FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[WRMUalum13]

I'm excited for this game.  It will definitely be a great test to start the season for the defense.  They are returning all of their skill positions.  I would love to see a pick or two off of this QB, and a few sacks. 

I expect Mount to control both sides of the line of scrimmage all day.

I think the offense will be just fine moving the ball and putting up points. 

Finally, don't stop until your winning by 42, or their is less than 4 minutes on the clock or both. 

I am also not going to berate Dartt, but that game last year pulled at me a bit.  1st game of the season, ranked opponent, up by 28 or something with a full quarter to play.  You all know.  I get sick over that though.  Should have been 63-7, then let off the gas a bit. 

63-7 is a stretch. Wheaton was a very good last year that started slow. They made the quarterfinals and lost the eventual champs by 25.

[USee]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

[MUC 2008]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

[Dr. Acula]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

That first 2 deep of the season is always interesting.  Cook is indeed starting at RG.  His backup is also a FR in Brayden Piersall.  Harris is starting at WR.  Bokman and Taylor are both backups.  Fellow FR Charley Levak is the backup QB.

Defensively Liebler is listed as backup CB to SO Andrew Holmes.  SO Keymaurie Henderson is the starting edge.  It looks like he played in 1 game last year (I did not recognize the name).  Jackson Harris is listed as backup DT behind Ganelli, but I don't read much into that since those guys will be rotating I'm sure.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Home State for Mount Union Starters:

Offense:
Ohio - 6
Florida - 3
Texas - 1
Missouri - 1

Defense:
Ohio - 7
Alabama - 1
Florida - 1
Ney York - 1
Pennsylvania - 1

Kicker: Ohio
Punter: Texas
LS: Ohio

[D3fanboy]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

losing Kaleb Brown is going to be tough for any program, very few D3 programs ever even have a player of his caliber.  But is experience the end-all-be-all?  The defense needs a talent/depth infusion.  I trust in Kappas to bring back the Raider defense to where it belongs.  Not having your top 4 CB's as fresh/soph is certainly a good start

[Captainred81]

I didnt mean that Mount should have beaten Wheaton 63-7, I just meant that they shouldnt have stopped unless it was that bad.  Which it wasnt, so they should have left all the starters in a kept playing at the highest level possible.

Moving on...

It sounds like the talent and potential of this years group is pretty stout.  I'm hoping to see more consistent execution on both sides of the ball, for 4 quarters. 

[D3fanboy]

I didnt mean that Mount should have beaten Wheaton 63-7, I just meant that they shouldnt have stopped unless it was that bad.  Which it wasnt, so they should have left all the starters in a kept playing at the highest level possible.

Moving on...

It sounds like the talent and potential of this years group is pretty stout.  I'm hoping to see more consistent execution on both sides of the ball, for 4 quarters. 

Listen, Mount was just pretty lucky that Wheaton "started off slow" last year.  It was all a Thunder thing and had nothing to do with Mount.  Some people act like Mount Union just dog-walked Wheaton through 3 quarters.  I didn't see that! Wheaton just didn't wake up until it was 37-7!

Did you know that Wheaton had three playoff wins last year!?!?  They beat perennial powers like Crown College and Depauw, Mount Union should be happy to just keep it somewhat close on Saturday

[MUC 2008]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

losing Kaleb Brown is going to be tough for any program, very few D3 programs ever even have a player of his caliber.  But is experience the end-all-be-all?  The defense needs a talent/depth infusion.  I trust in Kappas to bring back the Raider defense to where it belongs.  Not having your top 4 CB's as fresh/soph is certainly a good start

Not only that, but Liebler isn't even starting, if the depth chart is to be believed.

Based on last year's depth chart that was unchanging like the tides of the ocean, I'm taking it with an ocean's worth of salt grains.

[D3fanboy]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

losing Kaleb Brown is going to be tough for any program, very few D3 programs ever even have a player of his caliber.  But is experience the end-all-be-all?  The defense needs a talent/depth infusion.  I trust in Kappas to bring back the Raider defense to where it belongs.  Not having your top 4 CB's as fresh/soph is certainly a good start

Not only that, but Liebler isn't even starting, if the depth chart is to be believed.

Based on last year's depth chart that was unchanging like the tides of the ocean, I'm taking it with an ocean's worth of salt grains.

good.  nobody from a team that lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs should be guaranteed their position for the top dynasty college football has ever seen.  If Liebler is the type of rust belt, salt of the earth kid from Tigertown...he'll be starting by week 3 or 4.  Earn it!

Mount football could use a bit of that grit and jam, LFG!

[D3fanboy]

a couple of Mount Union football stats as we head into week one

38 - 38 straight season opener wins.  The D3 media would love to push the narrative that Mount schedules cupcakes... but the 38 year span includes playoff teams at the time (2 year deals)...UW-Whitewater, UW-Oshkosh, Franklin, St John Fisher, Allegheny, Albion, WashU, Adrian, etc

85 - 85 straight regular season wins.  The last Raiders loss was 2016 against JCU.  JCU's HC is now the Steelers QB coach, the JCU DC is now the LA Rams DC

I bet Wheaton 2026 is the type of program to end the Mount Union streaks, at least statistically

[NCC2010]

Logan did mention this is the first time his model has ever had Mount as an underdog in a regular season game. His model uses data starting in 1997.

https://x.com/LogHanRatings/status/2094834723944091783?s=20

[hsbsballcoach7]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

losing Kaleb Brown is going to be tough for any program, very few D3 programs ever even have a player of his caliber.  But is experience the end-all-be-all?  The defense needs a talent/depth infusion.  I trust in Kappas to bring back the Raider defense to where it belongs.  Not having your top 4 CB's as fresh/soph is certainly a good start

Not only that, but Liebler isn't even starting, if the depth chart is to be believed.

Based on last year's depth chart that was unchanging like the tides of the ocean, I'm taking it with an ocean's worth of salt grains.

good.  nobody from a team that lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs should be guaranteed their position for the top dynasty college football has ever seen.  If Liebler is the type of rust belt, salt of the earth kid from Tigertown...he'll be starting by week 3 or 4.  Earn it!

Mount football could use a bit of that grit and jam, LFG!

I'm not sure that I would blame the defense for last year's playoff exit..... Holding John Carroll to 10 points in overtime is quite good. They didn't get tons of sacks or turnovers, but they weren't the reason for that loss.

[hsbsballcoach7]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

That first 2 deep of the season is always interesting.  Cook is indeed starting at RG.  His backup is also a FR in Brayden Piersall.  Harris is starting at WR.  Bokman and Taylor are both backups.  Fellow FR Charley Levak is the backup QB.

Defensively Liebler is listed as backup CB to SO Andrew Holmes.  SO Keymaurie Henderson is the starting edge.  It looks like he played in 1 game last year (I did not recognize the name).  Jackson Harris is listed as backup DT behind Ganelli, but I don't read much into that since those guys will be rotating I'm sure.

The defense seems talented, young and deep. That Dline is strong and quick. I think Kappas will put pressure on offenses to create turnovers. He loved chaos as a coordinator previously (created mismatches as offensive and defensive coordinator). I could see a number of guys start for now, but get pushed from the guys behind them... I'm excited for Saturday!

[MUC 2008]

A few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

That first 2 deep of the season is always interesting.  Cook is indeed starting at RG.  His backup is also a FR in Brayden Piersall.  Harris is starting at WR.  Bokman and Taylor are both backups.  Fellow FR Charley Levak is the backup QB.

Defensively Liebler is listed as backup CB to SO Andrew Holmes.  SO Keymaurie Henderson is the starting edge.  It looks like he played in 1 game last year (I did not recognize the name).  Jackson Harris is listed as backup DT behind Ganelli, but I don't read much into that since those guys will be rotating I'm sure.

The defense seems talented, young and deep. That Dline is strong and quick. I think Kappas will put pressure on offenses to create turnovers. He loved chaos as a coordinator previously (created mismatches as offensive and defensive coordinator). I could see a number of guys start for now, but get pushed from the guys behind them... I'm excited for Saturday!

For sure. If the front four is consistently disruptive, it will be a good autumn in Alliance.