((HT: Shorter University their own selves))
The HQ has known what has gone on in football meeting rooms during the preps for the regular season...
Apparently, at Shorter University...
They break out...
The HQ is quite impressed with head coach Phil Jones doing his thing from a seated position...
Showing posts with label Shorter University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shorter University. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Big Swede's Gulf South Previews: Week 2
((HT: d2football.com))
As far as this week is concerned, we have to wait until Saturday for football. That should allow the two teams that fell last weekend to lick their wounds. Is there any chance a couple more GSC teams go down this week?
SATURDAY 1 PM EASTERN - DELTA STATE AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE
Classic 'Coaches Speak' reminds us that teams make their biggest improvements from week one to week two. To me that just means you found out how good or bad you were in the first week and spend the next week fixing your issues. Delta State will find out if last week was a fluke or if it is going to be long season.
Elizabeth City State lost to Newberry 46-20 last week. Their former three-star recruit running back DaRonte McNeil was a workhouse carrying the ball 24 times for 124 yards. Coming off a game where they were dominated on the ground defensively, expect McNeil to match last week's total of rushes. Xavier Triplett and the DSU defense need to get their act together. The offense looks like it's not in sync yet. They just don't look capable to carry the team like in years past. How well this unit stops the ECSU running game will dictate the outcome.
Quarterback Trevor Wooden could turn things on and light up the world this week. When he looked good last week, he looked as good as a Kate Upton doing a jungle photo shoot. When he looked bad, he looked like June Shannon (Honey Boo Boo's mother) doing anything.
The ECSU defense allowed 238 yards on the ground against Newberry. Wooden and his fellow rushing weapons in Jamey Chadwell's offense have a chance to shut a lot of people up this week. Or they could keep people from talking about them for a while.
Prediction: Delta State over Elizabeth City State 27-21
SATURDAY 3 PM EASTERN - TUSCULUM AT WEST GEORGIA
As easy as last week was for West Georgia is how hard this week will be. Tusculum has long been a very good Division II program. Despite losing last week to Urbana 53-33, Tusculum created a lot to fear.
Quarterback Bo Cordell threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns while playing from behind. He spread the ball pretty evenly to his two best receivers Xzanvion Smith and Ken Funnye who combined to haul in 221 of those 389 yards. This tough West Georgia secondary has it's work cut out for them.
All that is nice to look at but the fact of the matter is that they still allowed Urbana to score 55 points. DJ Mendenhall went 22 of 30 for 305 passing yards, ran for 54 yards while scoring five total touchdowns. If that's not going H.A.M. I don't know what is. It wasn't just passing that gave them fits, Tusculum also allowed two 100 yard rushers in the contest.
If West Georgia is going to win this game it is by being multi dimensional. They can't just rely on the running game. Here is where we find out if Austin Trainor is the real deal Holyfield. UWG can run the ball. They have a versatile back field. The question is can Trainor carry the load through the air. I think he is better than people are anticipating.
Prediction: West Georgia over Tusculum 35-28
SATURDAY 6:30 PM EASTERN - SHORTER AT NEWBERRY
Two teams that seem to operate with similar theories in running the football should keep this game close. Newberry was able to drop 46 on Elizabeth City State to open the season on the back of 238 rushing yards and 118 passing yards.
Shorter will need to operate their methodical offense. Newberry had six players with three rushes or more last weekend. They are deep with athletic talent. Keep the ball from them while making the most of your opportunities will be the recipe for success for Shorter. The more chances Newberry has, the higher their chances are to win.
Prediction: Newberry over Shorter 34-21
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN - HARDING AT NORTH ALABAMA
This new running game of North Alabama gets an early test against a dominant defensive line this week. We'll find out how good this attack is because Harding returns 9 of 11 defensive starters and has been preparing for UNA for a while, with this being their first game of the year.
In 2011, the starters on this Harding defensive front combined for 29 tackles for loss. If the Lion rushing game is stalled can Chris Alexander win the game through the air?
This is where we find out how good the North Alabama running game is. We also find out if Chris Alexander can make big plays. We may also find out how far UNA needs to go to get back to their dominant ways.
Limiting what Harding quarterback Kevin Martin does in the option game will be vital. While this will be just his fifth start, he is the leading returning rusher for Harding. Can the former GSC member knock off one of it's marquee names?
Prediction; Harding over North Alabama 21-17
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – FORT VALLEY STATE AT VALDOSTA STATE
The two teams have totally different feelings this week. Fort Valley is riding high after a last minute upset of Delta State while Valdosta State is looking for redemption after a fourth quarter collapse.
This is also a trap game for VSU. This game is sandwhiched between the build up of a trip to Michigan last week which went on all off season and the knowing about the trip to Dallas, Texas for a game in Jerry's World next week.
Blazer quarterback Cayden Cochran will not play against FVSU with another injury. In his limited time as the signal caller of Valdosta State, Cochran has suffered his fair share of injuries. His style of play is all-out all the time and he isn't afraid of contact.
Unfortunately for him, a quarterback coming off a great performance last week will fill in for him. Could Graham Craig steal his job if he builds on his 12 of 19 183 yard performance a week ago?
If VSU can force the inefficient Antonio Henton (who has been playing college football as long as Squints Palladouris from The Sandlot says 'The Beast' is to be locked up: FOREVER) to beat them through the air, he should make mistakes. The key to success is keeping the ball away from Fort Valley State running back Seth Hill. You do that by jumping out to a big lead.
Prediction: Valdosta State over Fort Valley State 34-14
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – WEST ALABAMA AT SAMFORD
This is a great litmus test for the class of the GSC. West Alabama can find out just where they are by facing FCS Samford, who beat Furman 24-21 to open their season.
UWA will need to go to it's best player all day to send a message. Matt Willis should carry the rock at least 25 times. This is why he was taken out after exploding last week, so that he can have fresher legs for this big one. A lot of you don't care if a Division II schools tops an FCS one; West Alabama does and should.
Think about what this could do for recruiting or marketing among the rest of the state's smaller schools. Beating Samford would tell the state of Alabama that there is a new program on the rise. Look out for the Tigers. The test for the UWA defense early on should be exciting. Samford running back Fabian Truss is coming off a 19 rush 112 yard performance while quarterback Andy Summerlin was efficient in a 216 yard, two touchdown day.
Let's see how well Shontral Ford, D'Erick Johnson and Rico Jernighan can do against this passing game. Samford may be in for a surprise if they try to attack that secondary.
Prediction: West Alabama over Samford 31-27
As far as this week is concerned, we have to wait until Saturday for football. That should allow the two teams that fell last weekend to lick their wounds. Is there any chance a couple more GSC teams go down this week?
SATURDAY 1 PM EASTERN - DELTA STATE AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE
Classic 'Coaches Speak' reminds us that teams make their biggest improvements from week one to week two. To me that just means you found out how good or bad you were in the first week and spend the next week fixing your issues. Delta State will find out if last week was a fluke or if it is going to be long season.
Elizabeth City State lost to Newberry 46-20 last week. Their former three-star recruit running back DaRonte McNeil was a workhouse carrying the ball 24 times for 124 yards. Coming off a game where they were dominated on the ground defensively, expect McNeil to match last week's total of rushes. Xavier Triplett and the DSU defense need to get their act together. The offense looks like it's not in sync yet. They just don't look capable to carry the team like in years past. How well this unit stops the ECSU running game will dictate the outcome.
Quarterback Trevor Wooden could turn things on and light up the world this week. When he looked good last week, he looked as good as a Kate Upton doing a jungle photo shoot. When he looked bad, he looked like June Shannon (Honey Boo Boo's mother) doing anything.
The ECSU defense allowed 238 yards on the ground against Newberry. Wooden and his fellow rushing weapons in Jamey Chadwell's offense have a chance to shut a lot of people up this week. Or they could keep people from talking about them for a while.
Prediction: Delta State over Elizabeth City State 27-21
SATURDAY 3 PM EASTERN - TUSCULUM AT WEST GEORGIA
As easy as last week was for West Georgia is how hard this week will be. Tusculum has long been a very good Division II program. Despite losing last week to Urbana 53-33, Tusculum created a lot to fear.
Quarterback Bo Cordell threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns while playing from behind. He spread the ball pretty evenly to his two best receivers Xzanvion Smith and Ken Funnye who combined to haul in 221 of those 389 yards. This tough West Georgia secondary has it's work cut out for them.
All that is nice to look at but the fact of the matter is that they still allowed Urbana to score 55 points. DJ Mendenhall went 22 of 30 for 305 passing yards, ran for 54 yards while scoring five total touchdowns. If that's not going H.A.M. I don't know what is. It wasn't just passing that gave them fits, Tusculum also allowed two 100 yard rushers in the contest.
If West Georgia is going to win this game it is by being multi dimensional. They can't just rely on the running game. Here is where we find out if Austin Trainor is the real deal Holyfield. UWG can run the ball. They have a versatile back field. The question is can Trainor carry the load through the air. I think he is better than people are anticipating.
Prediction: West Georgia over Tusculum 35-28
SATURDAY 6:30 PM EASTERN - SHORTER AT NEWBERRY
Two teams that seem to operate with similar theories in running the football should keep this game close. Newberry was able to drop 46 on Elizabeth City State to open the season on the back of 238 rushing yards and 118 passing yards.
Shorter will need to operate their methodical offense. Newberry had six players with three rushes or more last weekend. They are deep with athletic talent. Keep the ball from them while making the most of your opportunities will be the recipe for success for Shorter. The more chances Newberry has, the higher their chances are to win.
Prediction: Newberry over Shorter 34-21
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN - HARDING AT NORTH ALABAMA
This new running game of North Alabama gets an early test against a dominant defensive line this week. We'll find out how good this attack is because Harding returns 9 of 11 defensive starters and has been preparing for UNA for a while, with this being their first game of the year.
In 2011, the starters on this Harding defensive front combined for 29 tackles for loss. If the Lion rushing game is stalled can Chris Alexander win the game through the air?
This is where we find out how good the North Alabama running game is. We also find out if Chris Alexander can make big plays. We may also find out how far UNA needs to go to get back to their dominant ways.
Limiting what Harding quarterback Kevin Martin does in the option game will be vital. While this will be just his fifth start, he is the leading returning rusher for Harding. Can the former GSC member knock off one of it's marquee names?
Prediction; Harding over North Alabama 21-17
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – FORT VALLEY STATE AT VALDOSTA STATE
The two teams have totally different feelings this week. Fort Valley is riding high after a last minute upset of Delta State while Valdosta State is looking for redemption after a fourth quarter collapse.
This is also a trap game for VSU. This game is sandwhiched between the build up of a trip to Michigan last week which went on all off season and the knowing about the trip to Dallas, Texas for a game in Jerry's World next week.
Blazer quarterback Cayden Cochran will not play against FVSU with another injury. In his limited time as the signal caller of Valdosta State, Cochran has suffered his fair share of injuries. His style of play is all-out all the time and he isn't afraid of contact.
Unfortunately for him, a quarterback coming off a great performance last week will fill in for him. Could Graham Craig steal his job if he builds on his 12 of 19 183 yard performance a week ago?
If VSU can force the inefficient Antonio Henton (who has been playing college football as long as Squints Palladouris from The Sandlot says 'The Beast' is to be locked up: FOREVER) to beat them through the air, he should make mistakes. The key to success is keeping the ball away from Fort Valley State running back Seth Hill. You do that by jumping out to a big lead.
Prediction: Valdosta State over Fort Valley State 34-14
SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – WEST ALABAMA AT SAMFORD
This is a great litmus test for the class of the GSC. West Alabama can find out just where they are by facing FCS Samford, who beat Furman 24-21 to open their season.
UWA will need to go to it's best player all day to send a message. Matt Willis should carry the rock at least 25 times. This is why he was taken out after exploding last week, so that he can have fresher legs for this big one. A lot of you don't care if a Division II schools tops an FCS one; West Alabama does and should.
Think about what this could do for recruiting or marketing among the rest of the state's smaller schools. Beating Samford would tell the state of Alabama that there is a new program on the rise. Look out for the Tigers. The test for the UWA defense early on should be exciting. Samford running back Fabian Truss is coming off a 19 rush 112 yard performance while quarterback Andy Summerlin was efficient in a 216 yard, two touchdown day.
Let's see how well Shontral Ford, D'Erick Johnson and Rico Jernighan can do against this passing game. Samford may be in for a surprise if they try to attack that secondary.
Prediction: West Alabama over Samford 31-27
Big Swede's Five Minutes On The Gulf South Conference
((HT: d2Football.com))
This is a reprint of FOSG Big Swede's new column about life in the Gulf South Conference... they got a head start in the recognition department with Shorter's win over Campbell...
The names of programs in transition mean nothing. History is dead. Things are not what they used to be in the Gulf South Conference. That is what we found out last weekend.
GSC teams went 4-2 to open the season. The way the two losses occurred has to have created concern. How much concern is up for debate. This week's power rankings shouldn't come as too much a surprise. Keep in mind, who each school opened with and that program's talent level is a major factor this early in the season.
Power Rankings:
1. West Alabama- My preseason favorite to win the conference and the region showed why with a silly 44-0 domination of Clark Atlanta.
Running back Matt Willis scored three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and went for 163 yards on just 15 carries. The senior also added two receptions for 73 yards. That's stupid. He's good at football. But most of all, Willis has a serious chance to contend for this year's Harlon Hill Trophy.
Kyle Caldwell was an efficient 12 of 19 for 215 yards and two touchdowns. His continued growth will only further this team's ability. So far in his career, he seems to get better every week. We did see a little of his back up Gary Johnston, but this looks like Caldwell's offense.
Then there was the defense that allowed 78 total yards. I don't care who you are playing, if you can hold an NCAA program to under the yardage amount of the length of a football field, you are pretty special. Especially when a lot of the familiar names on this side of the ball didn't have to contribute much.
2. Valdosta State- Oops they did it again. Valdosta State blew another late lead in the final minutes dropping their opener to Saginaw Valley State 28-24.
Earl Arms has the details and an interesting beginning...
((HT: MINBCNews.com))
One time is expected. Two times is a coincidence. Three times is a trend. But now it's just a concern. But who do you blame? This is an oddity that is tough to explain. So for now, I will point to the only thing glaringly different with the VSU defense; the staff.
The Blazers have two co-defensive coordinators. Seth Wallace and Earl Chambers. Two guys who have paid their dues in this business and two guys I know are capable of leading a defense. But can a defense have two leaders? Can any group? Ask 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'.
3. North Alabama- How different are things in the GSC this year? North Alabama almost lost to Miles. It took a stop on a 2 point conversion for the win for the Lions to beat a SIAC team. Never thought I'd see the day.
Here's your recap from UNA Athletics their own selves...
In the 31-30 win three UNA players ran for at least 65 yards. That's a new thing but not unexpected with Bobby Wallace at the helm. If Lamonte Thompson can continue to run like he did in the opener (21 rushes for 102 yards and a touchdown) and take pressure off quarterback Chris Alexander, it bodes well for this offense's future.
While the offense was nothing to get overly excited about, the defense was even worse. This unit let David Thomas do whatever he wanted through the air. The Miles signal caller went 23 of 35 for 379 yards and three touchdowns. I didn't know a SIAC quarterback could look so good. Not a good sign for this defense. This was an unimpressive performance, in a win, leaving me to wonder how far this team can go.
4. Delta State- It doesn't seem as though Jamey Chadwell's system has been fully developed in Cleveland, Mississippi. Like a soup without spices, something just seems missing. It doesn't look like it's something monumental but whatever it is, is throwing everything else off.
The Statesmen offense looked great for most of the first half. Trevor Wooden marched the squad up and down the field but couldn't punch the ball in for points on numerous occasions deep in Fort Valley territory. From that failure, it looked like the team lost confidence and carried that with them to an anemic second half of offensive play.
Like UNA, there has to be some concern on defense. They limited Antonio Henton from getting in a passing rhythm most of the contest but in the second half FVSU's quarterback rallied to finish with 234 passing yards and two touchdowns. They also let running back Seth Hill walk all over them for 144 yards and two scores. This is even more concerning than the offensive struggles. Creating a terrible recipe right now. Someone just dropped lamb and tuna fish into this soup instead of spices.
And, then, Fort Valley got back to work...
((HT: 13WMAZ-TV Macon))
5. West Georgia- If you're a West Georgia fan and aren't happy to open the season with a 55-3 win over Point, you're a terrible person. So, go ahead and look... ((HT: gouwgwolves10)) It wasn't so long ago that other teams beat the hell out of the Wolves with no regard for their level of play. Don't be better than scheduling a team to get a win. This has larger ramifications than missing out on contests that impact playoff hopes. Marking down more and more wins in the record books can help with recruiting. The most important aspect of this game was new quarterback Austin Trainor getting acclimated with his new teammates going 11 of 15 for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His development and knowledge of this offense is what can carry this program to the next level. Having a running back like Seth Hinsley rush for 111 yards on just 17 carries with two scores helps any quarterback get in a rhythm. But don't be better than scheduling a team just to get a W. Nobody did that when you were down. 6. Shorter- Welcome to the GSC Shorter.
I normally don't get overly excited when a Division II team beats a non-scholarship FCS program but this was a unique scenario. Shorter is coming up from the NAIA ranks so it's not just playing up one level, or two, it can be portrayed like the Hawks played up three levels.
As long as Shorter can establish their running game, I like their chances to upset at least one of the preexisting GSC teams this year.
New signal caller Eric Dodson was brilliant on offense, throwing for 191 yards and adding a rushing and a passing touchdown. If the sophomore can play like that and continue to grow, this offense could be dangerous in week to week preparations for a lot of teams.
This is a reprint of FOSG Big Swede's new column about life in the Gulf South Conference... they got a head start in the recognition department with Shorter's win over Campbell...
The names of programs in transition mean nothing. History is dead. Things are not what they used to be in the Gulf South Conference. That is what we found out last weekend.
GSC teams went 4-2 to open the season. The way the two losses occurred has to have created concern. How much concern is up for debate. This week's power rankings shouldn't come as too much a surprise. Keep in mind, who each school opened with and that program's talent level is a major factor this early in the season.
Power Rankings:
1. West Alabama- My preseason favorite to win the conference and the region showed why with a silly 44-0 domination of Clark Atlanta.
Running back Matt Willis scored three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and went for 163 yards on just 15 carries. The senior also added two receptions for 73 yards. That's stupid. He's good at football. But most of all, Willis has a serious chance to contend for this year's Harlon Hill Trophy.
Kyle Caldwell was an efficient 12 of 19 for 215 yards and two touchdowns. His continued growth will only further this team's ability. So far in his career, he seems to get better every week. We did see a little of his back up Gary Johnston, but this looks like Caldwell's offense.
Then there was the defense that allowed 78 total yards. I don't care who you are playing, if you can hold an NCAA program to under the yardage amount of the length of a football field, you are pretty special. Especially when a lot of the familiar names on this side of the ball didn't have to contribute much.
2. Valdosta State- Oops they did it again. Valdosta State blew another late lead in the final minutes dropping their opener to Saginaw Valley State 28-24.
Earl Arms has the details and an interesting beginning...
((HT: MINBCNews.com))
One time is expected. Two times is a coincidence. Three times is a trend. But now it's just a concern. But who do you blame? This is an oddity that is tough to explain. So for now, I will point to the only thing glaringly different with the VSU defense; the staff.
The Blazers have two co-defensive coordinators. Seth Wallace and Earl Chambers. Two guys who have paid their dues in this business and two guys I know are capable of leading a defense. But can a defense have two leaders? Can any group? Ask 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'.
3. North Alabama- How different are things in the GSC this year? North Alabama almost lost to Miles. It took a stop on a 2 point conversion for the win for the Lions to beat a SIAC team. Never thought I'd see the day.
Here's your recap from UNA Athletics their own selves...
In the 31-30 win three UNA players ran for at least 65 yards. That's a new thing but not unexpected with Bobby Wallace at the helm. If Lamonte Thompson can continue to run like he did in the opener (21 rushes for 102 yards and a touchdown) and take pressure off quarterback Chris Alexander, it bodes well for this offense's future.
While the offense was nothing to get overly excited about, the defense was even worse. This unit let David Thomas do whatever he wanted through the air. The Miles signal caller went 23 of 35 for 379 yards and three touchdowns. I didn't know a SIAC quarterback could look so good. Not a good sign for this defense. This was an unimpressive performance, in a win, leaving me to wonder how far this team can go.
4. Delta State- It doesn't seem as though Jamey Chadwell's system has been fully developed in Cleveland, Mississippi. Like a soup without spices, something just seems missing. It doesn't look like it's something monumental but whatever it is, is throwing everything else off.
The Statesmen offense looked great for most of the first half. Trevor Wooden marched the squad up and down the field but couldn't punch the ball in for points on numerous occasions deep in Fort Valley territory. From that failure, it looked like the team lost confidence and carried that with them to an anemic second half of offensive play.
Like UNA, there has to be some concern on defense. They limited Antonio Henton from getting in a passing rhythm most of the contest but in the second half FVSU's quarterback rallied to finish with 234 passing yards and two touchdowns. They also let running back Seth Hill walk all over them for 144 yards and two scores. This is even more concerning than the offensive struggles. Creating a terrible recipe right now. Someone just dropped lamb and tuna fish into this soup instead of spices.
And, then, Fort Valley got back to work...
((HT: 13WMAZ-TV Macon))
5. West Georgia- If you're a West Georgia fan and aren't happy to open the season with a 55-3 win over Point, you're a terrible person. So, go ahead and look... ((HT: gouwgwolves10)) It wasn't so long ago that other teams beat the hell out of the Wolves with no regard for their level of play. Don't be better than scheduling a team to get a win. This has larger ramifications than missing out on contests that impact playoff hopes. Marking down more and more wins in the record books can help with recruiting. The most important aspect of this game was new quarterback Austin Trainor getting acclimated with his new teammates going 11 of 15 for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His development and knowledge of this offense is what can carry this program to the next level. Having a running back like Seth Hinsley rush for 111 yards on just 17 carries with two scores helps any quarterback get in a rhythm. But don't be better than scheduling a team just to get a W. Nobody did that when you were down. 6. Shorter- Welcome to the GSC Shorter.
I normally don't get overly excited when a Division II team beats a non-scholarship FCS program but this was a unique scenario. Shorter is coming up from the NAIA ranks so it's not just playing up one level, or two, it can be portrayed like the Hawks played up three levels.
As long as Shorter can establish their running game, I like their chances to upset at least one of the preexisting GSC teams this year.
New signal caller Eric Dodson was brilliant on offense, throwing for 191 yards and adding a rushing and a passing touchdown. If the sophomore can play like that and continue to grow, this offense could be dangerous in week to week preparations for a lot of teams.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
OSG NAIA: Here's How You Win A Title
((HT: Tourbeau Sports/NAIA))
Shorter University and Oklahoma City University had to go to extra innings to figure out who would be the 2012 national champ.
Hawks center fielder Charlsie Broome made sure the game made it to the bottom of the ninth...
Shorter would score a run in the bottom of the inning for their University national championship, 1-0, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Hawks are moving to Division II's Gulf South Conference, so the HQ is fairly certain that OCU is more than happy to see them leave...
Shorter University and Oklahoma City University had to go to extra innings to figure out who would be the 2012 national champ.
Hawks center fielder Charlsie Broome made sure the game made it to the bottom of the ninth...
Shorter would score a run in the bottom of the inning for their University national championship, 1-0, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Hawks are moving to Division II's Gulf South Conference, so the HQ is fairly certain that OCU is more than happy to see them leave...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
OSG NAIA: Sometimes, It's Just Meant To Be...
Okay, this one is from the OTHER weekend job members of the HQ have...
Your Shorter Hawks, transitioning from NAIA Division 1 to NCAA Division II after this season, scored nine points in 30 seconds to pull out a win against a feisty Pikeville University squad Saturday afternoon...
And while, yes, the HQ can add to its sunburned totals for the year, this win had Kardiac Kids written all over it... Heart-Stopping Hawks, maybe...???
Anyway, I digress...
It was the home opener for the nationally-ranked lot after their upset win over Webber International in Lake Wales, Florida last Saturday. Pikeville has had a lot of turnover in the last year. They hired a Kentucky high school football legend as their new coach. Dudley Hilton brings his 36 years, 3 state titles, and 345 wins over to the college side of things. His rep kept a lot of kids home for a change and 193 showed up for first practices...
I'm not kidding... 193 kids showed up...
And they had a relatively easy time of it so far with a 2-0 start in a win over Southern Virginia, 63-18, and a 24-17 win over NCAA Division II Kentucky Wesleyan.
They're not as outmanned as they seemed in the past and will be a headache for the Mid-South Conference in the years to come...
They were down 20-0 at Barron Stadium but, scored to make it 20-7 at the break, ran back the opening 2nd half kickoff for another score and recovered the ensuing onside kick to scare the daylights out of the blue-and-black clad home fans...
Pikeville, and their new uniforms, scored again with a little under 11 minutes to go to take a 21-20 lead and Shorter had to try and get something going for a score with a little under two minutes to go after swapping what seemed like a shopping spree on punting...
Troy Postell had missed a field goal with four minutes to go, but thanks to a drive that took a little over a minute, he hit a 44-yarder with 30 seconds to go for a 23-21 lead. The one he missed...? Two yards shorter...
But Pikeville threw two passes in the last 30 seconds that set up a 33-yard field goal attempt with 8 seconds on the clock.
That's where Daniel Hazard steps in to frame...
When you talk to Daniel, he's about as open and honest as a college senior can be- and he believes everything he says. You could be talking about religion, football, or traffic lights... and if he told you that the light turned an amazing shade of pink, he'd be convincing in his arguments if you didn't see it yourself.
He's the vocal and emotional leader on defense and some special teams situations and it came through again... he plowed through, found a hole, blocked the possible game-winner, scooped it up, and scored as the clock ran out... ((Thanks to Tracey Long for the amazing photo...))
Game, set, match... 29-21...
"When I saw the hole open up, I went right through it and was able to get my hands [on the kick]," he told Shorter SID Matt Green. "When I picked up the ball I just had my eyes focused on the goal line and once I got into the end zone, I just collapsed to my knees.
"I couldn't believe it -- God has blessed me."
He told me that he heard a little voice in his head that said for him to pick the ball up and not to worry about running with it. There were noises in his ears that were his teammates clearing the way down the field, and he just collapsed in the endzone after the score.
But there's another part to this...
His family is going through a lot right now...
His grandfather, at 85 years young and sporting a black Dartmouth cap in the stands in Rome, has to head back up to the northeast for surgery after a diagnosis of colon cancer. He came down for the game to see Daniel play.
The HQ doesn't want to hear anything negative about higher powers in play today... because, as you all know, Daniel Hazard will be more than happy to tell you otherwise...
The HQ's thoughts are with the Hazard family through all that they are set to face...
Oh, Shorter ((ranked #20)) heads to Georgetown ((KY)) next Saturday- just south of Satellite HQ...
Your Shorter Hawks, transitioning from NAIA Division 1 to NCAA Division II after this season, scored nine points in 30 seconds to pull out a win against a feisty Pikeville University squad Saturday afternoon...
And while, yes, the HQ can add to its sunburned totals for the year, this win had Kardiac Kids written all over it... Heart-Stopping Hawks, maybe...???
Anyway, I digress...
It was the home opener for the nationally-ranked lot after their upset win over Webber International in Lake Wales, Florida last Saturday. Pikeville has had a lot of turnover in the last year. They hired a Kentucky high school football legend as their new coach. Dudley Hilton brings his 36 years, 3 state titles, and 345 wins over to the college side of things. His rep kept a lot of kids home for a change and 193 showed up for first practices...
I'm not kidding... 193 kids showed up...
And they had a relatively easy time of it so far with a 2-0 start in a win over Southern Virginia, 63-18, and a 24-17 win over NCAA Division II Kentucky Wesleyan.
They're not as outmanned as they seemed in the past and will be a headache for the Mid-South Conference in the years to come...
They were down 20-0 at Barron Stadium but, scored to make it 20-7 at the break, ran back the opening 2nd half kickoff for another score and recovered the ensuing onside kick to scare the daylights out of the blue-and-black clad home fans...
Pikeville, and their new uniforms, scored again with a little under 11 minutes to go to take a 21-20 lead and Shorter had to try and get something going for a score with a little under two minutes to go after swapping what seemed like a shopping spree on punting...
Troy Postell had missed a field goal with four minutes to go, but thanks to a drive that took a little over a minute, he hit a 44-yarder with 30 seconds to go for a 23-21 lead. The one he missed...? Two yards shorter...
But Pikeville threw two passes in the last 30 seconds that set up a 33-yard field goal attempt with 8 seconds on the clock.
That's where Daniel Hazard steps in to frame...
When you talk to Daniel, he's about as open and honest as a college senior can be- and he believes everything he says. You could be talking about religion, football, or traffic lights... and if he told you that the light turned an amazing shade of pink, he'd be convincing in his arguments if you didn't see it yourself.
He's the vocal and emotional leader on defense and some special teams situations and it came through again... he plowed through, found a hole, blocked the possible game-winner, scooped it up, and scored as the clock ran out... ((Thanks to Tracey Long for the amazing photo...))
Game, set, match... 29-21...
"When I saw the hole open up, I went right through it and was able to get my hands [on the kick]," he told Shorter SID Matt Green. "When I picked up the ball I just had my eyes focused on the goal line and once I got into the end zone, I just collapsed to my knees.
"I couldn't believe it -- God has blessed me."
He told me that he heard a little voice in his head that said for him to pick the ball up and not to worry about running with it. There were noises in his ears that were his teammates clearing the way down the field, and he just collapsed in the endzone after the score.
But there's another part to this...
His family is going through a lot right now...
His grandfather, at 85 years young and sporting a black Dartmouth cap in the stands in Rome, has to head back up to the northeast for surgery after a diagnosis of colon cancer. He came down for the game to see Daniel play.
The HQ doesn't want to hear anything negative about higher powers in play today... because, as you all know, Daniel Hazard will be more than happy to tell you otherwise...
The HQ's thoughts are with the Hazard family through all that they are set to face...
Oh, Shorter ((ranked #20)) heads to Georgetown ((KY)) next Saturday- just south of Satellite HQ...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Shorter University Heading to D2
Not really a surprise to NCAA Division II followers, but the worst-kept secret is now official, but Rome, Georgia's Shorter University has been granted acceptance into the NCAA and will head for the Gulf South Conference.
“This is a wonderful day for Shorter University and for our athletic program,” said Bill Peterson, who just completed his fourth year as Shorter’s Director of Athletics. “We are truly blessed and so appreciative of the support we have received from both our administration and our Board of Trustees. In particular, I would like to thank our coaches and our student-athletes. Their efforts made this tremendous possibility a reality. They are just a great group.”
From the university their ownselves...
Shorter immediately begins the three-year transition process as a candidate member for the NCAA during the 2011-2012 season, during which it will remain an active affiliate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Shorter has been affiliated with the NAIA since the 1950s.
Shorter remains eligible for regular season and post-season tournament championships in both the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) and Mid-South Conference (MSC) during the 2011-2012 athletic campaigns, and also remains eligible to compete in NAIA national tournaments.
“We are very proud of our long-term relationship with the NAIA, the SSAC and the Mid-South, and we look forward to another great year in 2011-2012,” Peterson said. “We have been blessed with many wonderful friendships, in particular NAIA CEO Jim Carr and championship director Dennis Green along with our two commissioners, Dr. Kurt Patberg of the SSAC and Steve Baker of the Mid-South.”
The university will enter the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic years as an NCAA “provisional status” member while moving towards membership in the Gulf South Conference.
During this two-year provisional status period, Shorter will compete against full Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II schedules and be required to operate under NCAA Division II regulations, but will be ineligible to compete in post-season play. Shorter’s athletic schedules will include Gulf South Conference members such as the University of Alabama-Huntsville, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, Delta State University, Valdosta State University, University of West Georgia and the University of West Florida, among others.
Here's what the Hawks will be chasing...
((HT: NCAA/ESPN/youtube))
“This is a wonderful day for Shorter University and for our athletic program,” said Bill Peterson, who just completed his fourth year as Shorter’s Director of Athletics. “We are truly blessed and so appreciative of the support we have received from both our administration and our Board of Trustees. In particular, I would like to thank our coaches and our student-athletes. Their efforts made this tremendous possibility a reality. They are just a great group.”
From the university their ownselves...
Shorter immediately begins the three-year transition process as a candidate member for the NCAA during the 2011-2012 season, during which it will remain an active affiliate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Shorter has been affiliated with the NAIA since the 1950s.
Shorter remains eligible for regular season and post-season tournament championships in both the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) and Mid-South Conference (MSC) during the 2011-2012 athletic campaigns, and also remains eligible to compete in NAIA national tournaments.
“We are very proud of our long-term relationship with the NAIA, the SSAC and the Mid-South, and we look forward to another great year in 2011-2012,” Peterson said. “We have been blessed with many wonderful friendships, in particular NAIA CEO Jim Carr and championship director Dennis Green along with our two commissioners, Dr. Kurt Patberg of the SSAC and Steve Baker of the Mid-South.”
The university will enter the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic years as an NCAA “provisional status” member while moving towards membership in the Gulf South Conference.
During this two-year provisional status period, Shorter will compete against full Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II schedules and be required to operate under NCAA Division II regulations, but will be ineligible to compete in post-season play. Shorter’s athletic schedules will include Gulf South Conference members such as the University of Alabama-Huntsville, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, Delta State University, Valdosta State University, University of West Georgia and the University of West Florida, among others.
Here's what the Hawks will be chasing...
((HT: NCAA/ESPN/youtube))
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