30 seconds left.

Lafayette just scored.

Here comes the onside kick ....


Henley gets it

Mike McLeod, 3rd down play, takes draw and runs for 45-yard touchdown, almost tripped up at 25.

Yale 37-27.

The Leopards have scored 13 straight, the last set up by an interception at the Yale 27.

QB Brad Mauer just scored on delayed keeper for 27-yard score.

Matt Polhemus and Mike McLeod continue to play well, leading Yale on 11 play 64-yard drive to put Bulldogs up 30-14 with 1:19 left.

Polhemus is playing with great poise. He got popped on a 3rd and 7 play to keep drive going, finding Ashley Wright for a 17-yard gain.

McLeod is a bull out there. He had a 17-yard gain, then later scored from a yard out with 1:19 left.

McLeod 5 rushes for 28 yards on drive.

19 for 68 for game.

Wright has four catches for 151 yards.

Mike McLeod just scored from 1-yard out after a gorgeous 54-yard pass from Matt Polhemus to Ashley Wright. Polhemus rolled left and hit Wright in stride to the left side on the first drive of the second half.

Polhemus is having a breakout game. He can throw the ball a lot better than I've given him credit for.

Also, Yale's defensive line is getting good pressure on Lafayette QB Brad Mauer.

First downs
Yale 16 Lafayette 7

Yards
Yale 194 Lafayette 211

Time of possession
Yale 13:56 Lafayette 16:04

Rushing
McLeod 11-45
Polhemus 6-29

Passing
Polhemus 6-8 105 1 TD

Receiving
Wright 2-76
Johnson 2-17
Spence 1-8
Shooter 1-4

Sophomore Steve Santoro comes up with second INT in as many weeks playing in place of injured John Coombs.

INT was caused by a heavy pass rush from Yale.

Four turnovers in the first half.

And quickly.

Matt Polhemus just hit Ashley Wright in stride for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Best pass Polhemus has thrown. Perfect ball. Wright caught between two defenders at the 30 and ran in untouched.

Lafayette's strong safety Trey Martell seems to have hurt a hamstring.

5:21 left in first half. Yale 16-7.

Lafayette just scored on 28-yard post pattern after developing a run game. Brad Mauer to Travis Huston, who got behind the safeties.

Drive was 7 plays, 63 yards.

7:31 left in the second quarter.

How will Yale respond?

That's key.

Yale has recovered three fumbles already. Defense is really popping some people.

Latest caused by Joe Hathaway, recovered by Brendan Sponheimer.

Second fumble was just a drop by Lafayette running back that Bobby Abare jumped on after scramble.

Kevin Littleon had a massive hit to jar the ball loose, but it never looked like the Lafayette receiver had possession.

Jared Hamilton jumped on it at the Lafayette 44.

5 plays later, Matt Polhemus dropped back, saw nothing but wide open space down the middle of the field and took off for a 28-yard touchdown.

This is what makes him so dangerous. He just took off, cut a little to the left and was untouched for a touchdown.

Kimball's point after was wide left.

5 plays, 49 yards 1:22

Nice drive by Yale. Mike McLeod 4 carries, 29 yards, including gains of 14 and 10 yards. Running up the middle. Good surge by offensive line.

Alan Kimball 36 yard field goal, but high snap.

Just a reminder, game is on CSTV and will be replayed Monday at noon.

Wow!

Lafayette did a tremendous job on its renovation project at Fisher Field.

If no one told you, you would think this was a brand new stadium and not built in 1926.

The video scoreboard is very sharp. Word is Yale will get one by next year.

I'm all for keeping the old scoreboard in place, but adding one of these video scoreboards on the far end would be a significant upgrade.

The scoreboard is showing stats and information on each of the Lafayette players right now. A very nice touch.

Lafayette is putting $23 million into this facility. Amazing for a college of this size that plays at this level.

Here's the link

A lot is expected of the Yale defensive line this season.

Juniors Jared Hamilton, Brandt Hollander and Kirk Porter have all been recognized for their potential since arriving at Yale. They all took steps to reach that potential in Saturday’s 21-9 win at Cornell in the Ivy League opener for both.

Hamilton recovered a fumble in the end zone and Porter had a career-high seven tackles, including five solo stops. This, a week after a 43-17 loss to San Diego at home.

The Bulldogs will play at Lafayette at 1 p.m. Saturday on CSTV.

"I think the first game was kind of an eye opener because we all worked hard in the offseason, but just because we worked hard in the offseason doesn’t mean people are going to fall down for us," Porter said. "As a defensive line we played pretty well, but we’ve still got a ways to go to become the dominant line we believe we can become."

Stephen Schmalhofer, Bryan Kana and Joe Hathaway have provided depth.
Defensive ends Kyle Hawari, Brendan Sponheimer (11 tackles) and Chris Wright have also played well.

UNSUNG POSITION

Senior fullback Taylor Craig knows he’s not going to touch the ball much. In his third season as the starter, Craig has one carry for two yards this season, but was presented the "hammer award" this past week for a block he had.

"I didn’t get to touch the ball until my junior year here," said Craig, who had eight catches for 66 yards and rushed six times for 19 yards last season. "I’ve kind of come in with the mind set expect nothing and if you get something, then you are really happy about it. You’re pretty much a glorified offensive lineman and that’s what you’ve got to be. Everyone has their own role."
Craig realizes the role of fullback is diminishing.

"The game has definitely evolved into a more spread-out, offensively-attacking game and the fullback is traditionally a lead blocker on inside runs and now, a lot of offensive systems are eliminating that role and adding another receiver," Craig said, "It’s kind of a dying breed, but I’m happy to have my role."

ABOUT LAFAYETTE

The Leopards (2-2) started the year 2-0 and were ranked as high as No. 22 in the SportsNetwork I-AA poll.

Lafayette has lost two straight, both to Ivy League teams, falling to Penn 21-11 and Princeton 26-14.

Lafayette plays at Harvard a week from Saturday to conclude four straight games against Ivy opponents.

EXTRA POINTS

Craig shaved his beard over the weekend, but not because the Bulldogs won.
"My mom told me to do so, I had to," he said.

Lafayette’s Fisher Stadium, built in 1926, is in the midst of a $23 million renovation. Fisher Stadium has FieldTurf.

Lafayette and Yale are playing for the first time since 1991. Lafayette returns to Yale in 2009 and 2011. Yale returns to Lafayette in 2012.

Offensive Line

Jeff Monaco LG

Defenive Line

Kyle Hawari DE

Defensive Back

Casey Gerald

Offensive Back

Mike McLeod

Special Teams

Steve Santoro

Hammer

Taylor Craig

Junior safety John Coombs is still out with a shoulder injury, but the MCL sprain on sophomore right tackle Darius Dale was listed as minor, so he could play this week.

Not only does Lafayette post its quotes from its weekly press conference it also provides video.

They also are pretty proud of this $23 million project on Fisher Field. They have a web cam view, but not working on my work computer, but still worth giving it a try

If doesn't work here's the general link with information on the project that includes pictures.

By Sean Barker
Sports Editor

ITHACA, N.Y. — Paul Rice, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound freshman, made sure he came to New Haven to be with his Yale teammates early this summer, a rarity at this level.


“I knew I was forfeiting some time with my friends, but I wanted to get up here as early as possible, learn the defense and get as much of a head start as I could.”


It paid off.


Rice, from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, made a key play in the fourth quarter, stepping in front of, and knocking down a pass intended for Cornell wide receiver Jesse Baker in the end zone.

Yale was holding onto a 14-6 lead with 7:32 left and that third down stop forced Cornell to kick its third field goal in a 21-9 loss.


“That was a great play he made. He’s going to be a really good football player,” Yale coach Jack Siedlecki said. “He’s a big defensive player. He looks more like a linebacker than a defensive back. He’s going to be an impact player for us and that play in the end zone was the first of many he’s going to make.”


Rice also made two tackles.


“I got put in some good positions today and made the most of my opportunities,” Rice said.

SPECIAL SANTORO

Sophomore Steve Santoro continues to make an impact. A week after
returning a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, Santoro returned four kickoffs for 102 yards, helping Yale, which had an average starting field position of its own 37 for the game and its own 40 for the second half. “I’m just getting better blocking,” said Santoro, who has returned kicks since his junior year of high school, but had not returned one for a touchdown until last weekend. “Steve Santoro has certainly become a threat on returns,” Siedlecki said. “He’s made an impact.” Santoro also intercepted a Nathan Ford pass on the second play of the second half.

DALE INJURED

Sophomore right tackle Darius Dale left the game after the first series with a sprained MCL, suffered on McLeod’s first touchdown. He spent the first half on crutches, then returned in street clothes in the fourth quarter. Dale did not start the opener because of an infection in his left leg.

Sophomore cornerback Casey Gerald hurt his left hand (he said X-rays did not show a break), but returned with a cast and ran right on the field to play.

EXTRA POINTS

Senior Chandler Henley is happy his face won’t be itching anymore. Henley had promised himself he was not going to shave until Yale won. The scruffy beard was to be shaved this weekend. Sean Barker can be reached at sbarker@nhregister.com

By Sean Barker
Sports Editor


ITHACA, N.Y. — Yale has played prettier games in recent years. But the Bulldogs didn’t need pretty Saturday in their Ivy League football opener at Cornell. They needed a win.

Yale came together in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points to defeat the Big Red 21-9.

Congregating outside the visitor’s locker room, waiting to board their buses, players laughed and joked and spent time with their parents. Some coaches smoked cigars. Everyone smiled.

Someone mentioned with the win there would be movies on the bus. A loss, and players faced six hours in silence and darkness with only their thoughts to keep them company.

Yale desperately wanted to avenge the loss to San Diego in its season opener last week. Instead, the Bulldogs fell behind early en route to a 43-17 loss and were never able to do anything they wanted to do.

For three quarters against Cornell, Yale’s offense never truly clicked. But it responded in the fourth.


Sophomore quarterback Matt Polhemus was a modest 9-for-19 passing for 131 yards, but he completed 4 of 6 for 46 yards in the fourth quarter, including converting on each of Yale’s three third downs. He also had a rushing play of 26 yards.


“That last drive, we knew we had to do it,” Polhemus said.


Sophomore tailback Mike McLeod rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 3 against Holy Cross last year. McLeod rushed for 49 yards on 10 carries in the fourth quarter.


“We were running dive and getting 6 yards every time,” said Yale senior captain and wide receiver Chandler Henley, who caught a third-down pass between two defenders to keep Yale’s final scoring drive going.


“Offensively at the end, we made plays,” Yale coach Jack Siedlecki said. “Our big-play players made plays when they had to. It was not a pretty offensive ballgame, but I don’t think we’re going to be a pretty offensive team this year, but that’s the way it is. We’re a little bit different style. We’re going to run the quarterback and Mike a lot. We’re going to have to play good defense and on special teams.”


They did Saturday.


Yale’s defense held Cornell to three field goals despite the Big Red reaching at least the Yale 22 five times.


Yale stopped Cornell on a fourth down play at the 22 and forced a fumble on Cornell’s first drive at the Yale 1, recovering the ball in the end zone.Yale’s special teams helped get the Bulldogs an average starting spot to their own 37.


“That’s how you become confident,” said Siedlecki, whose Bulldogs visit Lafayette Saturday at 1 p.m. “You make plays, get excited about them, and then believe you’re going to make another one. We have to teach on the negatives because we had some bad things happen to us, but we need to build off our success.”


Sean Barker can be reached at sbarker@nhregister.com.

Lafayette 0-2 against Ivy League this year. Read Express Times story.

-- Yale has had more explosive teams in the past, but this team did what many could not in the past: it found ways to win. Yale made several big plays. Teams in the past could put up 400-plus yards of offense and still lose. They have been known to score 44 points and lose.


The defense made big stops. The offense made clutch plays. People will take that over big numbers anyday.

Of course this was against Cornell, and not Harvard, Penn or Brown, but it's a good start.

-- It was refreshing to see Mike McLeod running between the tackles and not just taking pitches left and right. Yale used a lot of double tight end sets, even starting both Langston Johnson and Dave Miller. There are times to get McLeod outside, but he is quick enough to hit a hole up the middle and the offensive line is good enough to get a surge consistently.


-- It won't be long until teams start kicking away from sophomore Steve Santoro. He is so quick and sees the field very well. He looks like he has a chance to go all the way each time he makes a return. And the interception on defense? The kid's a player.

-- Speaking of players. Paul Rice came up with a huge tip in the back of the end zone. A 6-2 defensive back. Pretty nice luxury. Put a 5-8 DB back there for that play and Cornell sophomore QB has a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and the Big Red pull to within 14-12 and could be going for two points and the tie.

-- Senior linebacker Chris Barry is making the most of his opportunity. Losing Lee Driftmier (shoulder) was big, but Barry really has stepped in and done a terrific job. He had nine tackles Saturday and has 17 for the season.

-- Cornell will win four games in the Ivy League. Nathan Ford is a solid QB. Both lines are huge. Luke Siwula is an exceptional back. The Big Red typically get better as the season goes on for coach Jim Knowles.

-- There are several small towns and plenty of farmland on the road to Cornell. Route 17 seems to go on forever. My favorite town: Deposit, N.Y. There are signs as you enter declaring the town of Deposit has an ATM.

Injuries in ’05 bond Littleton, Henley

Kevin Littleton was in a hospital bed at Yale-New Haven Hospital in August 2005 when he got the call.
“They told me to make some space in my room,” Littleton said.
Wide receiver Chandler Henley had broken his collarbone, the day Littleton had surgery to repair his mangled right ankle.At the time, both were miserable. Their football seasons were finished before they had a chance to get started.
But the adversity strengthened their friendship and their desire to play the game.Yale (4-6, 4-3 Ivy League last season) opens its 134th season Saturday at noon at a restored Yale Bowl against San Diego (2-0).
“It’s hard to explain how excited I am for this game, and for the rest of the season, too,” said Henley, who led Yale with six touchdown catches in 2004.Said Littleton, “We’re both so excited to play. We’ve got a new energy this year as a team. The day I got hurt, the whole team came to visit us at the hospital, the coaches and (athletic director Tom) Beckett. That meant a lot.”
Littleton, who will start at cornerback this season, was hurt the first day of full contact in 2005.
Henley and Littleton each went to every game and they rehabbed together.
“As disappointing as it is to get hurt, we developed a close bond through it,” Henley said. “It also helped having all of the guys come in. At that point, everything feels so negative, but in the end, it pales in comparison to the adversity you’re going to go through in life.”
It’s advice they can now pass on to teammates who will miss this season, such as linebacker Lee Driftmier and safety Nick Solakian, both out for the year with shoulder injuries.
“You have to look toward the end.” Henley said. “This season it seems frustrating for them, but if they can feel like I feel right now, as excited as I am to play this week for the opener, it all becomes worth it.”
RESTORED BOWL
Beckett said “95 percent” of the work on Phase I of the Yale Bowl restoration project is complete.Only work on a few portals remains. The interior work, with a wider concourse around the Bowl, is complete.The rest should be done by Oct. 15. After Saturday, Yale plays three straight games on the road and returns to play host to Lehigh on Oct. 14.He said he hopes Phase II, which will include a new halftime room, entry plaza and video scoreboard, will start at the conclusion of this season.YOUTH DAYYale will hold its annual Youth Day Saturday. The event started 65 years ago, and will include youth football games beginning at 9 a.m., a youth clinic and free admission for children 14 and under.
MOM KNOWS BEST
Each year the captain is responsible for coming up with the slogan on the team T-shirt.Henley’s mom, Diane, gets the credit this year. She sent her son John C. Maxwell’s book “Teamwork makes the Dream Work,” which became Yale’s slogan.
TORERO TID-BITS
San Diego, which is ranked No. 1 in the Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major poll, has won 10 straight games and 19 of its past 20. The 10-game winning streak is the longest current streak in I-AA.The Toreros will arrive Thursday night and practice at Yale Bowl Friday afternoon.
BULLDOG BITES
Sophomore tackle Darius Dale practiced Tuesday and took part in sprints at the conclusion. Dale has an infection in his leg and is not expected to start. Yale football coach Jack Siedlecki said if doctors clear Dale, he could play Saturday.
Yale’s games at Cornell (Sept. 23) and at Dartmouth (Oct. 7) will be on Sirius radio.

This was a really fun story to write on Steve Basserman. He's just a super guy with a great sense of humor.

Sports Network picks Yale 3rd in its preseason poll.

A website called sportingnewsct.com is webcasting tape-delayed versions of the Dick Galiette Yale media luncheon each week. The luncheons take place Tuesdays. It should be on the website by Wednesday mornings.

Here's a link.

http://www.sportingnewsct.com/

Here's the depth chart for San Diego game. Comments from Yale SID staff.

YALE 2006 DEPTH CHART

vs. San Diego, Sept. 16

DEFENSE

DE 90 Kyle Hawari (So, 6-5, 240) Played in 9 games but no starts as frosh
52 Michael McGinity (Sr, 6-4, 242) Limited to 3 games by injury in 2005

DT 97 Jared Hamilton (Jr, 6-3, 240) 2 of 3 solo stops were sacks last fall
95 Joe Hathaway (So, 6-5, 260) Owns Clifton HS shotput record with 53'9"

M 94 Brandt Hollander (Jr, 6-3, 255) 3-time DL MVP in 2005
60 Bryan Kana (So, 6-4, 270) All-Area in high school football and lax

DT 93 Kirk Porter (Jr, 6-3, 255) 9 starts in 2005
98 Stephen Schmalhofer (Jr, 6-5, 250) Best vertical jump among Yale defensive linemen

DE 99 Brendan Sponheimer (Sr, 6-4, 235) 10 starts in first varsity campaign
37 Chris Wright (Sr, 6-2, 212) Also the long snapper

LB 44 Bobby Abare (So, 6-2, 210) ay-bear Won 4 team weekly awards as frosh
51 Michael Woodson (Sr, 6-1, 220) Two varsity letters and one start

LB 59 Chris Barry (Sr, 5-11, 220) Injury slowed him last fall, also a snapper
29 Jason Palumbo (So, 6-2, 210) Fastest among the Yale linebackers

CB 2 Kevin Littleton (Sr, 5-9, 172) Injured in 2005 pre-season and did not play
5 Paul Rice (Fr, 6-2, 220) Only frosh on defensive 2 deep

SS 32 Larry Abare (So, 6-1, 205) Shared ’05 Yale Special Teams Award with his twin
42 Matt Coombs (Jr, 6-0, 200) red shirted at U. Washington in 2003

FS 12 John Coombs (Jr, 6-2, 195) Played 9 games last year
14 Steve Santoro (So, 6-0, 195) Also returns kicks

CB 1 Casey Gerald (So, 5-11, 180) Father played at Ohio State and with Eagles
19 Andrew Liyana (Jr, 5-11, 180) Played JV the last two years

OFFENSE

SE 30 Ashley Wright (Sr, 6-4, 215) 10 TDs last fall rank 4th at Yale
20 Jordan Spence (Sr, 5-8, 175) 51-yard TD vs. Brown was Yale's longest run in '05

TE 86 Dave Miller (or) (Sr, 6-4, 260) 1st career TD at USD in 2005
17 Langston Johnson (Jr, 6-2, 235) 2 catches last fall

LT 76 Ed McCarthy (Sr, 6-5, 302) 29 straight starts; pre-season All-America
53 Dan DeBoer (Sr, 6-4, 270) Played in 4 games in ’05 as backup

LG 56 Brett Crandall (Sr, 6-2, 275) 21 straight starts; did 2-year Mormon mission
73 Ty Davis (So, 6-2, 260) Enjoys acting

C 77 Nick Wachtler (Jr, 6-4, 270) walk-ler Father drafted by Vikings in '84 from St. John's (Minn)
73 Ty Davis (So, 6-2, 260) Enjoys acting

RG 70 Steve Bassermann (Sr, 6-4, 305) Making 1st start; voted most humorous yale player
57 Tom Woznicki (Jr, 6-3, 285) Played JV last two years

RT 54 Jeff Monaco (Jr, 6-4, 280) HS heavyweight county wrestling champ
61 Jay Leybourn (Sr, 6-2, 280) Played lax in HS

FL 8 Chandler Henley (Sr, 6-1, 195) Missed ’05 with injury
80 D.J. Shooter (Sr, 6-1, 180) 4th on team with 16 grabs in ‘05

QB 11 Matt Polhemus (Jr, 6-2, 210) Led Exeter squad to first perfect year since '57
7 Ryan Fodor (So, 6-2, 210) Former CT Player of the Year

FB 10 Taylor Craig (Sr, 6-1, 250) Started first 7 games ’05 before injury
35 Joe Fuccillo (Jr, 5-10, 215) Started last 3 games of 2005

TB 28 Mike McLeod (So, 5-11, 200) 2005 Ivy Rookie of the Year
33 Matt Murray (Sr, 6-1, 215) Has also played LB for Yale

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK 48 Alan Kimball (Jr, 6-4, 220) Career-high 3 FGs at Columbia (career-long 41-yarder)
43 Tom Mante (Fr, 6-1, 200) Starting punter

H 89 Jimmy Lewis (Sr, 6-4, 205) Played JV last three years
8 Chandler Henley (Sr, 6-1, 195)

LS 37 Chris Wright (Sr, 6-2, 212) Also a DE

SS 22 Dan Sica (Jr, 6-0, 205) Started last year

P 43 Tom Mante (Fr, 6-1, 200) First frosh starter at P since Chandler Henley
30 Ashley Wright (Sr, 6-4, 215) Starting punter in all 10 games in 2005

PR 8 Chandler Henley (Sr, 6-1, 195) Returned punts as junior in 2004
80 D.J. Shooter (Sr, 6-1, 180) Had 8.8 yard receiving avg. last year

KR 14 Steve Santoro (So, 6-0, 195) Also plays DB
20 Jordan Spence (Sr, 5-8, 175)

Sounds like it's going to be worth the trip to Lafayette. Read more about Fisher Stadium renovations in the Express Times

http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/article.asp?intID=5384

Link to another story on Ed McCarthy

http://www.connpost.com/sports/ci_4311701

There are a lot of interesting family ties to this year's team, not just the McCarthy family.

Family tree

A closer look at some family ties for the Yale football team:
Steve Basserman: Grandfather Ambrose McGowan (‘32) played baseball and basketball at Yale. Peter Boisi: Brother Zach (‘01) was All-Ivy selection in track at Yale.
Mike Cautero: Brother Matt (‘06) played football at Yale.
Darius Dale: Related to NFL great Jerry Rice and fromer U Miami basketball star Darius Rice.
Joe Dennison: Father Rick played nine seasons for Denver Broncos and is now their offensive coordinator.
Ken Ebeling: Father played football at Colgate and two exhibition seasons in NFL with Bengals and Patriots.
Joe Fuccillo: Brother Dominick played football at Princeton.
Casey Gerald: Father Rod played quarterback and wide receiver at Ohio State and one season with Eagles.
Jared Hamilton: Father Larry played for 1984 BYU national champion football team.
Kevin Littleotn: Brother Ray (‘02) played football at Yale.
Chris McClowry: Father Patrick and uncles Bob and Terry played at Michigan State. Bob was drafted by Browns in 1973, Terry was drafted by Giants in 1975.
Stephen Schmalhofer: Father Stephen was all-Southern Conference football player at William and Mary.
Dan Sica: Cousin of former Ravens standout Tony Siragusa
Brendan Sponheimer: Father John was two-time All-Ivy defensive end at Cornell. Brother Brian was three-year letterman at Harvard.
David Thomas: Grandfather Harvey holds current 100-yard dash record set against Yale in 1942 at 9.6 seconds.
Nick Wachtler: Father Kurt played at Division III power St. John’s (Minn.) and was drafted by Vikings in 1974.
Tim Handlon: Brother Matt (‘06) played at Yale.
Max Newton: Father Mark was captain of Amherst football team.
Austin Pulsipher: Father played football at Brigham Young. Uncle Daniel was All-America kicker at Utah.
Rodney Reynolds: Cousin of track star Evelyn Ashford.
Paul Rice: Father Louis played at Harvard.
Brandon Scott: Related to Freddie Shepard, who pitched and played outfield in the Negro Leagues for six different teams between 1943 and 1948 and went on to play minor league baseball between 1948 and 1950.
Richie Scudellari: Father Richard was linebacker and captain at Boston College. Daniel Senn: Uncles Tommy and Louis founded Borders Bookstore.
John Sheffield: Brother David (‘06) played at Brown.
Joe Traynor: Father Patrick was All-American track and country runner at Villanova and an international runner for five years after college.

Sets of Brothers on this year’s team

Larry and Bobby Abare
Matt and John Coombs
Kevin and Thomas McCarthy
Eric and Daniel Senn
Jordan and Rylan Spence

Official two deep will be released Tuesday



WR
Ashley Wright 6-4 215 Sr.
Jordan Spence 5-0 180 Sr.
lt
Ed McCarthy 6-5 302 Sr.
Dan Deboer 6-4 270 Sr.
lg
Brett Crandall 6-2 280 Sr.
Steve Bassermn 6-4 305 Sr.
c
Nick Wachtler 6-4 280 Jr.
Ty Davis 6-2 260 So.
rg
Jeff Monaco 6-4 290 Jr.
Tom Woznicki 6-3 285 Jr..
rt
*Darius Dale 6-4 310 Sr.
Jay Leybourn 6-2 280 Sr.
te
David Miller 6-4 260 Sr.
Langston Johnson 6-2 235 Jr.
tb
Mike McLeod 5-11 200 So.
Matt Murray 6-1 215 Sr.
fb
Taylor Craig 6-1 250 Sr.
Joe Fuccillo 5-10 220 Jr.
qb
Matt Polhemus 6-2 210 Jr.
Ryan Fodor 6-2 210 So.
we
Chandler Henley 6-1 195 Sr.
D.J. Shooter 6-0 180 Sr.
de
Brendan Sponheimer 6-4 235 Sr.
Chris Wright 6-2 212 Sr.
dt
Kirk Porter 6-3 270 Jr.
Stephen Schmalhofer 6-5 250 Jr.
mg
Brandt Hollander 6-3 260 Jr.
Kirk Porter 6-3 270 Jr.
dt
Jared Hamilton 6-3 250 Jr.
Joe Hathaway 6-5 270 Sr.
de
Kyle Hawari 6-5 260 So.
Michael McGinity 6-4 242 Sr.
lB
Bobby Abare 6-2 210 So.
Michael Woodson 6-1 220 Sr.
lB
Chris Barry 5-11 225 Sr.
Jason Palumbo 6-2 210 So.
CB
Casey Gerald 5-11 180 So.
Andrew Liyana 5-11 180 Jr.
CB
Kevin Littleton 5-9 175 Sr.
Paul Rice 6-2 220 Fr.
FS
John Coombs 6-2 200 Jr.
Matt Coombs 6-0 200 Jr.
ss
Larry Abare 6-1 205 So.
Matt Coombs 6-0 200 Jr.
ls
Chris Wright 6-2 212 Sr.
ss
Dan Sica 6-0 205 Jr.
p
Tom Mante 6-1 200 Fr.
David Silberstein 6-2 225 Jr.
pk/k
Alan Kimball 6-4 220 Jr.
Tom Mante 6-1 200 Fr.
h
Chandler Henley 6-1 195 Sr.
kr
Steve Santoro 6-0 195 So.
ordan Spence 5-8 180 Sr.
pr
Chandler Henley 6-1 195 Sr.
*If Dale cannot play,
Monaco would play tackle
and Basserman and Woznicki would share the guard spot

I guess I should link my own stories.

A story on senior Ed McCarthy. Fun piece to write.

http://www.nhregister.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17174728&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517515&rfi=8

Yale coach Jack Siedlecki expected to hold an intrasquad scrimmage today at Clint Frank Field. Practice is 4:15-6:15.

Will be 1s vs. 2s.

As we approach opening kickoff Saturday, Sept. 16 against San Diego, I can't help but wonder what attendance will be like this season.

Yale, or shall I say its alumni, have put in a great deal of money to restore one of the crown jewels of athletic facilities. More than $30 million has been raised.

The Bowl, built in 1914, looks terrific. Phase I won't be complete until October, but the work is nearly complete and the results really are phenomenal. Seeing one or two portals restored gave a glimpse of what was to come; seeing newly formed walls and portals for as far as the eye can see stops you in your tracks. Once the grass is given a year to grow in above the walls, Wow, it's going to be impressive.

But will it help attendance?

Winning helps, no question.

But many people work on Saturdays now. When they're not working, they're bringing their kids to soccer, Pop Warner, dance recitals, fall baseball, fall lacrosse, etc., etc., etc.

If they want to watch college football, they can spend 12 hours in front of an HDTV seeing games from all over the country. Dozens of games. Is it the same as walking through the fields, smelling barbecue, listening to a college band, hearing the hits (not even surround sound gives you the feel of a jolting tackle on a kickoff.

People flocked to Jacobs Field and Oriole Park at Camden Yards and even to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. A stadium is part of the draw.

One alum recently told me the crowds of yesteryear are similar to the "big one that got away" ... the myth grows as time goes on. "We drew a lot more than they do now, but there were still a lot of seats left."

Over the past few years, sans Harvard, too many seats have been left vacant.

One only wonders if $30 million of restoration to one of the most historic stadiums in the country will be enough to draw people back.

We'll find out soon.

Quarterback mentions Yale, Princeton as possible places to play.

From the Tribune in Northern Colorado

Here's a high school player from West Virginia who says he's interested in playing college football, possibly at Yale.

I've learned with recruiting, however, high school players can say they want to play anywhere.

But if I come across players who say they are interested in Yale, I will post them and follow-up.




http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/Sports/2006090130



In the spotlight
ATHLETE: Matt Hartsog
SCHOOL: Hurricane
CLASS: Senior


SPORT: Football, basketball, wrestling
HIGHLIGHTS: A 6-foot, 200-pound football captain of the AAA Redskins, played outside linebacker, halfback, tailback and fullback; selected second-team All-MSAC and special mention all-state linebacker and Hurricane's defensive player of the year; in 2005, the team went 8-4 and was 12th going into the playoffs; last season was second time the team advanced farther than first round in playoffs and team posted five shutouts. ... Played basketball as freshman and sophomore and was a wrestler as a junior. ... Would like to play football in college.
PERSONAL: Overall grade-point average of 4.08; treasurer of Beta Club; member, National Honor Society, Teenage Republican Club, Key Club, Future Scientific Engineers of America, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Toyota Robotics Competition team; received Outstanding Young West Virginian Award and participated in Governor's Honors Academy, Math Field Day and is included in National Honor Roll and Who's Who Among American High School Students. ... Eagle Scout and junior assistant scout master and senior patrol leader. ... Member of Catholic Church of the Ascension. ... College plans undecided, but would like to major in engineering at West Virginia University, the U.S. Naval Academy or Yale; son of Kent and Rosanne Hartsog.
ATHLETE: Mackenzie Maier
SCHOOL: Charleston Catholic
CLASS: Senior
SPORT: Basketball
HIGHLIGHTS: A 6-foot, 2-inch four-year varsity starter for the Class A Irish; entering senior year with 1,591 points; as a junior averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots per game; shot 93 percent from the foul line in 2005-2006 season; became only the second Kanawha Valley girls player to reach 1,000 points in her sophomore year; her 47 consecutive free throws last season broke a school record, a Kanawha County record and ranked fifth nationally for girls basketball all-time consecutive free throws; the team finished 22-4 in her junior year, 24-2 in 2004-2005 and 18-5 in 2003-2004; selected first-team all-state and West Virginia State Tournament all-tournament team in freshman, sophomore and junior years; awarded 24-Hour Fitness national player of the week finalist and West Virginia's Associated Press co-player of the week for Jan. 21, 2006.
PERSONAL: Overall grade-point average of 4.2; four-year member of Latin Club and earned cum laude on the national Latin exam; member of yearbook staff and junior prom committee; active member of Blessed Sacrament Church in South Charleston and junior camp counselor for Camp Tygart through church; participated in HOPE, an emergency home repair outreach ministry and volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. ... Daughter of John and Terri Maier.

From the Lehigh website: http://www.lehighsports.com

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh battled a tough Albany team and adverse weather conditions in Saturday’s season opener at Goodman Stadium, but a pair of Lehigh punting miscues led to nine Albany points as the Great Danes held off the Mountain Hawks 17-16, and spoiled Andy Coen’s debut as Lehigh head coach. The Brown and White battled back late and had a shot at a game-winning field goal, but sophomore Jason Leo’s kick fell short and Lehigh dropped its season opener for the first time since 1997.

"Obviously you never want to lose," explained Coen. "But these kids played hard and I know they will bounce back. They worked hard in preparing for this game, but we just had to make a few more plays." He added, "The conditions were definitely not ideal, but Albany had to play in them too, so give them credit."

The wet weather – a steady rain with gusts of wind – made an immediate impact on play. A bad snap on a Lehigh’s first punt attempt forced the Mountain Hawks to take an early safety. Lehigh’s deficit would be short-lived though, as on Albany’s first play after the free kick, Great Danes’ quarterback Daniel Bocanegra fumbled the snap and Lehigh senior linebacker Micah Greene pounced on the loose ball and ran 52 yards to give Lehigh a 7-2 lead.

The Great Danes took an 11-7 lead late in the second quarter following three field goals by Jason Fralicker. Lehigh’s two minute offense however, propelled the Mountain Hawks to late touchdown as junior quarterback Sedale Threatt connected with junior wide receiver Lee Thomas on an 11 yard scoring pass, after the two connected on a 42 yard pass earlier in the drive. The extra point attempt failed and the Mountain Hawks led 13-11 at the break.

Threatt experienced success throwing the ball in the wet conditions, connecting on seven of nine passes for 94 yards in the opening 30 minutes.

Lehigh maintained its lead through the third quarter, but a second bad snap on a punt gave Albany the ball on the Mountain Hawks’ one yard line. On the first play of the fourth quarter Omar Johnson scored on a one yard plunge, and after a failed two-point conversion Albany led 17-13.

Leo pulled Lehigh within one with a 28 yard field goal with just under 10 minutes to play. Lehigh would get the ball back twice more, with the first possession resulting in a punt and the second, a drive that featured two big third-down conversions, resulting in a missed field goal.

Threatt finished the day 14 of 26 for 140 yards passing. Sophomore tailback Matt McGowan rushed 16 times for 72 yards to lead the ground attack, while Thomas caught four passes for 87 yards.

"The footing was much better than I thought it would be," McGowan said after the game. "I thought it would be more like the Holy Cross game from last year when you could not even stand up."

The Mountain Hawks will return to the gridiron on Saturday, September 9 when they travel to Villanova. Kick-off is set for 6:00 pm with audio coverage on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320, as well as online at lehighsports.com. Pregame coverage gets underway at 5:00 pm.

EXTRA POINTS: Heavy rains forced the postponement of Kids Day activities outside the stadium prior to kickoff… twenty tarps were used, including those from Lehigh’s baseball and softball fields, to protect the field from rain on Friday afternoon… 1,812 fans braved the rain and wind to watch Lehigh open its 123rd season of football… the teams combined for 12 fumbles, but only two were lost... The last time Lehigh lost a season opener was 1997, when Fordham defeated the Mountain Hawks 42-35 in overtime.

Lafayette won 25-14 in Fairfield at Sacred Heart.

Last year Central Connecticut upset Colgate 24-22.

A few years ago there was no way anyone would think the Northeast Conference could be close to competitive with the Patriot League.

From the San Diego website

Toreros Shutout Azuza Pacific 27-0 In Home Opener USD Sets New School Record With 14th Straight Home Victory


Sept. 1, 2006
Final Stats
(SAN DIEGO, CA) - The USD Toreros (1-0), ranked No. 1 in preseason polls among I-AA Mid-Major programs, opened the 2006 season in fine fashion with a convincing 27-0 home victory over the 11th-ranked NAIA Azusa Pacific Cougars (0-1) before 4,467 fans. The Toreros, looking to continue their winning ways under 3rd-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, set a new school record with their 14th straight home win at Torero Stadium dating back to the 2004 season. After going 8-0 at home last year, the Toreros were tied with a mark that dated back over a three-season span between 1980-82. The Torero defense held Azusa to just 113 yards of offense, while juniors Josh Johnson and JT Rogan paced the USD offense with two rushing scores each.
"I am very proud of our guys on both sides of the ball," said Coach Jim Harbaugh. "Azusa is a scholarship team, but we executed well tonight and our defense made a definite statement. That we are going to be a physical team this season. I was so proud of our goal line stand and in shutting out our opponent. So there again, that is just more proof of our defensive statement."
The Toreros got their first touchdown with 5:24 left in the first quarter when running back JT Rogan scored on a 3-yard run, culminating a 9-play, 52-yard drive that took 4:22. In the second quarter a Josh Johnson 7-yard run with 12:10 left gave USD a 13-0 advantage. Azusa followed with their own impressive drive marching all the way down to the USD 3-yard line over 12 plays and approximately 8 ½ minutes. Facing a third-and-goal from the three, APU QB Ryan Bridges attempted a pass to the right corner of the end zone and Torero senior Chase McBride came up with the big interception. San Diego got the ball back with 3:18 left in the half and would go 80 yards in five plays with Johnson sprinting up the left sideline for a 29-yard touchdown score.

Both teams were held scoreless in the third period, and JT Rogan put the finishing touches on the final score with a 1-yard TD plunge with 13:21 to go. For the game Josh Johnson completed 11-21 passes for 138 yards, and rushed 7 times for 67 yards and 2 TDs. Rogan carried the ball 18 times for a total of 55 yards with 2 scores. Wide receiver Kenny Stivers turned in a nice game with 4 catches for 70 yards, while Ben Hannula hauled in 3 for 29 yards.
Defensively the Toreros turned in a solid group effort with five players netting 5 or more tackles. Senior corner back Josh Brisco led the team with 6 tackles, while Chase McBride, Jonathan Espe, Tyler Evans and Jared Forrester each chipped in with 5 stops. Besides McBride's interception, he also tallied two tackles for loss. Freshman punter John McSorley punted three times for 105 yards (35.0 ave.) with a long of 37 yards and one inside APU's 20-yard line.
The Toreros will gun for their 15th straight home win on Saturday, Sept. 9th when they host Dixie State College in a 6:00 p.m. contest.

Plenty of college football today, but Fox Sports Pittsburgh showing Jeff Mroz's alma-mater now, noon - 2 p.m., Central Catholic.

FS-Pittsburgh is on the sports package for DirecTV

This from the Bridgeport Bluefish site


FOOTBALL NIGHT AT HARBOR YARD--SEPTEMBER 2The Bridgeport Bluefish will be hosting Football Night Saturday, September 2, in celebration of the beginning of the NFL season.
All fans who wear an article of NFL apparel to the ticket window will get one dollar off regular ticket prices. The first 2,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a free ticket to the Yale football season opener against the University of San Diego on September 16 at the Yale Bowl in New Haven.
The game against the Atlantic City Surf, which beings at 7:05 p.m., will feature a mini-football giveaway sponsored by Pepsi. The mini-footballs will be distributed to the first 1,500 fans through the gates. The Bluefish players will also sign a mini Bluefish football helmet that will be auctioned off during the game.

Bruce Wood does a fantastic job with Dartmouth football.

A link to his site:


http://biggreenalertblog.blogspot.com

Some notes from Yale-Princton scrimmage:

-- Game was tied at 14 after first half, in which starters competed.

-- Mike McLeod scored both TDs for Yale, including 55-yard run.

-- McLeod also scored three times on goal-line drills.

-- Yale had two punts blocked, both breakdowns in protection. Freshman Tom Mante did have 60-yard punt according to Yale football coach Jack Siedlecki.

-- Siedlecki very pleased with play of junior DL Brandt Hollander.

-- Sophomore QB Ryan Fodor led Yale on 99-yard scoring drive in second half.

-- Yale punt team recovered fumble that led to score.

-- Princeton scores set up by interception from DL Mike Meehan and blocked punt.

Yale travels to co-Patriot champion Lafayette Sept. 30, but the Leopards play down the road from New Haven today at Sacred Heart of the Northeast Conference.

Some Lafayette players to watch:

Brad Maurer, Sr. QB (second-team All-Patriot selection)
Jonathan Hart, Sr. TB
Marvin Snipes, Sr. DE (All-Patriot)
Joe Ort, Sr. WR

Kickoff is 2 p.m. Game is on WHRT 91.5 FM

Lehigh also kicks off its season today against a Northeast Conference team, Albany, at 1 p.m. Yale plays host to Lafayette Oct 14.

Directions to Sacred Heart
Interstate 95 South. In Milford take Exit 38 to Merritt Parkway. Merritt Parkway (Route 15) South to Exit 47 (Park Ave.). Left off ramp. Main entrance to campus is through the first light on the right. Follow directions to the Pitt Center. It's at the top of the campus. Football field is in the back.