Bigger confrontations ahead
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“They (Azusa Pacific) basically have no weaknesses,” said Trinity head coach Steve Mohr. “I’m concerned that their overall size on their offensive line will overpower us,” said Mohr, who added “when the No. 1 team in the NAIA (defending champ Carroll, Mont.) can’t score a touchdown, that really says something about their defense.” Carroll’s 12-0 victory against APU two weeks ago was the only loss of the season for the Cougars.
Azusa Pacific coach Peter Shinick, in a feature on the school’s Web site, is equally concerned with his opponent. “Trinity is going to be a great challenge for us. They are very balanced in their offensive attack, which is run by a very composed quarterback. I don’t know if we have played anyone like them.”
The Tiger offense, averaging over 500 yards per game, will see the stiffest challenge of the year in a Cougar defense that limits opponents to less than 200 yards per game. Of particular importance will be the protection afforded Trinity quarterback Dan DesPlaines by his offensive line. Azusa Pacific has already recorded 22 sacks this season; DesPlaines has only been sacked four times. “They blitz from everywhere and have outstanding athletes all over,” stated Mohr.
One may wonder why Trinity would schedule a scholarship program rather than a Division III opponent. Trinity formerly played Washington U. in midseason; when that series fell through, the Tigers didn’t have much time to find a quality opponent. “We had a shot for a home/home with Willamette but couldn't afford it (…) so we offered a guarantee for a one year deal with APU and they accepted,” said Mohr. “This wasn't my first choice but one that I thought needed to be done because I didn't want three weeks off.”
The necessity of finding a game, any game to play places Trinity’s 43-game regular season home winning streak sorely in jeopardy. In order to have a chance to continue the streak, Mohr stressed, “we have to score on each opportunity that presents itself inside the red zone whether it's a field goal or touchdown. We cannot leave points out there this week.” Additionally, the team will have to improve its third down performance, which stands at an anemic 35% (17-of-49).
Meanwhile, in the ASC …
What’s bigger than the confrontation between Trinity and Azusa Pacific? One between two Top 10 Division III teams in the same conference, and both Mary Hardin-Baylor and Hardin-Simmons continue on course for that battle in Week 8.
The sixth-ranked Crusaders (5-0, 4-0 ASC) simply humiliated Howard Payne 62-24, setting a school record by rolling up over 700 yards of total offense. Three running backs were over 100 yards for UMHB, led by Justin Bryson, who had 165. This marked Bryson’s seventh straight 100-yard effort. Freddie Rollins (137 yards) and Anthony Carter (127) had the first 100-yard games of their careers. The score was 55-12 before two late touchdown passes from Adam King (35-for-58 for 428 yards and 4 scores) made the score a little more respectable. HPU, considered a contender when the season began, fell to 3-2, 2-2 in conference play. Next up for UMHB – a road trip to Alpine to face hapless Sul Ross State (0-5, 0-4).
Speaking of Sul Ross: On Saturday, the Lobos had the pleasure of facing No. 7 Hardin-Simmons for the second time this season. Once again, the Cowboys dominated, racking up 535 yards in an easy 38-13 win. Hardin-Simmons was up 38-7 early in the third before pulling the starters out. Jordan Neal had a strong effort; the junior signal-caller completed 19 of 25 for 289 yards and three scores. Will Galusha had his fourth interception of the year. The Cowboys travel to East Texas Baptist this week to face a Tiger squad that has only a victory versus Sul Ross between it and a winless season (1-4, 1-3 ASC).
Assuming both win this weekend, we can expect an exciting shootout in Belton in next week when the Crusaders host the Cowboys. I’ll be at that game, and we’ll preview the match up of these two national contenders next column.
Two independents, two wins
Huntingdon (1-4) broke into the win column for the first time ever this week, defeating NAIA opponent Southwestern Assemblies 35-21. The win avenged last season’s 63-40 pounding at the hands of SAU (1-5). Congratulations, Hawks, and many more!
The Maryville Scots (2-2) got their second straight win on Saturday, shutting out Case Western Reserve (3-3) by a count of 16-0. All 16 points came off of Case Western turnovers, with both Kyle Harris and Colby Townsend returning picks for touchdowns. Both the winning streak and shutout are the Scots’ first since 1999. Five more points are all that separate the Scots, with an overtime loss and a 17-14 defeat at the hands of Rhodes, from an undefeated season.
Another SCAC comeback
In a game that really deserves more coverage than I can give it this week, Rhodes (3-2, 2-1 SCAC) kept its championship hopes alive with a double overtime, 38-31 comeback win at Rose-Hulman (3-3, 0-2). The Lynx, who trailed 28-14 in the fourth quarter, rallied to tie the game on the strength of two Daniel Swanstrom touchdown passes. The teams exchanged field goals in the first overtime before Swanstrom, 26-of-47 for 409 yards and five touchdowns on the day, found Matt Dement for 20 yards and a touchdown in the second overtime. Gifford Louden’s interception on fourth down on the 2 secured the victory for the Lynx, spoiling RHIT’s Homecoming in the process.
Elsewhere in the region
Texas Lutheran (3-2, 3-1 ASC) climbed to third place on the strength of a 39-28 victory against East Texas Baptist. … Louisiana College (3-2, 2-2) surprised Austin (2-3, 2-2) 19-8 on a sloppy field in Sherman. … Millsaps (2-2, 1-0 SCAC) surprised Centre (3-3, 1-2), 20-18.
Games of the week
In a game that suddenly seems much more winnable for the Scots, Maryville will host Centre (2 p.m.). ... Millsaps (2-2, 1-0 SCAC) tries to stay alive in the SCAC race win at Rose-Hulman (6 p.m.). … Texas Lutheran travels to Louisiana College to decide who is the third-best team in the ASC (2 p.m.).
Players of the week
This was an excellent week for individual performances. Visit http://www.d3football.com/tow/ for the numerous players from the ASC, SCAC, and independents who were recognized for the D3football.com Week 6 team, and the ASC and SCAC websites for those recognized by each conference.