Author: bigdaddc@comcast.net

Well….several days have passed since that dramatic win against F&M last Saturday.  I really like the way the guys are playing right now.  They have done an excellent job of preparing throughout the season, but it just appears the their attention has ticked up a notch.

Even with significant injuries that have truly taken their toll on the starting defensive team the guys have just pulled tighter together.  The old axiom – next man up – has truly helped our “esprit de corps.”

In. conjunction with the renewed character of the defense the offense has also begun to click.  It is rewarding to watch how the team has rebounded from our injuries and mistakes to attain a tight cohesiveness.  This can only bode well for the future of Greyhound football.

Practices have been sharp and animated.  There is no doubt that when you scan the sidelines we have less bodies.  We may have a depleted roster in regards to numbers.  But, the excitement on the practice field is noticeable.

It really is exciting to watch.  There is a lot of yelling from the coaches some of it a bit loud – but that is what coaches do. But, the encouragement between players during the practice is a great show of teamwork.  Honestly, it is great feeling watching this as it happens.

So, where do the Hounds go from here?  Obviously we will find out about the next step this weekend when we play the much improved bunch from Dickinson.

At Dickinson the personnel changed quite a lot when the new coach arrived a few years ago.  Suddenly the Red Devils are looking at their first winning season since around 2008.

In conjunction with the new coach arriving a few years ago suddenly the usually academically minded Red Devils had a lot of bigger, faster and athletic players admitted. They got a transfer QB and now – the Dickinson football team is on the verge of a winning season.

Looks like several Centennial Conference schools are reshaping their academic models to juice up the athletics?

Well, more athletes = higher enrollment = more cash to operate the school.  In this day and age where it is extremely important to fill the dormitories and increase the size of your freshman class well some schools get it and others fall behind and lose out.

Regardless – they are good – but when they step on the turf at Steel Field – we will let the HOUNDS LOOSE!

Below you can find out more Dickinson see below:

2019 Dickinson Record and Stats 2019 Dickinson Stats

2019 Dickinson Stats

GREAT WIN AT JUNIATA – BUT AT A COST 

After the win last weekend at Juniata we felt pretty good about everything until we got home and realized what our roster looked like.  Now, when you really get involved in athletics you begin to understand the importance of having a healthy team.

Game plans, strategies are the things that prepare a team to play.  But, those outlines are not what “executes” the plan.  The players are the most important part of game-day.  You can have the game without the coaches….but you can’t have the game without the players.

After looking back through the first seven games and eight weeks of the regular season you begin to realize that we have lost seven starters on defense and a number of key players on offense.  It makes the coaching job interesting because you need to prepare to play in games with back-up players.

Well, we all realize that no one said that the game of football will be easy…..nor will it be fair.  So what every coach across the country does in his or her situation is you coach the players that are available on your roster.  You try to prepare and direct them to be able to play at the best of their abilities.

More times than not you find that the replacements can and will play very well during competition.  But, there is no replacement for game experience – something these young players are all lacking.  It takes “Sun Downs and Sun Ups” to gain experience.  Well we have a few young men who are getting a crash course in speed learning.

One way or another come Saturday at one o’clock on Steel Field the Greyhounds are going to square off with Franklin and Marshall.  We are all going to see quite a fey young men grow up.  At the same time you will see a few older guys (coaches) get a little grayer in the hair department (Not me!  I am already all gray!  Hah what a life!)

LIFE IN THE CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE

Looking at our conference we can see that there are three national contenders lining up to look at the post season.  Muhlenberg is undefeated and playing perennial power Johns Hopkins (with an unlikely two losses) while Susquehanna at 6-1 is playing Gettysburg.

Those three programs have separated themselves from the rest of the CC in many ways.  Adjustments in their admissions, financial aid and recruitment have allowed them to become the Centennial schools to imitate or emulate.

Since football is such a copy cat-sport it is easy for the remainder of the conference to imitate them in regards to offensive formations and plays, defensive scheme, or even philosophy to some degree.  But, matching them in endowment, financial aid, facilities and or academic standing – impossible to do.

The beauty of athletics is that we can do our job and become a sound and respectable team on and off the field.  Something that I think is accomplished with flying colors here at Moravian.  I think the staff does a fantastic job with the team in preparation and designing game plans.  Practices are challenging and productive.  So the work is put in!

The seven teams that are not in the national spotlight have to depend on their administrations to even up things outside of the locker room.  They are the ones who ultimately control the development of athletics – especially football – until those concepts are realized we may see the Mules, Hopkins and the new kid on the block Susquehanna pull away even more.

FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL

This week the Hounds line up against Franklin & Marshall in the friendly confines of Steel Field.  The Diplomats are a solid and well coached team that enters the game at 4-3 after coming off an overtime loss to Dickinson.

Generally on offense F&M is a high powered team with a strong passing attack.  But, this season the Diplomats are much more balanced averaging 167 yards per game rushing the ball and 162 yards per game throwing.

Two runners – Joe Hartley-Vittoria (Probably would have a hard time putting his name on the back of a jersey if they did that) has 458 yards rushing and Keshon Farmer with 428 yards make up the big chunk of the F&M running attack.

Garrett Perschy is the triggerman with 976 yards on 93-168 (58.1%) with 3 TD’s and 6 INT for the year.  His favorite target is Tim Walter who has 27 catches for 302 yards and three TD’s.  Kevin Lammers has 17 catches and Brendan Dearing has 16.

Defensively the Diplomats allow 23.1 PPG (5th in CC) and 342 Yards per game (4th in CC).  Their rushing defense is very tough ranking there permitting only 125.9 yards per game.

F&M Incidentals follow:

2019 Franklin and Marshall Record and Stats 2019 F&M Stats

2019 F&M Stats

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its was fun to watch the younger guys get a chance to show off their talents
last Sunday in a scrimmage against Alvernia.  Someone told me we didn’t win the game.  But, I really doubt that it mattered much to the guys playing.

The important thing is that being able to compete brings out the best in everyone.  So, I think there were some definite strides made by these young Hounds.

I always find it interesting to watch the demeanor and the concentration of players who enter games early in their playing careers.  There is definitely a separation by certain athletes as they begin to transfer all of the things they learn in practice to the actual field of play.

Learning to trust your training and maintaining the discipline to work within the framework of your team brings out the best in players.  It was obvious in many places that there are some really bright young players in the “pipeline.”

Aside from the game itself these guys are really fun to work with on the day basis.  As we age it is important to learn what our individual “roles” are.  Anytime you work in a team setting it is so key to see how the pieces fit together.

As we all learn – not everyone can be the leader, some aren’t destined to be the captain or the star.  We all learn when it comes to team play that we all have to put the ultimate goal ahead of our individual desires.

Hard to learn at times – but essential when operating in a team setting

It will certainly be fun to watch them mature over the next several years.

 

A Look at the Ursinus Bears

Ursinus opened the season with two  wins and then surprisingly dropped a home game to Juniata 44-38 last Saturday.  The Bears return 12 starters with eight on the defensive side of the ball.

Four year starter Thomas Garlic (16) returns for his senior season. He is currently 45-87 (51.7%) for 645 yards and 7 TD’s.  He has thrown for over 7000 yards in his career.

Running Back Samuel Ragland (21) is one of the most productive rushers in the Centennial Conference and he has scored 2 TD’s and run for an average of 90.7 yards per game.  He sas Rookie of the year in the CC two years ago and was first team CC last season while rushing for 954 yards and 18 TD’s.

Defensively the  Bears return 8 players from a  strong defensive team.  The entire secondary returns along with three year starter Jacob McCain (54) at LB.  Ursinus also gets back a key player in Noah Thomas (1) in the front wall,

Thomas missed most of last season with an injury after an impressive Sophomore year where he made HM all Centennial Conference.

As always when Ursinus is your opponent you can expect a tough physical game.

URSINUS COLLEGE
2019 RECORD: 2-1

Ursinus College 22 – Bethany 10
1. Riding a nine-sack performance the host Ursinus College defeated Bethany 22-10 in both team’s opener. Marcus Weathers (4) led the way with 3 sacks and Darren Sipf (90) racked up two others and had four tackles for losses.
2. Jacob McCain (54) also had a big day for the Bear defense (who held Bethany to just 260 yards in total offense) with an interception and nine tackles.
3. After a sloppy first half where QB Thomas Garlick (16) threw three interceptions the Ursinus offense finally got untracked in the third quarter. Garlick (16) tossed a pair of TD passes – 22 yards to Stacey Gardner (3) and 12 yards to Matt Gallagher (42).
4. Samuel Ragland (21) ran for 156 yards on 21 attempts for a 7.4 average.

Ursinus College 48 – Gettysburg 10
1. Ursinus pushed their record to 2-0 as the Bears won on the road at Gettysburg 48-10.
2. With the defense again leading the way (with three TD’s and seven sacks) the Bears opened their Centennial Conference team successfully.
3. The stiff Ursinus defense held Gettysburg to 239 yards allowing just one conversion in 14 tries on third down. Marcus Weathers (4) recorded one and a half sacks.
4. Noah Thomas returned an interception for a score and both Brett Capobianco (26) and Jeff Lockwood (20) picked up fumbles and ran them back for TD’s.
5. Thomas Garlick (16) had a stronger game than he did in the opening day win. He passed for 126 yards on 11 of 24 with two TD’s and an interception.

Juniata College 44 – Ursinus College 38
1. Juniata (1-2) and Ursinus (2-1) fought a back and forth battle before a late interception of Thomas Garlick (16) allowed the Eagles to run out the clock.
2. Samuel Ragland (21) had a good offensive game for the losing side as he rushed for 51 yards and a score while adding 136 yards on eight catches and two other scores.
3. Entering the game with 17 sacks the Bears could only get to Juniata QB Austin Montgomery once. Jacob McCain (54) was key to the defense with 12 tackles and a forced fumble.
4. The game was close all the way to the end…but ultimately it was the Bear turnovers that allowed the visitors from Juniata to notch their first victory of the year.
5. Thomas Garlick (16) had a big day in throwing for 336 yards, but ultimately it was his final interception that allowed the Eagles to put the game away.

2018 RECORD: 8-3

COACH:  Peter Gallagher (West Virginia Wesleyan ’93), 19^thseason (101-93).

RETURNING STARTERS:

OFFENSE: (4)

Quarterbacks:

1. Thomas Garlick (16).  Sr. 6-4, 195 lbs.           Hon. Mention CC. Starter since Freshman year.      2772 yards passing (School Record) in 2018

Receivers:  none

Runners:

1. Samuel Ragland (21).  Jr. 5-9, 175 lbs.            All CC First Team. 177 ATT for 954 YDS 18 TD’s. 2 Year starter. CC Rookie of YR 2017.

Linemen:

1. OG Brandon Derby (64). So. 6-4, 277 lbs.    Started 8 games in 2018.

2. OT William Boyle (55). Sr. 6-0, 225 lbs.        Second year as starter. Former TE.

DEFENSE: (8)

Secondary:
1. Mitchell Bradford (8). Sr. 5-9, 170 lbs.             Second Team CC.  5 INT last season.

2. Jack Spingler (17). Sr. 6-2, 195 lbs.                    Second Team CC. Also punter         Starter since Freshman year.

3. Danny Freeman (47). Jr. 5-10, 175 lbs              Third year as starter.

4. Mike Reilly (48). So. 6-1, 175 lbs                          Second year as starter.

Linebackers:
1. Brett Capobianco (26). Sr. 6-0, 180 lbs.          Second year as starter.

2. Jacob McCain (54). Sr. 5-11, 207 lbs.                Honorable Mention CC,    3rd year as starter.

Defensive Line:
1. Noah Thomas (1). Sr. 6-2, 215 lbs.                       Starter as soph. Injured most of last season.  Very productive player.  Hon Mention CC as Soph.

2. Marcus Weathers (4). Sr. 6-1, 185 lbs.             Second year as starter.

SPECIALISTS:

Punter:
1. Jack Spingler (15). Sr. 6-2, 195 lbs.                      31 Punts 37.0 AVG

2. Mike Reilly (48)  Soph. 6-1, 175 lbs                      25 Punts 36.6 AVG

 

We have had two disappointing losses to start the season.  But, one thing about football – it keeps on going and there is no time to feel sorry for yourself.

There is no time to dwell on the past (Dionne Warwick’s line in her song “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” = A fool will lose tomorrow reaching back for yesterday.). To get better we fix our mistakes and study our history….but we cannot afford wishing and hoping.

Taking on Johns Hopkins in a rare Friday nite contest in Baltimore will be hard.  But, no one said it was going to be easy…nor did anyone say it would be fair.  The Blue Jays are one of the three nationally ranked teams in our conference (Susquehanna and Muhlenberg are the other two).

After losing a fourth quarter lead Johns Hopkins dropped a tough game to the ever improving Susquehanna at home last weekend.  After building a 24-7 lead into the fourth quarter the host gave up 21 forth quarter points to drop a 28-27 contest.

We will have our wok cut out for us…..but that is why we work so hard through training camp and then in our game-week preparations.  The goal for each year is to become the best team we can and that is how we approach each week.

Always looking to get the most out of each team member….trying to put them in the most advantageous position to develop the strongest product on the field.  Sometimes this can be very hard to do for many reasons.

But, that is our goal….to become the “Best Team on Game day” ten times during the year.  Obviously this is a tough task and often requires sacrifice by many people – players and coaches.

For instance we have to continually replace players who become injured – this often requires more than one shift in how we utilize our personnel.  Sometimes it even means we must have players change positions – or even move from one side of the ball to the other.

These adjustments often require our young men to swallow their ego and open their eyes to seeing the “big picture”.  There are times these changes create hard feelings…but the goal of a team is to always think for the whole and not for the individual parts of the team.

Being a part of a “Team” is recognizing that what is best for many has to outweigh our individual goals and feelings.  We always need to try and look ahead while we are working in the present.

My old head coach Rod Marinelli (A tunnel rat in the Vietnam conflict) told our team many times – a team is not a family…it is a brotherhood (not to be sexist here ladies).

He went on to say – in a family you wait on the weakest member – help them forward and look after them.  But, in a brotherhood you cannot wait and pull people with you all the time – you have to march on.  In a brotherhood sometimes people are hurt, or left behind – but the group always has to move on and improve or it will cease to exist.

Obviously in dealing with this – you cannot lose your compassion for the individuals involved and you certainly cannot lose sight of their contributions.  But, you always need to keep a steady view of the team’s future.

Again…on to Hopkins!

Preview of the Blue Jays:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

2019 RECORD: 1-1

 Johns Hopkins 17 – Randolph Macon 12

1. Johns Hopkins (Ranked 6^thnationally) was opportunistic on defense with four second half interceptions pacing an 17-12 opening day win at Randolph Macon.
2. The Blue Jays never trailed but it was a hard-fought game with both defenses surrendering less than 300 yards in total offense.
3. Statistically the game played out to be even but Hopkins was plus one in the turnover category and had two sacks to zero to gain the slight advantage which helped them win the game.
4. JHU (1-0) had the advantage throwing the ball as David Tammaro (11) – last

   

   year’s CC offensive player of the year- threw for 191 yards with 2 TD’s and an interception.

5. Dane Rogerson (24) – who converted from WR to RB for the ‘19 season – rushed for 64 yards and a caught 7 balls for 51 additional yards.

Susquehanna 28 Johns Hopkins 27

1. Susquehanna scored with eight seconds left to defeat #7 ranked Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
2. Susquehanna scored early to take a 7-0 lead. But, the Blue Jays scored 24 straight points to take a 24-7 lead in the final quarter.  But, the River Hawks scored three TD’s in the final stanza to get the win – beating Hopkins for the second straight year.
3. David Tammaro (11) threw 53 times – completing 32 for 370 yards including 1 TD – he also ran for a score. But Susquehanna limited JHU to just 39 yards rushing while they were able to run for 130.
4. Ryan Hubley (3) – All Centennial Conference – had a big day catching the ball for the Blue Jays as he came away with 12 catches for 161 yards. Jacob Yohr (6) and Harrison Wellmann (2) each chipped in with five catches.  (Note Yohr (6) was a HS quarterback.)
5. The usually stingy defense for JHU surrendered 444 yards to Susquehanna’s attack with 251 coming in the final quarter (99 on one TD drive).
6. Nick Seidel (31) led the Blue Jay defense with 9 tackles. Ryan Weed (10) and Robert Fletcher (13) also contributed 7 each. Weed (10) also had an interception which he returned 45 yards as well as a PBU.  Fletcher (13) was the only freshman to start for JHU last year and he was named the Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year.

2018 RECORD: 12-2

COACH:  Greg Chimera (Johns Hopkins ’09), 1st season (0-0).

OFFENSE: (6 Returning Starters)

Quarterbacks:

1. 1. David Tammaro (11)  6-3, 210 lbs                        303-451 67% 35TD 7INT

                                                                                                          2^ndTeam All American

                                                                                                          Cent. Conf. Offensive Player            

                                                                                                          of Year       

Receivers:

1. Ryan Hubley (3) 5-7, 165 lbs            83 REC – 995 YDS. 12.0 AVG. 7 TD

                                                                            1^stTM All Centennial Conf.

Runners:

1. Dane Rogerson (24) 5-11, 185 lbs          Starter at WR in 2018

23 REC – 351 YDS. 15.3 AVG. 2 TD

Offensive Line:

1. OT Jonathan Resnick (71)   6-2, 275 lbs
2. OG Joe Figueroa (64) 6-2, 300 lbs                        3 Yr. Starter

                                                                                                      2^ndTeam All American

                                                                                                      All Centennial Conf.

3.   Petracco (61) 6-2, 315 lbs                                       2-year starter

                                                                                                       Hon Mention

                                                                                                       All Centennial Conf.

 

DEFENSE: (4 Returning Starters)

Defensive Line:

1. DT Kyle Roberts(59)  6-1, 235 lbs                       2 Year Starter.
2. DE Mike Kalanik (39) 6-1, 235 lbs                        3 Year Starter.  Led team in sacks                                                                                         last two years.  Had 10.5 in 2019.                        2^ndTeam All Centennial.
3. DEJake Vall-Llobera (93)      6-3, 230 lbs          2 year starter.

Linebackers:

Secondary

1. CB Macauley Kilbane (8)       5-11, 190 lbs          2 Year starter.  1^stTeam All

                                                                                                      Centennial.

2. Robert Fletcher (13)              6-1, 210 lbs           CC Rookie of the Year.

SPECIALISTS

1. PK Mike Eberle (90)               6-0, 205 lbs          77 XPT , 89  PTS   (School Record)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First of all our thoughts must be with Chris Mills and his speedy recovery.  There is nothing more disturbing than watching your teammate lying on the field after being injured.

Obviously for Chris’ parents there is another level of pain than we all have.  Our thoughts move to them as well.  As friends and teammates we must stand with Chris and his entire family.

I urge you to keep Chris, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Another fallen friend was Corey Little who left the field early with an injury that needed x-rays.  From what we were told he is well and he x-rays are negative.

For as much as I love the game of football these are the moments that bother me so much.

But this is what teammates are for.   In dark moments we band together to lend support to those of who are in need.  That mean first we look after our injured comrades and their families.  Then we bring ourselves together as one group.

Within our team we have to make sure that we understand that we have talented players….we have good leadership and we have the ability to bounce back.  There will always be some noise from the outside…..but that is fine….it doesn’t effect who we are and what we do every day for eleven weeks during the actual football season.

This is our locker room…our mentality…we don’t care what is going on outside of this ring.  We control what we do…and how we do it.

There is a great expression…My late friend Frank Gansz (perhaps the greatest special teams coach ever) had.  “You bring your own weather with you.”

Obviously that means…you decide who you are and how you act.  No one else controls that- only you do.  So we get to decide!

So what happens from here on out??

“You bring your own weather with you!”

As we draw to the end of a solid week of practice we look forward to playing the Green Terrors of McDaniel College in our home opener at Steel Field.  It should be an exciting day for our friends and families.

Knowing that the Tailgating season is now in full swing I’m sure our fans will do their usual great job of “warming” up for the game.  This is a big part of the year for our group and I expect a lot of fun will be had by one and all.

McDaniel enters the game in Bethlehem with a 1-0 record after defeating Misericordia 24-14 behind a strong rushing game paced by  Perry Stefanelli (#7).  Stefanelli (#7) who returns as a graduate student missed the entire year in 2018 and part of 2017 with a knee injury.  He has proven to be a p[roductive back over his career.

Tyler Palermiti (8) led the way throwing the ball with 130 yards and a pair of TD’s.  But, his backup transfer Kevin Sheckells (#18) was  used often and displayed his talents running the ball.

Sheckells (#18) at 6-4 and 240 lbs. was difficult to bring down for the Misericordia defenders.  He rushed for 47 yards on designed runs and also threw for 6 yards and a TD.  He is a good changeup for  McDaniel and it is expected that his role will increase throughout the season.

Palermiti (#8) did a nice job of spreading the ball around to seven different receivers with Colin Fisher (#12) leading the pack with 4 catches for 34 yards. Palermiti (#8) spent last season sharing time at QB and he seems to be firmly in place at the position this year.

Defensively the Terror’s are lead by All Conference performer Jarius Ransom

(1) who had a  very strong opening game with 11 stops and a pair of sacks.  The 6-0, 190 pound linebacker has been the spearhead of the defense for several years.

His teammate Nah’shon Godfrey (#5) had a big interception late in the game to help sew up the victory.  Junior punt returner Aaron Pray III (#6) was outstanding in the return game with three punt returns for 76 yards (25.3 yds. per return).  Two of those return set up TD’s for the winners.

*****SPECIAL FORCES*****

Our group of “Special Forces” were at the top off their game this week and they did a great job preparing both  our offensive and defensive players for the McDaniel squad.

I know that defensively we had some outstanding efforts and that the

offensive players do appreciate the pace we maintain for them.  Coach John Menegakis does a great job working with the SF secondary and we were able to make some big plays with the players in the back of the defense.

Anytime we can make a play on defense it forces the offensive starters to concentrate a little more and work just a little harder.  Our goal is to keep improving our skills as SF players as well as get our starters ready for the game.

McDaniel Scouting Report

MCDANIEL COLLEGE

2019 RECORD: 1-0

2018 RECORD: 3-7

 2019 SEASON

McDaniel 24 – Misericordia 14

1. Misericordia opened the scoring on an 18 yard pass from Brady Williams to Sam Gillison in the first period.  Then over the next three quarters McDaniel scored 24 straight points.
2. Both Tyler Palermiti (8) threw two TD passes and Kevin Sheckells (18) had another for theGreen Terrors.   Palermiti started but Sheckells (18) played significant time as a dual threat QB.
3. Palermiti (8) was 12-21 for 130 yards with the two TD’s and Sheckells (18) hit both of his passes on the day – his 47 yards rushing was second on the team behind grad student Perry Stefanelli’s (7) 58.
4. All Conference DB Nah’shon Godfrey (5) had an interception for McDaniel and linebacker Jarius Ransom (also All Centennial) posted. 11 tackles including a pair of sacks.

 

2018 SEASON (REVIEW)

McDaniel 27 – Catholic 12

1. Ben Igo (So. #12) completed 15-22 for 212 yards as McDaniel opened the season with a 27-12 win over host Catholic. Five of those passes went to Davon Ingram (Sr. #1) for 88 yards.
2. McDaniel out-gained Catholic 400-287 – converting 44 percent of their third down tries. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) paced the running game with 111 yards on 16 attempts including a TD.  Matt Cathey (Sr. #21) rushed for 69 yards as well.
3. Defensively the Terrors picked off two passes.
4. Angelo Payne had nine tackles for the winners. Aris Mayield (Jr. #15) and Jalen Jones (So. #2) had interceptions for the Terrors as well.

Moravian 14 – McDaniel  9

1. Both teams held their opponent to under 200 yards on a wet day in Westminster as the visiting Hounds won 14-9 with TD’s in the first and third quarter.
2. Moravian forced McDaniel to punt 11 times.
3. For the Terrors Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had 12 tackles (three for losses)and Nah’shon Godfrey had 10 more.
4. Moravian scored as Shane Mastro caused a fumble that Jackson Buskirk picked up and ran in for a TD.
5. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 63 yards on 16 tries in a losing effort. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) passed  for 58 yards including a TD to Breon Herbet (Sr. #14) of eight yards.

Franklin and Marshall 21 – McDaniel 14

1. #24 ranked Franklin and Marshall (3-0) beat the host McDaniel Green Terrors 21-14 after a third period touchdown broke a 14-14 tie.
2. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) made his first start for McDaniel and completed 16-25 passes for 155 yards.  Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) rushed for 59 yards on 11 carries.
3. In a tough defensive game Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had double-digit tackles again.

McDaniel 24 – Gettysburg 0

1. The Green Terrors (2-2) shutout host Gettysburg. Their first shutout since 2010.
2. McDaniel’s defense held the Bullet offense to just 123 yards and created four turnovers.Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had his third straight game with ten or more tackles.  Garvin Brooms (Sr. #33) had four tackles including two sacks and forced a pair of fumbles.  Kiree Moore (Jr. #3) had an interception for the Terrors.
3. All three TD’s were scored on runs. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 81 yards while Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) added 67.
4. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 195 yards with a 15-26 effort. His favorite target was Davon Ingram (Sr. #1) who caught five passes for 82 yards.

McDaniel 24 – Juniata 21

1. McDaniel moved to 3-2 with a 24-21 win over host Juniata (0-5) behind John Chamberlain’s (Sr. #4) 94 yards rushing.
2. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 55 yards (6-14) and Ben Igo (So. #12) for 91 yards on 6 of 9. Matt Schleifer (Jr. #3) caught 3 passes for 47 yards and a 27-yard score.
3. Ray Doh (Sr. #6) paced the defense with three sacks and Garvin Brooms (Sr. #33) had 1 ½  Defensive Lineman Kofi Siga (Jr. #4) recorded 10 tackles and forced a fumble.
4. On the day, the Terrors had eight sacks holding Juniata to under 300 yards and only 17 net yards (0.5 yards per attempt.)
5. Peyton Denlinger (Fr. #16) booted a 45-yard field goal.

Dickinson 27 – McDaniel 21

1. Dickinson (2-4) scored 10 first quarter points and led throughout the game winning 27-21 over host McDaniel.
2. Matt Cathey (Sr. #21) rushed for 50 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in a losing effort. The Terrors were held to under 100 yards rushing and were limited to just nine first downs on the afternoon by a tough Dickinson defense.
3. The Terrors (3-3) were able to convert only 4 of 14 on third down (29%) and 0-2 on fourth down -McDaniel also threw two interceptions and lost one fumble.
4. QB Ben Igo (So. #12) played the entire game throwing for 153 yards (10-29-2 INT) but was unable to produce a TD through the air.
5. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) again had a productive defensive game for McDaniel.He had another double-digit tackle game and had half a sack.  Linebacker Anthony Crawley (Sr. #5) had 12 tackles for the losing team.

Muhlenberg 42 – McDaniel 18

1. Muhlenberg remained undefeated with a big offensive day at home against McDaniel. The Mules had over 400 yards in total offense and Matt Hnatowski passed for 250 yards dropping McDaniel below .500 on the season.
2. Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) had a big day running the ball for the Terrors as he produced 138 yards on 16 carries with most coming on a 63-yard run he had.
3. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) returned to starting rotation at QB but was limited to just 102 yards throwing the ball (11-27-3 INT) and he could only muster 1 TD in the air.Breon Herbert (Sr. #14) was his target on the lone TD he threw.
4. Nah’shon Godfrey (Jr. #36) paced the defense with a 37-yard interception return for a TD along with 10 tackles.

Ursinus 30 – McDaniel 14

1. Visiting Ursinus built a 23-0 lead to cruise to a 30-14 win over McDaniel as the Terrors fell to 3-5 on the season.
2. Isaac Murray (Sr. #28) had his second straight 100-yard game rushing the ball 24 times for 137 yards and a TD.
3. Ben Igo (So. #12) returned as the starter behind center and but completed just 11 of 29 passes for 107 yards (3 Interceptions) and no TD’s.
4. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) had another stellar performance for the host team as he had a sack and 9 other tackles.

Susquehanna 20 – McDaniel 3

1. McDaniel could just manage one field goal on the day as the Terrors dropped their fourth straight game 20-3 to visiting Susquehanna.
2. John Chamberlain (Sr. #4) rushed for 77 yards, but McDaniel (3-6) could muster just 207 yards in total offense.
3. The Terrors again got a big game from Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) who managed 12 stops.In his first start for McDaniel – Habeeb Baba (Fr. #31) had eight tackles and an interception.
4. The Terrors will end their season at nationally ranked Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkins 42 – McDaniel 17

1. McDaniel lost their final game of the season 42-17 at Johns Hopkins. The Terrors finished 3-7.  The Blue Jays claimed a share of their tenth straight Centennial championship.
2. The Green Terrors were outgained offensively 516-297.
3. Tyler Palermiti (So. #8) threw for 183 yards and 2 TD’s. Brendan Brandy (So. #24) had seven catches for 70 yards, Matt Schleifer (Jr. #3) chipped in with four receptions and a pair of TD’s.
4. Anthony Crawley (Sr. #5) had 14 tackles to pace the defensive effort. Linebacker Jarius Ransom (Jr. #32) contributed 5 tackles and an interception.

 

2019 RECORD: 1-0

COACH:  Demarcus White (Iona ’07), First Season (0-0).

OFFENSE: (3 Returning Starters)

Quarterbacks:

1. Tyler Palermiti (8) 6-0, 195 lbs            2018: 74-149 (49.7%) 6 INT 4 TD

Receivers:

Runners:

Offensive Line:

1. OL Orbell Keshishi (71)                      Jr, 6-3, 290 lbs
2. OL Tracy Easton (54) Jr, 6-0, 280 lbs

DEFENSE:(6 Returning Starters)

Defensive Line:

1. Kofi Siga (4) Sr, 6-1, 220 lbs                        45 TKL  3 SCK  2FF
2. Will Smith (78) Jr, 6-0, 290 lbs

Linebackers:

1.  Jarius Robinson (1)  Sr, 6-0, 190 lbs           92 TKL  1 INT 1^stTm ALL CENT

Secondary:

1. Nh’shon Godfrey (5)   Sr. 6-4, 180 lbs         61 TKL 1 INT, 2^ndTm ALL CENT
2. Kiree Moore (3)  Sr.  5-10 , 175                        1 INT, 6 PBU in 2018                  
3. Aris Mayfield (15) Sr. 6-1, 195 lbs                   2 INT in 2018

SPECIALISTS

1. Peyton Denlinger So, 6-0, 160 lbs           7-8 FG  6-8 XP
2. John Compere So, 6-0, 180 lbs                 1-2 FG  11-12 XP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tough loss in the opening game of the season – as we leave Kings College on the wrong end of a 23-20 score.  Losing in the opener is always tough to swallow because you have spent so much time and effort building up to the game.

We certainly had our chances to win the game….but, we just never could get into a rhythm on either side of the ball.  Plus we had our fair share of mistakes in the Special Teams area as well.

Unfortunately many of my greatest fears were met.  We had some critical turnovers, allowed 11 explosive plays (runs of 12 plus yards and passes of 15 yards or more) including a 53 yard run and a 65 yard pass – both scores.  We lost the turnover battle and certainly did not control the special teams phase of the game.

When you add all of the things up….well let’s face it – it is a recipe for the disaster we had Saturday night.  Although it is disappointing that we failed in so many areas we certainly have the ability to fix these problems.

We have been practicing tackling every day since we started camp….we have been running pursuit drills for the defense  since day one.  The same can be said about our efforts in Special Teams and the Offense as well.

Naturally our failures have to be addressed, and they will be.  As coaches it is our obligation to correct the problems that we saw last weekend.  After watching the video (several times) we decide on the necessary adjustments we need to make both schematically and personnel wise.

One thing is certain – everyone shares in the loss.  No one is exempt, and that includes us as the directors of the team and the players who must function at a high level on game day.  We are all in the same category…we are all a team.  Everyone has a role and I know that we will continue to work to find success for each member of our team.

Thanks for all of your support as family and friends of the Greyhound program.  We all know how much backing you give us and it is greatly appreciated!

Go Hounds!