FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[nescac1]

Horrible, unthinkable news about the death of Williams recruit Owen Coyne from a brain hemorrhage.  Condolences to his family, and to the Marblehead community:

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/marblehead-football-captain-dies-brain-hemorrhage/

[Bantamsdad69]

Watching Bowdoin games are just incredibly painful. So much talent across the field and so many bright moments but the team just can't seem to figure it out. I wonder if it has something to do with the CULTURE?

Bowdoins offense is just horrible, theres a lot of talented kids on the defensive side of the ball, but even with a pick 6, and a strip sack leading to a field goal the offense wasn't able to execute at all. I think with all the rumors around Hammer and his absence has definetly impacted the culture, but it would be a stretch to say they aren't getting out played and out coached by the teams they are playing

[Nescacman]

A few comments and observations on yesterday and the league in general:

-As we have said many times previously, Luke Kurzum and the Hamilton offense are legit. Well designed offensive game-plan by Wes alum/former great HAM OC Shea Dwyer deploying a two-QB scheme with some well-timed wildcat runs utlizing back-up QB Connor Laverty. If they just had more of a running game and could play some defense, they could be a factor in the league. Credit where credit is due. Will be interesting to see if they can do anything similar against the Bants next week.
-Kudo's to Matt Fitzsimons and the Wes offense who went punch for punch with the HAM offense. Wesleyan led for about 5 mins total of this game. Fitz was again spectacular completing 31 passes for 411 yards to 9 different receivers. He threw for 2 TDs including the game winner with 14 seconds left. Wes was fortunate to come away with the win. In other years, they may have lost this one but we think this team is different. Time will tell. The Mules are next up in the opener on the new turf at Andrus.
-Yes, we know. We owe Chris 2 dozen chicken wings at this Saturday's game.
-We went 5-0 with ur picks yesterday so there is that.
-Exciting game in Lewiston last night. Watched the whole game live. Probably a game that the Kitties should have won, once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Was a bit confused by some of the clock-management and play-calling in this one but we're not coaching in the heat of battle so we'll defer to the trained professions.
-More injuries to key players: Lord Mammoth QB Marek Hill did not play in the game against the Polars. We can only assume it was due to injury since he was the reigning 'CAC OPOTW. Also, Colby QB Stephen Gil DNP against Colby. Whether that was due to injury or coaches decision is unknown.
-As we predicted, Hartford State obliterated the Ephs in the Coop. We feel like someone owes us something ($$$) for us offering up a very large amount of points going with the Bants. Obviously, scoring 45 point is impressive but what was more impressive to us was what the HS defense did. They held Williams to 5 total first downs on the day and 110 yards of total offense. Wow. The Bants are scary. Who will they be playing in the first round of the NCAA D3 tourney???   
-To address the HCOF Hammer situation. First off, we'll say our dealings with Coach Hammer were always excellent. Very open, honest, positive and stand-up guy. Always willing to come on the 9 Weeks NESCAC Podcast and was always willing to have his players join us. With that being said, our understanding is that he is currently on leave (we are not 100% certain of the circumstance, whether it was voluntary or involuntary, personal or work related, etc. so we won't get into that). He has not been on the sidelines for the Polars in any of their first 3 games. Our understanding from our sources inside the Bowdoin program is that Nick Turchyn is serving as the interim HCOF (https://athletics.bowdoin.edu/staff-directory/nick-turchyn/290). Our understanding is that communication to the student-athletes and parents from the Bowdoin College administration has been minimal. If that is the case, shame on them. The Bowdoin student-athletes (and their parents) at one of the best colleges in America (many of whom are paying $100k+ a year in tuition and fees) deserve better. We hope this situation gets resolved soon and Bowdoin's football team can get back to focusing on football instead of off-the-field stuff. We wish HCOF Hammer good luck as well.

More to follow...

NM