2003 regional preview
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If you’re reading this column, chances are you have at least a passing interest in the goings on of the Empire 8, New Jersey Athletic Conference, Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association and the upstate New York independents. With that in mind, we’re probably going to be spending quite a bit of time together this season. So, in the immortal words of International Man of Mystery Austin Powers, please allow myself to introduce… myself.
My name is John Sadak. My love for small college football began during my college days at perennial Stagg Bowl contender Rowan. I served as the Profs’ play-by-play man at Rowan Radio, WGLS-FM for six seasons. My tenure included 72 games from 1997 until just last year. Among those contests were some Division III classics including two Stagg Bowls and Rowan’s streak-ending overtime win against Mount Union College in the 1999 national semifinal.
I’ve had the chance to meet and speak with some of the best players and coaches this region has had to offer over the years. And during the course of the 2003 season, I look forward to letting you the reader do the same on a weekly basis.
I currently work as the Director of Communications for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, an NCAA D-II league. But there will always be a place in my heart for the coaches, players, trainers, fans and more associated with the family of Division III football. You can e-mail me at john.sadak@d3football.com.
With that in mind, let’s get right to it. While the squads get set for kickoff, let’s take a closer look at which schools to watch during 2003.
Favorites
Rowan (10-1 in 2002)
Well, here we go. The Rowan guy names Rowan first. If it’s any consolation, it’s not just me. The Profs rank high in every major poll once again in 2003 and for very good reasons. In his first season as head coach, Jay Accorsi led Rowan to the school’s first undefeated regular campaign since 1997. That’s saying a lot for a program with two Stagg Bowl appearances and a highly controversial semifinal loss since that 1997 season. The Profs are strong and deep at almost every position.
The question marks that could give Rowan problems early lie with graduation losses in the kicking game, on the defensive line and at quarterback. But look for the Shaddow brothers (kicker Damian and punter Jon-Michael), playmaking sophomore defensive end Brian Bond and transfer quarterback Mike Orihel to spell those problems respectively. For those of you unsure, Mike Orihel is the brother of former Rowan quarterback Jeff Orihel.
Ithaca (7-3 in 2002)
The Bombers are back and in a big way. Mike Welch’s crew returns 36 letter-winners, including 15 starters from last season’s squad. ECAC and E8 Rookie of the Year Josh Felicetti showed incredible promise in 2002, despite an injury troubled season. A strong offensive line, led by All-Empire 8 left tackle Tariq Ahmad, and deep backfield should have the Bombers flying high in 2003.
The biggest concerns lie in postseason experience and the lack of a bye week. Despite their depth and skill, quite often the postseason can require a trip or two before deeper success is realized (see Brockport the last few seasons). However, there have been specific examples of the exact opposite quite recently as well (see Bridgewater’s complete turnaround from zero wins to national runners-up). Also, if the injury bug hits Ithaca in 2003, there won’t be a lot of time to catch up without a bye. But Ithaca appears to be on the verge of returning to its past glory. The Bombers are tied with Mount Union for most Stagg Bowl appearances all-time, seven, and rank third all-time in Stagg Bowl victories with three (1979, 1988, 1991).
Contenders
RPI (8-2)
The Engineers posted an impressive 360 points in 10 games last season to lead the UCAA in scoring. But RPI came up short to a pair of league foes in Hobart and Union. A conference still without big-time recognition needs a dominant force to do damage on the national scene. RPI ranked ninth in Division III in passing offense, 18th in total offense and 24th in scoring offense. But they need to prove those same numbers against bigger fish to truly hold merit.
Montclair State (5-5)
Key losses in the backfield, running backs Jermarl Buie and Zackary Earvin, along with All-NJAC WR Eric Magrini spell trouble for the Red Hawks. Not only will MSU have to adjust to a large influx of offensive skill position talent, but also they do it with a new offensive coordinator. After 27 years coaching at Montclair, offensive coordinator Charlie Cocuzza left to take the head coaching reigns at NJAC rival Kean. The Red Hawks have promoted offensive backfield/special teams coach Rich O’Connor to replace Cocuzza. But look for struggles in 2003 as MSU plays every NJAC game on the road, with the exception of Cocuzza’s return with the Kean Cougars on Oct. 11.
Brockport State (10-3)
Remember that the quarterback who led the Golden Eagles to the regional finals was the third-stringer. But then remember that the real horse of that offense down the stretch was Adam Webster, and he’s no longer in the backfield. Bob Danley will be calling signals if ready, but if not, Chet Holcomb (13-for-30 for 109 yards in two playoffs games) will reprise his season-ending role. He’ll be standing behind three new starters on the offensive line. Hopefully they will be jelling by the time Brockport hits the road for five of its last six games, including trips to Ithaca and New Jersey, which blanked the Golden Eagles last season.
With two All-Americans gone from the defensive line, Brockport will hope to lean on an experienced secondary, which includes all three starters returning.
Darkhorses
New Jersey (6-3)
The losses are many. Head coach Eric Hamilton is often modest during preseason talk. And he has reason to be a bit wary once again in 2003. TCNJ needs to replace its top three receivers (Joe Gargione, Matt Dunn and Alex Guido), top three running backs (Tim Kosuda, Chris Franco and Bryan Gallagher) and a pair of NJAC All-Stars kicker Matt Hamilton and linebacker Matt Scaravaglione. Those are just the big names. However, Bob Schurtz is back at the helm and is probably the best complete package quarterback in the NJAC. Also, Hamilton and his coaching staff annually just find a way to win big games by playing their strengths against the weaknesses of their opponents. A tough schedule includes Division I-AA LaSalle and Brockport State in Ewing. But don’t be surprised if these Lions roar in upset fashion in 2003.
Buffalo State (1-9)
It’s kind of like picking the Cincinnati Bengals. You see all of this talent every year. An awesome array of true athletes abound the Upstate NY school every season. The problems lie with an annually gruesome schedule (Brockport State, Rowan, Ithaca, Washington and Jefferson, Cortland State along with D-2 Mansfield and I-AA Robert Morris in 2003) and difficulty creating a true team atmosphere. But if this crew can come together, look out for fireworks from Bob Swank’s unit this season. Remember, these are “dark horses” — most people would not pick them to do well.
Games of the Week
Christopher Newport at Rowan, 1 p.m., Glassboro, N.J.: Rumors have long flown that Christopher Newport wants to make a big jump in a short period of time. For a second year program the Captains looked quite strong in 2002 playing a tough schedule and showed dramatic improvement in just one season. While the Profs play host in the friendly confines of John Page, this match-up proves an early test for the Brown and Gold’s defensive line.
Cortland State at Brockport State, 1:30, Brockport, N.Y.: Two teams looking to fill big voids on the defensive line. Brockport’s defense functioned largely out of their ability to generate pressure from their defensive tackles, All-Americans Mike Condello and Ryan Bierly. But both have been lost to graduation. Likewise, Cortland State finds itself without All-American defensive tackle John Longo. The points could fly in this matchup of talented Upstate NY quarterbacks. Since the NJAC finds itself without an automatic bid in 2003, this game counts more than ever for NCAA playoff invitation and seeding.
King’s at Hartwick, 7 p.m., Oneonta, N.Y.: Last season’s MAC Cinderella, King’s, takes a visit to the E8’s most prolific offense from 2002. But Hartwick finds itself without the services of Daniel Pincelli and All-American receiver Ryan Soule, who graduated in 2002. Likewise, King’s graduated defensive line starters Steven Wilson, Chris Keene and Rubin Doster who were each named all-Americans during their career and combined for more than 100 sacks. Something has to give as each squad looks for a new identity in 2003.