Game day in Salem
Dec
2005
D3football.com here hours before kickoff as usual, which leaves plenty of time to kick off a new blog.
Gordon and Pat Coleman are to my left right now, on the air announcing the all-Americans. If you aren’t listening, you should be … if you’re interested in hearing about four or five different pre-game interviews. I know Brett Elliott’s interview already aired … good stuff. Very humble, honest about his NFL future and bashing the lack of a playoff in D-I. Loving that!
Mount Union’s specialists have just taken the field.
The weather here tends to be cold and windy … Salem is the championship site because they make D3 feel big time and have gathered a great volunteer base to support the game, but we could do without the weather.
The field is a fast track, but probably not the same as the turf at Mount Union. Both teams are used to/OK with cold weather, and UW-W played in the snow last week, so this should be nothing new. There is snow around the field from Thursday night, but the field was taken care of yesterday, and even spray painted green (I believe) to make it look good for TV.
We’ll be posting from time to time today, and we’ve seen you go crazy on the predictions thread … but if you’re not here and your TV is close to your computer, pump up the sound from the webcast. We’re pretty sure the D3 die-hards will enjoy it.
We’ll be glad to hear your thoughts pre-game and during. Should be fun to look back at after the fact. Take it away…
December 17th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
If you’ve never been to Salem, or haven’t been in years, we’ll try to paint the picture for you.
Pat Cummings just called in from the parking lot where he’s tailgating with Bridgewater fans … who somehow piped in our All-Americans and cheered for the people they knew. A few hours before game time, Mount Union fans and Bridgewater fans chatted and reminisced about the Prime Time Stagg Bowl.
They get a cover band to rock the house in the parking lot, and luckily Ohio and Wisconsin fans probably don’t mind standing out in the cold tossing the football and grilling out.
Inside the stadium, a few have taken their seats. This place is going to be purple-clad today, but the same shade even (like someone would have Lavender uniforms) so we won’t be able to tell the fan bases apart.
In any case, we heard official and unofficial predictions of as much as 14 by the likely and unlikelist of sources. Very interesting stuff.
Gotta get back to work. If you’re with us from anywhere in the country but Salem, Va., thanks for your patronage and ennnnnjoy!
December 17th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
Mount is in the white-on-white with Purple helmets.
UW-W wearing black jerseys with purple numbers, white pants, purple helmets. Mount has uniforms with the exact same color combo that they’ve worn in a Stagg Bowl before … this could be tough to keep straight, and will likely throw a few people off when they first turn the game on.
They’re playing Def Leppard ‘Pour Some Sugar on me’ over the PA. I guess they save the 50 Cent for closer to gametime.
P.S. if you are at the game or otherwise miss the webcast, I believe it will be archived.
OK, I’ll stop holding conversations with myself now.
December 17th, 2005 at 12:14 pm
What more can I say except I wish I were there with you. I’m a long time Whitewater resident(please don’t make me tell how long…lol) and alumni and have been waiting for this day for a long, long time. Not so much to be able to say that I saw it happen but moreso for the players and especially coach B and his staff who have worked so hard to get there. Good luck to two outstanding athletic programs and may there be no serious injuries on either side.
….Oh and I almost forgot….GO WARHAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
December 17th, 2005 at 12:18 pm
Two words for you.
Mmm. Chicken.
I love stone station.
December 17th, 2005 at 12:33 pm
A couple of interesting sights:
Myles Brand.
A Hardin-Simmons hat.
Lots of Virginia Tech/Salem HS football stuff.
A cheesehead.
Homemade “Beaver Fever” and “We believe in Trav” shirts.
Nothing significant and breaking (like Mount Union’s offense got the stomach flu last night) that we can report yet. Wait, UW-Whitewater’s SID says the only gametime question mark was Justin Beaver with the flu.
Really … adding to the story of his great season and/or excuse if he doesn’t play well.
If you’re watching on TV, take a close look at O-line/D-line play … should be a big indicator of how things will turn out. Also been told one side (can’t say which) may pull out all the stops/trick plays … perhaps a sign of fear that their regular stuff won’t work, perhaps a go-for-the-jugular great coaching strategy.
FWIW.
December 17th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
More sights.
Lots of purple.
Warhawk mascot complete with sweat pants like bottom.
Mount Union mascot who looks like a distant cousin of the Pirates mascot.
Whitewater band members enjoying the experience.
And more purple.
December 17th, 2005 at 12:47 pm
Myles Brand
December 17th, 2005 at 12:48 pm
oops, hope he wasn’t the one sporting the HS hat.
December 17th, 2005 at 12:59 pm
Who won All American First team running backs? Personal interest here and I’m in the sticks with no TV.
Thanks
December 17th, 2005 at 1:02 pm
When will the All-American team be posted?
Interesting tandem for the TV broadcast…gary bender and bill curry
December 17th, 2005 at 1:07 pm
Not a problem.
First team — Beaver (UWW), Arcidiacono (Union)
Second team — Porta (Bethel), Washington (Bridgewater)
Third team — Schuring (Central), Thibodeau (Maine Maritime)
Honorable Mention — Blakowski (Hobart), Kimmel (Anderson)
Very healthy crowd here today. Great to have both bands and fans who are jumped, even it’s partly out of desire to get on ESPN 2.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:08 pm
NNA SID:
Probably late tonight, early tomorrow.
If you have a question on a particular position, let me know and I’ll do what I can.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:15 pm
Whitewater kicker Chaulk injured on kickoff.
Back-ups on the playoff roster are #43 Croak and #4 Finer.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:19 pm
Gordon
Just trying to get anyone from the ACFC (so I can do my other job as ACFC SID)
I know my guys weren’t eligible…but to do my conference work.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:19 pm
Jorris’ INT ends Mount Union’s first drive in the waiting arms of Vic Wipperfurth.
Whitewater comes out throwing with a couple passes to Stanley. Mount Union’s secondary is a little banged-up with Ryan Fehl hurt from last weekend’s Rowan game.
Beaver finishes the drive. Man, them are some big dudes on that Whitewater line. Chaulk is back for the PAT, which is good.
WHITEWATER 7 MOUNT UNION 0 — 9:44 FIRST
December 17th, 2005 at 1:24 pm
Sure.
Second team defense: Byran Robinson (Wesley), Culbert (Frostburg)
Honorable Mention: K - Lantcott (Brockport)
December 17th, 2005 at 1:25 pm
Guys, there’s a 1 to 1 1/2 minute delay between the TV play and the internet feed. Anyway to fix it?
December 17th, 2005 at 1:30 pm
Thank You Gordon
December 17th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
If you refresh the stream, it may become a little more “real time” but not sure if it’ll synch up perfectly.
That’s an unfortunate by-product of most forms of radio, including regular (i.e. non-internet).
Garcon on a long bomb. Just uses his jets to blow by the secondary on a post pattern.
WHITEWATER 7 MOUNT UNION 7 — 6:34 IN FIRST QUARTER
December 17th, 2005 at 1:42 pm
Thanks Gordon. I refreshed but it’s still almost a minute behind. Oh well.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:51 pm
Field is getting chewed up. Salem facility people out to replace as many divets as possible during the quarter break.
Pat Coleman reports from the sideline and we’ll keep an eye on footing.
December 17th, 2005 at 1:54 pm
So much purple… I wonder if there’s anything to that. I’m just thinking about ALL the teams that have been in Salem the last few years… MUC, UWW, Linfield… all purple. How about basketball? UWSP, Williams… do you have to wear purple to be great?!
December 17th, 2005 at 1:56 pm
Noteworthy first quarter stats:
Mount Union: Eight carries for minus-two yards. Whitewater 9-47.
Total Offense: MUC 16-89 UWW 21-103
Time of Possession: MUC 8:14 UWW 6:46
December 17th, 2005 at 1:57 pm
Grimace would be pleased.
And what is Grimmace, anyway?
December 17th, 2005 at 2:13 pm
First look (literally) at Instant replay was fun.
Garcon catches the ball in the endzone on the far side and nearly gets foot in (only needs 1 for college). Official rule out of bounds.
First view on the video screen solicits points from MUC fans including the Purple Raider offense pointing at the screen. Officials take a look…and then UWW fans and coaches point at screen waving, signaling no catch.
They were right…so were the officials but that was fun anyway.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:14 pm
any one know who gto all american LB
December 17th, 2005 at 2:17 pm
Great catch by Garcon! His 2nd TD reception. MUC 14-7. Looking like a really good game.
Beaver has been more effective than I had thought.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:19 pm
And our second look at replay comes a couple plays later.
Same situation, different result. TD Garcon, his second of the game.
WHITEWATER 7 MOUNT UNION 14 4:13 IN 2ND Q
December 17th, 2005 at 2:21 pm
All American LBs:
First: Gibbons (MUC), Ubbelhode (St. Thomas), Widuch (UWW)
Second: Lang (St. John Fisher), Orton (Linfield), Radtke (North Central)
Third: Matson (Augsburg), Follweiler (Wilkes), McCall (Muhlenberg)
HM: Brady (Alfred), Pynenberg (Wabash) Van de Loo (Lakeland — Go Muskies)
December 17th, 2005 at 2:25 pm
is that olson for linfield
December 17th, 2005 at 2:25 pm
No wind to speak of, but field conditions aren’t good enough for Whitewater to try a FG.
So UWW goes for it and Kostelnick called for pass interference. UWW pushing for the tie with under two minutes left in the first half.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:25 pm
I’m sorry. Yes, Brandon Olson. Sorry about that.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:26 pm
Had the other cat (”Ort”-on) on the brain.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:31 pm
Yet more replay. Sheesh.
Ruling stands. No TD as Schmitt did not have full possession.
OBVIOUS PUN ALERT…
UWW tries to “Chaulk” 3 points on a FG but comes up way short.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:31 pm
Wow! I certainly thought that was close to a reception. I thought that he had possession just long enough to take a step.
FG attempt was short!
December 17th, 2005 at 2:37 pm
No possession, no question. Refs doing a great job.
My first half observation: Whitewater isn’t getting outplayed - they’re getting outcoached.
Scrap the sprint out with Jacobs and the stretch with Beaver. Inside zone, play action all game. Anyone else notcie how Whitewater gets past the 50 with Beaver and then throws 5 times in a row? Yeah, O-coordinator (Z) needs to fix a few things.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
First half statistics:
First half stories:
Tres bien: Garcon can fly and Whitewater knows it. Corners trying to play off him at the end of the half. As Pat Coleman mentioned, you can’t teach speed so UWW will have to find another way to stop them. Coach Collins of Capital (halftime gues) says Warhawks corner should give him a little more cushion.
Leave it to Beaver?: Beaver’s been relatively effective running the ball, but not enough to sustain a drive. Mount’s a little banged up in the secondary so maybe it’s on the shoulders of Stanley, Leszcynski and Schmitt to get the offense going.
MIAA 3 Haters 0: We’ve had three plays reviewed and all three looked like good calls “upon further review.” Kudos to the MIAA officials who are handling today’s game.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:47 pm
Gordon, anyone else from Lakeland on the All-Amer team aside from Van De Loo? Thanks!
December 17th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
Ralph:
K-Mack thought he caught it, too. So you’re in good company.
Stats of note:
1st Downs: MUC 8 UWW 11
Rush (att-yards): MUC 16-34 UWW 17-46
Pass: MUC 142 UWW 99
Passing full: Jorris 10-16-1, Jacobs, 10-21-0
Total offense: MUC 32-176 UWW 38-145
Turnovers: MUC 1 UWW 0
3rd Down: MUC 2 of 6 UWW 1 of 7
Time of Possession: MUC: 15:04 UWW 14:56
Standouts:
Mount Union: Kmic 12-35, Garcon 3-76
UWW: Beaver 15-47, 1 TD; Stanley 5-58
NCAA President and RPI Alum Myles Brand will join Pat Coleman on air in 3rd Quarter.
December 17th, 2005 at 2:50 pm
LC SID:
David Benton, Honorable Mention DE
December 17th, 2005 at 2:51 pm
Thanks - go Muskies!
December 17th, 2005 at 2:58 pm
Question: I’m a former UWW player and i’m in Kuwait right now and the game keeps on cutting out what can i do? where else can i go besides broadcastmonsters.com?
December 17th, 2005 at 3:05 pm
lol. Giving this game away on a silver (bronze and walnut) platter.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:07 pm
Wow…holy moly. Glad to have you aboard.
Well, it could be what’s called “buffering.” That happens when your computer is trying to do too much at the same time. If you’re running a couple programs and listening to the broadcast at the same time, that could be it. Sometimes closing other applications will help.
Beyond that, you could try broadcasts from Mount Union or Whitewater which we are prohibited from posting per our broadcast agreement with the NCAA. The Whitewater fansite may have it.
Hopefully that helps.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:11 pm
Nate Kmic bursts for 96 yards, a TD and a new Stagg Bowl record. Zimmerman’s extra point is good and UWW needs to answer.
Uncle Mo is on the Alliance side.
WHITEWATER 7 MOUNT UNION 21 — 3RD 835
December 17th, 2005 at 3:19 pm
How silly the annoucer is to basically say ” good call going for it on 4th down from the 3 YARD LINE”!! Are you crazy?! maybe from the 1. ha said they may not get down there again to score….thought they had a great offense? two things happened….1) MUC got pumped up for holding on 4th down….(nice 96yd run). 2) UW’s kicker sees there is NO faith….hope they don’t have to count on him late in the game……..UH OH…interception MUC….it’s over and it’s 3:20 pm. YEAH RAIDERS!!!!!
December 17th, 2005 at 3:21 pm
Kehres calling the plays now.
K-Mack suspected that might be a factor. UWW needs a stop or this could start to get icky.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:22 pm
Oh….it’s gonna get icky…get ready for the nate kmic show
December 17th, 2005 at 3:23 pm
Thank you, that was nice
December 17th, 2005 at 3:27 pm
MUC dominating. Impressive!!!! Whitewater folding under the pressure. Nevermind about giving it away, right now it’s the MUC show.
I can’t wait for comments after the game about the UWW play calling.
Not over at 28-7, but it’s a steep hill to climb. Hope Beaver gets 6 more yads, though.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:27 pm
Kmic scores AGAIN, his 12trh TD and 1,003 yards. That’s a new record on the later.
Ryan Kleppe goes off slowly.
WHITEWATER 7 MOUNT UNION 28– 2:08 IN 3RD
December 17th, 2005 at 3:29 pm
lillipad said it best…”they’re getting outcoached”….LK is gonna work the clock offensively, and keep everything in front of his defense.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:30 pm
Beaver picks up 16 yards to get 101 on the day and the record for rushing yards in a single season.
KuwaitUWW, glad you enjoyed the shout-out.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:32 pm
A bit of good news for UWW. Kleppe coming back.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Wow. Fantastic catch by Lesczynski and very good throw by Jacobs to thread the needle. Chaulk hits the extrapoint.
As Pat Cummings says, “the Warhawks have life.”
WHITEWATER 14 MOUNT UNION 28 — 12:22 IN 4 Q
December 17th, 2005 at 3:45 pm
Whitewater’s largest rally this year came against UW-Stout when they trailed 10-0 and won 32-10.
As best I can tell with everything else that’s going on, I think this is the only time this year UWW has trailed by more than one score. The ‘hawks need a 3-and-out.
December 17th, 2005 at 3:59 pm
ZZZZZZZIP!
Jacobs fires a laser into the arms of Pete Schmitt for the score. Chaulk adds the PAT and suddenly it’s a one score game.
WHITEWATER 21 MOUNT UNION 28 - 8:37 IN 4 Q
December 17th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
Whitewater takes TO. I think that’s their second of the half.
Mount Union grinding down the field and chewing up the clock. Purple Raiders at the UWW 16 with second and 2 and under 3 left.
December 17th, 2005 at 4:12 pm
I certainly hope that ESPN2 stays with the football game.
Last weekend, the Duke/UT-Austin basketball game was televised and drew 3.4 rating; the Class AAAA Division I State Championship between local Highland Park HS and Marshall drew a 3.7. The power of Texas high school football!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:14 pm
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
35-21!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:34 pm
what a great game!! yeah Raiders!!!!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:37 pm
As all the realistic, smart and football intelligent people said ALL week, it was a GREAT game against the two best teams in Division 3. Congratulations to Mount Union.
Maybe a rematch next year at the Stagg??
December 17th, 2005 at 4:38 pm
As all the realistic, smart and football intelligent people said ALL week, it was a GREAT game against the two best teams in Division 3. Congratulations to Mount Union.
Maybe a rematch next year at the Stagg??
P.S. - All the people that predicted a blowout (either way) should get on here and eat their crow.
December 17th, 2005 at 4:38 pm
Congratulations to both teams. Good game to watch!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:39 pm
Congratulations to both teams. Good game to watch!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:39 pm
NA-NA-NA-NA HEY HEY GOODBYE Iknowitall from the previous messages! Great game Raiders, Pierre’s speed in unmatched in D3, will win the Gagliardi within the next two years. Warhawks’ played a good game, Beaver is a stud but Mt. was ready for him. Way to bring it home to Alliance! LK outcoached UW-W, yes!!
December 17th, 2005 at 4:39 pm
Congratulations to both teams. Good game to watch!
December 17th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
I wonder how long it will be before SeanGOP and IKNOWNOTHING crawl out into public again. Hey Sean this ones for you:
MT. Onion 35 (at least)
WW 28 (at most)
December 17th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Congrats to the Raiders! And thanks to Nate Kmic for making my MVP prediction come true (I think he got one more yard rushing than predicted).
December 17th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Great Game. Congratulations to both teams.
Hey YouKnowNothing. Great prediction! The country was reminded about the strength of the OAC and Mt. Union. Number eight is sweet.
SeanGOP - Thanks for your insight as well.
I’m sure you will both have some interesting excuse for the outcome. Besides the fact that the better team won today. We can look forward to more of Kmic, Garcon and Jorris.
Great job and congratulations to the Raiders. What a season.
Everyone in Salem have a safe trip home.
December 17th, 2005 at 5:40 pm
Congrats to the Raiders on #8. Especially in a year where everyone had written them off. Also a very hearty Congrats to WW on a great season and for fighting to the very end. WW was only the 2nd team this year to hang 28 points on Mount’s defense. We can also put to rest all that talk about the Nat. Championship being played in Linfield two weeks ago.
December 17th, 2005 at 5:40 pm
[correction: Kmic rushed for 185 yards, not 151. My bad for looking at the stats and not noticing they were as mid-fourth quarter!]
December 17th, 2005 at 6:17 pm
Great game. I missed the All-American list. I’m not familiar with this website & hope you don’t mind me asking. When the the full All-American list be out? Can I view it somewhere? Thanks!
December 17th, 2005 at 6:26 pm
Where are all the DIII football know-it alls from Wisconsin?
I didn’t think so.
How does crow taste?
December 17th, 2005 at 6:32 pm
I want to say I’m not including all WW fans in my comments. Only the ones that talked trash for the last week.
I hope you enjoyed your run. It’s over.
December 17th, 2005 at 6:34 pm
Congrats to MUC on a great win and to my Hawks who played their hearts out. Not a slam to the MUC players but we were surely outcoached more than outplayed today. Again, not slighting the players as they are outstanding!
December 17th, 2005 at 6:46 pm
Fishingfool
I think you are mostly right about the players and the level of play. The two teams were pretty equal in talent. But it appeared that LK realized by halftime that the WW quarterback wasn’t going to hurt MUC deep. When that happened, they squeezed the Line of scrimmage, shutting down Beaver during the critical third quarter, and ran off what proved to be the winning points. LK has a way of making those types of adjustments at the half. Again, a very good college football game.
December 17th, 2005 at 6:53 pm
FishingFool
Wrong.
Most definitely outcoached. Talent was close. What about Kmic and Garcon. WW couldn’t handle them.
Weren’t ready. We’ll be hearing a lot more about Kmic than Beaver in the future as well. Barring injuries.
December 17th, 2005 at 7:07 pm
Enough already. Break up the Raiders. Playing a different game. Eight titles in 13 years? Up their entrance requirements, or make them play with 10 guys or something. Couple (few) more points. Forget the Goooolardy Trophy. Rename it the Kehres Trophy. Make the title game MUC 1’s vs. MUC 2’s. Let everyone else play for second place. And either: move the game to a latitude that will give decent weather, or divide the cost of putting in FieldTurf there among however many DIII teams there are in the country.
December 17th, 2005 at 7:11 pm
I was thinking the same thing about the field today. Since the college hosts the football and basketball championships they should get a good portion of the money to be able to put in FieldTurf. The repair and up keep of regular grass is more expensive in the long run then just getting FieldTurf.
December 17th, 2005 at 7:14 pm
Does everyone agree with replay official that the touchdown at the end of the half was an incomplete pass?
December 17th, 2005 at 7:34 pm
I was wrong about outcome!!! LK outcoached UWW bad. 4th and goal from the 2 early in the third quarter down 14-7 and they go for it. Explain that to me? It was too even teams playing at that point why make such a desparation decision. Make it 14-10 and keep momentum. What was thought process there, there was so much game to go. Instead they give up 95 yard run on turnover and play chase the rest of the day. UWW looked shellshocked all day. Tight end dropping ball at end of half hurt big time. Stanley needed the ball in second half and never got it. Poor perfromance all together by UWW. Didn’t seserve to win the game. They were lucky Mount Union got conservative and gave up some late cheap touchdowns or final might have been 35-7. Congrats to MU. Linfield would have gave you better game!
December 17th, 2005 at 7:40 pm
YouKnowNothing
At least your man enough to admit you were wrong. Terribly wrong!
MUC! MUC! MUC! I hope you enjoyed this. I certainly did.
December 17th, 2005 at 7:45 pm
Congraculations to Mount Union, i was wrong as the majority in the poll.I was not pleased with several cheap shots by the UWW defense. I also think they made too many errors, the dropped TD pass, missed passes for interceptions. overall the best team won. thank you bloggers for all of your good comments. god bless you all.
December 17th, 2005 at 7:53 pm
YouKnowNothing
Do you like crow. I’ve heard from SeanGOP that it tastes like chicken.
Or maybe Warhawk?
Mount Union! Mount Union!
December 17th, 2005 at 8:14 pm
I’ve been following these posts for a few weeks and have refrained from posting until now.
mlusk - Can you learn to win with grace and dignity? IKnowItAll just made a gracious post and made no excuses. In fact, he gave kudos to MUC. Perhaps you could learn a lesson from his last post.
I grew up near Alliance, OH and have been following Mt. Union football since the early 70’s when they were a perpetual doormat in football. It’s nice to see their rise, particularly, since it began when a good friend of mine and high school mate (Scott Woolf) transferred from Ohio State to MUC in the early 80’s. Scott was the quarterback at MUC when they began to challenge Augustana in the 80’s (but couldn’t get over the hump). I now live in Virginia and have been to several Stagg Bowls and MUC as a student body and the fans from Alliance have always acted well, win or lose. It would be nice to see the forum posters that support the team do the same.
Peace to all and I hope to see MUC in Salen, VA again next year!
December 17th, 2005 at 8:22 pm
IKNOWITALL
I appreciate you owning up to being wrong abut the outcome. It wasn’t the fact that you were supporting WW, it was the total disregard for MUC and the constant yapping that it would be a 50 point blow-out that rubbed people the wrong way. I suspect we will see these two teams meeting again next year, so hopefully the predictions will be a little more realistic. I do believe that WW had the talent to win this game, but there are other factors that come into play when you get to the final game. Happy Holidays.
December 17th, 2005 at 8:25 pm
A few thoughts as I sit in Charlotte’s airport awaiting a connecting flight back to Philadelphia…
WHAT A WEEKEND.
Best Stagg Bowl weekend I’ve been a part of…
1. Sat with Mount and UWW fans on the plane from Charlotte to Roanoke. Mount fans were calm, WW visibly jumpy. Their major question: “Why Salem?” Answered later…
2. Hotel Roanoke - 8:30am, “kid” calls and confirms Stone Station is well established at the stadium parking lot, with chicken on the grill.
3. 10:00am - Kmac and I arrive at the stadium and pull right up to Stone Station…witness Llamaguy, Skoaltrain, et al getting down with all that is good in tailgating. TV cameras come by to take pictures of the 75 chicken quarters on the massive grill. This is going to be good. Ric, HSCoach, Theaprof, Seventiesraider, Skunkssidekick, and plenty of others are there. I think to myself…without D3football.com, this doesn’t happen.
4. 11:00am - Crowd building in the parking lot and OLineMom arrives with her 17 pans of brownies…and they are as good as advertised.
5. 11:20am - The chicken comes off the grill and Theaprof is the first to get a piece. He reaches into the container to pull a leg out…the bone comes out and the rest of the meat is left in the container. WOW. I was fourth in line and Llamaguy’s weeklong marination did it’s job. Some of the best, most tender BBQ chicken I’ve ever had. The Whitewater folks start to flock over to “Stone Station” and they too get in line…first come first served with the chicken.
6. 11:35am - The first 45 quarters that were done are now gone and the remaining 30 are coming off the grill. Looks like a Soviet bread line…except, without the poverty, etc.
6a. 11:38am - Stone Station wins best tailgate award and package of goodies from 94.1 Star Country FM.
7. 11:43am - Chicken is gone…still people in line thinking more are on the way. Sorry…as Llamaguy said, first come first served. A gaggle of WW folks are chomping away, and those who didn’t get the bird got Olinemom’s brownies…scout teamers are there, a ton of WW parents including starting TE Pete Schmitt and starting LB AJ Raebel. Good people…
8. 12:00pm - I head on up the press box for the duration, the crowd still kicks on…as Skoaltrain remarked…”There were people on the phone telling those they were talking to…’I'm at Stone Station.”
8a. For those who don’t know, Stone is a reference to the Bridgewater College president…Bridgewater tailgaters gave their tailgate location such a name for their on-campus tailgates and have since carried it on the road…and oh how far they’ve come.
9. Why Salem? I saw some of my flight-mates hanging at Stone Station. That should be enough reason.
10. Myles Brand was there. I was really surprised to here that he would be in attendance, and almost as surprised that Pat Coleman was able to interview him on the sidelines at the start of the third quarter. His overall remarks summarized…1. We’re glad you webcast the game, 2. Even though brackets are regional in D3, this truly remains a national championship, 3. D3 has about 25 schools waiting to gain full membership, bringing total numbers to around 450, chances are they would cap that membership there.
11. Great game…you had a feeling UWW was always in the hunt.
12. Would have never predicted UWW wouldn’t score for more than 2.5 quarters of football. That was their downfall…
13. Replay was well used, took no more than one minute from announcement of review to result of review. The MIAA officials did a decent job overall, I give them a 8.5 out of 10…I think they definitely missed on a few calls, but the ones they made were right on.
14. If Justin Beaver can get out of bounds or in the end zone on that last drive, it would have greatly increased UWW’s chances of a shot on that onside kick.
15. Salem does a great job with the Stagg Bowl, no question…but after watching the field debacle from the 2004 D1-AA championship in Chattanooga, they knew they had to get an artificial surface if they wanted to keep the game. The field conditions today didn’t determine the outcome, but they didn’t help either. If Salem wants the Stagg Bowl beyond 2006, one of the things that will sure up their bid is an artificial surface at Salem Stadium.
16. Got back to the airport by 515 thanks to “kid” and several Mount and UWW fans were there. Got to talking with Bob Berezowitz’s brother who was on my flight. He was obviously disappointed and said he would have rather been going back after a win, but having spent parts of seven seasons covering the Stagg Bowl, and the men’s Final Four, this much is clear…no other D3 team, of the 231 out there, are playing today.
The road to Salem is the chore…get to Salem, and winning is merely icing on the cake. There is no need to say “I told ya so…” about some off the wall predictions. Two teams got there, and no one else can say they did. Just getting there TRULY is 9/10ths the battle, the remaining portion is left on the field.
WW players will look back on this at some point and reflect, knowing that they their experience was a good one.
17. Bill Curry from ESPN2’s broadcast was also on my flight. Didn’t get a chance to talk to him but this much is clear…he appreciates D3. His comments on the Friday night preview at halftime of the D1-AA champ game were very well received by the NCAA committee watching…from where we stand, ESPN2 is an outsider when it comes to D3, we want to see outsiders respect our niche of the market and not treat us as a circus sideshow as some felt from 2004. Good job Bill and Gary Bender.
18. Best Stagg Bowl weekend so far…thanks to the following:
Pat Coleman for his great job on the sideline
Gordon Mann for his production of the broadcast - he was the traffic controller and we couldn’t have done it without him
KMac for being Kmac
All the Bridgewater folks who came and made the Salem experience that much better for fans who might not have known the difference…they do now.
Carey Harveycutter and all the Salem gang for being gracious hosts
Brad Bankston and Chris Kilcoyne from the ODAC for another flawless day of game management…
Great job, great game, great atmosphere…Stagg Bowl 33 over and out.
December 17th, 2005 at 8:26 pm
When you play the best, you get beat like the rest!
December 17th, 2005 at 8:49 pm
Iknowitall,
Very classy. Wish you could have showed this side before so everyone wouldn’t have been calling you out. Anyways I understand how it is. Everyone is cocky about Mount at school, until they lost then it kind of shut us up a little. Hopefully these two play again because I think this could be a good rivalry for many years. Battle of the Purple and Black!
December 17th, 2005 at 9:43 pm
BucksFan,
My comments are directed towards two individuals on this blog. They spent the last week knocking Mount. I have followed MUC football for quite some time as well. I AM ENJOYING THIS. I believe this is your first comment about anything. Your opinioin means nothing.
Thank for your advice.
Good Night.
December 17th, 2005 at 10:01 pm
That 4th down call was bad!!!! Why did UWW not kick the field goal. That play changed whole complexion of the game…………
December 17th, 2005 at 10:05 pm
I was, like most, a neutral observer of the game. The game lived up to its hype and demonstrated the quality of both programs, needless to say. MUC has this year’s bragging rights.
To UW_RF: The call at the end of the half was correct in my opinion.
To mlusk: It’s very premature to assume UW-W has ended its run.
To bvboom: I can’t hear you……
To d3football.com: Great job all year long. We are all beneficiaries of your hard work and effort in keeping us DIII junkies up to date. Have an enjoyable holiday season with your families.
December 17th, 2005 at 10:28 pm
mlusk,
I wan’t aware that number of comments had anything to do with credible statements.
I know about SeanGOP and IKnowItAlls comments in the blog. Believe me, I bit my tongue (refrained from posting) several times and share your viewpoint about their past posts. I just believe in rising above all that. No offense was intended.
Peace, perhaps we’ll meet in Salem next year.
December 17th, 2005 at 10:49 pm
Iknowitall
You owned up to being wrong. You are not the only one who questined not kicking a field goal.
Gotta Love Coach Kehres today. Never seem him that excited during a game.
Go Raiders!
WW Fans are very good people. Had a ball down here with them. Both teams played their As* off today.
SeanGOP- It’s Mt.Union
December 17th, 2005 at 10:51 pm
MadreLoca7:
We’ll post the All Americans either late tonight, early tomorrow AM once we all get settled back in our respective homes.
If you have a question about a particular player or position, I may be able to answer it.
December 17th, 2005 at 10:51 pm
BucksFan
Looking to get a hold of Scotts sister Kelly. I went to school w/her and Todd at WBHS. Do you still speak to Scott to get me their info?
December 17th, 2005 at 11:47 pm
the 95 yarder was certainly the tide turner. Hate to bash players, but 91 had a CLEAN shot at Kmic for about a 1 yard gain and WHIFFED. Better team won. WWW should have continued to run the Beav straight up the gut instead of sweeping, also
December 18th, 2005 at 12:00 am
Great Game UW-WW. I just got done moving and finally got my internet up at the new location. Heck of a game. Beaver was for real. Just glad the Raiders got it going after that first Q int and TD by the Warhaks.
Hopefully they’ll keep you in the West again next year and we can do this again a year from now.
Congrats to a great season.
December 18th, 2005 at 1:06 am
All-Americans posted: http://www.d3football.com/tow/allamericans.htm
There are many things I’d like to say about the game, but also many hours of sleep I’d like to catch up on. The one thing I need to say is thanks to the Stone Station folks for the delicious chicken that Pat Cummings brought up to the broadcast booth as we went on the air this morning. Great stuff! You guys definitely deserved the tailgating prize.
Regarding the third call, I thought he had the ball and crossed the plane of the goal line with it, but I am not an expert on the rules. I talked to another D-III head coach on the sidelines and his view of the replay was that Schmitt had the ball trapped against his leg and never had control.
December 18th, 2005 at 1:57 am
Nate’s 95 yard run is number 6 on SportsCenter top 10 plays. Also mentioned OAC pride on the highlight too!
December 18th, 2005 at 4:04 am
WOW, what a day! So much on my mind but a few things that stand out:
(even if I AM an H-SC/Maryville/Ferrum guy)
To the City of Salem and the ODAC I say job well done. This was my first in person Stagg Bowl but good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, will not be my last. Shame on me since I live an hour away.
The Game - I think W-W was out played, out coached, and Warhawk fans just didn’t seem to really get into the game. Even the W-W fans sitting around me were trying to rally the W-W faithful to little avail. MUC played like they had been there before, W-W at times looked a little shell shocked. No dis intended to the Warhawks. With such a young team, I fully expect to see them in Salem next year. I still believe player to player W-W had slightly more talent. MUC was a classic example of how the sum of parts is greater than it’s individual units. When you win 8 Stagg Bowls, it ain’t no fluke. A true Dynasty!
What’s up with all the Stagg Bowl purple the last few years?- I am awake now at 3am because I woke up from the middle of a nightmare that I was in a Prince video.
Olinemom - Enjoyed our conversation. Like I told you, I have never met a French teacher that knows as much football. Almost wish now I had taken French instead of Spanish. Hat’s off to you and all the Bridgewater crew for showing our yankee friends a good time. And next year I want in on the brownies and chicken.
The officials and instant replay- Other than (in my opinion) one bad interference call that ended up being of no consequence, the zebras did a heck of a job. I am glad that instant replay was available. I think it showed each time it was used that the call was made correctly on the field.
Installation of artificial turf - The field did get chopped up some but not anywhere near the degree of the I-AA game last year. As Pat said above, it had no impact really on the outcome of the game. I might be way off on this but putting artificial turf on Salem Stadium might be a long shot because of the impact on Salem HS football. It could be a burden financially on some programs to purchase the proper shoes. Of course, Salem keeping the Stagg Bowl might allow them to purchase shoes for all the HS teams that play there.
Missing from the game - Other than MUC’s #1 profiling a few times and a couple of frustration personal fouls, I did not see showboating, taunts, antics, etc. I think #1 even got his butt chewed by coaches even though what he did was minor in comparison to todays pro and D1 players.
One final thought - Congrats to MUC and W-W for incredible seasons. And to all of D3 for getting it right. Thankfully, D3 doesn’t have to bow down to the almighty dollar like D1 does. (at least not to the same degree) For now, all hail the Mount Union Purple Raiders! August isn’t that far away.
December 18th, 2005 at 8:00 am
I too wondered about that decision to take a shot at the end-zone instead of taking the field goal. Ask my son and he will tell you I was like a mad man yelling at the TV set when they came up to the line to run the play. I mean it’s not as if you’re at the one yard line with momentum either. Beaver had just been smashed in the mouth for something like a 3 yard loss. Take what the other team gives you and play the rest of the game. I hate to say that I agree with that character knowitall but that one play really did change the complexion and momentum of the game. I also agree with the MUC fan that wondered why UWW insisted on running all those stretch running plays. It was obvious early on that with MUC excellent pursuit that thos eplays weren’t going anywhere. How about some misdirection to take advantage of MUCs quickness to the ball?? A couple playes later Kmic rips off that 95 yarder. These are just a few reasons why I said earlier that WW got more outcoached than they did outplayed. But as I also said earlier, congrats to MUC as they played a great game and surely deserved to win. Both teams return alot of their core players so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rematch next year. Until that time…..Happy Holidays to all!
December 18th, 2005 at 9:05 am
I just got off of a 14 hour bus ride back to Whitewater. I had alot of time to reflect about the game. both teams played well. Congrats to Mt. Union and thanks to whitewater for making it exciting at the end there. One thing that is bothering me is some of the posts on here. I heard nothing but good about the Mt. Union fans that they had alot of class. I see very little class from reading posts on here. The fans at the game were great but in my mind the few people who decide to bash other people on here take away from those fans that treat the other team with respect after a loss. I look forward to a re-match in next years stagg bowl.
December 18th, 2005 at 10:26 am
BucksFan,
I was there at the 1985 game when Augie beat Mt. Union with Woolf at QB. He passed on us all day. D-1 transfer. Game ended when he got sacked with a huge, blindsided hit by defensive tackle Lynn Thomsen (I had always thought it was Scott Francis who hit him, but read that it was Lynn Thomsen). It looked like there was enough time for at least one last stab at the end zone, but MUC seemed to give up. It would have been a long shot, but they didn’t even try. I’ve never understood that in all these years.
Thomsen started for something like 50 straight games, beginning as a true freshman. Only “blemish” on his career was a 0-0 tie in the 1986 opener against Elmhurst. Otherwise, four national championships in four years. He graduated with something like a 3.85 (?) gpa. First D3 player EVER inducted into the college football hall of fame.
Just like the Mt. Union teams of today, those Augie teams were quiet and disciplined, yet ferociously intense (but clean) on the field.
Congrats to Mount Union on a fabulous victory.
December 18th, 2005 at 11:05 am
jimjersa,
I graduated from WBHS in 1979. Small world. My dad lives next door to Scotts’ dad so I can probably get contact information for Kelly. I haven’t spoken with Scott in years but I hear he’s doing well. It appears that we probably have several common friends. The names at WBHS tend to repeat themselves, being that it’s farm country.
December 18th, 2005 at 11:06 am
Regarding the missed catch by the WW tight end. That was an excellent call. He clearly never had full possession of the ball before it was knocked out. It was trapped against his leg, then stripped.
December 18th, 2005 at 1:28 pm
Congrats to the Purple Raiders. Coach K is as classy as a coach as he was as a player. Thought it was interesting how he became more involved in the playcalling this week after letting his assistants handle the task most of the year.
I have a feeling Whitewater will be back. They have some serious talent returning, especially at the skill positions. Congrats to the Warhawks for never giving up and taking the game to the very end.
Bucksfan - also a grad of WBHS, albeit a few years before you
December 18th, 2005 at 4:41 pm
“FishingFool
Wrong.
Most definitely outcoached. Talent was close. What about Kmic and Garcon. WW couldn’t handle them.
Weren’t ready. We’ll be hearing a lot more about Kmic than Beaver in the future as well. Barring injuries”
mlusk,
Please explain to me how I was wrong. What I said was that Whitewater was outcoached. Nothing more….nothing less. And then you stated the same thing. As for your comment about hearing more about Kmic than Beaver?? How do you figure on that one? Both are excellent running backs. Not sure what the exact numbers were for Kmic in the playoffs, but they were unbelievable stats. But as I’m sure you know, Beaver just set a new NCAA-D3 record for rushing yards gained in a season as a sophomore. How can you take anything away from a player like that?
December 18th, 2005 at 9:38 pm
FishingFool
My comments were poor. I guess I was caught up in the victory. Which, by the way, is even sweeter now that I have watched the game a second time. It looked like Beaver was going to go for 200+ yards after WW’s first drive. Larry Kehres was asked before the game about Beaver. He said they had to prevent the big runs. He knew they couldn’t shut him down completely. Once again Mount executed Larry’s game plan to “T”.
Mount smacked a very talented and cocky team in the mouth for their eighth title.
I only hope we can enjoy another Mount Union vs. WW matchup next year.
My dad and brother were at the game. I sure hope WW fans represent the school better if they get another shot at the Stagg Bowl. I heard some very interesting stories from tailgating.
Also, Mount Union fans should look at articles in the Madison newspaper about the game. I’m beginning to think that there is something in the water in Wisconsin. Interesting perspectives.
Way to go Raiders on number eight.
December 19th, 2005 at 7:01 am
From the sounds of mlusk’s posts methinks MUC fans can talk smack with the best of them…lol. I mean there’s something called being a gracious winner and then there’s something called being a humble winner. I guess it’s apparent that some UWW fansand a few MUC fans, including mlusk, need to learn a few things about that. I’m too old to get into a peeing match about a sporting event. That’s why all of my post’s have been complimentary of MUC, their players and coaches. Yes, some UWW fans were on here before the game and got a little over zealous with their smack talk, which for the most part I chaulked up to being overly excited and inexperienced at being in this type of situation. But by the same token I have seen some in your face posts from MUC fans after their victory. These things are routine in sporting events(especially those with championship implications)and have a tendancy to go both ways. Believe me when I tell you that there’s nothing in the water in Wisconsin that makes our fans any different than the fans I’ve seen around the country throughout the years. I’m too old to be convinced of anything to the contrary.
December 19th, 2005 at 8:09 am
Not sure who said that “you’ll be hearing more from Kmic than Beaver in the future”, but I have to disagree with that statement. Kehres works too hard a being balanced and spreading the ball around to see Kmic get 1700+ yards in the regular season. He has too many RB’s to keep happy and there is no sense in wearing someone out with 30+ carries against the likes of Marietta and Wilmington. Plus LK tries very hard to remain balanced between the run & pass. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if MUC ends the 2006 regular season with both Robinson and Kmic at or very near the same amount of yards. The only reason Dan Pugh had the huge rushing numbers in 2002 was that Adamson was injured in the opener at Whitewater. With their senior QB hurt, MUC had to ride the running game more than usual in ‘02.
In terms of the 2005 Stagg, what a great weekend! The weather finally cooperated and the turn out from Alliance was impressive. Great game played by both teams which fielded a ton of talent. The difference was on the sidelines. Whitewater sure did MUC a favor by trying to go deep numerous times on Ross Watson. Which I assume they thought they could do from watching Capital do it. The difference was that Watson was playing severely banged up vs Capital thanks to a pulled hammy and separated shoulder, plus Capital’s WR’s and QB were better than Whitewater’s.
The difference in the early going was WWW’s ill-timed deep passes putting them in long yardage situations. Overall, the MUC defense did what they had to do versus Beaver: NO BIG PLAYS. Yes beaver had his 100+ yards, but his longest run was only 16 yards. We all know what Kmic’s longest run was.
Passing wise, the stat that sticks out to me is completion percentage. Jorris 71.4%, Jacobs 46.8%. Huge difference!
December 19th, 2005 at 9:23 am
People who counted MUC out prior to the game, be they Whitewater fans or not, should remember the history of that Mount Union College football program. MUC has been around, consistently, at a very high level, for a long, long, long, long time. Even in the 80’s, during the four championship run by Augustana, Mount Union was generally one of the toughest, if
not the toughest, game, including the championship. When’s the last time MUC missed the playoffs, even way back, when only something like eight teams were allowed in?
They’ll certainly be great until Larry Kehres retires, and possibly beyond. The attitude and demeanor of a football team flows downward from the top, i.e. the head coach position. Consistent intensity, sustained over time, discipline, cool headedness and teamwork are the themes repeated over and over again in programs like that. Of course, at the college level, success breeds success, in terms of recruiting the players. BOTH talent and mindset are necessary to be CONSISTENTLY on top. Neither is sufficient.
December 19th, 2005 at 9:52 am
Iknowitall admitted he was wrong about the outcome and gave credit to the Purple Raiders. That works for me. He was a man and showed up to take his.
December 19th, 2005 at 10:30 am
saidentary,
You’re absolutely correct. I was never overconfident of a Warhawk victory due to the fact the MUC has been there soooooo many times. There is an intangible that comes with the experience of “being there” on a consistent basis. That intangible along with a better game plan and coaching is, in my humble opinion, what put Mount Union at the top of the heep this year.
And by the way, in my previous post it sould have read, “gracious LOSER and
December 19th, 2005 at 10:31 am
saidentary,
You’re absolutely correct. I was never overconfident of a Warhawk victory due to the fact the MUC has been there soooooo many times. There is an intangible that comes with the experience of “being there” on a consistent basis. That intangible along with a better game plan and coaching is, in my humble opinion, what put Mount Union at the top of the heep this year.
And by the way, in my previous post it sould have read, “gracious LOSER” not gracious winner. Sorry about that.
December 19th, 2005 at 10:39 am
I have no idea what just happened there….lol.
December 19th, 2005 at 10:46 am
Saidentary, right on. Brezowitz said before and after the game that that’s how he is hoping Whitewater will be. He wants to emulate what Kehres has done over there - building a successful program for years upon years. Obviously Brez won’t be around too much longer, but for it will help his predecessor. Hopefully this exposure will help Whitewater in its quest to go back to Salem next year and years down the road.
P.S. - I know its a moot point and may not mean much because they lost, but did anyone else nitce how they didn’t announce Beaver breaking the rushing record at all? Not even a snipet about it? They didn’t even mention Kmic breaking Moore’s playoff rushing mark for MUC. Interesting, I thought. As much as the game was called prety well they missed a few key points/stats.
December 19th, 2005 at 11:06 am
lilpeds
They did mention Beaver only needed so many yards to break the record and they also mentioned Kmic tied Chuck Moore’s 95 yard Td run. Congrats to Justin Beaver. Just remember he did it in more games than the kid from Marietta. Bowers got his yards in 10 games. Either way, the kid from WW is very talented.
December 19th, 2005 at 12:33 pm
I know they mentioned it before/in the beginning of the game, but not when it happened. Normally a record such as that gets some say, even when a team is losing.
I know he did it in less games than the Marietta kid, but that doesn’t take away anything he’s done this year. It’s a 9 year record that a sophomore broke.
Just thought I’d throw it out there, that’s all.
P.S I guess the rumors I heard (I thought they were kind of rediculous) of Keith Jackson announcing the game was squashed, eh.
December 19th, 2005 at 1:05 pm
Pat Cummings,
Enjoyed your summary of the Stagg on here. Thanks!
December 20th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
Can’t wait until next year….
Can Mt. Union repeat…..Again?
Can WW make it back and win this time?
What will happen to St. Johns and Linfield?
Will someone else step up and take over?
So many questions but that is what’s great about football!
Merry Christmas to everyone.