NE10 Playoff Week 1 Games

[cwfenn]

52-44…is there hope?

[cwfenn]

No more hope for a comeback..it’s all over but the Chargers gave it all they had.

52-44 the final. Game reminded me of the Whipple years.

[ShepAlum]

I paid no mind to that game figuring it was long over with; and just another of the first round blowouts. Refreshed the scores and saw that—Fantastic job refusing to give up and fighting to get it back to a one score game! Hopefully that gives New Haven some confidence going into next season.

[cwfenn]

As great an effort as New Haven had today, they still haven't won a non-conference game not involving either NE10 teams, Post, or Lincoln (CA) since the playoff win over West Chester in 2018. It's three straight playoff games where they lost by one score too. I'm happy they didn't quit even though they gave up 52, but this "close but no cigar" thing is starting to get old. Bottom line is despite 42 wins the past 5 seasons, they're still not good enough to consistently win in the playoffs. And having seen New Haven's best-ever teams in the 90's, I hope for more from them and from the NE10 in general.

That being said, to go 8-3 with an mostly ugly offense and practically no kicking game is a hell of job by everyone involved, and I'm definitely proud of them. Hoping they can be good enough to win a playoff game (or more) next year.

[NewHaven Alum]

As great an effort as New Haven had today, they still haven't won a non-conference game not involving either NE10 teams, Post, or Lincoln (CA) since the playoff win over West Chester in 2018. It's three straight playoff games where they lost by one score too. I'm happy they didn't quit even though they gave up 52, but this "close but no cigar" thing is starting to get old. Bottom line is despite 42 wins the past 5 seasons, they're still not good enough to consistently win in the playoffs. And having seen New Haven's best-ever teams in the 90's, I hope for more from them and from the NE10 in general.

That being said, to go 8-3 with an mostly ugly offense and practically no kicking game is a hell of job by everyone involved, and I'm definitely proud of them. Hoping they can be good enough to win a playoff game (or more) next year.

I have to admit that I have been criticizing this offense ever since after the second game of the season. The offense, kicking and special team all need to be improved if they want to compete with teams out of the region. It's time for coaches to hit the roads and start recruiting. Hopefully, they could contact some of those players from Notre Dame college where many good players are in the portal right now.

[cwfenn]

I have to admit that I have been criticizing this offense ever since after the second game of the season. The offense, kicking and special team all need to be improved if they want to compete with teams out of the region. It's time for coaches to hit the roads and start recruiting. Hopefully, they could contact some of those players from Notre Dame college where many good players are in the portal right now.

We do know that New Haven has turned into "Geezer U" with all the grad transfers the last few years. NDC could be a good start, but hoping for some more D1-level transfers like what many of the more significant schools have. For example, a school like Ferris only recruits D1-level players and look at how good they are. Maybe the new facilities and training center should help with that.

And please do something about the special teams. Vinnie DeSimone has been on the roster two years and he's ended up being the primary kicker each year even though he's not the number 1 kicker going into the season. He's fine on extra points but they're afraid to use him almost any other time. Either give Vinnie the tools to be a kicker the coaching staff isn't afraid of using, or find a kicker who can stay on the team the whole season. (Note I an writing this blind, as I don't know what happened to Hamel, but all I know is the last two number 1 kickers, DeFelice and Hamel, didn't finish the season for whatever reason.) Kickoff coverage wasn't too good the last few weeks too.

I trust Pincince will do all he can to improve the team. His record has gotten better the longer he's been at New Haven. Maybe next year is a "home run" year like the big playoff years in the past?