By Pat Cummings
D3sports.com
I don't know how you feel, but the offseason was too long. Let's take a week-by-week look at some of the best matchups throughout one of the most competitive regions in Division III.
Week 1
No. 7 Rowan at No. 16 Christopher Newport
The first of four consecutive home games for the Captains at shiny POMOCO Stadium, and possibly their most important. Glassboro is 323 miles from Newport News, so while this game does not qualify as a regional matchup for playoff considerations, the Captains will have revenge on their minds. The Profs took a one-point win in last year's opener after CNU missed three extra point attempts.
No. 12 Delaware Valley at Moravian
Scot Dapp's Moravian Greyhounds got off to their best start in school history last season with seven wins, only to lose their last four. Interestingly enough, it was the second consecutive season where Moravian lost their final four contests. Due to those always peculiar Middle Atlantic Conference scheduling intricacies, Moravian has not faced the Aggies since 2002. Chris Jacoubs gets the ground game going against a Del Val defense that lost MAC defensive player of the year Andrew Erby, along with two starters from the defensive secondary.
Emory and Henry at Marietta
The Don Montgomery era kicks off, naturally, in Ohio. Marietta courted Monty several years ago, but the head Wasp stayed on at Mount Union. Quarterback Todd Woods will have the E&H offense firing, but all eyes should be on the defense. After allowing 34.9 points per game in 2004, a defensive specialist was needed in Emory, and one of the best answered the call.
Averett at Maryville (Tenn.)
We welcome Tennessee into the coverage zone for this column as the Fighting Scots have finally found a home in the USAC and break right into conference action against the Cougars. While the USAC welcomes an eighth team, one wonders if they welcome the long travel distances that Maryville's location presents. Those who should worry most are the Scots. Their three USAC road trips to Shenandoah, Christopher Newport, and North Carolina Wesleyan are all longer than their two non-conference trips to Centre and Huntingdon. Maryville's USAC road games total 2814 round trip miles according to Mapquest.com. Enjoy!
Week 2
Alfred at Washington and Lee
Game one of a competitive I-81 double-header beginning in Lexington. The Generals have one of the best defenses in Division III and look to avenge a 23-8 loss against the Saxons in 2004.
Bridgewater at Shenandoah
Two hours north of W&L, it will be thunder in the hills of Winchester, under the lights at Shentel Stadium, when the Eagles once again travel north to take on the Hornets. A spectacular setting that witnessed a lopsided affair in 2004 before a Shenandoah record crowd of over 7,000. Expect another huge showing for this matchup, at Shenandoah for a second consecutive season.
Week 3
Franklin and Marshall at Hobart
The Diplomats versus the Statesmen. Depending on how you view politicians, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Or it could end up in a scoreless tie while the two debate who should be on the field first. F&M's 35-14 win against Hobart in 2004 was the lone regular-season defeat Hobart received.
Lycoming at Widener
Regardless of records, these two have played some marvelous games in the past, most notably the 1998, 2000 and 2002 finish. Be there.
Salisbury at Christopher Newport
CNU's gets another tough opponent at home as the Sea Gulls return to Newport News, where the Captains got the best of Salisbury in the first round of the 2004 playoffs.
Week 4
Washington & Jefferson at Emory and Henry
Two scoreboard operators were needed when these two met last season outside of Pittsburgh. W&J lit the Wasps early, leading 49-7 at the end of the first quarter. E&H's toughest non-conference opponent will be a stellar test for Don Montgomery's defense.
North Carolina Wesleyan at Methodist
The Battling Bishops posted a respectable 4-4 record in their first season and boast a roster of 141 players, all freshmen and sophomores, and very reminiscent of Christopher Newport's early growth. I expect NCWC to open up 3-0 with games against Newport News, Southern Virginia, and Huntingdon, but get their first test at Methodist, who finished 2004 with a 7-3 mark, their best since 2000.
Week 5
Bridgewater at Hampden-Sydney
H-SC grabbed defeat from the arms of victory in 2004, still trying to get back on top of the Eagles. Inexperience at the quarterback position, combined with a lackluster secondary could give the Tigers the upper hand in 2005. What has turned into a classic rivalry, albeit one-sided of late, should prove another fascinating renewal.
Muhlenberg at Franklin and Marshall
Another competitive Centennial matchup. If you miss it, it's your own fault. F&M started catching some eyes in 2004 with its 15-10 win over Muhlenberg in Allentown.
Shenandoah at Christopher Newport
The Captains stumbled in 2004 as the Hornets scored late at home, helping Shenandoah to earn its first playoff berth. Once again, CNU gets the advantage on its own turf. Expect a raucous bunch in Newport News as the Captains look to secure the USAC once again.
Guilford at Greensboro
A local classic in Greensboro between these crosstown rivals. The Pride and Quakers will duke it out under the lights in the ninth annual Gate City Soup Bowl, only after the two schools face-off to see which student body can collect more canned goods for the needy.
Week 6
Averett at Ferrum
The fans enjoyed a thriller in Danville last year as Averett skated by the Panthers, 46-44 in triple overtime. It was a game of inches for Ferrum in 2004 as three of their six losses came in extra sessions, while two other games were decided by seven points or fewer. The Cougars enjoyed their best season in history with a 6-4 mark in 2004 and look to improve their USAC standing.
Hampden-Sydney at Emory and Henry
If the Tigers get by Bridgewater, no doubt the main focus of Marty Favret's squad, the Wasps will be lying in wait, at home, attempting to play spoiler. Expect a high-scoring dogfight that may draw a true sellout to Fullerton Field.
Week 7
Albright at Delaware Valley
2004 brought the region some great games, and the meeting between the Lions and Aggies in Reading was a good one. John Port brings his illustrious arm to the windy Work Stadium in Doylestown.
Ithaca at Lycoming
The Bombers embarrassed the Warriors in the Empire State last season. Last year's contest signified the first non-conference regular season game in a long while for Lyco. Now Williamsport gets to experience it.
Week 8
Franklin and Marshall at Dickinson
Any renewal of the Conestoga Wagon game is a good one. Dickinson ruined F&M's chances at winning the Centennial outright in 2004 with a 17-14 upset win in Lancaster. For those who don't know it, the Wagon is a miniaturized version enclosed in a glass case. It would be a long ride to Carlisle, otherwise.
Randolph-Macon at McDaniel
The Yellow Jackets experienced a tumultuous 2004, nearly beating Shenandoah and Bridgewater, but losing to Newport News and eeking by lowly Catholic. Another year of experience under Pedro Arruza should set R-MC in the right direction. Depending upon how well McDaniel is playing, especially considering whether or not Brad Baer has found the passing game, this could be a fun fall afternoon in Westminster.
Week 9
Moravian at Lycoming
I'll be honest with you here -- no matter what Lyco's record was in 2004, a tough opponent traveling to Williamsport against a decent Warrior defense will be a difficult game. Frank Girardi has motivated teams for two generations and could play the role of spoiler.
Week 10
Johns Hopkins at Hampden-Sydney
Pool C alert! Hopkins remains a solid team that has found a way to trip amidst the parity of the Centennial. H-SC has found their lone hurdle to be Bridgewater. With four extra playoff berths available this season, both teams could end up on the losing end of their conference and find this regional matchup a key to one of those coveted spots. Oh, and J.D. Ricca needs to remain healthy. Just that small reminder!
McDaniel at Muhlenberg
How the Mules have struggled -- 0-12-1 in their last 13 games against McDaniel. Just like F&M above, an outright conference championship was lost with a narrow defeat at the hands of their Green Terror nemesis. Broderick Maybank will have the ground game flowing for McDaniel but the Mules defense, best in the country in 2004, will need to step up to save the day if only their offense finds its stride.
Widener at Salisbury
An intriguing matchup as these two hookup for the first time since 1984 in another late- season regional matchup. The Sea Gulls are only Pool B eligible and every game is of equal importance. Meanwhile, an improving Widener's lone non-conference game could play huge in Pool C tidings if their MAC record falls short.
Week 11
Hampden-Sydney at Randolph-Macon
Simply known as "The Game," this year's renewal will be the 111th in what is the south's oldest small college rivalry. While it hasn't been a close contest in recent years, thousands flock to "The Game."
Texas Lutheran at Hardin-Simmons
Obviously not a Mid-Atlantic region game, but literally a score to watch. I believe Texas Lutheran is a team on the rise and while they have a brutal schedule, the Bulldogs (not to mention the Cowboys) could be in a position to pick up a Pool C bid, and in so doing, take one away from a Mid-Atlantic team.
Johns Hopkins at McDaniel
These two are only separated by about 20 miles and are often much closer in the Centennial standings. This one should have playoff complications regardless.
Widener at Delaware Valley
Suburban Philadelphia institutions square off in a game that normally sees some heated confrontations on the field -- and even in the press box.
Mid-Atlantic Region Top 5
1. Delaware Valley
2. Hampden-Sydney
3. Christopher Newport
4. Moravian
5. Franklin and Marshall
Just a reminder: the above rankings are my subjective opinion. Deal with it. The Aggies are easy picks to start the season on top, but that could quickly change with their week one match with the Greyhounds, in Bethlehem. Expect to see the Tigers on the list for a while as they lack a competitive opponent until Bridgewater in Week 5. F&M is my pick to take the Centennial and has the best chance to run the table.
