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Post by efg72 on Aug 20, 2023 18:08:44 GMT -5
I can't wait to see our #3-5 lbs #2s on the DL
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Post by efg72 on Aug 20, 2023 16:42:44 GMT -5
Q&A With Matt Applebaum
Kevin Stone • EagleAction Staff Writer @kstone06 CHESTNUT HILL - I had the chance to chat one-on-one with Coach Applebaum for about 10 minutes before a few other media members hopped in Sunday during Media Day.
If nothing else, Applebaum is passionate about getting this turned around ( I know, I know, no one cares unless there's results). Here's what he had to say...
ON THE MESSAGE TO THE ROOM & AND MINDSET OF THE PLAYERS DURING INITIAL MEETINGS
"I think when I first came in, you could ignore the obvious if you want, but that's not who I am or what I'm about. So, to me it's like, let's get that out in the open right away, address it, acknowledge it for what it was and move past it. I think the kids have done a great job of it. We don't bring that (expletive) up any more, the past is in the past. From the initial...that (last year) was talked about. If you don't, it's like a pink elephant in the room and that's BS. We're well past that now. Then, when you first get in, you want to give everyone an opportunity. It's a unique scenario where coming back, I had a prior relationship with everybody. So, it's not like everybody was on a completely blank slate, because then I'm not being realistic either because I know some of these guys. As much as I can, it's 'hey, what can you do right now going into the season to prove you belong with the offense out there?' Guys in the early spring - really throughout spring - will play a couple different positions...and it's not even necessarily representative of 'oh, you're a one or you're a two,' it's more 'hey, I want to see what you can do at this position.' Maybe that's how we slot you in. It doesn't matter who else is out there, what are you going to do in that moment at that position?' I think the guys really attacked that scenario. Coming into camp, we've tightened that up a lot as we get closer to playing a game. But, there's still competition out there, but we've got a great group, man. We've got great players, great guys that are working their asses off who have tremendous pride in this place. They have a tremendous pride in what the O-line's been here and they want to leave a legacy. They're working their asses off to do so. I couldn't be more pleased, which I expected. Honestly, because I've been here and know what type of kids are in this program. I can't say enough good things about it."
ON IF HE'S A DIFFERENT COACH NOW THAN HE WAS DURING THE FIRST TIME WITH THE PROGRAM
"Probably. Are you a different reporter than you were two years ago? We're all different people, right? Ultimately, I'd like to think my core being is pretty damn similar, it hasn't even been two years. But, yeah, hopefully I've learned and grown and am able to implement those things into how I'm approaching the guys. I believe so. I'd be interested if you had truth serum and you asked guys who played for me before, how they would answer that, I would think they'd say so."
ON THE TRANSITION WHEN HE CAME BACK HAVING ALREADY KNOWN THE ROOM
"It made it way easier. Way easier. Me coming here, I really...it was really late in the game. The pro football season is so much longer than college football and it starts later. So, when I got here, I think we had maybe three weeks until spring ball. You know what I'm saying? With a new offense,. Sure, with similarities, but new. So, if we didn't have those prior relationships, not just with communication style, but literally just how we talk ball or line calls, that kind of stuff, if that wasn't so seamless, spring would have been more of a challenge."
ON GUYS GETTING GOOD EXPERIENCE LAST YEAR DESPITE THE LOSING RECORD
"Of course. I think all experience is good experience. At the end of the day, how do you channel those experiences? Like, for a young lineman...this game is hard for linemen, man. It's a hard position. They've got to do hard things and it's important for them to understand that. Sometimes, guys get thrown into the fire and they're not quite ready, they get beat up and they lose their confidence. So, can you understand the situation you're in and push through it? I think that's what they did. I think last year was really hard on them and I don't want to talk a lot about last year because not only was I not here, but it's in the past. I know what they really went through last year and I think lesser men might have tanked it. We've got some real dudes in there and they pushed through it. I think they're better off for it."
ON WHAT MAKES CHRISTIAN MAHOGANY SPECIAL
"He's a special human being all the way around...as a guy, to me the human element is more important than anything. I think Christian, throughout his time with the program more than anyone, has matured, at least more than anybody that I've had my hands on. I mean, just, in every way. Interpersonal skills, handling his business like a man, the kid's a college graduate now. I'm not so sure when he was in high school he really envisioned that for himself. So, just tremendous growth...then, as a ball player, he's big, strong, powerful, physical. What's not to like? I love rolling him out there. When you have a guy out there like that, you know this: we're going to go into the game and things are going to happen, but I know we're not getting our asses kicked. That's a guy that's going to be kicking their ass. That's a good feeling to have as a coach. He's very aware throughout the play. As coaches, we try to micro-manage everything. I don't mean that in a negative way, but like, the looks we're expecting and 'what we're going to do if they do this, this is what we're going to do if they do that.' Inevitably, there are things that are going to happen during a game that you haven't coached, can you handle that and do what you need to do in that moment? He thrives there. He's just a ballplayer, man."
ON THE ADDED BOOST OTHER LINEMEN GET HAVING MAHOGANY ON THE FIELD
"He's a physical player. It's a violent sport and he plays it in a violent way. It sets a tone. And then, whenever you're playing next to a really great player, you're going to play better. He can help you out if maybe you slipped up on that play. Or, maybe you're both on it and instead of it being an 'okay' play it's 'ok, here we go fellas.' Any time you have a great player next to you, it's going to help. Setting a tone with the violence of his play is certainly something you can feel out there."
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Post by efg72 on Aug 19, 2023 16:19:41 GMT -5
They are a good to very good football team on both sides of the ball with a few very talented players. I believe they have five committed to the Big 10/SEC and a few more to the MAC
They play a good schedule in Ohio as well as a few out of state teams
Preseason #3 in Ohio
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Post by efg72 on Aug 19, 2023 11:08:30 GMT -5
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Post by efg72 on Aug 19, 2023 7:50:38 GMT -5
I think a non medical 5th year should be an option, Whether that is capped at 3-5-8-10 players per year. Also, it should be up to the individual school to decide if they want to use them.
This is just an opinion, unlikely to be widely supported on this board or blessed by the PL. If I offended anybody by my remark, I apologize
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Post by efg72 on Aug 18, 2023 21:00:53 GMT -5
We need to stop over analyzing and protecting policies of the past
Keeping 10-15 players for a fifth year is not a financial burden nor does it impact the academic integrity of Holy Cross
Fifth year students should be the norm for football not the exception and if the idealist disagree God Bless you for your opinion
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Post by efg72 on Aug 18, 2023 18:55:40 GMT -5
We all want PL schools to upgrade talent level to provide stiff competition with HC even if it results in an occasional loss. No 5th year non-medical redshirts, as in the IL schools, roster size notwithstanding.Top ranked Yale, Harvard & Princeton can compete on a national level w/o non-med redshirts. PL powerhouse programs can do no less. Need is to keep PL sports in appropriate de-emphasized perspective. PL schools do not exist for football. And, yes %th year non-med redshirts serve the needs of the teams not the academic interests of the students. PL is about chemistry, coaching and talent Unless something is happening out there I think we have all three covered
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Post by efg72 on Aug 18, 2023 18:20:57 GMT -5
Hoops an football conference only
Any interest
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Post by efg72 on Aug 18, 2023 16:00:49 GMT -5
I likely will have extra tickets and both field/garage parking for anybody in need
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Post by efg72 on Aug 18, 2023 15:53:24 GMT -5
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Post by efg72 on Aug 17, 2023 12:28:10 GMT -5
www.telegram.com/story/sports/college/2023/08/17/seasoned-offensive-line-is-indeed-a-strength-for-holy-cross-football/70588643007/Some great photos There’s a cohesiveness': Seasoned offensive line is indeed a strength for Holy Cross football Jennifer Toland Worcester Telegram & Gazette Holy Cross offensive linemen, from left, Eric Schon, Luke Newman and C.J. Hanson share a moment at practice Wednesday WORCESTER — Holy Cross senior offensive lineman Luke Newman arrived on the hill three years ago as a 6-foot-5, 250-pound all-state performer at Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who did not allow a sack during his junior or senior season, navigating his way around the HC weight room and working his way into the Crusaders’ lineup. “I think I came in not even knowing how to clean in high school,” Newman said, referring to the weightlifting exercise. Newman, who last season earned All-America accolades at left tackle, enters 2023 at 305 pounds, with a slightly smaller body fat percentage than he had as a freshman, cleaning 350 (up from 265) with fabulous form, and typifying the strength, speed, explosiveness and tenacity of HC’s standout upfront unit. Holy Cross offensive lineman Luke Newman prepares to engage in a drill at practice Wednesday. “It’s truly remarkable to see my progress over time,” Newman said after Tuesday’s practice on newly renovated Kuzniewski Field. “I’ve gained a lot of power, and obviously weight has come with it. Everyone will give a lot of credit to (associate strength and conditioning) Coach (Chris) Grautski, and what he has done for this program is just fantastic. ADVERTISING “When Coach G wants to put weight on the offensive line,” Newman said, “he’s going to do it the right way, do it over a period of time, where you gain that weight, and it’s healthy weight, and you can grow with it and play with it.” During HC’s remarkable 2022 run to the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals, Newman was part of an offensive line that allowed the Crusaders to rank fifth nationally in scoring offense (38.8 points per game) and sixth nationally in rushing offense (243.8 yards per game). Newman, senior left guard Eric Schon and fifth-year right guard C.J. Hanson all earned All-Patriot League first-team honors last season. Along with senior center Christo Kelly and fifth-year right tackle Pat McMurtrie, and top backups Dalton Daddona, a fifth-year, and Declan McCauley, HC’s O-line brings experience and leadership. “The amount of reps they have played together now,” coach Bob Chesney said, “there’s a cohesiveness, and they don’t say much. There are little motions, and things they can do, and there is a non-verbal communication that goes on with them that wasn’t here maybe three years ago. They’ve played together now, some of them, for four years, so that consistency, that belief, that trust is what certainly stands out to me.” Holy Cross offensive lineman C.J. Hanson warms up at practice Wednesday Hanson has started 27 straight games at right guard and Newman 26 in a row at left tackle. Schon moved into the starting lineup last year. An injury limited McMurtrie to two games in 2022, but he was a starter the previous two seasons. Kelly, who takes over for the great Nick Olsofka, appeared in nine games last year. Get the Afternoon Headlines - Worcester MA newsletter in your inbox. Our top stories of the day delivered every afternoon Delivery: Daily Your Email “It’s truly special being next to these guys who are with your moral values and have the same goals,” Hanson said. “You know what’s going on. It’s like we’re all in each other’s heads.” HC’s projected starting five averages 6-foot-5 and 302 pounds. Chris Zarkoskie is in his first season as HC’s offensive line coach. Chris Smith, a former Holy Cross star center who previously coached the OL and served as offensive coordinator last year, departed to take a position with the New York Giants. Dean Kennedy, who was HC’s quarterbacks coach last year, took over as OC. “This is a very veteran group,” said Zarkoskie, who spent the last two seasons overseeing Princeton’s offensive line. “They work hard, they prepare well, and the tight-knit community they have as an offensive line is very special. That happens in a lot of places, but it is extra special here.” Holy Cross offensive lineman Eric Schon concentrates at practice Wednesday. Before helping to guide Princeton to two outstanding offensive seasons, Zarkoskie coached at New Hampshire, his alma mater, Brown and Lehigh. “All of us are really appreciative of how open Coach Zar has been with us,” Schon said. “It’s been nothing but a positive experience. Everyone on the offensive line is looking forward to our first season with him. We’re excited to have him as part of this program.” Among HC’s six freshmen offensive linemen is Shrewsbury High alum Brad Blattner. “With our experience comes a lot of responsibility with the younger guys that we’re going to get ready to play soon,” Newman said. “We want to get them adjusted to our scheme and our offense as soon as possible. With this group (of veterans) we can do that.” Eleven days into practice, and a little more than two weeks from the 2023 opener against Merrimack, HC’s offense is coming together. “It looks phenomenal,” Hanson said. “Everyone is moving fast (senior quarterback Matthew) Sluka is just a star out there. We’re getting our defense better, and they’re getting us better. It’s truly great right now.” —Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known at Twitter, @jentolandtg.
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Post by efg72 on Aug 16, 2023 17:04:24 GMT -5
We don't pick league games so it is what it is.
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Post by efg72 on Aug 16, 2023 16:15:05 GMT -5
For football not even close I wouldn't waste a game on Bryant or Merrimack when there are real schools to play- I am not concerned about playing the bottom half of the NE region as I live in metro DC. I would prefer a national OOC schedule if I am stuck in the PL for football and all other sports. Mediocrity does not help us advance and grow our reputation and endowment How soon we forget. Two years ago Merrimack, which apparently is not a "real" football team, thumped us by two TDs at home. 1-127 are real teams and opponents. Benefit risk of playing these lower ranked teams in an OOC game for any top 25 ranked team makes me uncomfortable with these games. I would prefer to play teams that help the ranking with a win, andhas little impact with a loss.
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Post by efg72 on Aug 16, 2023 15:24:07 GMT -5
10 Observations from Merrimack fall camp (Scrimmage) Posted By Kevin Stone on August 15, 2023
NORTH ANDOVER – It definitely felt like football season at Duane Stadium on Tuesday.
With temperatures finally lowering and a steady mist/rain falling for the duration of the two-hour practice/scrimmage that the Warriors had, the intensity on the field screamed “kickoff is just weeks away.”
Now able to compete for an FCS playoff berth for the first time, Merrimack believes it can once again compete for an NEC title this year. Here’s 10 things that stood out to us during our camp visit in North Andover…
-Size, size and more size. Hung around the offensive end during the team’s indy periods before they scrimmaged and the size up front on both lines stands out immediately. Beau Lanzidelle, Joey Trainor and James Smith are intimidating figures and can also move people easier than it should be. Nolan Gunning had a good day up front at various times too. Defensively, Kelvin Cheridor and Nick Martino really stood out.
-QB1 Gavin McCusker didn’t see a ton of action during the team periods on Tuesday, but made his reps count when he did. After getting thrown into the fire this season, he’s clearly more confident and the arm’s gotten even stronger than it was.
On the first play of the scrimmage he let one go about 50-60 yards on a deep post and dropped it in a bucket to Donovan Wadley. Wadley dropped it, but made it up for it later on the drive by hauling in the exact same throw, this time in double coverage. During the indy period beforehand McCusker was showing off his touch as well.
-Both backup QB’s – Malakai Anthony and Justin Lewis – showed they can be dangerous with their legs. Late in the day when the team was working on red zone, Anthony had a short touchdown run and made it look easy in the process. Anthony was the more impressive on the two when it comes to running, but McCusker definitely has the better arm among the guys in the room.
-The speed all around really stands out as well. Wadley is one of those guys, as is fellow receiver Myles Wilson. The Warriors also have a plethora of backs that can make people miss and put their shoulder down to churn out extra yards when needed. Shaka Moales ran very hard and Brendon Wyatt shot some great elusiveness. Tavon McGee can fly and Central Catholic freshman Matthias Latham took advantage of his opportunities late.
-This team absolutely loves its tight ends and H-backs. Pat Conroy will be the go-to guy for McCusker this year, but there’s like six H-backs listed on the depth chart. So whether it’s pounding the rock or providing depth in terms of red zone targets at McCusker’s disposal, they’ll probably all play a significant role.
-The secondary should be good. Graduate Collin Heard had a sick PBU inside the defense’s 15 early during one of the drives for Anthony. With all the speed on offense, you never really saw anyone getting beat badly for a big play. In fact, the only real big play of the day was that catch in double coverage by Wadley on the first drive. With the size and speed up front, if the DB’s can lock down for 3-4 seconds each snap, they’re going to be very hard to score against consistently.
-The side-to-side speed for the linebackers was impressive. During one particular jet sweep run, it felt like freshman LB Markeith Hogan got from one side to the other to make a play absurdly quickly. Classmate Paris Lenon was the same way on the same drive late in practice. This was mostly a day for the two’s and threes, so those guys took full advantage of the game-like reps.
-Lliam Davis booted the first two PAT’s and a 35-ish yard field goal. Carlton Thai handled one kick late. Feels like it’s Davis’ job for now, but with another scrimmage on the horizon and about three weeks until the opener against Holy Cross, I suppose that could change.
-There’s a meanness about this team, especially up front. No cheap shots or anything, but guys were constantly playing up until and sometimes through the whistle. I happened to catch AJ Urbaniak absolutely running over and then basically pinning a teammate in the red zone while blocking on a run before he helped said teammate up after the fact.
-This is a very, very deep team. Talent, speed, athleticism, toughness and grit across the board. Two and three deep at each position, especially the skill positions and of course at quarterback. There’s no reason why – barring an absurd amount of bad luck injury wise – why this team shouldn’t be right back in the conversation for a league title and finally, a playoff berth.
Posted in College, Merrimack Warriors
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 20:48:37 GMT -5
A better link
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 20:44:08 GMT -5
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 20:38:18 GMT -5
CODEL’s are trips taken by members of Congress and paid for by taxpayers. Reasons for the trips are at best educational, but do little for the national interest and taxpayers. Just another bad excuse for government to spend the hard earned money from taxpayers
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 20:09:16 GMT -5
For football not even close I wouldn't waste a game on Bryant or Merrimack when there are real schools to play- I am not concerned about playing the bottom half of the NE region as I live in metro DC. I would prefer a national OOC schedule if I am stuck in the PL for football and all other sports. Mediocrity does not help us advance and grow our reputation and endowment Neither Bryant or Merrimack are the bottom half of the NE region. NE is northeast region and I don't believe they make the top 50 FCS FCS Nation rankings out of 127 Bryant 72 Merrimack 75 Tough not to say they are in the bottom half nationally and at best at the midpoint of the northeast
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 18:23:41 GMT -5
For football not even close
I wouldn't waste a game on Bryant or Merrimack when there are real schools to play- I am not concerned about playing the bottom half of the NE region as I live in metro DC. I would prefer a national OOC schedule if I am stuck in the PL for football and all other sports. Mediocrity does not help us advance and grow our reputation and endowment
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 14:20:50 GMT -5
COLLEGE FOOTBALL Harvard football will have an unusual quarterback competition this season By Matt Doherty Globe Correspondent,Updated August 14, 2023, 4:36 p.m.
1 Harvard coach Tim Murphy believes the Ivy League is as balanced as he's ever seen it, and "because of that, every game is a grind." Harvard coach Tim Murphy believes the Ivy League is as balanced as he's ever seen it, and "because of that, every game is a grind."BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF Quarterback competitions are common in college football. But they typically involve two candidates. Harvard finds itself with a legitimate three-way battle.
Coach Tim Murphy said junior Conor Easthope, sophomore Jaden Craig, and junior Charles Deprima will compete for the starting job during preseason camp, which begins this weekend. The Crimson have 32 days to pick a starter ahead of the season opener Sept. 16 against St. Thomas at home.
“Believe it or not, we’re really excited about the quarterback situation,” Murphy said at Monday’s Ivy League Football Media Day. “We really believe over the next three to four weeks we’re going to develop a couple of good quarterbacks. I’m convinced the quarterback position is going to be a strong position for us.”
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Last year, Harvard finished 6-4 and senior Charlie Dean was the mainstay under center, starting nine games and throwing for 2,101 yards with 18 touchdowns. Dean graduated, as did backups Luke Emge and Curt Casteel, leaving the Crimson to enter the season with a blank slate at the position.
Get Sports Headlines The Globe's most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. Enter Email example@email.com Sign Up Easthope, Craig, and Deprima have not attempted a pass at the collegiate level, and only Deprima has seen game action, rushing three times for 14 yards last season.
Murphy isn’t too concerned.
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He said the trio earned valuable repetitions during spring practices, and believes fall camp will provide another window for development. Entering his 30th season at Harvard, Murphy suggested perhaps all three will earn time this season, depending on matchups, game situations, and who has the hot hand.
“On one hand, you can have the ‘woe is me, we graduated our top three quarterbacks’ card,” said Murphy. “But we look at it differently. We’re excited, and now more than ever, you have to have standout quarterback play to succeed.”
Picked fourth in the Ivy League preseason poll, Harvard feels its strength will be on defense — particularly on the line. Standout Thor Griffith is returning after recording 46 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks last season.
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The 6-foot-2-inch, 305-pound Griffith, from Portsmouth, N.H., was named the Preseason Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year. He’ll be joined up front by defensive end Nate Leskovec, a Preseason First Team All-Ivy selection, forming a powerful duo in the trenches.
“I think on the defensive line we all make each other better,” said Leskovec. “We just open up opportunities for one another. As for Thor, he is a phenomenal player. He’s a wrecking ball. It’s been fun playing alongside him.”
Tight end Tyler Neville, offensive linemen Austin Gentle and Jacob Rizy, and punter Sebastien Tasko were also named to the Preseason First Team.
Harvard is faced with a challenging nonleague schedule, one Murphy thinks may be the toughest he’s ever had. After the opener with St. Thomas — which finished 10-1 last season — the Crimson play Holy Cross at Polar Park before a matchup with an upstart Howard program. And there is the seven-game Ivy League slate, capped by the season-ending showdown with Yale, the preseason Ivy favorite.
“Our league is more balanced now than it has ever been in my 30 years,” said Murphy. “Because of that, every game is a grind. We have a lot of work to do but we’re really excited.”
▪ Sammy McCorkle will serve as Dartmouth’s interim coach while Buddy Teevens recovers from a bicycle accident last March that resulted in the amputation of his right leg. Teevens, the program’s all-time wins leader (117) in 23 seasons, was riding his bike in Augustine, Fla., when he was struck by a pickup truck.
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McCorkle, who has worked under Teevens for 18 years, provided an update on Teevens.
“He’s in Boston right now and he’s surrounded by close friends and family,” said McCorkle. “He’s working hard every day to get better. The support has been phenomenal. We all know Coach Teevens is a fighter and he’s going to improve on a daily basis.”
Murphy, a close friend of Teevens’s, opened his press conference with remarks about Teevens and his wife, Kirsten, who was riding with Buddy when the accident occurred.
“They are doing as well as expected,” said Murphy. “It’s a long road back, but Buddy’s the toughest guy I know. I do appreciate all the thoughts and prayers people have sent their way.”
▪ Brown will be led by a pair of locals. Senior quarterback Jake Wilcox was a star at Everett High and Milton Academy, and will be the starter for coach James Perry. Wilcox threw for 1,786 yards with 12 touchdowns in seven games last season.
His top target is receiver Wes Rockett, a Marblehead resident and the Globe’s 2018 Division 1 Player of the Year at St. John’s Prep. Rockett hauled in 48 catches for 554 yards last season, earning Second Team All-Ivy honors for the second straight year.
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Ivy League preseason poll (first-place votes in parentheses)
1. Yale — 122 (13)
2. Princeton — 103 (1)
3. Penn — 90
4. Harvard — 84 (1)
5. Columbia —62 (1)
6. Dartmouth — 54
7. Cornell — 37
8. Brown — 24
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 10:42:48 GMT -5
Post See new Tweets Conversation RedditFCS @reddit_FCS 2023 /r/FCS Preseason Conference Rankings (polled): --- 1. MVFC 2. Big Sky 3. CAA 4. SoCon 5. Southland 6. UAC 7. Ivy League 8. Big South-OVC 9. Patriot 10. SWAC 11. NEC 12. Pioneer 13. MEAC
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 8:58:07 GMT -5
any updates on Santee, Dansdill, Spinogatti, Comestro, Robinson, Mullaly, and Petitta
There have been positive comments/reports regarding Clerveaux.
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 8:09:40 GMT -5
Now fully healthy, Jacob Dobbs ready for one more special run with Holy Cross Posted By Kevin Stone on August 10, 2023
WORCESTER – Throughout his time at Holy Cross, star linebacker Jacob Dobbs has reminded head coach Bob Chesney that he’s the best birthday gift Chesney could ever receive.
Chesney’s birthday was Thursday, which was also Media Day for the Crusaders and also happens to be the same day Dobbs agreed to become a Crusader seemingly former ago now. But, now more than ever after returning from injury that kept him off the field last season during the most historic year in program history, Dobbs is relishing every moment with his head coach and teammates.
“It’s the second time in a row we’ve done Media Day on his birthday and kind of a fun fact, five years ago, I committed on August 10th,” Dobbs explained with a grin. “I had no idea it was Coach Chesney’s birthday, so ever since then I remind him I gave him a pretty good gift on his birthday. He’s a phenomenal football coach. It’s a pleasure to play for him and I’m really blessed to be a part of this program because he’s one of the best coaches in the country. That’s indisputable, so it’s a blessing to play for him.
“It’s been a blessing, it’s so exciting to be out there,” he said. “Full go, full throttle, there’s no restrictions, none of that. Fitting inside run, doing all those things that I was having to stand behind in the spring and observe from kind of a distance and just get mental reps. Now, being back out there, physically being able to do those kinds of things I missed out on during the spring, it’s been so much fun. I’m a little bit crazy, so I was itching to get back out there. There was probably a little too much intensity on my end. I had to dial it back a little bit. I was running too fast, maybe overrunning a few plays, but I’ve settled in and had a great first week with the guys on defense. It’s been exciting to be back.”
Not only is Dobbs’ presence felt on the field, but off the field his leadership is irreplaceable. While still having him around the team last year was valuable, there’s nothing like having arguably the best linebacker in all of FCS football truly involved in everything going on.
“We’ve let him go and he’s going at a pretty high rate of speed,” said Chesney. “It’s pretty fun to watch. He needs to be out there. He hasn’t taken a meaningful rep (in spring), we didn’t let him do much. He went out there and did some pass skelly, that type of stuff, but right now he’s playing the type of football you’re used to seeing Jacob Dobbs play. We’re not going to slow him down at all. We’re going to let him go and he’s doing a really good job of it. To think back to last year and know we didn’t have him all of last year and to accomplish what we did, I think that gives our defense a lot of hope and a lot of belief in what we’re trying to accomplish.
“The information he can yell out (before or during a play) that he can relay back to the sideline certainly stands out. There’s not many players that know…he’s been in this system for five years and he spent – basically – one as a coach. He’d be in meetings with us. From the sideline, he’d be giving us what he thought. I think that now being on the field is just going to had to him. So, as much as that might have been a negative, he found a way to make it a positive and I think you’ll see that in his game this year.”
Dobbs isn’t just the leader of the defense, he’s ultimately the leader of the whole team. While there are several team captains, it’s Dobbs’ voice and then everyone else. Even superstar QB Matt Sluka made sure to stick with Dobbs throughout his career.
“It’s unbelievable,” Sluka said. “Jacob’s been a mentor for me since I’ve gotten here. Obviously, he’s been a captain since his sophomore year, which says unspeakable things about Jacob. It’s great. Defensively, he just captain’s everything, it’s like having another coach out there. Jacob is second-to-none and I’m grateful to go against him every day, honestly. We talk about it…there’s a lot of times where it’s just…I want to go against him. Iron sharpens iron and we always want to get each other better. We know what the end goal is, so we’re always working hard.”
Holy Cross pushed the eventual national champs to the limit last season without the heart and soul of their team. Now with that heart and soul back and ready to make up for lost time, the Crusaders’ defense might be one of the most elite units in the country.
Posted in Holy Cross
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Post by efg72 on Aug 15, 2023 8:03:06 GMT -5
'You just have to be your best every single day': Fifth-year seniors to play key role for HC football Jennifer Toland Worcester Telegram & Gazette
SKIP
WORCESTER — Last season’s 14 fifth-year seniors played a major role in the Holy Cross football team’s run to the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals.
There are 10 fifth-year players on this season’s team, and the group, with its talent, experience and leadership, will figure prominently in the 2023 Crusaders’ success.
“You just have to be your best every single day,” fifth-year senior linebacker Jacob Dobbs said. “It’s just on you every single day to have a positive attitude and be the best version of yourself for the guys next to you.
Linebacker Jacob Dobbs is one of 10 fifth-year seniors on the 2023 Holy Cross football team. “When you’ve been in this program for five years,” Dobbs said, “it really takes care of itself, but it’s really just on you to maintain that standard every single day to an even higher level now because all eyes are on you.”
Dobbs missed most of last season due to an elbow injury. He is the Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and his return will bolster the Crusaders.
In addition to Dobbs, cornerback Devin Haskins, running backs Jordan Forrest and Tyler Purdy, free safety Kamryn Molton, offensive linemen C.J. Hanson, Pat McMurtrie and Dalton Daddona, tight end Sean Morris, and punter Patrick Haughney are fifth-years.
“The experience from us is the biggest thing,” Haskins said. “We’ve all played a lot of football here, so the ability for us to be able to teach the younger guys and lead by example to the best of our ability, I think that’s a powerful thing for the younger guys to see. That’s what (last year’s fifth-year seniors) did. They taught us a lot of things. We want to keep that trend going.”
“It was determined long before, but I think the timing is appropriate," Holy Cross football coach Bob Chesney said of the 2023 schedule. Right time for nonconference challenges Holy Cross’ nonconference opponents are finalized years in advance, but coach Bob Chesney believes this season’s team is more than up for the challenge of the 2023 schedule.
The Crusaders will face two Football Bowl Subdivision teams (Boston College and Army), Ivy League powers Yale and Harvard, and Merrimack, which beat up HC two years ago, in their opener.
“This season is a battle,” Chesney said. “It was determined long before, but I think the timing is appropriate.”
The Crusaders last had two FBS foes (Navy and Syracuse) on their schedule in 2019, Chesney’s second season. HC played at BC in 2018. Holy Cross lost those three games by a combined score of 148-24.
Each of the last two seasons, HC beat its FBS opponents (UConn and Buffalo). In 2022, the Crusaders defeated Yale and Harvard in the same season for the first time in program history.
'All those guys are really doing a nice job': Central Mass. players provide boost for HC football
“We’re different (now),” Chesney said. “You go through the roster, and you see the sheer size and the sheer strength. We’re a different program. Almost every single guy we have can get on the field for us in some capacity. That’s different. That was not the case all the time. When you go to practice, that’s the thing that stands out to me.
"It elevates everybody when even your freshmen are as big and fast and strong as your upperclassmen. That’s what’s starting to happen and turn this thing a little bit faster.”
Entering 2023, Holy Cross, which earned a No. 4 preseason national ranking from HERO Sports, has won 16 straight regular-season games.
“Coach Chesney always says our best is good enough,” Dobbs said. “They’ve done a good job recruiting and bringing in elite people and elite football players, so that allows us to lean on each other. We know we’re going to be in a lot of football games if we just do our job to the best of our ability and play as hard as possible.”
Dobbs, senior quarterback Matthew Sluka and senior offensive lineman Luke Newman garnered first-team honors, Haskins and senior wide receiver Jalen Coker second-team recognition.
'That’s my dude': Holy Cross quarterback Matthew Sluka focuses on senior season
Sluka and Coker are on the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List. The award is for the FCS Offensive Player of the Year.
Dobbs and Haskins made the Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List. That award goes to the FCS Defensive Player of the Year.
Haughney is on the FCS Punter of the Year Preseason Watch List.
—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known at Twitter, @jentolandtg.
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Post by efg72 on Aug 14, 2023 21:21:55 GMT -5
Much like the politics in our country, Crossports has divisions in the membership
Both want the best for the school and each viewpoint should be respected, but in the end our preferences won't matter.
Leadership will make a decision on the future of HC athletics that will upset 50% of those who care.
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