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Messages - Kovo

#1
Quote from: CardinalAlum on September 26, 2021, 11:43:05 AM
Quote from: Kovo on September 26, 2021, 08:25:33 AM
Quote from: lmitzel on September 26, 2021, 01:32:07 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 26, 2021, 01:00:01 AM
When's the last time that anybody put up 62 points against Illinois Wesleyan? Today's game at Keller Field wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated; it was 48-7 going into the fourth quarter, and Dustin Hass liberally emptied the Firebirds bench in the final stanza.

NCC hung 69 on the team in green in '19 (6 of those coming on that SportsCenter Top 10 play from Andrew Kamienski). Wasn't that the game where Norm Eash made some comment about NCC not being that much better than his squad?

I think that you are absolutely correct sir.   I also think that is is apparent that the game has passed Norm by, and that long cold autumns of darkness are descending upon Weenieville.

On another note, the attendance at North Central yesterday is reported as 4955.  This is up from the 4700 or so against Aurora (For comparison Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois drew 8618 yesterday).  To me, that is some great news.  Obviously, this is the Golden Era of North Central football, but to see the growing interest in the program and CCIW games is really heart warming.  I hope that the Cardinals keep marching toward sellout crowds, since it will be fun for both teams (a little more fun for the Cardinals I suppose). 

A CCIW game will never be the Tommies vs. the Johnnies of the not so distant past, but I love small stadiums packed with enthusiastic fans.  A real benefit to everyone involved.  Not sure who else around the country is really packing them in.  Maybe some you guys who are more plugged into the national scene can comment.

It was homecoming, plus perfect weather and hall of fame induction day.  Probably a bit inflated but attendance I'm sure will continue to be very good.

You're probably right but just a shade under 10k in two home dates is pretty good.  I would hope that the excitement continues to build.
#2
Quote from: lmitzel on September 26, 2021, 01:32:07 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on September 26, 2021, 01:00:01 AM
When's the last time that anybody put up 62 points against Illinois Wesleyan? Today's game at Keller Field wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated; it was 48-7 going into the fourth quarter, and Dustin Hass liberally emptied the Firebirds bench in the final stanza.

NCC hung 69 on the team in green in '19 (6 of those coming on that SportsCenter Top 10 play from Andrew Kamienski). Wasn't that the game where Norm Eash made some comment about NCC not being that much better than his squad?

I think that you are absolutely correct sir.   I also think that is is apparent that the game has passed Norm by, and that long cold autumns of darkness are descending upon Weenieville.

On another note, the attendance at North Central yesterday is reported as 4955.  This is up from the 4700 or so against Aurora (For comparison Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois drew 8618 yesterday).  To me, that is some great news.  Obviously, this is the Golden Era of North Central football, but to see the growing interest in the program and CCIW games is really heart warming.  I hope that the Cardinals keep marching toward sellout crowds, since it will be fun for both teams (a little more fun for the Cardinals I suppose). 

A CCIW game will never be the Tommies vs. the Johnnies of the not so distant past, but I love small stadiums packed with enthusiastic fans.  A real benefit to everyone involved.  Not sure who else around the country is really packing them in.  Maybe some you guys who are more plugged into the national scene can comment.
#3
Quote from: Stagg Again!! on September 25, 2021, 10:22:20 PM
Quote from: kiko on September 25, 2021, 06:47:02 PM
Today:

Wheaton 58, North Park 27 at Foster & Kedzie
Carthage 62, Illinois Wesleyan 35 in Kenosha
North Central 58, Augustana 6 in Naperville
Wash U 27, Elmhurst 7 in St. Louis

Tonight:

Carroll at Millikin

Changing topics for a moment... I just watched the entire MHB v. HS game.  I have two questions:  1) How was this game even close? and 2) How was HS ranked so high coming into the game?  While I don't know enough about HS, I don't see a team in the Top 25 that wouldn't be favored to beat the Cowboys on any given Saturday.  Heck, I believe that HS would have a very difficult time keeping pace with the "run and gun" Aurora Spartans based on what I saw tonight.  Would love to hear what others saw in tonight's game... maybe I just missed it!

I didn't see the UMHB game so I defer to SA.  What I did see is that Aurora dropped another 70 today which by my count is 173 points in three games against teams not named North Central. 

When do they return to the top 25, next week or the week after?
#4
Quote from: kiko on September 24, 2021, 05:31:39 PM
Quote from: BIG BLUE BEN on September 24, 2021, 10:25:11 AM
Alright fellas, if its okay with everyone else, I want to talk about a big (yes I know its not the Bell game) CCIW ballgame.

Millikin vs Carrol @Frank M. Lindsay Field

This should turn out to be a great competitive contest that is highlighted by the cool connection of Carrol's Coach Buda and Coach Dan Gritti. Buda flurished at Millikin for 3 years 2 of which he spent shattering the offensive record books with nicco stepina. His offense has had success everywhere he has went and if he is ever able to steal recruits from the other WI conference then I think he can scheme with the best in the country. With that said, I think Millikin will have there hands full with a team that is also coming off a big win last week (upset IWU).

I excpect Millikin's offense to be improved from last week and continue to move the ball with a balanced run/pass combo. Millikin's strength is there O-line (have not given up a sack this year) along with there AA WR Colton Lockwood requiring so much of the attention that it opens up the rest of Millikin's talented young WR's. Millikin offense has only been stopped this year when they shoot themselves in the foot. Finally getting to play at home should help them play more relaxed and hopefully turnover free football.


Defensively, Millikin has the advantage on the line of scrimmage and on top of that, Carrol lacks a mobile QB which will allow Gritti to dial up a variety of blitzes/stunts. Carrol's air raid is scary when they are clicking. They have big bodied WR's which will have a big advantage on Millikin's undersized corners. With that said, I think Millikin will create tackles for loss/sacks and will be able to get off the field when ot counts Saturday.

Special teams,
No surprise Coach Gritti leads the CCIW in blocks through 2 games.
-Week 1 (Blocked punt for TD)
-Week 2 (blocked opening punt/blocked game winning field 25 yard field goal)
-Well see if we can one against Carrol but for nothing else, teams having to waste practice time prepping extra for PUNT is point for Millikin.

Turnovers have plagued the Big Blue but I think they find their groove playing at home for first time in really 2 years; Millikin plays their most complete game so far and wins a close shootout at home. Millikin 34-Carroll 29

This may very well be the most Millikin content (and Carroll content, for that matter...) that we've had in one post in the 20-ish year history of this board.

More, please.

I agree.  It would be nice if more teams were regularly involved in the posting.  Quite frankly, if NCC isn't playing I'm always looking for a CCIW contest to enjoy.  For those of you who watched it, Carroll vs. IWU was a treat for the neutral observer.  I'm hoping for the same from MU vs. Carroll.
#5
Quote from: New Tradition on September 22, 2021, 01:16:38 PM
Quote from: Kovo on September 22, 2021, 09:46:39 AM
(Does anyone hope the Cards break out the black helmets at home this weekend?!)
According to Twitter, red jersey and pants with black helmets.

YES!!!  That's the kind of information I'm looking for!!!
#6
Quote from: WashedUpCard on September 22, 2021, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Kovo on September 22, 2021, 09:46:39 AM
Talk about serving the ultimate nothing burger. 

That sort of felt like a bash on my post.. but I couldn't quite tell.  I guess I got distracted trying to remember if St. Malachy was any good 40 years ago....

Not a bash on your post.  I thought that I was agreeing with you but taking it a step further.

1977 IESA Class B State Runner-ups.  Thanks for asking. (1981 Class B State Champions, but I was worried about beating Big 12 teams that didn't respect me by then).

(modified by GS for formatting)
#7
Quote from: WashedUpCard on September 21, 2021, 11:49:33 PM
This whole conversation is a bit overblown but since we are still discussing I thought I'd weigh in...

Thorne spoke about one goal for the program is to consistently show up in the semi's every year vying for a chance to go to the Stagg – like Mount.  IF the team can do that then maybe they would be shown more respect (I think they have been shown plenty of respect but what coach tells their team that the world adores them). 

I take that as meaning if Mount had done what NCC had did in 2019 and returned 15+/- starters would they be ranked 4th in the nation and picked to finish 2nd in their conference?  Of course not!  Why?  Because they have a track record of being in the final mix every year.  Now NCC needs to prove that they can consistently be in the mix, too.

I don't think he was slamming any other team.  I think the message was simply a) people have been doubting you and think you can't repeat what happened in 2019, b) you proved tonight that this year's team is capable of beating the best teams in the country as they did in 2019 and c) this performance should erase any lingering doubt (maybe meant more internally than externally).

I see it being purely motivational – but his goal of continuing to build program so it competes annually for the title is a noble one.

Talk about serving the ultimate nothing burger.  We would be better off with a nice uniform thread (Does anyone hope the Cards break out the black helmets at home this weekend?!)

This is one of the oldest motivational tools in the bag.  Man, I remember being in the Junior High basketball lockerroom (Shout out to the St. Malachy Tigers!) about 40 years ago and the coach screaming at us right before we took the floor against our cross town rivals: "THERE AREN'T 5 PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THIS ROOM WHO THINK YOU CAN WIN THIS GAME!!!!  Or playing as a football independent in Central Illinois back in the Day and before every game against a Big 12 team hearing (loudly) THEY WON'T LET US IN THIS CONFERENCE BECAUSE THEY DON'T THINK THAT YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!!!

Not withstanding that both statements were patently false, the coaches thought it would provide some motivation.  Maybe it did, maybe it didn't, but it's good to see some things never change.
#8
Quote from: robertgoulet on September 19, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: BigRedScots on September 19, 2021, 11:25:55 AM
Only buzz kill about last nights game is that neither team will be challenged the remainder of the regular season.

Seems to be a down year for the rest of the conference.

Just hope they can both avoid the injury bug. And the Covid bug.

I'm not sure that I would call it a down year.   I think that the CCIW has two top five teams.  Show me the conference that has a third or fourth best team that can challenge a top 5 team.  In fact, outside of the top seven in the rankings go ahead and make the case for anyone else beating NCC or Wheaton.  I don't see it.
#9
Quote from: matblake on September 18, 2021, 09:46:55 PM
Good game Cards. Mobile QB and experienced secondary was the difference in this one. Was puzzled by the lack of running plays by Wheaton and by continuously going after an all American defensive back. The Thunder will now need to go computer era of the BCS on the rest of the conference.

Here is the reality.  Wheaton is a heck of a good team.  Several experts picked the Crusaders to win the whole thing, the coaches picked them to win the conference, and the panel picked them to win this game.  With that said, NCC walked in and won by two touchdowns in their house.  No disrespect intended, as I think that should Wheaton run the table they belong in the playoffs and could make a deep run.

However, how do you not vote NCC #1?!  What do they need to do? Win a National Championship?  Beat a ranked team by 50 points? (did anyone notice that Aurora won by 70 today?) Knock off a top 5 team on the road by two touchdowns?  Seriously?!  I could make a case that these are the two best teams in the country.  Somebody make the case that there is a team out there that should be ranked in front of NCC.  I would love to hear it.

As far as the rest of the NCC schedule, since sports betting is now legal in Florida, I will take the Cards to win out and give anyone who wants it the field for a $100 a pop.  Just send me a personal email if you want a piece of the action. (Maybe Pat can hold the money and we could talk him into a 5% vig instead of the usual 10%).
#10
Quote from: BIG BLUE BEN on September 16, 2021, 11:08:57 AM
Expect a great game up @Wheaton. I believe Wheaton's D-line to be the better of the two, however, I think NC has a slight advantage in the skill position department. Wheatons key to success will be scoring first and playing with the lead. If NC finds them selves in 3rd and 8-12 and Wheaton's pass rushers can peal their ears back and get after a freshman QB then I think its going to be a long day for NC. In the end though, I think NC wins in a close one 28-23.

As for the Millikin @ Augy Matchup.

I expect to see Millikin to be shot out of a cannon when they take the field and will play with a chip on their shoulder. Although Greenville was a much stronger team than history shows, it was a wake up call to the Big Blue that you cannnot take any team for granite. Unlucky for Augy there is no way to "fake" or manufacture desperation. With that said, I think Millikin comes out and plays like a team refusing to lose again while Augy plays like a team hoping to win. There is an old saying that goes, "always fear a man who has nothing to lose" and I think that saying holds true Saturday and Millikin plays harder for longer and wins decisively.

Millikin 34. Augustana 21

Not sure if I agree with you on the better D-line.  Re-watched the Cardinal opener and part of the 2019 National Championship game.  NCC's D-Line has been outstanding.  The ends get up the field and find the QB on his spot since the DT's (particularly #48-- one of the most underrated performers on this team) continually push the pocket into the QB's lap so he can't step up or step into throws for that matter.  Wheaton's O-Line is outstanding but I watch pocket being pushed regularly to disrupt the passing games.
#11
Quote from: Stagg Again!! on September 13, 2021, 10:14:22 AM
Quote from: USee on September 13, 2021, 10:00:14 AM
Quote from: hazzben on September 13, 2021, 09:53:59 AM
Please excuse the MIAC interloper.

Outside of it sadly being played this early in the season, is this the biggest Little Brass Bell game of all time? Probably the best two teams in terms of talent, yes? Maybe 2019 was better. But you've also got NCC as defending National Champs, and yet Wheaton won the regular season matchup. Y'all would know better than me, but this is the first time they've both been ranked in the Top 5 correct?

Loving that Bethel's on a bye so I can tune in to watch!

2019 was a high quality game from start to finish. Wheaton was ranked #9 and NCC #5 going in. That was an instant classic. Probably more hype going into this game than that one, given the circumstances.  This is likely going to be the highest profile Bell game ever.

I would agree with USee on this one... lots of hype and high profile, but, as Alum said, lots of respect.  There will be no less than ten pre-season All-Americans and multiple D3 OPOY/DPOY candidates on the field (and likely more by the end of the year).  Hoping for a well-played, injury-free game on both sides of the ball.  Would love to see the CCIW get multiple representatives in the playoffs with deep runs.

Both teams are very talented.  Wheaton O-line is outstanding.  I'm going to go back and re-watch their opening games to see how the Cards match up in the trenches.
#12
Quote from: New Tradition on October 05, 2020, 04:12:59 PM
Quote from: USee on September 28, 2020, 10:24:07 AM
Front page news:

Coast Guard and Merchant Marines will have a 1 game season in their rivalry game. (https://www.d3football.com/notables/2020/09/cup-rivals-set-to-meet-in-2020)

How about it NCC and Wheaton? 1 game for the Bell in 2020? No one loses eligibility, no hotel, no fans, just a couple great teams going at it for a legendary local trophy.

This is what D3 needs! Let's make it happen!
Man, would this be awesome.

It would be awesome, even without fans.


I saw that Trine defeated Adrian in the first D3 game of the year.  Kudos to those schools.  It takes a lot of guts not to stay with the flock.
#13
Quote from: blue_jays on September 16, 2020, 11:38:54 AM
Quote from: Kovo on September 14, 2020, 07:59:30 AM
Quote from: kiko on September 13, 2020, 10:29:22 PM
Sooo..... welcome to Bell week?  :(

OK---I will take the bait, even though I shouldn't .

But 1st of all, why is a big rivalry game scheduled for September?!  I know, I know, it's D3 and it doesn't matter blah. blah. blah........


But more importantly, why aren't young healthy men playing football in Illinois and Wisconsin?!  I know, I know, it's D3 and they don't have enough testing contact tracing etc.  Yet, high school football goes on throughout the State of Florida (as did the Junior Olympics), and I can't tell you how many high school and college games I watched this weekend (is the Big 12 really that bad?).  I suppose lots of the football players who played this weekend will soon be sick and die (interestingly the Junior Olympics held in August with 10,000 attendees had zero impact on the virus numbers in Brevard County).  Then again probably not.  What a terrible disservice to the entire young generation, this being one example.

If we aren't careful the restless youth are going to boil over and burn the cities........oh wait-----never mind.


UPDATE: Big Ten football starts October 24.  At least D1 football can no longer perpetuate the charade that it is not a business, and it is about educating young men.  Or perhaps 11 Presidents want to admit that they were wrong.  Too bad D3 can't reverse themselves, but not enough buckets of money to correct past mistakes.

I'm glad D3 football isn't playing right now. If the other sports can't play (with significantly less contact), then neither should football. The about-face by Big Ten shows what a sham D1 has become. I'd rather keep D3 the way it is and not replicate D1's lack of concern for anything other than their self-regard and pocketbook.
The big D1 conferences can do anything they want because money solves all problems. D3 does not have that luxury. There will be a number of small schools that will have to suspend operations or close permanently due to the pandemic's financial fallout. Comparing D3 situation to D1 is likening apples to mastodons.

Remind me why other sports can't play?! ??? ??? ???

I live in Florida, ALL of the sports are playing at the high school level btw.
#14
Quote from: kiko on September 13, 2020, 10:29:22 PM
Sooo..... welcome to Bell week?  :(

OK---I will take the bait, even though I shouldn't .

But 1st of all, why is a big rivalry game scheduled for September?!  I know, I know, it's D3 and it doesn't matter blah. blah. blah........


But more importantly, why aren't young healthy men playing football in Illinois and Wisconsin?!  I know, I know, it's D3 and they don't have enough testing contact tracing etc.  Yet, high school football goes on throughout the State of Florida (as did the Junior Olympics), and I can't tell you how many high school and college games I watched this weekend (is the Big 12 really that bad?).  I suppose lots of the football players who played this weekend will soon be sick and die (interestingly the Junior Olympics held in August with 10,000 attendees had zero impact on the virus numbers in Brevard County).  Then again probably not.  What a terrible disservice to the entire young generation, this being one example.

If we aren't careful the restless youth are going to boil over and burn the cities........oh wait-----never mind.


UPDATE: Big Ten football starts October 24.  At least D1 football can no longer perpetuate the charade that it is not a business, and it is about educating young men.  Or perhaps 11 Presidents want to admit that they were wrong.  Too bad D3 can't reverse themselves, but not enough buckets of money to correct past mistakes.
#15
Quote from: CardinalAlum on July 27, 2020, 11:11:13 AM
Official word.....

https://cciw.org/news/2020/7/27/general-cciw-postpones-fall-2020-competition.aspx

Obviously very disappointing, but if there is a silver lining it is that North Central is likely to be defending NCAA D3 Football National Champions for the next sixteen months.   ;D ;D ;D

I think that I will sit back, light a big fat cigar and enjoy the thought of it.