BelieveBack on Track

After two consecutive losses for the first time in three years, you just knew that Assumption was going to break out of that losing streak. And they did in style. The Greyhounds scored 31 points in the second half to defeat Bentley 52-21 in Waltham.

It was a balanced offensive attack that saw Assumption gain 479 yards, 230 of them through the air and 249 of them on the ground. The ground game was also responsible for five touchdowns by five different ball carriers.

The game also saw Deonte Harris make some plays for the first time in a while. The senior has been bottled up this year, but he was able to grab six passes for 134 yards and a score. Mason Spence also had a pick six as the defense pitched a shutout in the second half.

Assumption will look finish the season with a winning streak as they travel to Stonehill Saturday night.

Finally

It had been 12 games since American International had been on the positive side of the scoreboard at the end of the game. It was a far cry for a program that was a perennial winner week in and week out.

The Yellow Jackets made plays in all three phases of the game and defeated Stonehill 34-19 last Saturday. It was their first win since September 30, 2017 when they defeated St. Anselm 19-0.

Prince Olubakinda led the offense with 296 yards through the air and two scores. He also called his own number in the red zone and found his way into the end zone for a score. His favorite target was Lennox Green, Jr as they hooked up seven times for 131 yards and two scores.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 27-0 lead at the half with the benefit of a blocked punt and recovery in the end zone by Jonas Espinal to take the air out of Stonehill.

American International will close out the season this weekend when they host Bentley.

De Facto NE-10 Championship

The coaches voted to eliminate the championship game two years ago but through the power of great scheduling, the lone two undefeated teams in the league will face one another this weekend with the regular season title on the line.

LIU Post won their ninth game of the season by defeating Southern Connecticut 24-13. New Haven won their eighth straight by crushing St. Anselm 49-21 on their home turf. And now we can finally talk about the game.

This game is always an epic battle, but the Pioneers are 7-2 over the years against the Chargers. Both teams have solid quarterbacks, running backs capable of making big runs and receivers that make catches and get plenty of yards. And the defenses can clamp down when called upon with strength on the defensive line, linebackers all over the field and a secondary that will not allow the big play.

Last year, Post escaped with a 35-34 victory on the road in the league opener for both schools. The previous two years were one sided affairs with the home team crushing the road team.

Besides the NE-10 regular champion being crowned Saturday; a home playoff game is also on the line. The winner of the game will be ranked at least second or third in the region depending on other outcomes. There is also a chance that the winner could be the top seed in the region with upsets.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 PM.

Seniors

Congratulations to all of the seniors who are putting on their uniform and buckling up their chin strap for the final time this coming weekend. It will be a time that you will never forget and friendships that you will have for the rest of your life.

Regional Rankings

With the final weekend upon us, the regional rankings are starting to take shape and it looks very good for the NE-10. Barring the impossible, two teams will make the playoffs. The winner of the LIU Post and New Haven battle will host a playoff game on November 17th and even has a shot at becoming the top seed and getting a bye.

The loser of the game will make the playoffs and most likely fall to fourth or fifth in the region. Depending on the other results, they might be able to host a playoff game but at a minimum, they will be playing at least one more game.

The Mountain East looks like they will only get one spot this year. Notre Dame should hold onto the top spot and will be the top seed in the region if they defeat Seton Hill on the road this weekend. They have shown that they are the top team in the region and it started in Week 1 when they knocked off Shepherd. Fairmont State will need a lot of help to make it a two-team bid for the conference.

The PSAC will be where all of the debate will fall. Right now, three teams are on the cusp of the playoffs and it looks like two of them are locks. If West Chester defeats Slippery Rock for the championship, the Rams will have a home playoff game, and either be the second or third seed in the region. If the Rock wins, they deserve to be in the top seven and continue their season. Kutztown will need to defeat Edinboro on the road and they will be into the playoffs as well. A loss by the Golden Bears will likely eliminate them from the playoffs.

And then the GMAC. With Hillsdale's victory over Tiffin, that will move them up in the rankings this week as they face another huge game this weekend. They travel to nationally ranked Indianapolis who is in the middle of their own battle in SR3. Both teams need the SOS boost to make the playoffs and a loss might leave them on the outside. Tiffin also faces a tough test as they host Findlay in the final weekend. The Dragons will need to win the game to secure their spot in the playoffs.

It will be an interesting final weekend of the season. Plenty of good games are on the docket and still plenty of movement that will take place on Saturday.

It is still a toss-up for the number of teams from each conference. It looks like 2 from the NE-10, 2-3 from the PSAC, 1 from the Mountain East and 1-2 from the GMAC. The selection show is scheduled for 5 PM on Sunday November 11th and all of the answers will be revealed then.

As always, win the games on the field and do not let the committee decide your fate.