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Post by Ignutz on Sept 21, 2023 10:38:56 GMT -5
The updated forecast on Saturday is not promising for a large crowd. Rain with a chance of heavy rain in the afternoon. High 50s. Too bad. These guys deserve a huge crowd on Saturday. Weather Channel right now has it at 97% chance of rain. Why not 100%? The team played well, and the decent-sized crowd had a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyed the pummeling of UNH on a cold and rainy December 2nd. Each team's scoring may be down a bit from what they might achieve on a picture-perfect day, but I'd wager on the margin of (our) victory not being significantly impacted.
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Post by efg72 on Sept 21, 2023 11:52:39 GMT -5
COLLEGE 'You just have to play up to the standard,' These fast-learning freshmen have made impact on Holy Cross defense Jennifer Toland Worcester Telegram & Gazette
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Holy Cross’s Jake Jarmolowich, left, Stu Smith, center, and Frankie Monte celebrate a defensive stop versus Boston College on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Alumni Stadium in Newton. The night before Holy Cross’ 2023 opener against Merrimack, freshman safety Stu Smith could not eat. His usual game day breakfast is overnight oats with granola and fruit, but his lack of appetite continued the next morning. All Smith could get down before his first college start was a couple strawberries and his customary two bottles of Pedialyte.
“I usually never get nervous,” Smith said before Tuesday’s practice at Kuzniewski Field, “but after that first snap, I realized I belong out there and I’m out there for a reason, so I just have to go out and play.”
Smith made four tackles and had a pass breakup to help the Crusaders beat Merrimack. Smith and his teammates celebrated the win with an Italian feast.
“It was an amazing feeling being out there,” Smith said, “something I dreamed of.”
Smith, who has 12 tackles and a quarterback hit, is one of two freshmen to start every game on the defensive side of the ball for HC this season. First-year Brice Stevenson joined sophomore Christian Ross, who didn’t play as a freshman, and seniors Dillon Springer and Brian Vaganek on HC’s starting defensive line.
“It comes with a lot of responsibility,” Stevenson said. “You just have to play up to the standard.”
Holy Cross' Terrence Spence, left, and Christian Ross, right celebrate after a big stop versus Merrimack. Eight freshmen were on the team’s initial two-deep of the season. Seven of them were on the field at the same time in last week’s win over Yale.
“We’re lucky that a lot of our players are up here during the summer,” Holy Cross defensive coordinator Scott James said. “It allows us to indoctrinate them a little bit not only to the schematics, but also to the culture of the program, so when it comes their time to play – and for some of them it came faster than expected – they didn’t really blink. They knew what our standard was, what our expectation was, and they embraced it.”
The No. 6 Crusaders have pretty much played shutdown defense in the second half of their first three games. HC allowed 58 points in the first 30 minutes of those games and just 17 after halftime.
Holy Cross is hoping for a faster start on defense when it hosts Colgate in its first Patriot League matchup of the season and its Homecoming game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fitton Field.
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Delivery: Daily Your Email “Our coaches have prepared us right,” HC fifth-year senior linebacker Jacob Dobbs said. “It falls on us. We have to execute a little bit better, start faster and be more locked in. I think a lot of times we’re trying to do our job and fit it correctly. I think there needs to be a little less thinking and a little bit more running through people’s faces, which we’re going to emphasize this week and hopefully we take the next step as a defense this week.”
In 2022, Holy Cross led the Patriot League in scoring defense (21.5 ppg), but with the graduation of stars like Liam Anderson, Jake Reichwein, Dan Kuznetsov and John Smith, there were holes to fill.
Coach Bob Chesney said this year’s training camp was the most competitive of his Holy Cross tenure, and many of HC’s newcomers – there are 33 of them – proved themselves, including Smith and Stevenson.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Smith was part of the winningest class at Cathedral High in Indianapolis. The 6-2, 298-pound Stevenson was a two-time All-State and All-Big County honoree at Berkeley Prep in Tampa. Stevenson’s father, Robert, was an All-American at Florida State.
“When we started recruiting Stu,” James said, “we knew he was a pretty heady kid who could play multiple positions. We knew he could handle volume and play the game really well. Brice puts in a lot of time in the offseason and his development is probably ahead of some people because he’s been exposed to such good football, especially with his dad.”
Freshmen defensive backs Donovan Comestro (five tackles) and Eli Thompson (two tackles, two breakups) played extensively at Yale and, in the second half, helped HC hold the Bulldogs to a late fourth-quarter touchdown.
“I do love watching these guys grow in front of your eyes,” Chesney said. “It’s happening. We just have to continue that progression. Coach James and the defensive coaches do a great job of getting those guys confident and comfortable, and putting them in stressful situations all week so they can execute in game. The halftime adjustments and communication have been very good. I love the progress we’re making.”
HC’s veterans such as Dobbs and fifth-year cornerback Devin Haskins have played a major role in acclimating the freshmen.
“When I first got here in the summer,” Smith said, “I would sit in Williams Hall with Jacob Dobbs, and (junior free safeties) Jake Jarmolowich and Curtis Harris-Lopez, and not even with just defensive guys, but (senior quarterback) Matthew Sluka, too. They made sure I knew everything I needed to know coverage wise, and even away from football, the culture of this team. We watched film for hours and talked about what’s to come in camp, what’s to come before the season, and they gave me the confidence that I can go play.”
Holy Cross head coach Bob Chesney, left, talks to Jacob Dobbs during warm ups versus Boston College on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Alumni Stadium in Newton. HC's Dobbs has been a defensive leader In last year’s game at Colgate, Dobbs suffered a devastating, season-ending injury.
As the Raiders come to Fitton Field almost a year to the day later, Dobbs is back in fine form. The two-time All-American linebacker, who spent nine games on the sideline in 2022, leads the nation in total tackles.
“During his time off, he became like a coach being around us all the time,” James said. “That’s parlayed into a more mentally prepared player. He did a lot last year, and now he does even more. I just heard him say (at the start of practice), ‘I’ve got all the checks. We’re good,’ and there is nothing better than hearing Jake Dobbs say, ‘We’re good.’”
Dobbs tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, as well as his triceps tendon and a forearm flexor muscle. After surgery, he went through months of rehab.
“It took a lot of help from a lot of people,” Dobbs said. “I would not be here without (Holy Cross associate athletic director/sports medicine) Alicia Caswell, (associate strength and conditioning coach) Chris Grautski, Coach Chesney, (linebackers) Coach (Brian) Vaganek, my family, everyone involved. I had such a great support group and I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have everyone pushing me and having my back through it. God obviously got me through this time. He got me back here healthy. I’m just so blessed to be in this position.”
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Dobbs expects a test from Colgate (0-3) and junior quarterback Michael Brescia.
“He’s a tough, physical quarterback,” Dobbs said, “and I think he’s taken the next step throwing the football. They are going to present some unique challenges. We will have to play our best to beat them.”
In each of HC’s first three games, Dobbs posted double-digit tackles, including a career-high 21 against Merrimack. After registering 17 tackles at Yale, Dobbs was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week.
Dobbs, a four-year captain, has long been the heart and soul of HC’s defense and he is doing a tremendous job leading the Crusaders’ younger players. If it’s possible, his intensity seems to be at an even higher level this season.
“And he has a little bit more on his plate,” Chesney said, “as far as getting guys on the same page, as far as communication, as far as in play and to the whistle, and getting guys moving in the right direction. He has a lot to do personally and there is a lot he has to communicate prior to the play, during the play and right after the play. He’s the one with the experience. To be as productive as he is and to be wearing as many hats as he is and to communicate as much as he does let’s you know how great of a player he is.”
Holy Cross quarterback Matthew Sluka rushes for a first down during a game against Merrimack to open the season. HC's Sluka honored by Patriot League Chesney commended HC’s offense for its high level of execution at Yale. The Crusaders’ 49 points and 491 total yards were season highs.
Senior quarterback Matthew Sluka, who had a hand in six touchdowns against the Bulldogs, was the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
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With 324 rushing yards, Sluka ranks eighth among all FCS players. He is second nationally in passing efficiency (186.1).
Senior wide receiver Jalen Coker, who caught three of Sluka’s four touchdown passes last week, leads FCS with four TDs and ranks fifth with 313 receiving yards.
Sluka, who has 33 career rushing touchdowns and is tied for second in program history with Steve Silva, needs five to break Joe Segreti’s all-time HC mark.
Coker, meanwhile, is three receiving touchdowns away from setting the HC career record in that category. Sean Gruber holds the record with 22.
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Post by purplehaze on Sept 21, 2023 12:10:02 GMT -5
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Post by Chu Chu on Sept 21, 2023 12:15:20 GMT -5
I am all for playing quality FBS schools, but this is nuts.
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Post by bfoley82 on Sept 21, 2023 12:16:59 GMT -5
John Madden football? Personally, I'm concerned about our beautiful Fitton Field being torn up and turn into a mud bowl. Not concerned about jerseys getting dirty but we still have two home games afterwards. Time to move the game to beautiful and well named Foley Stadium....
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Sept 21, 2023 13:17:59 GMT -5
Dropping this here rather than creating its own thread --
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Post by cruskater31 on Sept 21, 2023 13:31:11 GMT -5
I am all for playing quality FBS schools, but this is nuts. With the current state of Colgate football, I agree. That being said, after the 2018 Yale game or BC's thrashing of HC the following year with Ches at the helm, who would envision the 2023 BC outcome? Perhaps this is a combination of guaranteed money and a hope/expectation that Colgate will be back to their previous form. There are many lower end P5 teams (thinking Virginia, BC, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Indiana, Stanford) we could certainly beat this year.
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Post by cmo on Sept 21, 2023 14:28:20 GMT -5
John Madden football? Personally, I'm concerned about our beautiful Fitton Field being torn up and turn into a mud bowl. Not concerned about jerseys getting dirty but we still have two home games afterwards. Plus 2 home playoff games 🙏
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Post by Crucis#1 on Sept 21, 2023 15:47:07 GMT -5
I am all for playing quality FBS schools, but this is nuts. With the current state of Colgate football, I agree. That being said, after the 2018 Yale game or BC's thrashing of HC the following year with Ches at the helm, who would envision the 2023 BC outcome? Perhaps this is a combination of guaranteed money and a hope/expectation that Colgate will be back to their previous form. There are many lower end P5 teams (thinking Virginia, BC, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Indiana, Stanford) we could certainly beat this year. It was the 2017 Yale game. I was standing in the Lot A when a not to be named HC player and a HC Coach walked down the stairs to the former Connecticut Tennis Center. I cannot forget the look on their faces. Quite frankly it was heartbreaking.
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Post by cruskater31 on Sept 21, 2023 16:16:03 GMT -5
With the current state of Colgate football, I agree. That being said, after the 2018 Yale game or BC's thrashing of HC the following year with Ches at the helm, who would envision the 2023 BC outcome? Perhaps this is a combination of guaranteed money and a hope/expectation that Colgate will be back to their previous form. There are many lower end P5 teams (thinking Virginia, BC, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Indiana, Stanford) we could certainly beat this year. It was the 2017 Yale game. I was standing in the Lot A when a not to be named HC player and a HC Coach walked down the stairs to the former Connecticut Tennis Center. I cannot forget the look on their faces. Quite frankly it was heartbreaking. thanks, Crucis!! Amazing to see the heights the program has climed since that Yale game in 2017. I think our ground game will be on full display but Gate is a bit better against the run than the pass. Giving up a ton through the air. We did throw some vs UNH and in the wind vs Lehigh last year so we'll see.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Sept 21, 2023 17:27:04 GMT -5
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on Sept 22, 2023 5:57:54 GMT -5
Weather forecast for Saturday has highest chance of rain (nearly 80 percent) between 2 PM and 5 PM. Chance of rain increases from 45 percent at 12 PM to 60 percent at 1 PM. Wind around 10 mph from the Northeast.
Probably no parking on the baseball field.
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Post by cmo on Sept 22, 2023 7:14:18 GMT -5
Do they still allow freshmen field parking?
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Post by cmo on Sept 22, 2023 7:15:01 GMT -5
It’s really too bad, this would’ve been a crowd like Fordham last year.
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Post by rgs318 on Sept 22, 2023 7:27:56 GMT -5
Each time I hear the weather it gets worse...now at a "high temp of only 58 and rain"
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Post by hc2020 on Sept 22, 2023 8:50:55 GMT -5
Yep - and long range forecast for next Saturday is showing rain. The dreadful summer weather extends to the fall. Can’t wait for winter…
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Post by hc2020 on Sept 22, 2023 8:53:48 GMT -5
Do they still allow freshmen field parking? As far as I know - yes. I parked there once when it rained and it wasn’t a problem. I did have the misfortune of parking on West Lot once when it rained pretty heavily. Several cars had to be towed out of there because they were stuck in the mud. Thankfully I was parked on somewhat solid footing and had all wheel drive.
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Post by cruskater31 on Sept 22, 2023 9:33:43 GMT -5
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Post by timholycross on Sept 22, 2023 13:40:14 GMT -5
HC agreed with a lot of us posters that later starts were better when possible, this one's likely to bite them in the butt.
If one of the usual start times was in effect, there'd be less likelihood of a downpour according to the forecast.
No lightning predicted, so at least once they start, they'll finish. 6:42 sunset more than ample time to finish a game that isn't interrupted.
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Post by hchoops on Sept 22, 2023 13:43:49 GMT -5
HC agreed with a lot of us posters that later starts were better when possible, this one's likely to bite them in the butt. If one of the usual start times was in effect, there'd be less likelihood of a downpour according to the forecast. No lightning predicted, so at least once they start, they'll finish. 6:42 sunset more than ample time to finish a game that isn't interrupted. At the BC game, it got pretty dark after the interruption and the game ended before 6. Their lights benefitted the players.
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Post by mm67 on Sept 22, 2023 14:03:32 GMT -5
If it rains heavily as expected, does this benefit the underdog Colgate? The heavy favorite HC? Or does it have no impact on the outcome. Thought the rule of thumb is that a wet sloppy field benefits the underdog due to the uncertainty with sloppy play - greater likelihood of fumbles, missed tackles, dropped passes resulting in lower scoring in which anything can happen. I expect HC to bear down, overcome the elements and win by a wide margin.
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Post by rgs318 on Sept 22, 2023 14:10:36 GMT -5
I remember the days when with a smaller and slower line, HC would hope for rain. I believe this team will not be stopped (or slowed) by weather. I also respect the athetes at Colgate, so if there is anything providing concern, they are what HC will focus on. HC may need that "fast start" to avoid falling behind early. Evcen if that happens, I still see the Crusaders starting their PL season with a win.
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Post by longsuffering on Sept 22, 2023 14:22:01 GMT -5
HC agreed with a lot of us posters that later starts were better when possible, this one's likely to bite them in the butt. If one of the usual start times was in effect, there'd be less likelihood of a downpour according to the forecast. No lightning predicted, so at least once they start, they'll finish. 6:42 sunset more than ample time to finish a game that isn't interrupted. Overcast days get darker sooner but with no lightning and the clocks moving after each long HC run, it should be fine.
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Post by longsuffering on Sept 22, 2023 14:28:14 GMT -5
Colgate plays on field turf at Andy Kerr, so maybe a slight advantage to the Crusaders. Trivia: The 1932 Colgate football team coached by Andy Kerr was known as the UUUUU Team. What did that signify?
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Post by thecrossisback on Sept 22, 2023 14:32:29 GMT -5
If rain doesn’t bother Peggy! Rain doesn’t bother me
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