September 4th, 2012 12:00am
Another milestone in the remarkable coaching career of Carson-Newmans Ken Sparks was reached last weekend: He became just the eleventh coach in college football history to reach the 300 win milestone in his teams 56-46 win over Glenville State.
The list of achievements in Sparks career is amazing: an overall record of 300-80-2 with just one losing season, 21 conference titles, 22 postseason appearances, five NAIA national championships to go with a NAIA runner up finish and three Division II runner up finishes. 176 of his wins have occurred since Carson-Newman moved to Division II. In D2 history there have been just five total appearances by private schools in the national championship game; Sparks Eagles account for three of those appearances. He is clearly among the all-time best college football coaches.
Just as important as all the wins and championships is the fact that Sparks is universally respected in the coaching community and loved by his players. Even with all of his successes, he deflects praise and gives credit to God for many of the good things that have happened to him in his career.
Now Sparks faces a new opponent that looks to be as tough as any his Eagles have faced on the field: prostate cancer. Diagnosed in June, Sparks had surgery in July and will undergo radiation treatment after the season ends in December. Get well soon Coach Sparks, you are truly one of a kind.
Thoughts from Week One
-I love the first week of the season. After so much off season buildup we finally get to see what some of these teams bring to the table. We also get to see some very entertaining out of conference match ups. Last weekend did not disappoint.
-Valdosta, State, North Alabama and Delta State have dominated the Gulf South Conference and have been powerhouses nationally over the past several seasons. Only UNA won its opener last week, and the Lions had to survive a 2-point conversion attempt by Miles to pull out a 31-30 victory. It looks more and more like West Alabama will be the team to beat in the GSC this season.
-Pittsburg State quarterback Anthony Abenoja threw for a school-record 378 yards last week in his first career start. It appears as if the Gorillas plan on using the passing game much more this season to take advantage of Abenojas throwing ability and the fact that they possess one of the most dangerous receivers in the country in John Brown. It will be interesting to see how it works out.
-Saginaw Valley State quarterback Jon Jennings appears to be picking up right where he left off last season. With three starters on the offensive line out due to suspension and the Cardinals lacking a running game, he willed his team to a 28-24 win over Valdosta State with 378 yards passing, 41 yards rushing and a last minute touchdown pass to win the game. Jennings is definitely on my Harlon Hill watch list.
-The University of Sioux Falls served notice that they will be an immediate factor in the NSIC after winning at St. Cloud State 32-19 last week. The Cougars are talented and fast defensively and control the ball on offense. I think USF will be 5-0 when they travel to Winona State on October 6th.
-The WVIAC went 0-4 in non-conference games against the PSAC last weekend. As I have mentioned in the past, out of conference performance makes a big difference in which leagues get multiple playoff berths and which do not. It looks like it could be another year of just a single playoff berth for the WVIAC.
-Two years ago Mercyhurst rode a strong defense to a PSAC title and a quarterfinal playoff appearance. Last week the Lakers gave up 59 points and 543 yards of offense in a loss to Notre Dame College. With several PSAC West teams looking solid this season, Mercyhurst may be hard pressed to win many games.
Top Games this Week
Winston-Salem State (1-0) at Concord (1-0)
Both were playoff teams last season and both are coming off hard fought season opening wins. Concord quarterback Zach Grossi will make plays with his arm but I like the Rams and their strong ground game to prevail. Winston Salem State 24 Concord 17.
Northwest Missouri (1-0) at Central Missouri (0-1)
Penalties and turnovers did in the Mules in their loss to Missouri Western last week. But UCM has the talent to play with anyone in the MIAA when they play mistake free football. The Bearcats were a bit shaky offensively last week, but they have too much talent to be held down for long. Plus, NWMSU has the superior defense. Northwest Missouri State 31 Central Missouri 20.
California (1-0) at Kutztown (1-0)
Is this a preview of the PSAC championship game in November? It certainly looks like a good possibility. KUs Kevin Morton and Cals Peter Lalich are both great quarterbacks and lead offenses capable of scoring in bunches. The Vulcans have a more proven defense, however, and that gives them a slight advantage. California 27 Kutztown 24.
Texas A&M-Kingsville (1-0) at Abilene Christian (1-0)
If last week is any indication, the Javelinas may have a defense similar to their dominating 2010 unit. If that is the case, it will be extremely entertaining to see them go up against Mitchell Gale and a very talented ACU offense. This should be a very good game. TAMUK 35 Abilene Christian 34.
Wayne State (0-0) at Ashland (1-0)
The defending national runner ups travel to visit an Ashland team that was quite impressive in dismantling Indianapolis last week. The Eagles have many weapons offensively and with WSU having to replace so many key players on offense, I like Ashland in this game. Ashland 31 Wayne State 24.
Winona State (1-0) at Minnesota-Duluth (1-0)
If last weekend is any indication, UMD is not as strong defensively as it has been over the past several seasons. The Bulldogs allowed 304 passing yards in their win over Southwest Minnesota State last week and were unable to muster a single sack. WSU has two good quarterbacks and several skill position play makers. If the Warrior defense can contain the Bulldog rushing attack, this will be a very good game. Minnesota-Duluth 28 Winona State 24.
Fort Valley State (1-0) at Valdosta State (0-1)
FVSU has to be riding high after knocking off Delta State last week and should enter this game with a great deal of confidence. The Blazers should also be focused and ready to play as they cannot afford to start 0-2. For the Wildcats to win a second straight game against a GSC foe, they will have to run the ball well and that is tough to do against this Blazer defense. Valdosta State 30 Fort Valley State 17.
Mailbag
[Q] What is your reaction to Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word moving to Division I?
Mike
[A] As I have stated at times in the past, I do not make a big deal out of teams leaving the division because someone new always steps up to take their place. A great example of this would be when the North and South Dakota schools left for D-I and the NCC fell apart. Everyone assumed that the quality of D-II football in that area of the country would go downhill but what happened? Minnesota-Duluth comes out of nowhere to win two of the next three national championships.
That said; I am concerned about the health of the Lone Star Conference going forward. The loss of these two programs leaves the league with just seven football teams. There are options such as new programs moving into D2. McMurry University is one obvious possibility. Hopefully the LSC can rebuild as this division needs a strong football presence in the state of Texas.
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