Tuesday 31 August 2010

Tuesday before William & Mary -August 31st, 2010

UMass' game notes for William and Mary in pdf and html.

The UMass depth chart is on page 6. The o-line does not match yesterday's article by the Springfield Republican, but game notes often don't match the actual game starters in my experience.

By my count, 17 Red Shirt Freshman or true Freshman on the two-deep chart.

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UMass beat writer Matty Vautour takes a look at the CAA in 2010.

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Tribe HC Jimmye Laycock has named SR QB Mike Callahan as starting QB. More from William and Mary's student paper.

Matty Vautour says it was a surprise.

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Jeff Sagarin's NCAA football ratings are out. He rates the CAA ahead of two FBS/I-a conferences : the Sunbelt and MAC. UMass is rated #98 in overall standings.

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Craig Haley of The Sporting News previews the Ancient Eight.

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The Dallas Cowboys released former UNH star Scott Sicko.

Terrance Thomas interviews UNH HC McDonnell


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The MGoBlog looks at Michigan's secondary and "while mournfully contemplating everything from Mike Floyd to whatever 5'8" guy UMass will throw out there this year."

Back on August 24th the Wiz of Odds Blog had this to say about the Wolverines secondary:"Trouble is brewing in the Wolverine secondary. It started with All-Big Ten selection Donovan Warren leaving for the NFL after his junior season. Prized but troubled defensive back Demar Dorsey was signed to a letter of intent in February, but was denied entrance into the school. Boubacar Cissoko, who started four games in 2009, is now serving time in the real Big House for his role in multiple robberies. Adrian Witty, a prized recruit in 2009, didn't qualify academically. J.T. Turner, another high-profile recruit, was granted his release and is looking to transfer. Senior Troy Woolfolk, the backfield's most experienced player, is lost for the season after injuring his lower right leg. That leaves redshirt sophomore cornerback J.T. Floyd as the only player who has started in college. If you're name is Rich Rodriguez, 8-16 after two seasons as coach, there is reason for concern."

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Uh-Oh!


Possible track for Earl.

Monday 30 August 2010

Cebu Football - ANS off to hot start in Aboitiz football

THE ABELLANA National School (ANS)-Pomeroy showed that it is ready to defend its Boys 17 title after routing Blessed John 2-0 in the 13th Aboitiz Football Cup, which came off the wraps yesterday at the Aboitiz Sports Field, North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.

Earlier in the Players 10 division, last year's 1st runner-up Guiseppe Football Club did not have much luck as it lost to Subangdaku Football Club, 4-3.

Tournament director Adonis Quitoy, however, explained that yesterday's matches were just exhibitions and will not have any bearing as they have yet to finalize the game schedules within the week.

Matches will be played every weekend with all teams to enjoy the same number of games.

Most of last year's division champions have returned to this year's edition hoping to defend their titles.

Last year's champions were Don Bosco College 1 (Players 8 and 10), Don Bosco College A ( Boys 12 and 14), San Roque FC (Girls 17), ANS-Pomeroy (Boys 17), University of San Carlos (Women's Open), 53rd Army (Men's Cup) and Crazy Horse (Men's League).

This tournament is organized by the Aboitiz Group of Companies in partnership with the Cebu Football Association.

Cebu Daily News

Weather for Friday looking good ... so far


Actually, that should be one color ... Cherry.



Weather, SEPTA, Phillies ... no excuses on Friday. Be there and wear Cherry.


I went to bed last night and slept secure in the knowledge that the weather forecast was good for Friday afternoon's home opener with Villanova.
Adam Joseph, the Channel 6 weather guy, said it would be hot (95 degrees) and sunny.
A little too hot, probably, to be drinking alcohol in the tailgate, but I made a mental note to pack away the Diet Pepsi Wild Cherrys just in case.
I left the TV on and woke up to a nightmare.
Matt Broderick, the WFMZ weather guy, said that Hurricane Earl might make a run close enough to "even cause us some problems."
Ugh.
Just Temple's luck.
The Owls had a Hurricane for the UConn home game a few years ago, one so bad Channel 29's John Bolaris said on the 10 p.m. news "no way Temple will be playing in this tomorrow."
They not only played, they brought 17,000 fans, most of them drenched students, to the overtime loss.
Who knows how many fans watched Bolaris that night and decided to bag it?
Last year, the Homecoming Game was affected by a Nor'easter so bad that it was compared to the 1960 Jersey shore Hurricane. The crowd against Army was abysmal.
Now this.
Still, though, Channel 6 is sticking to their guns and predicting sunny and 95 for Friday.
Channel 3 is also predicting good weather for Friday, 90 degrees but with a "watching Earl" caveat on the five-day.
So the weather for Friday, on the whole, is looking good ... so far.
There's a part of me that thinks this bad boy named Earl will make a hard left at the last minute just to screw Temple, but I hope that's the cynic in me.
I'm counting on Channel 3 and 6 to be right and WFMZ, an Allentown station, to be wrong.
I will not bother to check out what John Bolaris says.

Recruiting 2011-- Eric McGlone


UMass is recruiting Eric McGlone a 6-3 215 pd LB from East Lyme, CT. The Norwich Bulletin has the story here.

This article also mentions him.

McGlone holds an offer from Central Connecticut. UConn, Syracuse, Tulane and UNH are also interested.

Image by Aaron Flaum/Norwich Bulletin.

Monday before the William & Mary game--August 30th, 2010

Matty Vautour has a story about former UMass star Sean Small's attempt at a comeback from a severe injury.

He covers Kyle Harrington's bid for a position on the same team.

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The Boston Herald says in 2007, UMass was one of BC's toughest victories.

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The Miami Herald has an article that talks about Spencer Whipple playing for his father at the "U".

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Victor Cruz has his own NFL highlight reel. He's also the Giants leading receiver in preseason camp.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer says Villanova's Ben Ijalana is the best FCS NFL prospect this year.

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The Sports Network previews two more FCS leagues: the Northeast Conference and the Great West.

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Re-starting the UMass player countdown is #18, Tom Gilson a 6-3 210 RS JR WR from Mansfield, MA. Gilson played in six games in 2009. No stats.

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Sunday 29 August 2010

Villaflor: How to build two nat�l teams in six weeks

By Noel S. Villaflor

SIMON McMenemy has roughly six weeks to prepare for his first international tournament as manager of the Philippine Men�s National Team (MNT).

In an Aug. 25 article published on England�s Worthing Herald (courtesy of a post from Filipinofootball.blogspot.com), the 32-year-old coach flew in last Monday to the Philippines for his new stint.

McMenemy will be on a two-month probation before signing a one-year contract, if things go well, the article said. The Englishman was the former assistant manager of Worthing Football Club, which plays at an eight-tier division in English football.

Following the unfortunate Des Bulpin experience, I am sure the National Team Management Office under football visionary Dan Palami has learned its lessons and will try its best to insulate McMenemy from the toxic elements of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

Earlier this month, Palami had told me that so far, the PFF has granted the management office�s wishes for non-interference.

Hopefully, Palami, who is single-handedly financing the MNT, and McMenemy could forge a potent partnership within this two-month period for a decent showing at the AFC Suzuki Cup that kicks off Oct. 20.

Like McMenemy, another national team coach is looking at only a few weeks to before a big tournament.

Philippine Women�s Under-16 Coach Leticia �Buda� Bautista is hoping to build a team for the AFC Qualifiers on Oct. 15.

She has conducted tryouts in Bacolod, San Carlos City and yesterday in Cebu. Today, she is flying to Davao.

So what does Buda think of yesterday�s tryouts?

�The girls need to improve their basic skills,� she said yesterday after the tryouts at the Aboitiz football field, adding that some of those who were technically sound were �inconsistent.�

She was quick to add, though, that the girls� performance, given the short span of time to show their wares, could have been mainly due to �kaba� or nervousness.

Buda might be nervous herself with the tough international competition ahead of her.

By next week, she would have picked the members of the U-16 squad.

When I asked her of her expectations, her answer was grounded: �During the tournament, what we want is to control the games.�

That meant not allowing the teams to dictate the tempo and to stop them from scoring.

Buda doesn�t aim for the spectacular, but she pointed out that the U-16 selection serves a far-reaching purpose.

�With the core of the U-16 squad, we can identify U-14 players, and for the long term, the U-19,� she said with a hint of optimism.

(nsvillaflor@gmail.com)

Sun Star Cebu

Sunday before William & Mary--August 29th, 2010

MassLive.com article by Ron Chimelis looks at the 2010 UMass offensive line. Some surprises there.
The line is collectively 32 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 1541 pds. That's an average of 6-5.2 and 308.2 pounds.

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The Boston Globe has a story that features UMass Captain Emil Igwenagu.

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The Worcester Telegram has a story on some of the Central Massachusetts players on this year's Minutemen Team.

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AnnArbor.com says UMass is the easiest game on the Wolverines schedule.

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ProJo.com has an article about former UMass QB Liam Coen.

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ESPN Boston has an article on Holy Name High School (mentions a number of current UMass Football players).

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Octavious Hawkins went 18-23 for 207 yards and 2TD's in Winston-Salem's opening rout of Virginia Union.

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The first 5,000 fans for the William & Mary game at McGuirk will receive a 2010 UMass football poster.

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Victor Cruz led the Giants with 4 catches 76 yards 1 TD against the Ravens Saturday night.

From the Giants game notes:"Victor Cruz had another play for the highlight shows, reaching out to catch a pass from Bomar that gained 35 yards."

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Yesterday's CAA training camp blog.

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Saturday 28 August 2010

Cebu Football - 13th Aboitiz Cup football on today

CEBU, Philippines - The Aboitiz Cup, Cebu�s longest running football tournament, kicks off its 13th edition today at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Before the games proper, there will be a short opening ceremony with Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz leading the honored guests.

This year�s edition features the players 8, 10, boys12, 17, men�s open and men�s 38-above, while the distaff side will have the girls 17 and women�s open.

Winning the title will be a lot more tougher as organizers decided to convert the event from a cup-type to league type.

Being a league-type, each team can now enjoy a regular action except in the players 8 and 10 categories, which will be playing for a 9-a-side action since they are yet too young for the 11-a-side battle. All classes, however, will enjoy as much as nine games in the elimination round.

More than the games and title, players and coaches also have something else to look forward to with the Aboitiz Foundation looking into the possibility of offering educational scholarship grants to deserving players.

Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz is open to the idea of giving a scholarship grants to deserving athletes playing in the Aboitiz Cup since the foundation�s trust is geared toward education and values formation.

With that, the Aboitiz Cup richly deserved to be called the premiere football action in Cebu, not only for being able to help out Cebu football become more popular, but also give more inspiration to the youngsters to play well for education.

In another development, the Cebu Football Association, which is handling the Aboitiz Cup, will also be facilitating a try-out for the RP girls under-16 squad today. (THE FREEMAN)

Simon McMenemy new Philippines NT coach !!






FORMER Worthing Football Club assistant manager Simon McMenemy has gone from the dug-out at Woodside Road to become an international manager with Philippines in the space of four months.
McMenemy, who left Rebels with Simon Colbran at the end of last season after one year at the club, flew out to the Philippines on Monday after being offered the job just nine days earlier. He will be on a two-month probabtion period before, if things go well, he will sign a one-year deal.

The 32-year-old was manager at County League Haywards Heath before his spell at Worthing and, before the call, was going to be playing football for Franklands Village in the Mid Sussex League this season.

He said: "Haywards Heath to Worthing to the Philippines. It's quite a big step but I had to grab the chance.

"At 32, to call myself a national team manager is a massive statement.

"Things have gone 100 miles an hour. I've had nine days to prepare, my fianc�e is coming out with me for the first two months, and everything has been very rushed. If I stopped to think about it, I might get cold feet. It's something I've got to do and there's no denying it will look fantastic on my CV.

"I'm stepping into the unknown. When I get there, I've got a four-week training camp, then we're off to Taiwan for a couple of weeks for a training camp and a couple of friendlies, then we're into qualifying for the Suzuki Cup, where we will play Laos, Cambodia and Timor Leste.

"If we get through that, then we'll come up against some of the bigger teams, like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, so I could get to coach against Bryan Robson, which would be some experience."

McMenemy first heard about the job through Simon and Phil Greatwich, who played for Lewes and the Philippines, and they encouraged him to apply for the job.

Five weeks after applying, McMenemy heard back from the Philippines FA and after a couple of interviews over the phone and conference calls, he got the job. He said: "I'll be looking at the coaching when I'm there and will see if I can tweak anything to improve things and make it more effective.

"I've spent my fair share of time in the Far East, and got one international cap for Brunei, so I have some understanding of their style of football.

I've got two months to go out there and prove myself as an individual.
"I'm untested at this level and have to prove I can do the job."

Worthing Herald

One week until 2010 Football---August 28th, 2010

Victor Cruz gets a mention in this DallasCowboys.com article.

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The CAA website previews the James Madison Dukes.

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More updates from William & Mary's training camp.

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The Sports Network previews the Northeast Conference and the Pioneer league.

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Delaware, which had avoided FBS/I-A games in the past, last year signed a series with Navy. Now they've added Pitt in 2014 and 2019.

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The UNH suffered injuries to QB R.J Tolman and WR Mickey Mangieri in Thursday's scrimmage. Mangieri's injury was so severe the Wildcats ended the scrimmage. More in this article. Another article here.

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MGoBlog has a post on the flyover schedule for Michigan. Hey, John McCutcheon, how about having a couple of F16's from the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes go barreling over McGuirk just before kickoff?

UPDATE:

A Blog reader has pointed out that the 104th flies F15's not F16's. Sorry about that. Many Guard units flew F16's for years. YouTube F15 vs F16 dogfight in Hi-def.
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Friday 27 August 2010

Women`s U16 - Football try-out at Aboitiz Sports Field

CEBU, Philippines - Young Cebuana booters will get a chance to be part of the national team if they make an impression during the try-out set tomorrow at the Aboitiz Sports Field.

The try-out is open to female players aged 16 years old and below.

Former RP Team member and now RP Under-16 head coach Leticia Bautista will oversee the try-out facilitated by the Cebu Football Association.

CFA secretary-general Bro. Mari Aberrasturi could not remember that a tryout for any of the RP women�s squad had been held here before so they hope that local talents will grab this chance.

The tryout will be done right after the opening ceremony of the 13th Aboitiz Football Cup. � THE FREEMAN


Comment : Great chance for Cebu women`s players to be in National Team and next months Asian U-16qualifier in Philippines

UFL - News

Dolphins United, UniPhil, and Ilonggo United FC have been accepted
as the three teams that will join both the Second Division of the
LBC-UFL League that will kickoff in January and the LBC-UFL Cup which
will kickoff in October! They replace United South FC, Mendiola FC, and Diliman.

Stallions FC, Laos FC and Manila Sudanese Club are ready for the LBC-UFL Cup in October.

Source : UFL Facebook

One week before Nova and the big news is ...


If this football thing doesn't work out, I'm sure BP can co-host sports center with fellow Temple guy (Class of 97) Kevin Neghandi.
One week before Villanova and the biggest news is that Bernard Pierce is back on the first team.
Al Golden mentioned it in passing to a couple of people at Wednesday's Fan Fest, saying "you guys" (meaning reporters) focus on it (the depth chart) too much.
You could have knocked me over with a feather with that one, not the depth chart comment but the fact that a healthy Bernard who has practiced well over the past couple of days moved past a real good, but 5-foot-5, running back into the No. 1 spot.
Funny thing is that no Daily News headlines appeared in the next day saying, "Bernard Pierce is back at No. 1." On Monday, there was a full-page story saying "Bernard Pierce Demoted to Second String."
Ugh.
I tried looking at the depth chart in the last couple of hours but it hasn't been changed from Matt Brown, unless they change it in the next couple of hours.
My guess is that the coaching staff doesn't get around to handing the updates to the athletic department every day.
Whatever, God-willing, expect Bernard Pierce to line up behind Chester Stewart for the first play from scrimmage against Villanova.
The Wildcats have never seen anything like Bernard Pierce so, as T.O. says, "get your popcorn ready."

Friday News ---- August 27th, 2010



UMass LB and Captain Tyler Holmes says camp has been a success. The article reports Coach Morris stated true freshman Antoine Tharpe and Stanley Andre have been impressive.

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The UMass website has the dates and times of the 2010 UMass Football Weekly show with Coach Morris.

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This article from the Boston Globe has an interview with 2010 UMass recruit Mike Delaney.

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The Cape Cod times mentions UMass DT Bob McLaughlin.

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The Worcester Telegram notes Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo coached at UMass. The TV announcers did the same thing last night during the game.

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At Hofstra, empty Pride.

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William & Mary will announce their starting QB Monday.

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Craig Haley of The Sports Network previews the Patriot League -------and picks this year's OOC opponent Holy Cross fourth.

Haley's "In the FCS Huddle" column covers two FCS players, Grambling's Christian Anthony and Princeton's Jorden Culbreath, who have other things to think about than football.

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The CAA has updated their TV schedule. The CAA blogger has the Delaware preview. Yesterday's CAA preseason training camp update.

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Penn State's Daily Collegian has a lengthy article about former Nittany Lion and current Delaware QB Pat Devlin.

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Thursday 26 August 2010

Bacolod Football - NOFA holds football tryouts tomorrow

THE Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), in cooperation with the Carlos Cojuangco Foundation, Inc., will be conducting try-outs for the Union Football Club (UFC) tomorrow (Saturday) starting 7:30 a.m.

Football players aged 19 to 25 are invited to join the try-outs at the Bago City Sports Complex football field.

West Negros University coach Norman Fegidero Jr. will facilitate the said try-outs.

The UFC will be fielded in the United Football League set sometime in October 2010 in Manila.

Those interested may contact Pauline at 0922-8210466 for details.(PR)

Sun Star Bacolod

Owl Outlook's great interview with Adrian Robinson


If you fast forward to the 6:13 mark, you will see why TU needs a financially secure donor to come up with the $1 million a decent practice bubble costs.

Thursday News---August 26th, 2010

Good Morning from the UMass Football Blog's home base in Jaffey, NH.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Actually, that's the International Space Station's command module, but the UMass Football Blog's setup is almost as good.....

The UMass website has a report from UMass' last day of training camp.

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MassLive adds another story about UMass' digital TV deal with CBS3.

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UMass beat reporter Matty Vautour wants to know if you have any UMass connections with your fantasy football team.

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The Arizona Republic has an interview with former UMass QB Jeff Krohn. I have his UMass #7 game jersey.

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Craig Haley of The Sports Network previews the Missouri Valley Conference.

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JB Scouting ranks UMass' John Griffin 9th in FCS positional rankings behind William & Mary's Jonathan Grimes, Villanova's Arron Ball and Stony Brook's Ed Gowin.

Only Tyler Holms (third team) makes Josh's preseason FCS All-American Team.

His preseason conference awards are here.

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The CAA website previews the Richmond Spiders.

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Wednesday 25 August 2010

QCU nails back-to-back wins in San Roque football

CEBU, Philippines - Defending men�s open champion Queen City United opened its title retention bid with back-to-back victories in the 6th San Roque Football Cup at San Roque Football field in Subangdaku,Mandaue.

In its first assignment, QCU silenced JCAD, 1-0, under group D and a few moments later it mercilessly beat D�Barkads,7-0.

Earlier, D�Barkads had a scoreless draw with Prossimo.

On the other hand, Team Rocket enjoyed a solo leadership under group C after posting a 2-0 win-loss card.

Team Rocket pulled away with a 2-0 mark over Team Consolacion and escaped past S1 Football Club, 2-1.

The other group C action saw the University of Southern Phippines� Alumni and Consolacion ending with a 1-all draw.

In group B, San Roque Royale United-B defeated Immaculadistas, 2-0 while SRRU�s team A enjoyed a no-sweat win over Boys Hi Alumni squad who was a no-show the other night.

A total of 21 squads are vying for gold in the men�s open, while the distaff side has five. (FREEMAN)

Philstar

Villaflor: Refs cry foul and walk away

REFEREES are used to making difficult calls. But this has to be the toughest one so far: Cebu�s group of referees want out of the Cebu Football Association (CFA).
A CFA insider told me about the news yesterday late afternoon, a day after the referees held a meeting on the matter.

The first tournament to be affected by the referees� pullout threat is the Aboitiz Cup, which has prompted the CFA to acquire the services of referees from outside Cebu, such as San Carlos City, for the duration of the 11-a-side tournament that kicks off this weekend.

So what�s the deal with the breakaway?

Apparently, the referees feel they don�t have much freedom under the CFA, as it does not allow them to officiate tournaments not sanctioned by the organization.

Two weeks ago, during a futsal tournament, one of those who helped the organizers described the sanctions as �mora silag gihiktan� (similar to being tied up).

By breaking away, the referees believe they will have more room to participate in more tournaments, which translates to more needed income on their part. They also reportedly plan to form an independent organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

With the existing structure, the referees, along with the coaches and clubs, are under the CFA umbrella. So, the number of times the refs can officiate is dependent on how many tournaments the CFA organizes.

Some organizers, however, refuse to get sanctioned under the CFA, which charges from P1,500 to P4,500 sanctioning fee per tournament, depending on the number of teams.

Without the sanction, a referee under the CFA is prohibited from officiating the games. This is standard policy among legit football associations under FIFA, the world�s governing body.

But is it really necessary for an FA to stop referees from officiating non-sanctioned tournaments?

The CFA insider explained that if they allow this practice, an organizer would no longer see the need for sanctions, which are deemed necessary particularly in instilling legitimacy, order and discipline within a big organization.

�Why would organizers opt to get sanctioned with the CFA when they can get referees without paying the sanctioning fee?� he said.

Apart from their demand for fewer restrictions, the referees reportedly also feel that with its falling out with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the �weakened� CFA can no longer offer the referees skills training and other official programs.

It also appears that the referees� group has joined the camp that has been at odds with the CFA for the past year. This camp reportedly has established ties with PFF president Mari Martinez, who has waged war with a number of FAs all over the country, including the CFA.

The CFA is not blameless in numerous problems it has found itself in. In this latest headache, whether the CFA has fully spelled out to the referees the repercussions of their actions is one thing. Having paid real attention to their concerns is another.
The CFA insider, though, believes that the move is �political and personal.�

But is the decision of the referees to sever ties with the CFA a sound decision or a bad call?

The referees believe they can bypass CFA authority with the approval of the PFF through Martinez.

The PFF president, however, now faces the real possibility of getting removed from office. If that happens, what becomes of the referees� �new organization� that does not adhere to the structure adopted among legitimate football associations in the country?

The referees are taking a huge gamble with this move. It also comes at a time when Philippine football is in a serious crisis of leadership.

A head of a football club in Cebu had this to say: �The referees� actions are divisive. It does nothing to unite an already divided football community.�

(nsvillaflor@gmail.com)

Sun Star Cebu

Wednesday News------ August 25th, 2010

Matty Vautour says UMass' media agreement with CBS3 is kinda a big deal. WSHN-TV has another story on the UMass digital sports availability.

Video Sports Group has more details.

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Matty also has a story about UMass' starting safeties Darren Thellen (RS SO 6-2 200) and Shane Viveiros (RS JR 6-0 220). Matty says Kumar Davis, James Carven and Christian Birt will see some reps.

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The Virginia Gazette says William & Mary has depth on the offensive line. The opening game against the Tribe will feature one of the best offensive line and tailback combinations in the nation. UMass and William & Mary should have very good O-lines and John Griffin and Jonathan Grimes are the two best TB's in the league.

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USC transfer Aaron Corp has been named the starting QB at Richmond.

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The Sports Network previews FCS independents.

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The City of Philadelphia is requiring bloggers to have a $300 business license if they have advertising on their blog. One blogger received a demand letter from the city even though he made a grand total of $11.00 in two years.

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As usual, the CAA is receiving a ton of preseason honors.

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Tuesday 24 August 2010

Tuesday News---- August 24th, 2010

Good Morning from Santa Fe. Today is our last full day of vacation. We will be flying back to Manchester Airport tomorrow morning. The next flight after that will be to Ann Arbor to see the Michigan game. Hopefully, both my UMass season and Michigan tickets will be in my mail when I get home.

UMass has formed a partnership with CBS3 to broadcast 100 UMass athletic contests (including home football games with Holy Cross, Richmond and Delaware). The availability of Minutemen sports should increase UMass' presence in Massachusetts. I wonder if the cable channels mentioned are available in Boston?

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Former UMass QB Octavious Hawkins has been named starting QB for the Winston-Salem Rams. The Rams went 1-10 playing a FCS/I-AA schedule last year. They will drop to a DII schedule in 2010.

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The CAA is counting up from the bottom in its preseason previews according to the team rank in Media Day voting covers UMass.

The CAA had four teams ranked and four in the top ten in the first 2010 FCS Coaches Poll. The Minutemen received 24 votes to rank 34th from the top. William & Mary, the Minutemen's opening opponent was ranked 4th.

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The Leigh Football Nation Blog looks at football blogs in the Northeast including this one. The Patriot and Ivy leagues each have four fan generated and one commercial football blogs. Several CAA teams have message board sites, but AFAIK, the UMass Football Blog is the only active CAA fan blog.

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Kyle Harrington and Sean Smalls are in training camp for the Hartford Colonials.

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Monday 23 August 2010

Monday News----- August 23rd, 2010

Good Morning from Chama, New Mexico.

The UMass website has a full report on Saturday's scrimmage.

They also have four links about Jeremy Horne's making an impact with the Jets.

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The Berkshire Eagle has another report on Cruz and Randolph.

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UMass' first foe William & Mary has a fall training camp site here with reports from their August 21st scrimmage, interviews and image galleries.

Speaking of the Tribe, this Bleacher Report writer says they don't have a chance against North Carolina. He apparently does not remember what the Tribe did to Virginia last year.

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The CAA Blogger has reports from all around the League about this weekend's training camp activities.

They also have a Rhode Island team preview.

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Another article about Villanova's Matt Szscur making difficult choices easy.

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Craig Haley of The Sports Network has a preview of the Big South league including UMass' 2010 OOC opponent Stony Brook.

Temple's football Fan Fest is Wednesday


For those of you who haven't read this email from Temple athletics, it's worth a look, especially the part about parking:
Temple Fan �

Be a part of Temple Football Fan Fest 2010! This exciting event will take place on Wednesday, August 25 from 5 p.m. � 7 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field (Head House Plaza area). At this event, you�ll enjoy the following festivities:
Shane Artim's obit from Pottstown Mercury:
Shane M. Artim, 46, loving son and brother
Published: Monday, August 23, 2010
Shane M. Artim, 46, of Washington, DC, formerly of Pottstown, passed away suddenly on Aug. 10 at his residence.

Born in Pottstown, he was the son of John M. and Joanne M. (Ricci) Artim of Ormond Beach, Fl.

Shane was 1982 graduate of Pottsgrove High School and graduated in 1987 from Temple University with a BS in Political Science.


Shane was an award-winning journalist. He covered federal and state transportation issues for many years.

An East Capitol Hill resident, Shane was active in District transportation issues through his Advisory Neighborhood Commission.

He was a huge Temple Owl fan and was very active in the Temple Alumni Association and always known for roasting pork shoulder for tailgating. He will be sadly missed by his family and all of his Temple alumni.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his brother Craig A. Artim of Philadelphia, his maternal grandmother Josephine Ricci and a large and caring family.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 711 N. Franklin Street, Pottstown with a memorial service to start at 11 a.m., the Rev. Alan Okon Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Aloysius New Cemetery, Pottstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can me made in Shane's name to Frances Hollingsworth, Asst. Dean of Development & Alumni Affairs, College of Liberal Arts, 1228 Anderson Hall, 1114 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

View obituaries or send condolences at the Catagnus Funeral Homes website.
- Receive posters and autographs from the entire Temple Football team!
- Meet the Temple Football coaches!
- Live music and appearances from the Temple Cheerleaders, Diamond Gems Dance team, Hooter the Owl and the Temple Marching Band!
- Temple Locker Room Tours!
- Clowns, face painters, Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels, Temple Photo Booth, Dunk Tank and other interactive games!
Admission to Fan Fest is FREE! However, please note there is a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park beginning at 7 p.m. As a result, all attendees parking in the stadium lots will need to pay to park.
We hope to see you at Temple Football Fan Fest! Plus, don�t miss our home opener versus FCS National Champion Villanova in the Mayor�s Cup game � presented by Dunkin' Donuts � on Friday, September 3 at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Great seats are still available!

For Temple Football ticket information � including our new Partial Season Ticket Plan (3 great games of your choice!) - please call the Temple Sales Office at 215-204-8499 or visit www.OwlsTix.com.
Go Owls!
It's not too late to get season tickets. Good seats on the Temple side are limited, but there are plenty of great seats for Owl fans on the Villanova side, so let's Cherry Out the Linc. Click on logo to join the season ticket crowd:

Sunday 22 August 2010

Cebu Football - Aboitiz Football Cup to raise registration fee

SEVERAL changes have been introduced in this year�s 13th Aboitiz Football Cup, which will kickoff on Aug. 29 and run until February 2011 at the Aboitiz Sports Field at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City.

Most notable of these is the raising of the registration fee of the age-groups from P1,000 last year to P2,500 this year.

Tournament director Adonis Quitoy said that as agreed by organizers Cebu Football Association (CFA) and the Aboitiz Group of Companies, the latter will finance the tournament while the CFA will keep whatever will be earned from the registration fees.

�What we get from the registration goes to the CFA funds to be used in office operations and give support to the coaches and referees� development, so what they give basically goes back to them,� Quitoy explained.

He added that the amount is even lesser than registration fees pegged for football festivals which only run for a few days.

Allowing the CFA to earn from the registration is also Aboitiz�s way of supporting the football body.

The other change to be effected is the format play from cup-type to league-type except in the Division 2 of the Men�s Open. This means that the team with the most number of wins will earn the division title except in cases of ties.

The tournament features players 8,10, boys 12, boys and girls� 15 and 17, men�s 38-above, men and ladies� open.

Instead of last year�s Men's Cup and the Men's League, there will be two divisions for the Men's Open.

The top two teams in the Men's Cup and Men's League will be playing in Division 1 while the rest of the teams will play in Division 2.

Division 1 will have the league-type format while Division 2 will have the cup-type format wherein teams will be grouped into two with the top two teams in each group advancing to the crossover semifinals. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

Cebu Daily News

Cebu Football - 14 teams to vie in Cesafi football

AS the other 14 sporting events of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) comes off wraps this 9 a.m., the football event welcomes its newest partner, the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC).

The CAFC headed by its president Glenn Quisido, a former varasity player, has answered the appeal made by CESAFI to help the league in any way.

�We want to engage the alumni group, the same as what the UAAP is doing. True enough, the club heeded the call. CAFC came forward to help, and we are very delighted,� said Maxi Maximo, the designated tournament director of the 10th CESAFI Football Championship.

The CAFC will take care of the technical management of the tournament.

With the participation of the CAFC, Maximo said CESAFI could now concentrate on how to bring the games closer to the public.

This year, football drew a record 10 schools in both collegiate and secondary divisions.

Vying in the collegiate class are defending champions University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), University of San Carlos (USC), University of the Visayas (UV), University of Cebu (UC) and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

Competing in the secondary level are defending champions Don Bosco Technology Center, USPF, USC-North Campus, USJ-R and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC).

The college champion will represent Cebu in the PRISAA Regional Finals.

The tournament will have a league-type format in the elimination with the top four teams advancing to the knockout semifinal round.

While the opening ceremonies will be held today, games will start Sept. 4 for secondary at the USC Talamban Campus and Sept. 5 for the collegiate division at the same venue. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

Cebu Daily News

Blog News--- Vacation Moves


Image by me of the Durango & Silverton narrow guage railroad. We are off (no comments), to the Cumbres & Toltec railroad in New Mexico. I'll keep the Blog going if I have an internet connection.

If not, I'll be back Wednesday.

Sunday News-------August 22nd, 2010

UMass foot held a scrimmage Saturday morning.

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Jeremy Horne caught a TD pass for the Chiefs.

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More on Victor Cruz and Dominic Randolph from the Berkshire Eagle.

Victor was held to two catches for 30 yards in the Steelers game.

The Giants want to see more of Cruz.

He's also going to return punts and kicks.
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The Flat Hat looks at William & Mary's QB situation.

Saturday 21 August 2010

Davao Football - Football festival opens

THE Mayor Inday Sara and Rody Duterte 25th Kadayawan Sportsfest Football Tournament kicked off Saturday at the Tionko grounds.

The boys 16 years old and under, boys 14 and below and Football for Good categories were set to be played in a seven-A-side format while the ladies open was a nine-A-side competition.

The bootfest, organized by the Davao Football Association (DFA), will resume on August 28 featuring the boys 12 and under and 10-under, boys and girls eight-under, boys and girls six-under and elementary girls divisions.

The men's open first and second divisions and the 35-above category will be held on August 29.

The bootfest is organized in cooperation with the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office, Ateneo de Davao United Football Club, the Davao Association of Tour Operators and the CWTS class of University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao. (MLSA)

Sun Star Davao

Cebu Football - Aboitiz Foundation eyes scholarships for footballers

By Iste S. Leopoldo

ABOITIZ Foundation Inc. is extending its support to local footballers from the pitch to the classroom.

Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz said they are looking into the possibility of providing educational scholarships for players who excel in the classroom and in the game during this year�s 13th Aboitiz Football Cup.

�We will be identifying these kids who can excel both in their academics and in sports, and support them in achieving their dreams in whatever ways we can,� Aboitiz said.

The Aboitiz Cup, which started in 1997, has already produced a lot of accomplished football players like former national player Oliver Colina, who now coaches the RP Boys 14-Under team.

�The whole idea behind the Aboitiz Football Cup is the promotion of football among the youth of Cebu. This is how committed we are in supporting football in Cebu,� Aboitiz said.

The Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Cebu Football Association (CFA) signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday for this year�s tournament, which will start on Aug. 29 at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Mandaue City.

�I am pleased to see the growing popularity of football in Cebu. Since the Aboitiz Cup was launched, it is now Cebu�s premiere football event and the longest running age-group tournament. The Aboitiz Foundation will continue to support the AFC,� Aboitiz said.

This year, the Aboitiz Foundation increased their funding for the tournament from P690,000 to P1.1 million.

Yesterday, Aboitiz Foundation handed over the first P200,000-check to the CFA during the MOA signing. Also present yesterday were Aboitiz Foundation managing trustee Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) chief reputation officer Sebastian Lacson, AboitizLand assistant vice president for external affairs Allan Alfon, and CFA tournament director Adonis Quitoy.

Lacson said football is a sport Filipinos can excel in.

�For football to become popular, more children have to play it and for that to happen, more playing fields have to be put up all over the country,� Lacson said.


Sun Star Cebu

CAFC to support Cesafi football

By Edri K. Aznar

THERE will be new additions to the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. football tournament when it kicks off next month.

Aside from the return of former Cebu FA president Jonathan Maximo as tournament manager and the comeback of the University of San Carlos (USC)-Technology Center as the venue of the games, there will be two new teams�the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) and the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC).


The SHS-AdC is the newest addition in the high school division, which now has a total of five squads. The others are defending champion Don Bosco Technology Center, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), USC North Campus and University of San Jose-Recoletos.

CAFC, on the other hand, won�t be competing but will help run the tournament.

�They will assist in the management of the tournament,� Maximo said in an e-mail to Sun.Star Cebu. �To recall, we made an appeal to the football community, especially to the varsity players and alumni who are now successful in their professions to help in any way the school league. We want to engage the alumni group, the same as what Manila is doing. True enough, the club heeded the call and we are very delighted.�

Sun Star Cebu

Friday News---August 21st, 2010

Matty Vautour on the kicking/punting competition between Caleb Violette, Brendon Levengood and Igor Garcia.

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Victor Cruz is still getting tons of ink.

Victor is an instant success.

Cruz overcame difficulties.

He's moving up the Giants depth chart.

Cruz is pushing for the #4 or #5 receiver slot.

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More on the new player banners at McGuirk. Pretty good choices for the players in the Blog's opinion. Who would you have added?

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UMass fans have been fortunate with their radio broadcast teams. The UMass football broadcasts have won multiple awards for quality. Now Rene Ingoglia has been chosen to do an ESPN game.

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The Sporting News previews the CAA and picks UMass ninth.

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Former Holy Cross QB Dominic Randolph joins Victor Cruz with the NY Giants.

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The Washington Examiner has a list of new schools playing football.

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Friday 20 August 2010

Friday News-------August 20, 2010

Emil Igwenagu was unanimously voted captain by the UMass football team.

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MassLive.com says UMass alumni are making their mark in the NFL.

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Pro Football Weekly says Victor Cruz is no one game wonder.

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The UMass website has a story about banners being added to McGuirk stadium. The UMass Football Blog notes and approves how there is something being done each year to improve McGuirk. Kudos to AD John McCutcheon.
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Matty Vautour features new UMass back (but not new to the CAA) John Griffin.

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The Sentinel and Enterprise says local talent fuels UMass.

The same newspaper relates how former Oakmont stars have reunited at UMass.

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A Michigan-centric newspaper takes note of John Griffin's potential.

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The CAA website profiles the Towson Tigers.

The CAA Blogger has the latest news from league training camps.

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The WAC is looking at FCS schools to fill out its ranks. If only the Big east, etc...

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Thursday 19 August 2010

The CUSA move: Makes sense for Owls


Temple finally gets into the changing college football landscaping business.
It's one thing when an anonymous blogger throws out a rumor. Those kind of things happen all the time.
It's another when a respected college football journalist like Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart does it, followed a few hours later by an assistant AD at Rice adding the "exciting news" coming later today that Temple and one other school will join Conference USA for football only, effective starting in the 2011 season. Dienhart has broken many stories and his reputation is impeccable in the business, so his word is nothing to be trifled with and when the Rice AD says "exciting news" coming today that's as close to a two-source confirmation that you'll get in today's increasingly electronic media.
When Owlscoop.com editor John DiCarlo asked Bill Bradshaw for a comment regarding the proposed move, Bradshaw said he couldn't comment.
If nothing was happening, don't you think Bill Bradshaw would have said nothing was happening?
Something is happening.
So I'm buying it.
Temple to CUSA. Since this has to be approved by the Board of Trustees, the time frame could be a little longer than expected.

It will be released not by Temple first but by the CUSA office. Only after it is made official will Temple have some kind of comment.

2010 C-USA BOWL SCHEDULE
(2011 sked is similar to this one)

Date Bowl (Site) Time (CT) Network

Fri., Dec. 31 AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tenn.) 2:30p ESPN

Thu., Dec. 30 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas) 11:00a ESPN

Wed., Dec. 29 EagleBank Bowl (Washington, D.C.) 1:30p ESPN

Fri., Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl (Honolulu, Hawai'i) 7:00p ESPN

Tue., Dec. 21 Beef O'Brady's Bowl (St. Petersburg, Fla.) 7:00p ESPN

Sat., Dec. 18 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans, La.) 7:00p ESPN

The Owls were wooed by CUSA a few years ago before accepting the MAC's football-only invite and that turned out to be a life-preserver for a then-drowning program.
The move was first mentioned by a Tulane blogger a couple of weeks ago and it turns out he had some pretty good sources.

Truth be told, the CUSA Bowl lineup is so much better than the MAC's it's not even funny.
Even if Temple wins the MAC this year, the, err, reward for Temple fans is a trip to Detroit for the championship game followed by another trip to Detroit for the bowl game.
No offense Detroit, but that's dreadful. I can just imagine the Temple fan now complaining that he can't go to Detroit because the walk from his car to the indoor stadium will be "too cold."
The only way Temple can avoid that is to win out, beat Penn State, Villanova and UConn and sweep the MAC. Something like that could ... could ... put Temple in the Rose Bowl or the Sugar Bowl and more likely mean a certain Heisman Trophy for Bernard Pierce.
That's my mantra this year "12-0 and we're Golden."
I'd love to meet the Temple fan who went to the last Sugar Bowl involving Temple (1934). If he/she is still alive and, say, 20 then, he/she would be 96 now.
Possible, not likely.
Still, if this turns out to be true, I'm ambivalent about this.
Seriously, I've always liked the MAC.
I liked the MAC when I was a kid.
I liked the MAC when Big Ben was at Miami.
I liked the MAC when Garrett Wolfe was making his run at the Heisman.
I liked the MAC when Northern Illinois upset Alabama a few years ago and when Central Michigan beat Michigan State last year.
I liked the MAC long before Temple even got involved with that conference.
Now that Temple's in it, I follow all the MAC games even more closely.
I don't see how Rice will put more opposing fans at Lincoln Financial Field than, say, Bowling Green but, let's face it, BG never put more than a few hundred in there anyway.
It's a step up for football certainly and Owl hoop heads will probably like the nonleague schedule a lot more than they do now.

If Temple wins the MAC this year and THEN Conference USA next, I'm loving the move and the history that comes with winning two leagues in consecutive seasons.

Fil-Danish player Jerry Lucena










Jerry Lucena is a fil-Danish player who has played more than 100 matches for his Danish club AGF. AGF were relegated from First Division last season.

Fil-Danish player Dennis Cagara






Dennis Cagara who played for Danish club AGF has been clubless since 30. June. He has been on trial with Sturm Graz in Austria , but is injured now for 6 months.

Bold.dk

Thursday News-------August 19th,2010

Today is Kyle Havens birthday. The Berkshire Eagle says Havens can feel the support of the team.

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WWLP22 says Griffin could be a game changer.

They also have a video interview with Jamar Smith

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The UMass-UNH tilt will be known as the Colonial Clash. Longer article from the UMass website.

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The Giants Football Blog refers to Victor Cruz's performance as "Surreal".

The "Big Blue View" says Cruz was mobbed by the media.

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Villanova is thrilled to have Matt Szscur back in pads.

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The Bleacher Report says for the ACC, any game any game against the CAA is one of the most important games of the season.

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More CAA training camp

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Temple people must support Temple


Go to the 3:53 mark to learn the Morkeith Brown chant. Fans can at least learn the final part that ends with TU.

You can learn a lot by spending five or 10 or 30 minutes with ex-Temple coach Wayne Hardin.
Hardin is in his 80s now and, unlike Joe Paterno (unfortunately), still incredibly mentally sharp.
Gosh, I wish I was that sharp.
Ten ways for Temple people to support Temple
1. Morkeith Brown's cheer (it'll take some practice, but the team has to get through two-a-days, so maybe we can get the Cherry Crusade to do this in the parking lot).
2. This site and Owlscoop.com and OwlsDaily is like preaching to the choir. I know you are going to go and you know you are going to go, but what are we doing to reach people who haven't been to a Temple game since the Beach Boys and M.C. Hammer?
3. Utilize Facebook and Twitter (I barely know how to do this). I'm sure the young folks have many more followers and friends than I do.
4. Utilize the student directory. Emphasize the fun students have (free beer and food plentiful) and how it is a great way to network with fellow students and alumni, especially the first week of the school year.
5. Heisman Trophy angle. Yes, Temple has a legitimate HT candidate this year. Tell your friends. Tell your Eagle fan friends. Tell them this guy is better than Shady McCoy. He is. Tell them he'll be a lot more legitimate when he rips off 3 bills and 3 scores against Nova, even while used sometimes to set up play-action to 4.3 wideouts.
6. Get your non-Temple friends involved (again, free beer and food angle).
7. Get fans you know who are going to the Phils' game that day involved.
8. Email everyone in your address book the Mayor's Cup Event Facebook page.
9. Put a Mayor's Cup for sale sign on your front lawn.
10. Purchase a Hunt for Heisman bumper sticker so that you can roll like the buses with a message supporting Temple football.
Hardin knows more about football than any man I've ever known and, considering that I've known Mike Pettine, Sr., perhaps the greatest high school coach of all time, that's saying a lot.
Hardin knows a lot about life and people, too.
He knows Temple University.
Hardin, pretty much through the power of his will alone, helped pack a crowd of 30,000 people, almost entirely wearing Cherry and White, into the Navy game three years ago at Lincoln Financial Field.
His message in the months leading up to the game:
Temple people must support Temple.
"Look," Hardin said, "you have a school with 250,000 (now in excess of 270,000) alumni, most of them living in a short driving distance to the stadium. You have 33,000 full-time students. You have 12,000 full-time employees. They should all be supporting Temple."
So should you.
So ARE you.
On a site like this one, I feel like I'm preaching to the choir at times.
Even though we've had enough visitors here to fill Beaver Stadium twice or Lincoln Financial Field three times, I don't feel like I'm getting to the other 250,000 alumni who've thought about attending a game in the last 30 years but didn't.
Here you have a football team coming off a school-record nine-game winning streak playing a local rival coming off a national small school championship.
All indications are the Villanova "crowd" will not top 5-7K.
That's why it's important for Temple people to get 30-40K TEMPLE people at the game.
That's why it's important for the Temple people who are there to get behind the team much like the 20,000-plus Temple fans who traveled to D.C. got behind the team then.
The "Let's Go Temple" cheer just before Temple's second touchdown literally rocked the old RFK Stadium to its foundation.
A D.C. United soccer fan told me on the way out that it was never that loud in that stadium for a D.C. United game and he said it gets loud often.
So that's why Hardin's message should be heeded now more than ever.
That message is clearer now than it was then.
Spread the word and not just to your football fan friends.
Go through the student directory and email blast every kid.
Buttonhole as many Temple alumni as you know and talk up the game.
Talk up the game to the Temple police, the kids who work at the bookstore, the person who serves you the burger at Wendy's.
Heck, get the food truck vendors down there, too. Milton Street, the ex-Mayor's brother, used to sell me cheesesteaks when I was a Temple student. I doubt he's still there, but others have taken over.
When you get to the stadium, do the Morkeith Brown cheer.
Think the football team won't be impressed with that?
They'd go crazy.
That's the idea.
Show them we're behind them and the support is there.

Davao Football - Holy Child, Catalunan top Kadayawan bootfest

By Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan

THE Holy Child Mintal and Catalunan Grande captured two titles apiece at the start of the Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte 25th Kadayawan Sportsfest Football Festival held in Mintal over the weekend.

Holy Child Mintal topped the nine to 10 years old category over Los Amigos and Catalunan Grande B, which settled for second and third place, respectively.

Holy Child also bested Montserrat Camp School of Davao and University of the Philippines (UP) Tigers to rule the 13 to 16 years event of the tournament presented by the City Government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO).

Catalunan Grande trampled rivals Mintal and Abba's Child Science School Foundation to pocket the 11-12 title. Mintal and Abba's finished second and third, respectively.

In the girls elementary division, Catalunan Grande overcame Holy Child and Los Amigos Elementary School for the top post.

Montserrat, however, did not go home empty-handed as it bagged the six to eight years old crown of the meet organized by the CWTS class of UP Mindanao in partnership with Barangay Mintal and the Davao Football Association (DFA).

A total of 32 teams competed in five categories.

Mintal barangay captain Ramon Bargamento II led the opening rites. Also in attendance were barangay councilor Benedict Adan, purok leader Rizalino Sobrapena and DFA president Rafael Vilela.

Sun Star Davao

Wednesday News----August 18th,2010

MassLive has a story about Havens being named the starting QB and other training camp news.

MassLive also has an article that says the UMass team feels united.

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Seeing I'm on a tighter schedule, here's a link to a Google search about Victor Cruz's monster day. I don't have time to look at most of them like I usually do. He certainly made a media impact.

Matty Vautour says he was on Cruz control.

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I've blogged before about UMass recruit Delaire. The Hartford Courant says he's up to 6-4 235.

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Yesterday was the first UMass Media Day I've missed in a while. No media guide also makes a hole in my collection going back to 1980.

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The Boston Herald say UMass is glad to have ex-Huskies.

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I'll try to do some more work on the blog this evening. We're off to Mesa Verde National Park.