This is a placeholder for the game in two weeks -- one that I will attend in person. This game can be win #4. Jacksonville destroyed Davidson today -- their QB threw for 5 TDs in the FIRST HALF! But every week is a new week and we do know that Davidson took Dayton to OT earlier in the season. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. USD in the next game. But I did not want to forget to get this string started.
If we had caught a few breaks, we could be going for win #6. Going for win #4 in Cecchini's first season is a great thing. These guys will be hungry to close out the season on a good note.
Valpo 41
Davidson 24
This string is dedicated to our seniors.
We have one more game left this season. It is winnable. This is a season that, IMO, is a genuine indicator that a new foundation has been built by Dave Cecchini and his staff. We have shown that with good coaching Valpo can play with anyone in the PFL. There have been many ups and downs and some heart break, but overall this squad is a competitive representation of Valpo on the grid iron and I applaud them. But none of this could have happened without the perseverance and dedication of the the young men who stuck with the program over the past 5 years.
They will go out winners and I will be there to witness it.
Quote from: covufan on November 17, 2014, 12:50:43 PM
If we had caught a few breaks, we could be going for win #6. Going for win #4 in Cecchini's first season is a great thing. These guys will be hungry to close out the season on a good note.
Valpo 41
Davidson 24
We would actually be going for win #7, if Lehman didn't get hurt against Drake :).
I like what the team has shown us this year, and want us to go out winners, to build on for next season:
Valpo 38
Davidson 28
Valpo 38
John Davidson 20
Harley's Last Name 27
Snake Bit Valpo 25
The North Carolina school will run a play called "Hornets" and win it on the last play off the game.
Quote from: bbtds on November 18, 2014, 07:28:07 AM
Harley's Last Name 27
Snake Bit Valpo 25
The North Carolina school will run a play called "Hornets" and win it on the last play off the game.
That one stings...
(http://cdn.alltheragefaces.com/img/faces/large/happy-ba-dum-tss-l.png)
Shutout. 50-0. Cecchini goes for two on the last touchdown of the game just to show the PFL what they'll be dealing with next year.
...but only because he COULDN'T GO FOR THREEEEEE
Does anyone know whether we are at full strength or not?
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 19, 2014, 04:30:16 PM
Does anyone know whether we are at full strength or not?
Is that full strength at USD & JU standards? Obviously not.
[tweet]535469489123770368[/tweet]
Quote from: valpopal on November 20, 2014, 10:55:05 AM
[tweet]535469489123770368[/tweet]
Congrats to John on a fine season and rewarding finish to his career!
Valparaiso defensive lineman has boosted his tackle total from seven 2013 48 this season. | BRANDON VICKREY/FOR CHICAGO TRIBUNE MEDIA Valparaiso defensive lineman has boosted his tackle total from seven in 2013 to 48 this season. | BRANDON VICKREY/FOR CHICAGO TRIBUNE MEDIA GROUP
VALPARAISO — Shortly after taking over as Valparaiso defensive line coach, Tony Rouse received a packet of information that described each player he was inheriting.
When he came to fifth-year senior John Giovenco's name, the feedback was far from positive. According to the paperwork, Giovenco was nothing special. He was an average player. His abilities were limited.
"I sat down with Gio and I said, 'Listen, I don't care what this report says,' " Rouse said. " 'This is not who you are as a player; you're a special player. You're going to be playing a lot for us this year. You're a starter in my eyes and you always will be with the passion that you have.' "
Rouse's comments proved to be prophetic. After playing sporadically and totaling seven tackles in 2013, Giovenco indeed is a starter and has made 48 tackles this season.
"I'm proud of myself, to be honest," Rouse said. "I feel like I found a diamond in the rough within my position group. He's been nothing but a pleasant surprise for me."
The biggest difference for Giovenco between this year and last is that the new coaching staff has taken an increased interest in his individual success.
"That's the biggest thing; you don't really care how much someone knows until you know how much they care," he said.
"The fact that the coaches are doing this for us and motivating us better, and then you add the extra knowledge that they have, it's beginning to look like this program is headed in the right direction."
After a 17-3 victory over Butler and a 37-32 loss to PFL champion San Diego, talk of the program turning it around now has substance behind it. Although only one game remains in Giovenco's collegiate career, he has plans to return to Brown Field as a spectator to check back on the state of the program.
"I think they're going to be a really good team next year," Giovenco said. "There's definitely a good group here to build on. We could have won a lot more games this year, as you can see by the scores, but I definitely think we're going to see a conference championship in the near future."
Giovenco is no stranger to playing for a resurgent program. While at St. Francis High School, his team went from back-to-back 3-6 seasons in 2006 and '07 to state champions in '08.
Coach Dave Cecchini described Giovenco as an overachiever and the epitome of an unsung hero.
"He does a great job as an interior lineman," Cecchini said. "It's not a sexy position; it's as blue-collar, hard-hat as you can be on the football field. (Beating Butler) is a special feeling for guys like him and some of the other fifth-year seniors."
--------------------------------
You mean that caring and coaching have more to do on the football field than a bunch of Osteen quotes? Who knew?
Congrats to the coaching staff as well.
So the question is, who filled out the reports on players that were inherited? Was it Coach Carlson, or the new Coach C?
that article was a struggle to read
</kidding>
Many, if not most, of the players who contributed this year were recruited by Dale Carlson. Before this season comes to a close, I think we should recognize the hard work he put in and the many fine student-athletes he recruited.
A couple guys on this forum take every opportunity they can to slam--even mock--our former coach. I think he deserves our respect and gratitude for leaving the program in a condition where it could be competitive right away under a new staff. Things didn't work out for him in terms of wins and losses, but it wasn't because he didn't work hard, recruit well, or represent the university in an honorable way.
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on November 20, 2014, 09:57:04 PM
Many, if not most, of the players who contributed this year were recruited by Dale Carlson. Before this season comes to a close, I think we should recognize the hard work he put in and the many fine student-athletes he recruited.
A couple guys on this forum take every opportunity they can to slam--even mock--our former coach. I think he deserves our respect and gratitude for leaving the program in a condition where it could be competitive right away under a new staff. Things didn't work out for him in terms of wins and losses, but it wasn't because he didn't work hard, recruit well, or represent the university in an honorable way.
Paul
No knock on Carlson personally. I'm sure he is a fine man and did indeed recruit many of the players making it work today. He wasn't however a very good coach. Coach C did find a way to take mostly the same players, and find a way to convert a 72-12 loss to Butler to a 17-3 win. This means he figured out that to stop a high powered offense that scored 62 points the week before, you had to find a way to keep them off the field. THAT is coaching. Coach Carlson could have found a way to keep scores more competitive but instead stuck to his game play that was not suited to the talent on his roster(s).
A quote for Coach Carlson
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/94/db/62/94db6288711158de4c70a774e548a513.jpg)
Only a few questioned Carlson overall. I don't question his recruiting, honor, or energy at all, just what he showed on the field regarding in-game coaching/play-calling. The new Coach C knows how to call a game to challenge a defense and stop an offense, not run variations of the same play, over and over and over and over (bubble screens).
ummm...no. His record was 3 and 40.
OK, I was critical of Carlson, and let's face reality - he was a stubborn and truly terrible coach. He set the program back. You are what your record is: 3 and 40. Recruiting is one part of the picture but in recruiting non-scholarship players, truly how competitive is that task? The problem was that he could not develop the lumps of clay that he could mold into art. Is he a nice person and does he provide cute quotes - indeed, but that does not make you a good football coach. You get employed to do a job and not to be nice and provide a front of phony Cub fan optimism.
Cecchini has done a highly-successful, great job his first year. These guys are playing much better with more confidence and skill, and Cecchini should get full credit for this.
"Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
Quote from: usc4valpo on November 21, 2014, 07:52:27 AM
....... he was a stubborn and truly terrible coach. He set the program back. I would agree with part one of this paragraph. He refused to adapt to the game -- it was "my way or no way". He thought defense was just another way of putting 11 more kids on the field and his offense was one dimensional. However, I would disagree that he set the program back. Despite the miserable 3-40 record, off the field he turned a "club sport" into a program and added needed processes (e.g., disciplined and aggressive recruiting, off-season weight training) that set the stage for what Dave Cecchini was able to convert into a competitive team. Carlson could not turn what he assembled into a team, Cecchini did.
Recruiting is one part of the picture but in recruiting non-scholarship players, truly how competitive is that task? I would suggest just the opposite. Getting talented FB players to come to a non-scholarship program is a very tough sell. And retaining them is equally tough.
The problem was that he could not develop the lumps of clay that he could mold into art. Cecchini has done a highly successful, great job his first year. These guys are playing much better with more confidence and skill, and Cecchini should get full credit for this. TOTALLY AGREE.
And Dave Cecchini and his staff now have evidence (not wishful promises) that they can present to recruits that shows this program in one year has swung upward and there are many returning players to continue that upswing. It's a whole new element that I am excited to watch.
Weather forecast for the game:[/size]
High of 46 degrees and a 50% chance of showers.
Dress warm. Bring an umbrella. See you at the game.
Valpo 34
Davidson 24
62 - I appreciate your comments. You are a very loyal VU football fan and stakeholder, and you are also reasonable.
will there be video for the game?
no video
Good way to end the season! Great season to build on, one in which we very easily could (and should) have been 7-5 (5-3). My hope is that Clarke or Stokes is ready to take over for Lehman, who did have a good overall year.
[tweet]536279843168858112[/tweet]
I got a twinge of nerves when we fumbled at the 3 yard line and they turned it into a TD. But the boys responded well and put the game away. Very encouraging going into next year! Let's see how Coach C does with a full off season of recruiting. Perhaps an above .500 season in his 2nd year!?
Definitely possible, since he produced 4 wins with the same players the Carlson couldn't win with, and all games were fairly close. It will depend on one of our QBs stepping up.
Particular congrats to Ben Lehman who stepped into a difficult role and, after a somewhat slow start, continued to grow and ultimately put together perhaps his finest game in the final college game.
Haven't said this in many years: CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!
I was reminded of the dedication of these athletes who play for 4 years and give their heart to a program when I saw a Davidson player in the arms of his parent being consoled. In their 4 years Davidson went 4-7, 2-9, 0-11 & 1-11. In the Valpo game the Wildcats saw a chance to show that their season wasn't a disaster and win a conference game. In also reminded me of what some of our graduates went through in the last few senior football classes.
I read the following tweet this evening from a player I saw devastated as I stood near him on the sideline early last year when he suffered a severe injury that would end his season and require surgery plus extensive rehabilitation to come back and play this season. I think his situation, as well as the character displayed by his attitude and perseverance that permitted him to return and play the full season this year, nicely exemplifies the high quality of student-athletes we are fortunate to have on our teams, especially when one considers the setbacks and adversity the football seniors frequently have faced the last four years.
"Came out with that W against Davidson!! Sent us seniors out right! Valpo football has been the best experience these past four years!!"
Took Cecchini 12 to win 4. Who knows how many it would've taken Carlson, since 43 wasn't enough.
Hats off to our boys. Best year since 2007.
(When this year's freshmen were in FIFTH GRADE)
As I said all of this season, Ben Lehman is an above average QB in the PFL, and many teams would love to have a guy like that! We didn't use our QBs well under Carlson (dink and dunk all game), so we never got to see what Ben could do in his limited playing time over the last 3 years. I believe that most teams would be happy with a QB who throws for 14 TDs against 12 INTs, in his first significant playing time at this level.
Four wins will help the recruiting efforts. A lot of new receivers and o-lineman needed. As for QB, there will be four coming back (yes, four--including a transfer who looks decent). Ben's stong finish to the season shows how this coach can develop a player over time. Stokes saw no snaps, Clarke only a few, and Stahl wasn't 100% from his knee--so who knows who will be next. Good outlook for running backs, heard Jake will return for his 5th year so all three will be back. With Green and Guilford anchoring the D, they'll be even better next year. Looks like reason for optimism for Valpo football. Best of luck, Crusaders.
What an incredibly enjoyable season to be around Valpo football. Just watching them return to respectability was so gratifying for those close to the program that listened to so much negativity over the past few years. I don't think you can throw out to many compliments to this incredible coaching staff and the job this year. Like everybody else, I can't wait til next season. As long as we're looking forward to key players for next season, how about JJ Nunes...who came out of nowhere to be one of the best safeties in the league. Remember all those big plays given up the past few years, Nunes was the biggest reason that didn't happen this season.
As we discuss looking forward to next year and which players will be back, it is good to realize that team leadership should not be a problem since all four captains are expected to return:
(http://i58.tinypic.com/wclr9h.jpg)
Quote from: chef on November 22, 2014, 11:41:30 PMWhat an incredibly enjoyable season to be around Valpo football. Just watching them return to respectability was so gratifying for those close to the program that listened to so much negativity over the past few years. I don't think you can throw out to many compliments to this incredible coaching staff and the job this year. Like everybody else, I can't wait til next season. As long as we're looking forward to key players for next season, how about JJ Nunes...who came out of nowhere to be one of the best safeties in the league. Remember all those big plays given up the past few years, Nunes was the biggest reason that didn't happen this season.
You're just happy to be at the Soaring Eagle, or whatever, Gambling Casino again in Mt Pleasant, aren't you?
It was worth the 8 hour R/T drive yesterday to witness a Valpo FB win at Brown Field. The weather was wet with short showers intermittently throughout the game and a temperature at game time of around 48 degrees. I got a chance to talk to some of the senior parents ( Cassaras, Singhs, Gadsons, and Simpkins) -- wonderful people. Despite the disappointment of the previous 3-4 seasons, they were so excited for their kids and for the team's reversal of fortune this season. They all mentioned in one way or another the tight relationship between the staff and the kids as being a factor in the rebound.
It was also good to watch the first half and see that, despite playing terribly, they still managed to go into the lockerroom ahead at the half. Later I found out from Vinny Giacalone, the OL coach, that they were making the wrong blocking calls most of the first half and had to regroup at the intermission. Talking to the OC, Jason Miran, he told me that the opening drive of the second half was the first time since Jewel that the O had a second half opening drive for a TD. Just before the first half ended I told a fan sitting next to me that the difference between this team and previous teams is that they adjust and are better in the second half. That made me sound like an expert when they scored and then iced it.
BTW the D played most of the second half without John Guilford. He was standing on the sideline with his helmet off -- concussion??
Justin Stovall, the LB and ST coach, was grinning ear to ear -- almost busted two KO returns for TDs. All FGs and PATs were perfect. Coverage except for one return to the 40 or so was good.
I felt so bad for Fred Gladney. He was targeted more than usual this game and he came through. He made a great grab of a Lehman pass inside the 10, juked the nearest defender and started plowing ( ;) I think he's listed at 6-1 155) toward the endzone trying to score. The pursuit caught up and a LB absolutely crushed him (I could hear the hit from the top row) and the ball squirted out.
I think the team is starting a new tradition after each home game. After their midfield huddle they came to the sidelines and sang a fast paced (with clapping) version of the Alma mater (I think) to the fans -- really cool and spirited.
Didn't get a chance to talk with Ernest Moore the DC or Dave Cecchini, but Jason and I talked about recruiting while we watched the kids all individually ringing the Victory Bell (sweet!). He mentioned that last year they had only 6 weeks to sell their recruiting base on VU. They did not have enough time to build solid coach-to-recruit relationships, and, as a result, they lost several commits after the NLI day. This year that is not going to be the case. As a matter of fact a group (maybe 15?) of recruits were brought onto the field during pregame warmups and the coaches all came over at some point and spent time with them. I heard from one parent that rumor has it, that if all goes well, the '15 recruiting class could be big in numbers (30+?). I'm sure with the improved record and the new facilities, that the quality will also spike upward.
I could write a book about my observations. But the best reward of the trip was seeing the smiling faces of all the players, parents and coaches.
The post-game press conference:
Valpo Football Press Conference: Davidson 11|22|14 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szIoWgCIeZk#ws)
Was the low attendance due to the wet conditions, or the matchup? That is sad to see that only 900 people watched this Senior class' last game.
Felt like more than 900, but no students -- gone for Thanksgiving break. No cheerleaders or dancers. Only ½ of the pep band. AND NO CRUSADER! :o
Davidson travels well BTW - ~ hundred Mildcat fans.
POST-TRIB Article:
http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/sports/31237226-556/college-football-valparaisos-resurgent-season-ends-with-win.html#.VHIu5L4XIZY (http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/sports/31237226-556/college-football-valparaisos-resurgent-season-ends-with-win.html#.VHIu5L4XIZY)
NWITimes:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-close-out-season-with-victory-over-davidson/article_44039d3b-82bc-5e84-b1f7-29e12123e132.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/crusaders-close-out-season-with-victory-over-davidson/article_44039d3b-82bc-5e84-b1f7-29e12123e132.html)
[tweet]536680301960130560[/tweet]
We led all of D-1 FCS in only allowing 0.42 sacks/game!
Wow. That's incredible, and unlike the stats we normally lead FCS in (thankfully).
The nice part about stats like that is that they attract quarterbacks.
Here's the text from the VU release on Ben's honor and detail info on some more good stuff to complete the season.
http://valpoathletics.com/football/news/2014-15/14153/lehman-named-pfl-offensive-player-of-the-week/ (http://valpoathletics.com/football/news/2014-15/14153/lehman-named-pfl-offensive-player-of-the-week/)
Lehman Named PFL Offensive Player of the WeekSunday, November 23, 2014
Quarterback Ben Lehman (Elgin, Ill./Saint Edward Central Catholic) became the second Crusader in three weeks to receive a Pioneer Football League (PFL) Player of the Week award as the senior was recognized for his 26-for-33 afternoon on Saturday. Lehman racked up 284 yards through the air, fired two touchdown passes, and recorded a season-high 78.8% completion percentage in Valpo's 27-13 victory over Davidson.
The honor comes two weeks after John Guilford (Spencer, Ohio/Black River) earned a PFL Defensive Player of the Week nod following his three-sack performance in Valpo's 17-3 defeat of in-state rival Butler.
With Citadel taking two sacks in the fourth quarter of its game Saturday versus VMI, Valparaiso finished 2014 as the team with the fewest sacks allowed per game in Division I FCS (0.42). Another top national honor went to freshman Jarrett Morgan (Cooper City, Fla./Cooper City), who accumulated the most return yards on kickoffs (34.9).
Lehman concluded his career with the Brown and Gold Saturday having thrown for 2,827 yards and 18 touchdowns on 264 completions. Coupled with 221 career rushing yards, Lehman amassed over 3,000 yards of total offense.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 23, 2014, 11:11:48 AM
I think the team is starting a new tradition after each home game. After their midfield huddle they came to the sidelines and sang a fast paced (with clapping) version of the Alma mater (I think) to the fans -- really cool and spirited.
It wasn't the Alma mater. It was the Valpo fight song. And they did a great job singing it.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 22, 2014, 06:51:21 PMBest year since 2007.
(When this year's freshmen were in FIFTH GRADE)
You're a year off. That seemed too young.
football season(year that academic grade was completed)
2006(07)=5th grade
2007(08)=6th grade2008(09)=7th grade
2009(10)=8th grade
2010(11)=9th grade/fr. HS
2011(12)=10th grade/so. HS
2012(13)=11th grade/jr. HS
2013(14)=12th grade/sr. HS
2014(15)=freshman year at Valpo
careful or wh will call you NITPICKER and PEDANT
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 26, 2014, 03:45:22 PM
careful or wh will call you NITPICKER and PEDANT
I'm definitely a NITPICKER and if I knew what PEDANT meant I'm probably that too.
EDIT: PEDANT--a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.
Since I'm didn't know what the word PEDANT meant the second part of the definition doesn't seem to apply.
Quote from: bbtds on November 26, 2014, 03:52:47 PM
Since I'm didn't know what the word PEDANT meant the second part of the definition doesn't seem to apply.
I believe it's sung to the tune of Mancini's "Pink Panther" theme.