All Eyes are Focused at the Top: Week 2 Power Rankings 10/4

(Courtesy of Amherst Athletics).
(Courtesy of Amherst Athletics).

“The crickets still sing in October. And lilly, she’s trying to bloom. Tho she’s resting her head on the shoulder of death, she still shines by the light of the moon.”

― Kevin Dalton

This typically describes NESCAC football this time of year. Its week three and every game is crucial at this point. You’re either undefeated, 1-1, or a goose egg, and you don’t want a goose egg. The undefeated will be the likely candidates of becoming NESCAC Champions. Two undefeated teams face off this week in Amherst and Middlebury, arguably the two best teams in the NESCAC, and one will walk away with the upper edge to being Champions. Remember, both of these teams still have to pass through the Coop, and that’ll be tough considering Trinity’s ability and depth this year. It’s a long season fellas, put the shorts and tank tops away, pull out your sweaters and gear up for the haul of the season. Whether you’re playing for the CBB Title or the NESCAC Title, remember its gonna be cold, so lets enjoy these last few weeks of good weather and tailgating. With that being said, theres really nothing like a super chilly November game with the Title on the line, maybe some hot cocoa in hand… anyways I’m just dreaming ahead, it’s gonna be some kind of season. 

1. Amherst (2-0)

Alex Berluti ’17 has stepped up in place of injured Amherst starting quarterback, and seemingly excelled in Garoppolo-esque ways. The win over Bowdoin is nothing to get hot and heavy over as the Polar Bears are now 0-2 being outscored 71 to 13 in their first two games, but Amherst still looks pretty damn good. At this point, however, Amherst still has a lot to prove, and a better testament to their overall ability will be made Saturday against Middlebury. Berluti will need to continue to play mistake-free football as he will face off against Jared Lebowitz ’18 and the Panthers this week in what will decide the top spot in Week Three’s Power Rankings. Amherst has kept it real clean on defense allowing just 10 points and 150 yd/g, so they deserve to carry the torch again this week.

2. Middlebury (2-0)

The Panthers have been led this season by the horse from Burlington, Jared Lebowitz ’18, who has tossed the most touchdowns in the ‘CAC so far with 10. With that being said, the Panthers are a pass heavy team this year, and on any given Saturday it may take grinding through the trenches, something that Middlebury may not have in their repertoire. They have done nothing to disprove their 2 spot on the list thus far, but this week’s jostle with the Lord Jeffs looks promising as Amherst’s defense is a run-stopping defense. We will get to see how Amherst’s secondary handles a real marksman in Lebowitz. On the other side of the ball, the Panthers’ ability to pressure the quarterback (9 sacks) may be too much for the inexperienced Berluti to handle. Middlebury could easily “take the candy from the baby” Saturday, but Amherst could also easily show Leibowitz why they have been the best for the past three years. This could be an all-time classic this weekend, folks.

3. Trinity (2-0)

Trinity always seems to be creeping behind Amherst and Middlebury at this point in the season. We all know its not about how you start, but rather how you finish. Another Bantams slaughter vs Hamilton Saturday will likely keep them in the 3 spot, with potential to move up to number 2. It comes down to Trinity not capitalizing on all of their opportunities so far. The competition has been weak, as the defense held Williams to -10 rushing yards this week. It’s men amongst boys in these games. They could have easily put up another 20 points on Bates in week 1, but that is neither here nor there. The Bantams need to continue to play quality football behind the veteran, Sonny Puzzo ’18, who has demonstrated some flawless connections with wide-out Darrien Myers ’17 so far resulting in 5 touchdowns. Safety/linebacker Spencer Donahue ’17 picked up his 2nd interception of the season and Archi Jerome ’17 got his hands wet with a pick as well. Coach Devanney’s team has a bright future this season.

4. Wesleyan (1-1)

The Cardinals take the 4 spot right from the Jumbos trunk as Tufts just scathed by Bates. Wesleyan did enough to move up a spot this week by putting up 511 total offensive yards on Hamilton. Wesleyan did a fine job controlling the game with possession over 37 minutes, and Mark Piccirillo ’19 had a nice weekend with a few touchdowns, running one in. The cardinals have an interesting test ahead of them as they travel to Waterville, ME and take on the Colby Mules, a team that has shown some grit.

5. Tufts (2-0)

Ryan McDonald, son of Ronald McDonald (Courtesy of Tufts Athletics).
Ryan McDonald, son of Ronald McDonald (Courtesy of Tufts Athletics).

The Jumbos are sitting in cool water right now after their win against Bates. Sheriff Willie Holmquist ’17 laid down the law hitting two field goals, one being 48 yards, before the half to put his team up 6-0. He played a big role as the punter as well. It was really a sloppy game where they ran the ball a lot and Ryan McDonald ’19 scored the lone Jumbo touchdown. Happy to get by Bates with a 12-7 win, they take on Bowdoin this week, in a game they should win. Still undefeated, Tufts’ season is in the stars. Assuming they get by Bowdoin as they should, the Jumbos will face their toughest test yet when they head to the Coop to take on Trinity.

 

6. Colby (1-1)

The Mules have done enough to be 1-1 after the first two weeks, but they’re still last of the winners in the power rankings. While they were way overmatched by Middlebury. they showed some heart putting up 14 points in the 4th quarter to escape the shutout. Colby has a grand opportunity this weekend to host a beatable team in Wesleyan, but they will definitely need to play four quarters of quality football to do so. Look for Colby to ride Jabari Hurdle-Price ’17 this weekend, as Wesleyan allowed Chance Brady ’17 to run for 151 yards in week one. For the Mules, the moon still shines bright.

7. Williams (0-2)

Williams has the upper hand in their game against Bates as they have proved they can put a few points on the board (10.0 PPG). However, they also allow the 2nd most rushing yards per game (221.5). The good news? Bates is the only team that allows more, giving up 250 YPG. Williams is tied for the most forced turnovers in the league, having intercepted 2 passes and recovered 4 fumbles. If Williams can get their offense going a little bit, they should remain in the 7 spot come next week’s power rankings.

8. Bates (0-2)

Bates has some serious trouble on offense. They will need to figure out a way to incorporate some passing into their game strategy after only passing the ball 10 times, for just a single completion this past weekend. I know they run the triple option, but their game plan is just a bit too predictable at this point. Sandy Plashkes ’19 is their QB1 and could definitely help open up their running game by mixing in a few completions. Will he come through for the Bobcats in this big game to put a W on the board?

9. Bowdoin (0-2)

The Polar Bears put up a very respectable performance against top ranked Amherst this weekend, losing by just 21 points. Bowdoin will not be lifting the NESCAC Title in 2016, but they are ferociously hunting for the CBB Title. The Polar Bears have a winnable game at home this week against Tufts, and it’s only a matter of time before they find the win column. I would never bet on Bowdoin winning, but any given Saturday could be a win in the CAC, especially when you’re playing at home. Week 4 will feature the bottom of the barrel Continentals against the Polar Bears, which should cause some serious stir if both teams are still winless.

10. Hamilton (0-2)

Winning football games isn’t easy folks. Heck, Hamilton suffered two goose egg seasons in 2013 and 2014. Unfortunately for the Continentals, they likely have another beating ahead of them this week as they welcome Trinity to Clinton, NY. It will be good preparation as they take on Bowdoin, Colby, and Williams weeks 4,5, and 6. Any decent game on Saturday will give high hopes to the Continental faithfuls. For Hamilton, the title they are working towards is purely a victory.

Williams Holds the Top Spot: 9/26-10/2 Women’s Soccer Week In Review

Hannah Guzzi '18 lit up the scoreboard three times this weekend for Amherst (Courtesy of Amherst Athletics).
Hannah Guzzi ’18 lit up the scoreboard three times this weekend for Amherst (Courtesy of Amherst Athletics).

Editor’s Note: The NESCAC Women’s Soccer Week In Review is a new feature that we are rolling out this fall. We feel strongly that women’s sports in the NESCAC should also be covered, but unfortunately due to our current resources, we can’t cover them to the extent that we wish we could. We are going to be putting out a weekly article with updates on NESCAC Women’s Soccer action, however staff size is going to limit us to just one article each week for now. That being said, if you have ANY interest in writing (about Women’s Soccer or any of the other sports we cover) or contributing in another way, please send us an email at nothingbutnescac@gmail.com so that we can expand our coverage! For now, enjoy this week’s women’s soccer update!

 

Hey we’re back! another exciting weekend of NESCAC women’s soccer including one nationally ranked team being upset! So exciting! So many exclamation points! So little time!!

 

Tuesday, September 27th

U. of New England @ Bowdoin, Final Score: 1-0 Bowdoin

Colby @ Southern Maine, Final Score: 7-1 Colby

MIT @ Tufts, Final Score: 1-0 MIT

Eastern Connecticut @ Wesleyan, Final Score: 1-0 Eastern Connecticut

 

Wednesday, September 28th

Wheaton @ Trinity,  Final Score: 1-2 Trinity

Keene State @ Middlebury, Final Score: 0-1 Middlebury

 

Friday, September 30th

Bowdoin @ MIT, Final Score: 0-1 MIT

 

Saturday, October 1st

Bates @ Trinity, Final Score: 0-4 Trinity

Trinity scored twice in both halves to soundly defeat the visiting Bobcats 4-0. Four different Bantams recorded goals as they thoroughly dominated the overmatched Bates team. Bates’ goalkeeper Sarah McCarthy ’18 did the best she could, saving 9 of Trinity’s 24 shots but her back line did little to protect her. Sarah Connors ’18, Taylor Kirchgessner ’19, Nicole Stauffer ’17 and Tori Dunn ’18 each netted a goal for Trinity, who scored once off a corner and three times from open play. The Trinity defense performed admirably, only conceding two shots on goal and completely stifling Bates for much of the game.

Hamilton @ Wesleyan, Final Score: 0-0 Tie

Neither team found the back of the net in this closely contested defensive affair resulting in a 0-0 draw after double overtime. The Continentals consistently peppered Wesleyan goalkeeper Zoe Cassels-Brown ’20, but could not beat her with any of their 17 shots. Wesleyan played with their backs against the wall for most of the second half as Hamilton took the offensive, but the Cardinals’ defense held firm refusing to break during the onslaught.

Middlebury @ Colby, Final Score: 3-0 Middlebury

The visiting Panthers dominated the Mules to secure a comfortable 3-0 win on Saturday. Katherine Hobbs ’17 scored in under five minutes to give Middlebury the only lead they needed as goalkeeper Kate Reinmuth ‘17 posted a clean sheet. Adrianna Gildner ‘17 scored later in the first half to extend the lead to two goals. Colby struggled to get anything going on offense, only tallying 3 shots and failing to test the Middlebury back line. Amanda Dafonte ’19 added the Panthers’ third and final goal off a rebound to seal Colby’s fate.

Tufts @ Amherst,  Final Score: 3-1 Amherst

Amherst jumped out to an early two goal lead and held on for the remaining 75 minutes of action to secure a 3-1 victory over the visiting Jumbos. Amherst’s Maeve McNamara ’19 scored the first goal of the game within ten minutes, and her teammate Hannah Guzzi ’18 added to the Amherst lead heading in a corner kick. Guzzi scored again in the second half with a clinical finish off a pass from McNamara that pushed their team’s lead to 3-0. Tufts’ Taylor Koscho (’20) scored on a free kick from roughly 25 yards away to help the Jumbos avoid a shutout, but by that point, Amherst had a firm grip on the game and held on for the last 20 minutes.

Williams @ Conn College, Final Score: 1-0 Williams

In one of the most anticipated games of the week, two nationally ranked teams clashed in New London. The #2 Ephs defeated #20 Conn College 1-0 to secure their current position atop the NESCAC standings. The Camels seemed to be on the offensive for most of the game, testing Williams keeper Olivia Barnhill ’19 11 times, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. Williams’ Kristi Kershe ‘17 scored the only goal of the match when she beat a defender while collecting a pass from Alison Lu ’20 before beating Conn College goalie Bryanna Montalvo ’18 with a brilliant finish.

 

Sunday, October 2nd

Hamilton @ Tufts, Final Score: 1-3 Tufts

Tufts rebounded from their difficult loss to Amherst on Saturday to beat the visiting Continentals 3-1. Margaret Zarah ’18 scored first for the Jumbos, finishing off of a corner late in the first half. Hamilton tied the game early in the second when Morgan Fletcher ’17 scored off a rebound, but Tufts wasted little time though in retaking the lead. Mariah Harvey-Brown ’18 scored for the Jumbos less than two minutes later, and Jess Capone ’17 extended the lead to 3-1 later in the second half to seal the deal.

Bates @ Amherst, Final Score: 0-3 Amherst

Amherst notched their second blowout victory of the weekend, defeating the visiting Bobcats at home. Amherst scored in under a minute when Emily Hester ’17 finished a perfect cross from Delancey King ’18. The L*** J**** scored again in the 10th minute when Hannah Guzzi ’18 found the back of the net for her third goal of the weekend. Rubii Tamen ’19 scored Amherst’s third and final goal, knocking in a rebound after Guzzi again tested the Bates keeper Sarah McCarthy ’18. Amherst thoroughly dominated the game, constantly attacking Bates’ backline and firing 15 shots on goal, 10 more than the Bobcats could muster up during the match.

Williams @ Castleton, Final Score: 8-0 Williams

 

Player of the Week: Olivia Barnhill ‘19 (Williams)

(Courtesy of Williams Athletics).
(Courtesy of Williams Athletics).

To prove I’m not some soccer plebeian who only gets excited for goals and Garreth Bale’s hair I’m awarding this week’s player of the week award to a player who literally never scores (well maybe she does, but it’s definitely unusual). The player of the week this week in Williams goal keeper Olivia Barnhill ’19. The sophomore keeper racked up 11 saves helping to preserve Williams’ undefeated conference record and knock off the nationally ranked Conn College Camels. Barnhill, and the entire Williams defense, shined in the game, bending but refusing to break as Conn College attacked again and again. This is an especially noteworthy feat considering Conn College racked up 6 goals just a week ago in two victories. This is the type of defensive intensity and skill that wins championships, but I won’t jinx Williams yet by picking them as my title favorite.

 

The Top 5 Stay at the Top: Stock Report 10/3

Will anyone be able to slow down Amherst?
Will anyone be able to slow down Amherst?

Well, this weekend really didn’t prove much in terms of standings. Predictable yet relatively boring games ruled the league on Saturday, with the Bates-Tufts game being the only standout. By standout, I mean that the outcome ended up in single-digits, but even then, this game wasn’t too fun to watch either. The Bobcats and Jumbos combined for a whopping 74 yards through the air on a dirty, ground-game oriented tilt that ended in a 12-7 Tufts victory featuring a plethora of gritty action.

The rest of the games proved victorious for the favorites: Wesleyan beat up on Hamilton 34-6; Middlebury dominated Colby 35-14; Amherst dummied Bowdoin 31-10; and Trinity walloped Williams 38-13. Let’s just leave it at this – the favorites did what they were supposed to do. Without further adieu, let’s get to the stock report.

 

Stock Up

 

Quarterback Jared Lebowitz ’18 (Middlebury)

Lebowitz’s stock continues to rise as he was named NESCAC offensive player of the week once again this week. He threw for 320 yards and 5 touchdowns in only the first 3 quarters against Colby. His one interception that he threw was a tipped ball that happened to fall in the hands of Ian Dickey ’18. For those of you keeping score at home, that’s 10 touchdown passes in the first two weeks of the season for Lebowitz. As of now he’s on pace to break McCallum Foote’s record of 31 touchdown passes set in 2012, but this rate will likely slow down once the Panthers begin to face tougher opponents. Nonetheless, keep an eye on this kid as the season progresses. Matt Milano, who?

 

Place Kicker Willie Holmquist ‘17 (Tufts)

In a pretty ugly game, Holmquist was a standout for the Jumbos. In a 5-point win for Tufts, the senior kicker hit both of his two field goal attempts, including a 48 yarder! That’s an absolute boot at any level, not to mention the fact that it was raining cats and dogs in Somerville. There is a reason that Holmquist was a first team All-NESCAC selection last season, and if he keeps bangin’ home 3-pointers like he has been, he could very well repeat on the all-conference team.

 

Running Back Max Chipouras ‘19 (Trinity)

It’s not that I overlooked Chipouras in last week’s stock report, but given last year I almost expected him to run for 144 yards. But to follow that up with a 165 yard/2 touchdown performance on the ground? I hear ya, Max, I hear ya. After some quick mental math (no big deal) I calculated that the sophomore Bantam is averaging 154.5 YPG. To put that in perspective, the leading rusher last season was Tufts’ Chance Brady ‘17 who ran for 121.9 YPG. Chipouras came in third with 81.1 YPG in 2015. This pace is unsustainable, and like Lebowitz, Chipouras will soon meet his match when he faces a upper tier defense, but for now let’s just enjoy watching the show that this kid is putting on.

 

Stock Down

Colby’s QB situation

Colby’s QB situation feels like the New England Patriots – nobody knows who is going to be taking snaps on Sunday (Saturday). Unfortunately, Bill Belichick isn’t the head coach of the Mules. Last week, Gabe Harrington ’17 went down with a knee injury and didn’t suit up against Middlebury. Gabe was replaced by Jack O’Brien ‘20 last week, who led the Mules down the field for a game winning field goal in the Williams game. O’Brien started the game against Middlebury but was pulled in the second quarter for Christian Sparacio ’18. Sparacio was 10-23 for 109 yards with 1 TD and 2 Ints. He also ran for 30 yards and a touchdown. Stats can be somewhat misleading, however, as Sparacio really only found success in the fourth quarter when Middlebury had their second team defense out there. Colby really needs Harrington back in order to regain some consistency in their offense.

 

Homefield Advantage in Williamstown

After a devastating Week 1 loss to Colby on a last second field goal, the Ephs hosted Trinity this weekend, hoping to build off their valiant comeback and show the league that they can hang in there with anyone. Unfortunately, Trinity denied these hopes, and for the second week in a row, trounced their opponent. Williams has just two home games left in 2016, in which they play host to Middlebury and Wesleyan…not exactly an easy home schedule. The hometown crowd has got to come out in full force or the Ephs could find themselves on the wrong end of an 0-4 home  sweep this season. Maybe the Ephs are just road warriors? I guess we’ll see this coming weekend up in Lewiston.

 

Amherst Doubters

On one hand, the doubters can still hang their hats on the fact that Amherst has beaten two relatively unimpressive teams in Hamilton and Bowdoin.  On the other hand, Amherst has outscored their opponents 65-10 through two weeks and show no signs of relinquishing the title belt in 2016. Week 3 will be the first real test for the Purple and White when they travel to Middlebury in a battle of the two biggest offensive titans in the league. Middlebury does average about 15 more YPG than Amherst, but Amherst is the only defense that is allowing under 10 PPG, which I think will be an issue for the Panthers on Saturday. Our preseason prediction of 6-2 for Amherst is hanging in the balance at this point…