following our victory I took a nine hour detour to the house in Michigan.  During those hours traveling I spent a great deal of time reviewing our current season and singing (terribly off keyI might add) to my newly discovered Spotify.

Although the record at the halfway point is not what we had hoped for and planned on – there is a lot of growth to look forward to.  Many things within the program and seeing improvement in the “troops” leads me to feel optimistic about the remaining month or so of the season.

I have seen many of our younger players make some big jumps on and off the field as they move through the opening part of college.  Our veterans continue to work hard and although the results are not in the record book – YET – we continue to make steady improvement.

There is no question that we will have a bright future in Greyhound Land as we approach the second half of the season and look farther down the road to future successes.  We just need to focus in and work to improve incrementally every day.

When I got home well – I found a nice detailed plan from my Boss (Wife) who just happened to be gone.  She was in Santa Fe or Phoenix or somewhere in the great American southwest.

That plan had me working four ten hour days on winterizing the house etc.  Well, so I am exaggerating to some degree.  However, there was plenty to do – but most of these tasks permitted the usual chance to have a beer or ten.

Cleaned up the basement – the mess I had made myself.  Worked on the lawn – visited the neighbors for a nice cookout with the other empty nesters on our corner – drank a little more beer.

Worked hard on the patio of the outdoor kitchen….cleaning the brick pavers

and putting down some new sand to seal up the cracks.  In general just got a lot of needed work done.  Then, of course there was the beer to be had.

The bye week ends and we get on with the preparations for Susquehanna and prepare for one of the better Centennial Conference teams to come to Steel Field.

 

A look at Susquehanna:

This is a very solid team that is ranked in the top 25 of the Division III teams.  Once again they were able to defeat Johns Hopkins (no easy task) but were unable to handle Muhlenberg.

By the way all three of those teams mentioned in the last paragraph are ranked!  The CC has some very tough competition within its framework.

They have some very exciting offensive players on the perimeter (you can see in the information below) and a very stingy defense.

The Hounds have their work cut out for them….but, that is something we are ale about.  Getting ready to show our wares on the field this weekend!

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

2019 RECORD: 4-1

Susquehanna 42 – Lycoming 26

1. Davon Ellington’s (5) 179 yards rushing including two runs of over 60 yards paved the way for an opening day win for host Susquehanna.
2. Susquehanna outgained the visitors 541-312 in the win.
3. Samuel Darrell caught a 54-yard pass from Michael Ruisch (15) to push the River Hawks to a 23-17 halftime lead.  Ruisch (15) was 18-30 for 294 yards and a pair of TD passes.
4. David Simpson (31) led the strong SU defense with 11 tackles as the River Hawks held Lycoming to just 81 yards rushing.

Susquehanna 28 – Johns Hopkins 27

1. For the second year in a row Susquehanna upset highly ranked Johns Hopkins – this time on the road.  The 28-17 win was highlighted by a 21 point fourth quarter.
2. Down 24-7 with little more than 12 minutes left in the game SU managed three scoring drives – one of 99 yards.
3. Michael Ruisch (15) threw for 287 yards while competing 25 of 42 passes (2 TD and 2 INT).He connected with Frank DePaola (82) with eight seconds left to tie the game and Elijah Hoffman (9) kicked the winning extra point.
4. DePaola finished with 8 catches for 95 yards.
5. The physical Susquehanna defense held the Blue Jays to just 39 yards rushing. Craig Raines had a game high 11 tackles with Nick Sottile (20) and T’Rell Bradley (2) making eight stops each.

Muhlenberg 24 – Susquehanna 17 (Overtime)

1. In a game of two nationally ranked teams – Muhlenberg at #8 and Susquehanna at #25 – the Mules won in overtime in Allentown 24-17.
2. In a hard-fought game Muhlenberg held a 7-3 halftime lead as both teams played well on defense. T’Rell Bradley’s (2) interception set up the only three points for SU in the first half.
3. The teams traded TD’s in the third quarter as Michael Ruisch (15) ran for a 14-yard score for the River Hawks.
4. Susquehanna tied the game late – following a Muhlenberg FG. SU scored with just 34 seconds left when Michael Ruisch (15) connected with Mikah Christian (3) on a 36-yard score.
5. Muhlenberg scored first in the overtime period and then was able to stop Michael Ruisch (15) just short of the first down marker to win the game.
6. Michael Ruisch (15) threw for 242 yards on 23-36. But, he was sacked five times and had two interceptions.
7. Cole Dixon (4) had 11 tackles and David Simpson (31) 9 in a losing effort.
8. This tight game saw SU outgain the Mules 344-248, but turnovers and big miscues allowed the home team to win the game.

Susquehanna 42 – Franklin and Marshall 13

1. Susquehanna handed visiting F&M its first loss of the season.
2. Receivers Anthony McCoy (87) and Mikah Christian (3) had big days for Susquehanna combining for five scores. McCoy (87) had three scores and Christian (3) had 3 catches for 124 yards.
3. Michael Ruisch (15) had a big day throwing career best five TD’s and completing 18 of 26 throws for 268 yards.
4. Defensively Cole Dixon (4) led the way with 8 tackles and Danial Shelton (1) and Brendan Krumenacker (46) both had seven each.
5. Susquehanna’s defense held F&M to just 49 yards passing which allowed the River Hawks to hold the visitors to under 200 yards overall.
6. Da’Avian Ellington (5) had a big day running the ball for the winners as he rushed for 109 yards on 13 tries – scoring once.

Susquehanna 24 – Dickinson 17

1. Susquehanna moved to 4-1 on the season with a 24-17 win over visiting Dickinson in a nip and tuck game.
2. The teams traded leads until Michael Ruisch (15) threw 41 yards to Mikah Johnson (3) in the third quarter to give the River Hawks the lead that they never gave up.
3. Johnson (3) had 103 yards on 5 catches that included two TD’s.
4. Susquehanna held the Red Devils to 127 yards passing and had an overall 351-269 edge in yardage gained.
5. Michael Rausch (15) was 14-28 for 255 yards and a pair of TD’s and Davon Ellington (5) carried the ball for 87 yards.                              

Click below to see Returners

2019 Returners

Early Saturday morning we will hop on a bus for the long ride to Gettysburg to take on the Bullets for their Homecoming game.  It is a big game fo each team since we are both looking for our first win of the year.

Obviously this is not the position we envisioned our squad to be in at this point.  However, this is where we are as we prepare to get after Gettysburg this weekend.

Whenever you struggle in football you look at the many facets of your team. (I imagine it is similar in most businesses or jobs for that matter – but my only background is football!)

For instance as a staff you sit down and examine how you practice – from the length of the schedule to the details of each period in that framework. You look at injuries, how you are training in the weight room, meeting time with players etc. – there are many details to look at and you are just trying to find a way to improve your results on game day.

Your video study of game and practice becomes even more critical as you search for ways to help your team.  Time normally spent on your opponent is now focused on self-improvement.

One key thing is your interaction with the members of the team.  As a coach you have to remember they are actually living the game as they play it.  We are simply directors – well coaches – we instruct, motivate and try to guide the players in the proper ways to succeed.

The guys who are wearing the uniforms obviously are the most important part of the organization.  They are the heart and soul of your team – they are the engine that drives our team.  It is their team!

So, it is critical that they have input in our self scout of Moravian football.  Their ideas and feelings are paramount to our success.

Really after this on-going hard assessment of our program – we realize that there are things to massage in many areas, adjustments that need to be attended to and a focus of our energy in some other places.

But, when it comes right down to the bare facts – success on the scoreboard is the direct result of the “execution of fundamentals!”

Generally when you go through your self scout you come right back to that simple concept.  “Execution of Fundamentals!”

In football it always comes down to blocking and tackling, running, throwing and catching and kicking.  You must always work on those areas in preparation and then when the game is played you have to “Trust” your training.

In other words as coaches we need to emphasize those areas in practice (and we do!) and the players must focus on this as they practice (and they do!). We always need to go back to those basics and “train the troops!”

The object of practice is to train the team to perform their basic tasks without having to think about them during the game.  It needs to be an automatic reaction that is triggered unconsciously so the athlete can concentrate on assignments and counter the opponents game plan.

Simple idea – not always simple to do.  But, that is the challenge of the game – always trying to find a way to get better on and off the field.

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As many parents, family members and friends  already know this  – it is the middle of the first semester.  I would encourage everyone to check on their own Hounds.

Simple questions about mid term grades and assignments can give you an understanding of the academic progress your Hound is making.  Better to find out now than be surprised later!

By now they should all know where they stand….we check on them – work with them, encourage them etc.  But when it comes down to it…it is up to them to stay on top of their work!

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Heres a quick look at the Gettysburg Bullets.

 

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE

2019 RECORD: 0-4

Bridgewater 41 – Gettysburg 10

1. Big plays hurt the Gettysburg defense as host Bridgewater College scored on a 41 and 58-yard pass and a 93-yard run to jump out to a 20-0 first quarter lead (Gettysburg went 1
2. Gettysburg was never really able to mount a steady offensive attack throughout the game. For the losers Logan Edmond (3) managed 9 of 24 for 94 yards – but he was sacked three times and threw three picks. Matt Harris (12) went 7-19 for 142 yards in relief. Both quarterbacks were sacked a combined 7 times.
3. The Bullets also struggled defensively allowing 224 yards passing and 204 on the ground.
4. Defensively Ryan Greene (53) had 7 tackles and Justin Lessel (24) added six stops with a fumble recovery.
5. Alex Reimondo (95) had two sacks for the Bullets.

Ursinus 48 – Gettysburg 10

1. Throughout the game visiting Ursinus steadily scored building a 21-3 halftime advantage that ballooned to 41-3 before Gettysburg scored their lone TD on a 23-yard pass from Matt Harris (12) to Kevin Benavente (18) late in the game.
2. The Bullets again played an uneven game as they were unable to mount a steady offensive effort. Ursinus held the host team to 239 yards in total offense and just 80 yards rushing.
3. Gettysburg allowed eight sacks, had three interceptions and lost three fumbles.
4. Matt Harris (12) started and played most of the game for the Bullets. He threw for 150 yards (14-34 with 2 INT and 1 TD) but was sacked seven times.  Logan Edmonds (3) also played behind center but was just 2 of 7 for 9 yards – but he was the leading rusher for Gettysburg as he ran for 51 yards on 5 attempts.
5. Matt Lajoie (5) played well with five catches for 72 yards including a 22 yard catch.
6. Sophomore Linebacker Alex Stillman (33) led the defense with seven stops and an interception. Justin Lessel (24) also chipped in an interception for the Bullets.

Dickinson 56 – Gettysburg 20

1. Dickinson improved to 2-1 by amassing 596 yards in offense as they rolled to a 56-20 win over host Gettysburg.
2. Gettysburg racked up 264 yards in the first quarter taking advantage of Dickinson turnovers as they jumped to an insurmountable 24-0 lead.
3. Gettysburg again used two quarterbacks as Logan Edmond (3) completed 12 of 21 passes for 155 yards. He also ran the ball for 46 yards and had a rushing TD. Matt Harris (12) completed four passes, but he had three interceptions.
4. Mike Welsch (2) carried the ball 18 times for 71 yards and scored on a one yard run in the fourth quarter.
5. Justin Lessel (24) paced the defense with 5 Tackles, an interception and a pair of pass break ups.
6. Gettysburg dropped to 0-3 for the season.

McDaniel 32 – Gettysburg 22

1. McDaniel managed two TD’s in the fourth quarter to finally seal a 32-22 win over visiting Gettysburg.
2. The Green Terrors controlled the ball for 15 more minutes than Gettysburg and outgained the Bullets 425-310.
3. The QB pair of Matt Harris (12) and Logan Edmond (3) combined for 174 yards passing….but they were sacked 7 times as well.
4. Linwood Nicholas (1) caught 3 balls for 103 yards and had a 51 yard score in a losing effort.
5. Alex Stillman (33) and Matthew Lynch (35) each had 16 tackles for the Bullets with Lynch racking up a sack as well.

 

2019 RECORD: 0-4

COACH:  Kevin Burke (Gettysburg ‘90), 2nd season (1-9 at Gettysburg, 26-44 overall).

Returning Starters:

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks:
Recievers:	1.  Sal DeBenedetto (16)	So. 5-10 170
Runners:
	1.  Mike Welsch (2)	Jr. 6-1, 205	Starter at QB for six games in 2018
			68-170 for 784 passing (6 TD)
			Rushed for 251 yards and 3 TD
Offensive Line:
	1.  Ethan Kendzulak (66)	Sr. 6-3, 290	2 Year starter.
	2.  Alex Scott (64)	Sr. 6-0, 275	2 year starter.
DEFENSE
Secondary:	1.  Justin Lessel (24)	Jr.  5-11, 190	2018 had 42T and 1 BK
	2.  Joe Lamore (8)	Sr.  6-0, 175	2018:  35T, 2 FR, 5PBU
	3.  Thomeir Richardson (15)	Jr. 5-7, 170	3rs Year as starter 2018: 26T, 4 INT, 10 PBU
Linebackers:
Defensive Line	1.  Ryan Greene (57)	Sr. 5-10, 225	45T with 4 Sacks
SPECIALISTS
Punter:	1.  Evan Tannenbaum (90)	Sr. 5-11, 180	3rd year as punter – averaged 38.2
			on 59 punts last season