FB: Northwest Conference

[George Thompson]

Cawcdad,

Great analysis of the numbers.  Should be a doozy of a game.   Clark has been a very good QB against us the last two years.    I think the best we saw the last two years, not counting Elliott, of course.    Clark moved his offense for 37 and 32 points against us.   OUCH!   Fortunately, we had a GREAT offense.

But, Whitworth's offense appears down from the last two years.   Don't know why.    Their improved defense offsets some of that.

Our defense has improved over the last two years.   Our offense is still potent, but young and a little mistake prone.

I just can't see us blowing them out.    And, if we don't stop the fumbles, interceptions and penalties....

27-21 seems about right, Linfield.

GO CATS!  GO!

[Wildcat'64]

509--

Thanks for the heads up on the Rat vs. UPS video feed....that is wonderful.  I'll be tuned in!  I imagine a few of your hometime fans and alumni spread around the nation wishes the Rat vs. Cat game was on video feed as well....maybe someday.

[Tuxguy]

Thanks Foss,

This is what it's all about. I'm looking forward to the game, but the banter on the board this week is going to bring back good old memories. 

on the Menu this week, fried Rats Ala-king!  One Dream, One Goal!!!

                                                       BELIEVE
                                            ONE GAME AT A TIME

[coco]

Tux,

Regarding the football coaches, they were mentioned over and over at the Hall of Fame banquet Saturday night. The guys inducted gave Coaches Durham, Rutschman, and Locey credit for the positive influence they had in their lives, as well as on the field. Not only were they technically brilliant, but they knew how to motivate and encourage their players.

[pineconefan]

I read some of the questions about the Pirates' schedule this year, and certainly the raw numbers don't look so good.  But no one can say that Whitworth tried to schedule cupcakes like some of the schools to our south (read Oxy) do.  Redlands has traditionally been a SCIAC top dog, Stout was expected to be much better and I don't think anyone forsaw an Azusa program falling apart.

But I would argue that in many of the games we got the opponent's very best effort.  
- Redlands knew that if it was going to "return to whatever" it HAD to win that first game.  
- Stout was 2-0 and flying confidently after a win at an NCAA DII school.  
- Azusa knew it was playing for its playoff life and any other loss at the time would spell the end of its postseason hopes.
- PLU had gained great confidence after its big comeback win against UPS.
- Willamette had the previous week off and had only played one other game in October, so the B'cats were well rested and as healthy as any team this time of year.

I fully expect this to be a great game on Saturday.  

[Foss]

pineconefan,

I agree with you, I think you guys did a good job with your out-of-conference scheduling. It just so happens that a couple of these teams have struggled this year. Up until last year, Redlands had been the SCIAC champ for a number of seasons. UW-Stout has had a winning season every year since 2000 (boy, after that OT loss to you guys they've had kind of a rough go) - a lot of other schools avoid playing teams from the WIAC, just like some do the NWC. And we all know that Azusa Pacific is usually pretty tough.

Keep in mind it's likely due in part to some 'Cats wanting to give you guys a hard time as we head into the big game. 

[Sabretooth Tiger]

pineconefan,
Up until last year, Redlands had been the SCIAC champ for a number of seasons.

Sorry, that's exactly true given that Oxy has been the SCIAC champion in 2001, 2004, 2005 and will be in 2006.  Redlands was the champ in 2000, 2002 and 2003.  Thus, the only SCIAC champions of the 21st Century are Redlands and Oxy, and depending on whenn you thiink the Century started (I'm a traditionalist and belive that 2001 was the first year of this century), Oxy will have the lead 4-2 or 4-3 in a couple of weeks.

tooth

[swede]

Swede,

In 1975 they beat us 21-14 at their house.

+ karma for coco.

Now when was the last time they won at the catdome or have they ever?

[Foss]

pineconefan,
Up until last year, Redlands had been the SCIAC champ for a number of seasons.

Sorry, that's exaclty true given that Oxy has been the SCIAC champion in 2001, 2004, 2005 and will be in 2006.  Redlands was the champ in 2000, 2002 and 2003.  Thus, the only SCIAC champions of the 21st Century are Redlands and Oxy, and depending on whenn you thiink the Century started (I'm a traditionalist and belive that 2001 was the first year of this century), Oxy will have the lead 4-2 or 4-3 in a couple of weeks.

tooth

Tooth,

Well, I was right then since technically Redlands had been the SCIAC champ until last year "for a number of seasons" - two to be exact. But seriously, I overlooked the 2001 season. I figured Oxy hadn't won the SCIAC in a while since I didn't recall you being in the playoffs before '04. I had forgot about your conference not having an automatic bid until recently. The good news for you is that regardless of when you think the century started, it looks like your boys will have the conference championship lead......

[Sabretooth Tiger]

pineconefan,
Up until last year, Redlands had been the SCIAC champ for a number of seasons.

Sorry, that's exaclty true given that Oxy has been the SCIAC champion in 2001, 2004, 2005 and will be in 2006.  Redlands was the champ in 2000, 2002 and 2003.  Thus, the only SCIAC champions of the 21st Century are Redlands and Oxy, and depending on whenn you thiink the Century started (I'm a traditionalist and belive that 2001 was the first year of this century), Oxy will have the lead 4-2 or 4-3 in a couple of weeks.

tooth

Tooth,

Well, I was right then since technically Redlands had been the SCIAC champ until last year "for a number of seasons" - two to be exact. But seriously, I overlooked the 2001 season. I figured Oxy hadn't won the SCIAC in a while since I didn't recall you being in the playoffs before '04. I had forgot about your conference not having an automatic bid until recently. The good news for you is that regardless of when you think the century started, it looks like your boys will have the conference championship lead......

Not to be too technical, but they were the conference champs for a "couple" of years up until TWO years ago . . . given that this year will be Oxy's 3rd consecutive title . . .

Go 'Cats, kill dem Rats.

cheers,

tooth

[Foss]

Yep, you're right - TWO years ago. Would have been hard for Redlands to have been the champs in '04 since we played you guys in both '04 and '05. It will be interesting to see what they do with the West Coast teams this year. Nice win on Saturday, sounds like you guys had a heck of a comeback against Cal Lutheran.

[d-train]

(509)Rat,

I know more than you think I do about the situation. But since it has nothing to do with football, I've gone ahead and pulled the reference. I was just trying to fan the flames here a little bit...get something going between Rats and Cats. But, you're right, that particular subject isn't the right one. The deja vu from 2001 was a much more appropriate conversation starter. 

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Yep, you're right - TWO years ago. Would have been hard for Redlands to have been the champs in '04 since we played you guys in both '04 and '05. It will be interesting to see what they do with the West Coast teams this year. Nice win on Saturday, sounds like you guys had a heck of a comeback against Cal Lutheran.

It was one of the all time football games at any level, thrilling to the end.  The Tigers are going to have to learn and grow from it in order to get into the deeper rounds of the playoffs.  Hope we get to host you folks down here in So Cal for a change!

time will tell,

cheers,

tooth

[D O.C.]

The playoffs begin this weekend it seems.  8)

[d-train]

The playoffs begin this weekend it seems.  8)

I think Whitworth might be able to survive a loss, but the Wildcats are clearly needing to play their way in.