Games to watch in 2006
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Regarding the announcement on the site: I did “play” football at Utica, but that doesn’t mean I saw the field in game action, so I don’t want to fool anybody when Pat Coleman says I “played” ball.
My time being a part of Division III athletics was one of the best I have ever experienced, and I appreciate all the support on the message boards for the new job.
Now, to the task at hand, the top 10 games to watch in the East Region for 2006, in no particular order:
1. Union at Springfield, Sept. 9
This game in Week 2 will be a great early-season test for both teams in a matchup between the Empire 8 and Liberty League. Despite Springfield’s down year in 2005, the Pride can play any team tough, so this one should be really fun to watch.
2. Ithaca at St. John Fisher, Sept. 23
The Empire 8 title could be determined as early as this game between the Bombers and the Cardinals. Both teams will have killer rushing attacks with Ithaca’s trio of Alex Baez, Jamie Donovan, and James Davis, and Fisher will counter with player of the year candidate Mark Robinson and James Reile.
3. Ithaca at Cortland State, Nov. 11
Two words. Cortaca Jug. Now, some more words. I worked in Cortland for a year and a half and wanted to go to last year’s Jug, which ended up being one of the most exciting games in a long time. Another thing about this game is that both teams will probably already have punched their tickets for an NCAA playoff run, which will turn up the intensity even more on this “Route 13 rivalry.”
3a. Union at RPI, Nov. 11
Two more words. “The Shoes”. I had to mark this as a 3A and not as 4 because this game has the same intensity and quality as Cortaca. Union beat RPI 45-38 at home last year on its way to an 11-1 season and run into the second round of the NCAA playoffs. This one should be exciting with the LL title on the line.
5. Brockport at Wesley, Oct. 21
Brockport beat Wesley 47-0 last year at home and now has to go to Wesley for this year’s contest. This game has playoff implications for who gets a Pool B bid since the ACFC doesn’t have an automatic bid. The No. 8 Wolverines will be looking for a little revenge, as the Brockport loss was the only blemish during the regular season before losing in the national semifinals.
6. Cortland at Rowan, Nov. 4
This game between two top 30 teams will set the stage for playoff teams coming out of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, as in the winner would win the AQ and the loser probably getting a Pool C bid. The average margin of victory the past three seasons between the Profs and Red Dragons has been four points, and look for this game to be just as close.
7. William Paterson at Rowan, No. 10
Willy P’s win changed the face of the NJAC as the Pioneers had one of the bigger upsets in conference history beating Rowan last year. It was also the only conference win for the Pioneers in 2005. The Profs can’t have a letdown after playing the Red Dragons a mere six days before.
8. Utica at Springfield, Sept. 30
Utica won last year at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium 34-33 in a great back-and-forth battle that was amazing to watch. The Pride look for revenge on the carpet in Massachusetts.
9. Brockport at Salisbury, Sept. 9
These two teams and Wesley shared the ACFC title and both games the Golden Eagles play against the Sea Gulls and the Wolverines are on the road. Brockport has one of the toughest schedules in Division III, especially when travel is included.
10. Coast Guard at Merchant Marine, Sept. 9
The game between two of the service academies will be a great game no matter what the teams records are. A game that should be on a Division III fan’s list of games to watch.