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D2Football.com Columnists Northeast-10

Northeast-10

November 3rd, 2009

It just seems like yesterday that we were previewing the first week of the season and now we are in the final week of the regular season. One team is playing for the playoffs and the rest of the teams are looking to finish on a high note.

Regional Rankings

The playoff picture is starting to become a bit clearer as we head into the final weekend of the regular season. Some teams seem like locks for the postseason while others are on the edge and need help in order to play on November 14th and beyond.

West Liberty is the number one team in the region for the second week in a row. The Hilltoppers took care of business against Seton Hill and will close out the regular season with Concord this Saturday. They have clinched the WVIAC title and appear to be in the playoffs even with a loss this weekend. A win this weekend for West Liberty should wrap up a first round bye and a home playoff game for the Hilltoppers on November 21st.

California leapfrogged Shippensburg into second place and will face the Red Raiders this weekend in the PSAC championship game. The Vulcans own an eight game winning streak and appear to be peaking at the right time of the season again. They have played one of the toughest schedules in the country and are in prime position for a run in the postseason.

The winner of the PSAC championship should earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs and host a home game on November 21st. If California wins the game, they might have enough swagger and strength of schedule to jump into the top spot of the region. But it appears that the loser of the game would drop no lower than the fifth slot in the region, nearly guaranteeing them a spot in the postseason.

Bentley had the weekend off but managed to slide up one slot to fourth in the region. The Falcons are on the cusp of their first postseason appearance since the 2004 season. They travel to a face a suddenly hot Stonehill squad this Saturday to wrap up the regular season. A win by Bentley should get them a home playoff game on November 14th. A loss to Stonehill doesn't necessary keep them out of the playoffs. The Falcons could fall as far as eighth in the region which would get them a playoff spot due to the earned access rule.

Bloomsburg fell to fifth in the region after they stumbled for the second straight weekend against West Chester. The Huskies appear to still control their own destiny with a win. They could jump up to the fourth spot as they own the head to head with California if the Vulcans fall in the PSAC championship game. They probably would be slotted behind Shippensburg if the Red Raiders would fall this weekend. Bloomsburg appears to be one of three PSAC teams headed for the playoffs.

East Stroudsburg jumped from eighth to sixth on the heels of their 44-3 victory over Millersville. The Warriors play Slippery Rock this weekend and might be on the outside of the playoff picture. They are on the bump line right now if earned access rears its ugly head.

Edinboro slipped only one spot to seventh after they lost to Clarion 30-17 last Saturday. The Fighting Scots will need a lot of help this weekend along with beating Millersville on the road. They have lost two of three games down the stretch which might be too much for them to overcome in their bid to make the playoffs.

Another team that appears to be playing themselves out of the playoffs is Charleston. They dropped their second straight game as they fell to Glenville State 14-12. The Golden Eagles were the feel-good story two weeks ago but will need a lot of help ahead of them in the rankings if they are going to make the playoffs.

The new team in the rankings this week checks in at the number nine slot. Clarion has won five games in a row after they disposed of Edinboro 30-17 over the weekend. The Golden Eagles were just yards away from an upset of California on September 26th. If they had pulled off that upset, they would be playing in the PSAC championship game this weekend and be on the cusp of the playoffs.

The tenth slot in the rankings belongs to Fayetteville State. The Broncos fell one spot from last week despite a 31-8 victory at Livingstone last Saturday. The win gave them the Western Division title and a spot in the CIAA championship game against Bowie State. The Bulldogs were the winner of a three way coin flip to represent the Eastern Division in the championship game. Fayetteville State defeated Bowie State 30-20 back on September 12th in Maryland.

It appears that a couple of teams have sewed up playoff slots but the final rankings are still to be determined based on this weekend's results. This is not the time of the season for a team to play their worst game of the season. So if you are a team in position to play beyond this week, don't leave your fate in the hands of the regional committee. If you do, we will see you next season.

Honoring a Fallen Hero

The St. Anselm community lost a member of their alumni last week. Kyle Van De Giesen graduated from St. Anselm in 2002 and more recently was a captain with the United States Marines in Afghanistan.

Van De Giesen was the quarterback of the Hawks when they restarted their football program back in 1999. He finished the season by starting eight of the nine games and throwing for 1,366 yards and 10 touchdowns. He threw for 308 yards in his first start and also completed an 84 yard pass against Pace later that season.

"Right from the beginning, with the start-up of football after 50 years, Kyle Van De Giesen became the leader of our program as quarterback of that first team in 1999," said former athletic director Ed Cannon.

Van De Giesen only played one season for St. Anselm before he left the team to concentrate on school and his dream of becoming a Marine pilot.

"The passing of any member of the Saint Anselm College community causes us pain. But the loss of an alumnus so young and who sacrificed his life in the service of our country is profoundly sorrowful," said Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of Saint Anselm College on his blog.

"He was a fine athlete and a person of great character, but more significantly a remarkable young man whose love for football was overshadowed by his sincere and determined commitment to serve in the military. As one of his teammates put it, 'Kyle was born to be a Marine'. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Van De Giesen family."

Prior to last Saturday's game against New Haven, there was a moment of silence to honor Van De Giesen. The field was painted with a red, white and blue ribbon with his number 12 in the middle of it. The Hawks are also wearing his initials, KV on their helmets for the remainder of the season.

Van De Giesen was survived by his wife, Megan who was expecting their second child, a son. They also have a young daughter and were stationed in San Diego, CA.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Van De Giesen family.

Players of the Week

Offense

Jason Washington, RB, Pace

The junior transfer from Iona had a solid day in Pace's 20-9 victory over AIC last Saturday. Washington rushed the ball 23 times for 110 yards and found the end zone twice in the Setter's first win of the season. On the first play of the second quarter, Washington took the ball two yards into the end zone to extend the Setter lead. He also capped off the scoring late in the fourth quarter with a 13 yard touchdown run. Washington also grabbed four passes for 21 yards and recovered a fumble for Pace.

For the season, Washington is second in rushing yards (394) and touchdowns (4) for the Setters. He is also fifth in receptions with 12 as well as receiving yards (109).

Defense

Jareed Gaines, DB, Stonehill

The freshman defensive back was instrumental in Stonehill's 22-14 victory over Assumption last Friday night. Gaines led the Skyhawks with 10 tackles, 9 of them the solo variety. He also had two tackles for a loss, two quarterback hurries and broke up two passes. With Stonehill leading 15-14 with 33 seconds to go and Assumption driving for the winning points, Gaines scooped up an Andrew Kupec fumble and scampered 73 yards to seal the win for the Skyhawks.

For the season, Gaines is sixth on the team with 42 tackles. He is also tied for fourth in sacks with two as well as recording four tackles in the backfield during his freshman campaign.

Week 11 Capsules

Southern Connecticut (5-4, 5-2 NE-10) at St. Anselm (2-7, 1-6 NE-10)

When: November 7th at 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 7-2-0

My thoughts: Looking for a high scoring affair with these two prolific offenses.

Southern Connecticut fell last Friday night to Merrimack by the score of 52-42. It was the final home game for the seniors but not the way that they wanted to end their careers. The Owls, like most teams this year, had trouble containing Merrimack quarterback James Suozzo. The defense will face another dynamic offensive unit this week. They will need to find a way to contain the St. Anselm offense and punch the ball into the end zone when they have the opportunity.

St. Anselm has been in position the past two weeks to win games but has fallen late in the game. They have been moving the ball with ease against their opponents but a young defense has not been able to get the necessary stops late in the game. The duo of Michael Pierce and Marc Wilson continue to add to their school records for offensive production. But the young defense will be tested this weekend against the big, strong, physical offensive unit of the Southern Connecticut Owls.

Southern Connecticut has dominated this series since 2003, putting up some impressive offensive numbers against St. Anselm. But we will see how far the Hawks have come when they match-up this Saturday. The Owls are the deeper and more skilled team but don't expect St. Anselm to just lie down and let them walk all over them.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 45 St. Anselm 28

Bentley (8-1, 6-1 NE-10) at Stonehill (4-5, 3-4 NE-10)

When: November 7th at 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 30-8-1

My thoughts: The eyes of the NE-10 will be watching this game.

Bentley was off last weekend and now turns their attention to the final regular season game. With a win, the Falcons will make the playoffs and potentially host a first round game. But before we talk playoffs, they need to take care of business at Stonehill and finish the season with just one Division II loss. The Falcons will need to do the same thing that has gotten them to this point, play solid football. They have the best defense in the league and their offense will need to move the ball and score when they have the opportunity. The coaching staff has preached one game at a time and this weekend is no different.

The hottest team in the league right now is Stonehill. They have had two thrilling victories in a row and are closing in on a .500 record for the season. The Skyhawks used a late fumble return to seal an upset victory over Assumption last Friday night. They will be fired up to play Bentley in their Senior Day and show the rest of the league what they are made of. The Stonehill offense put together a couple of scoring drives to beat Assumption but it was the defense that won the game. They held the explosive Greyhound offense to 325 yards of offense and just 14 points. The defense will need to duplicate that performance this weekend against Bentley.

This is one of the toughest rivalries in the league and the Falcons have their destiny in their own hands. A win will get them into the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Expect a close game with Bentley taking control of the game late and punching a ticket to the playoffs.

Prediction: Bentley 27 Stonehill 21

Ohio Dominican (6-2 NAIA) at New Haven (5-4, 4-4 NE-10)

When: November 7th at 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First meeting ever.

My thoughts: These two teams will be making a mark in their leagues for years to come.

Ohio Dominican is a transitional Division II team who is playing their second game of the season against a NE-10 opponent. They fell to Bentley 14-13 in their first game of the season. They have rebounded nicely as they are 6-2 after defeated Urbana University 21-12 last Saturday afternoon. They are also ranked in the top 25 for NAIA teams in the country. They also own victories over WVIAC member Seton Hill and independent St. Joseph's College of Indiana.

New Haven finished their first season in the NE-10 with an exciting come from behind victory at St. Anselm last Saturday. The Chargers finish their first league campaign with a 4-4 record and are looking to finish the season with an overall winning record. Coach Peter Rossomando has to be pleased with the progress of his young squad. New Haven will be a force to be reckoned with in the league for years to come and it will not be too long until they are a force in Super Region One.

The Chargers will finish the season on a winning note.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Ohio Dominican 14

Assumption (5-4, 4-3 NE-10) at AIC (5-4, 3-4 NE-10)

When: November 7th at 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 11-1-0

My thoughts: The loser of the game will be .500 for the season.

Assumption has dropped their last two games by a total of 12 points. They were in position to win both games but not able to seal the deal. But that should not damper a great turnaround season for the Greyhounds. They have improved greatly this year after the return of Coach Cory Bailey. Assumption has played solid football on both sides of the ball and has had one of the better offenses in the league this year.

AIC looked like a solid team in the first three weeks of the season but has fallen upon tough times down the stretch. The team is struggling and needs this game to finish at .500 in the league. They didn't play a great game in their loss at Pace last weekend but still has a chance to finish the season on a high note. Coach Art Wilkins said that the bulls'-eye was on their back in the beginning of the season and he was right. Teams have stepped up their play against defending league champs and used that game to motivate them.

This game can either be a high scoring affair or a defensive struggle. Both teams have the capability of playing either way. As a fan, we are hoping for lots of points to be scored and both teams marching the ball up and down the field.

Prediction: Assumption 35 AIC 31

Pace (1-8, 1-6 NE-10) at Merrimack (6-3, 5-2 NE-10)

When: November 7th at 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 8-0-0

My thoughts: Another game in which both teams are looking to finish on a positive note.

Pace snapped a 12 game losing streak last Saturday over AIC. The Setters used their Senior Day as a nice backdrop to grab their first win of the season. Jason Washington carried the offensive load for the Setters as he scored twice and rushed for 110 yards. Greg Brain set the tone early as he picked off a pass and returned it for a touchdown. It has not been the season that the Pace football team had hoped for as they have struggled on both sides of the ball. Last weekend was the type of game that they hoped to play week in and week out.

Merrimack is one of the few teams that have a history of playing well at Southern Connecticut and last Friday night was no different. They put up 52 points and won their sixth game of the season. Quarterback James Suozzo played his usual game as he mixed the run and pass into the offense. The Warriors are looking to finish the season strong as they were on the cusp on playing past this weekend.

Merrimack will finish off the season on a high note and take care of business against Pace.

Prediction: Merrimack 42 Pace 13

Any thoughts, questions or disagreements, please email Paul.

 

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