"Don't get mad. Get better."-Billy Tubbs
No excuses.
Today was an absolute clinic hosted by GVSU. The 44-27 score won't look nearly as bad as we all know the game was when we look back at the scores in years to come but Hillsdale has smart kids and they learn from every experience. Today they learned about "playoff gear" and not the kind I sold like mad over the past two weeks on my website.
Iron sharpens iron. Today will make the Hillsdale program stronger.
Chuck Martin, Grand Valley's head coach said it pretty well in the post-game presser. "They like to play that 3 plays get a first down, slow, methodical game. We kept them from doing that today. Our biggest problem in the first one was we let them dictate and we got in that kind of game with them."
When Grand Valley can dictate the action, it is often overwhelming.
Probably the saddest part was to see the greatest class of players to come through in a long long time have to end their careers this way. It is pretty amazing to think Aaron Waldie and Tom Korte were the only 2 not redshirted out of the seniors that wore the white and blue for the last time today. Having Mat Szula today would have helped a bit. Wish he could have ended his career on the field and not hurt.
All in all, as bad as this game hurt to watch unfold, every single Charger fan in that place today was still beaming with pride with the type of year we had and believe Otter and crew will continue to deliver.
Fellas you made this football season so special! You energized a campus, a county, and the most loyal alumni base to be found for any small college. We all bled with you today and every single drop was Charger Blue! Remember every second of triumph and every lesson learned along the way.
In the immortal words of Dline coaching legend Bill Karpinski, "Don't be a flash in the pan."
Like every day, it is still a great day to be a Charger!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Some Random thoughts: Still a great day to be a Charger!
Holland Sentinel: WO grad looks to help Hillsdale tackle Grand Valley for a 2nd time
The Holland Sentinel
Hillsdale, MI —
The Hillsdale College football team lost some juice when its top linebacker graduated and earned a NFL tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers.But the Chargers got a jolt for their defense from David Bakker, a 6-foot-3, 229-pound sophomore from West Ottawa High School.
Bakker is the fifth-leading tackler for Hillsdale, which plays at Grand Valley State University in NCAA Division II playoff action Saturday at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
The winner advances to the national quarterfinals.
“Those are really big shoes to fill,” Hillsdale coach Keith Otterbein said, referring to Tom Korte, one of the Steelers’ final cuts before the regular season. “We don’t ask players to be more than they are. David has taken it to heart. He really has worked very hard at getting to the right spot within our defensive scheme. When you try to do someone else’s job, that’s when you have problems.”
The Chargers (10-2) are counting on Bakker to handle his assignments as they go for their second upset of third-ranked GVSU this season.
They beat Grand Valley 27-24 Oct. 10 at Hillsdale after the Lakers missed a game-tying, 45-yard field goal at the end of regulation. The loss ended the Lakers’ 48-game win streak in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, a stretch that lasted back to 2004.
Full Article
Friday, November 20, 2009
D2football.com: Tony Nicolette's GLIAC Column
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| November 17th, 2009 | |
| Excerpts from Tony's column: (Read the piece in its entirety.) It was a "good news, bad news" result for the GLIAC in the first round of the 2009 Playoffs as we sent two teams off to battle, and only one returned with a victory. The fact that we got three teams into the post-season (making up half of the SuperRegion 3 field) is still a great accomplishment, but being able to have those same three teams chew up four of the regional semi-final spots would have REALLY been cool. Let's hope we make it happen next year. Saturday, November 21 "The Rematch" #6 Hillsdale (10-2) at #2 Grand Valley (10-1) As most D2 fans know (and have likely discussed ad nauseum), the Chargers put a stop to Grand Valley's 48-game regular-season win streak back on October 10. It was certainly the biggest win of the last 20 years for the Hillsdale program, and it started the Chargers on their current six-game cruise into this weekend's Regional Semi-Final. Despite smarting a bit from the loss (of course), the Lakers have since been rather dialed-in as well having knocked off four straight opponents with winning records - and typically doing so in impressive fashion. Both clubs have been terrific over the last month or so, making the fact that they get to play each other again all the more exciting. Playoff rematches of a regular season game are nothing new for Grand Valley. Saturday's tilt will mark the sixth time in the last nine seasons that the Lakers have played a GLIAC foe during the playoffs that they faced during the regular season. Much like their meeting six weeks ago, Hillsdale will be faced with stopping a streak as the Lakers have won all five of the previous occurrences. Just like the first time around, there are several match-ups to watch. Hillsdale brings their GLIAC-best scoring offense in to face GV's GLIAC-best scoring defense. The Chargers were second in the league in total offense, GV was tops in total defense. Hillsdale was the best in the league at converting on third down, and the Lakers were unsurpassed at stopping opponents on third down. With all of that said, I really think the most important match-ups of this game will take place in the trenches as each boasts outstanding play from both of their offensive and defensive lines. Whichever club does a better job controlling things with their "big-uglies" should have the advantage. Hillsdale Keys - Men of Troy - When HC QB Troy Weatherhead is connecting on his passes and managing the game efficiently (both of which he does MOST of the time) the Chargers have been very difficult to beat. In the pre-match, he really didn't post numbers that were all that great but he completed a lot of short passes that successfully kept the Lakers off-balance. While he was solid enough the last time around, he may need a bit more of a "polished" performance in this one as the GV secondary has been decidedly better in their games since. - No "Secondary" Efforts - Much like Grand Valley's defensive backfield will be tested, it's a safe bet Hillsdale's will be too. The Chargers were only seventh in the league in stopping the pass this year. While Minnesota State was not a great passing team, when they needed to throw last week they were able to find success in several instances. GV QB Brad Iciek had a very good game last time around (22 of 29 for 261 and 2 TD's), so the Lakers should be plenty confident that they can throw the ball against this defense. One thing Hillsdale did well in the first game was to not give up the big play. They need to make sure they can accomplish the same this time around. - Home away from Home - Hillsdale fans have to be thrilled to have a trip for this one that is nearly 500 miles shorter than the one they had to make to watch their team last week. Add in the "rematch" factor, along with several West Michigan kids on the Charger roster and rumors are swirling that Hillsdale plans on making a TON of noise at The Shipyard. By the sounds of it, they did so last week even with that long trip to face a team they (essentially) didn't know so I wouldn't discount the rumors. The question now becomes: Will Grand Valley fans will stand by and let their place be overrun? Expect the Charger faithful to be out in force and doing whatever they can to give their kids any kind of an edge. Grand Valley Keys - Offense Front - Despite having different groupings all year due to injuries, experiments with guys in different spots, and even a big wave of the flu (that knocked out half the team a couple of weeks ago but REALLY hit this group), the line play over the last four weeks has really started to come together. During that stretch, the Lakers have rushed for more than 277 yards per game and have yielded only two sacks. If this bunch can continue to perform at that level the Laker offense should be able to move the ball and do so effectively. - Defensive Front - We talked the last time around about the size and physicality of the Hillsdale offensive line. While they didn't run the ball especially well when they met in October (only 58 net yards rushing for the Chargers), they did what they had to when it counted - especially in short yardage and goal line situations. Since that game, GV has done a lot to change their personnel and to move folks around, including Danny Richard who is proving to be as much of a havoc-wreaker from the inside as he is on the edge. If the GV front can cause some confusion for the HC line it could create blown assignments, free-running LB's, and excessive QB pressure that can really bog down the Hillsdale offense. - Finish, finish, finish - In the three losses GV has suffered over the last three seasons (including the pre-match) one common theme can be found: The Lakers didn't finish drives when they had the chance. This is an imperative, especially during the playoffs. When the Lakers get into the red zone they MUST come away with TD's as often as possible. It sounds elementary but momentum, game flow, play-calling, etc. are all affected by whether or not a team is able to score, build leads, control momentum, etc. This can not be a problem for the Lakers or they will find themselves in trouble once again. Prediction Over the past few days, I seem to have detected a bit of a consensus among a good portion of the Laker fan base that suggests they are expecting a repeat of last year's "rematch". In that instance, GV overcame a 15-point second half deficit against Ashland to win a 48-42 shootout during the regular season. Any anticipation of another wild affair in the playoffs was quickly doused as the Lakers had things over by halftime on their way to a 40-7 drubbing of the Eagles. Will that happen Saturday? A Laker blowout in the playoffs after a close game (or even a loss) in the regular season? I suppose it could. Am I expecting it? Not really. I stated last week that I thought that this year's Hillsdale team was superior to last year's Ashland club and I stand by that statement. With that said, when you put the stats and X's-&-O's aside I really look to a couple of key factors that favor the home-standers. The first is that the Lakers are FAR more seasoned in terms of getting things done in the post-season. For players in this GV senior class Saturday will mark the tenth playoff game of their careers. That's almost an entire season's worth of games more than their opponent, and the Lakers know how to get things done after the leaves have fallen. The second factor is the "playoff gear" that GV often displays. Some may frown upon it and/or not like it (or even dispute it), but the Lakers truly have shown the ability to ratchet things up once the post-season commences and to play at an elevated level. Add both of those factors, along with a publicly unstated (even though you know it's there) desire to avenge this season's only blemish and I think the Lakers will find their way to a victory and make their ninth straight Regional Final appearance. Grand Valley 33, Hillsdale 23. GLIAC Trivia Last week, I wanted to know the name of the lone Ashland running back to register three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. From 1992 through 1994, Keith Weaver accomplished the feat and earned his place as one of the all-time Eagle greats. Congratulations go out to Candy for being the first one in with the correct answer. Candy is a Wayne State fan (easy to understand, considering her most acclaimed role is that of Joique Bell's Mom), but she pointed out that if her Warriors aren't still playing that she's a GLIAC fan the rest of the way. I'm with you, Candy! This week, let's take a closer look at our All-GLIAC playoff match-up. Both Hillsdale and Grand Valley have rather storied playoff histories. While the Lakers have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, the Chargers had multiple stretches as an NAIA power before moving to the NCAA about twenty years ago. During the many playoff appearances (both NAIA and NCAA) that the two clubs have made, they actually share a pair of common opponents. For this week's copy of the D2Football.com Preview Magazine, tell which two schools have played both Hillsdale and Grand Valley at some point during a national playoff. Send your answers, questions, or comments to me at  . |
MLive.com: Hillsdale High School stars help turn Hillsdale College into a program on the rise
Hillsdale High School stars help turn Hillsdale College into a program on the rise
By Mike Pryson | Jackson Citizen Patriot
November 19, 2009, 11:03PM
Hillsdale College defensive end Drew Berube, right, is one of five former Hillsdale High School standouts starring for the Chargers this season. The defensive end has 13 of the Chargers' 33 sacks this season.
The excitement surrounding the Hillsdale College football team this season isn't confined to just the college campus.
Having five former Hillsdale High School players on the roster and playing key roles for the Chargers has helped fuel that interest and enthusiasm through the town.
"It certainly does," said Hillsdale defensive coordinator Craig Blanchard, whose son, Mike, is a junior wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Chargers. "It's just a great atmosphere for local fans to come out and watch the local high school kids who are now in college."
Mike Blanchard is one of the former Hornets who hope to make their mark in the NCAA Division II playoff game at Grand Valley State at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Hillsdale High School connection also includes sophomore defensive back Joe Vear, junior backup quarterback Brad Otterbein, sophomore linebacker Nate English and senior defensive end Drew Berube.
"It's been great playing with the guys we played with in high school," said Berube, who was a first-team all-conference pick in both high school and college. "It's been an unbelievable experience.
"Making the playoffs and going for a national championship was always one of our goals when we were growing up and talking about coming here, but I don't think any of us thought all of this would actually happen."
Last week, Hillsdale won its first Division II playoff game in school history. On Saturday in the Round of 16, the Chargers play Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion Grand Valley State, a team that Hillsdale upset 27-24 earlier this season.
"If we could beat them twice and beat them at their own stadium, that would put the icing on the whole season," Berube said. "We're going to go out and play our game, and whatever happens, hopefully it's in our favor."
Berube, a 6-foot-4-inch, 261-pound defensive end who has 13 of the Hornets' 33 sacks this season, has played a big role in Hillsdale's emergence this season.
"He's very athletic for a big guy," coach Blanchard said. "You watched him play basketball at Hillsdale High School, and I watched him play basketball and baseball for seven years growing up.
"He just continued to develop. He's got great instincts as a football player, he uses his hands well, he's always around the football, and that's what you want in a football player."
Brad Otterbein is the son of Hillsdale head coach Keith Otterbein.
Blanchard said that while having a coach's last name or coming up through the Hillsdale High School ranks was nice, neither guaranteed playing time at the college level.
"We let all those kids, like my son and like coach Otterbein's son, earn their opportunities," Blanchard said. "We know them, but it's about them making the plays. When they show up and make the plays, they're going to play.
"I don't care if you're my son, or a guy from Canada. It's all about putting the best players on the field and giving our team the best opportunity to win."
Blanchard said that it's sometimes difficult to play the role of dad during the season. Even game days, when Blanchard is working with his defense, the best he can often do is sneak a peek at Mike.
If things get crazy on game day, the coach said there's always the film room the next day.
"It's fun having our sons with us," Blanchard said. "When they were in high school, we were just spectators. Now, the kids are just part of the program."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hillsdale Daily News: GVSU Lakers Showing Plenty of Respect for the Chargers
Hillsdale Daily News
GVSU lost its No. 1 ranking in a 27-24 loss at Frank “Muddy” Waters Stadium on Oct. 10, but a home loss to the Chargers in the regional semifinals Saturday would mean the end of their season and talks of their reign as the GLIAC’s best being over.
At a press conference earlier this week, Lakers’ head coach Chuck Martin and his players gave plenty of credit to what Hillsdale has accomplished, and talked about ways they can reverse the outcome of the first meeting.
“It’s different when you play a team in the playoffs who is in your league, because there’s not a whole lot of surprises. There’s a reason Hillsdale is 10-2, there’s a reason we’re 10-1,” Martin said. “Neither team is going to come out and jump into the Wildcat offense and do something completely different. On the other hand, every time you play a time either next season or the second time the same season you’ll try and change things that didn’t work to give your kids a better chance in certain situations.”
Martin had plenty to say about the Chargers’ ability to convert key first downs late in the game and the difficulty his team had in trying contain Andre Holmes and AJ Kegg. But ultimately, Martin said he was most disappointed with the fact his team had numerous chances to change the outcome, but they failed every time.
“For me, we had the ball twice in the fourth quarter in their territory and we had a one-point lead, and if we score we go up eight,” he said. “For me the game was up and down and up and we had two fourth quarter opportunities on offense to ice the game. And we take pride in closing things out and finishing our job.”
Instead Billy Kanitz scored on a 1-yard run with :36 seconds remaining to hand the Lakers their first league loss since 2004.
All-conference QB Brad Iciek said he and his teammates certainly learned a thing or two about passion and desire from that loss.
“I think on the plays they needed to make they made them on us, especially on third- and fourth-down and short. They wanted it a little more, they were a little more hungry than us, so we’ve got to be focused, be more prepared than they are and see what happens,” he said. “We know it’s do or die, it’s been that way for us since we lost to them before. We’ve just got to be ready to go, we know it’s one game at a time and we can’t wait to play them on Saturday.”
The Lakers had 462 total yards of offense and turned the ball over just once in the first meeting, but Martin said his team simply faltered inexcusably in the clutch.
“Give credit to Hillsdale. Every key defensive snap for Hillsdale they made the play and our offense didn’t and their kids stepped up and executed in key situations,” he said. “We tried to run in key situations, we tried to throw in key situations and whatever we tried did not work, so we’ve obviously got to look at what we did on third- and fourth-down and in the red zone and give our kids the best opportunity for success.”
D2football.com's Bob Eblen's National Column
What a first round. Two overtime games. Three six seeds winning. Three comebacks from double-digit deficits (and nearly a fourth if not for Albany State missing on a last-second field goal attempt). Two teams-- Nebraska-Kearney and Hillsdale-- won their first playoff games as D-II programs. West Alabama won its first playoff game in 34 years.
Then there is the remarkable Trevor Harris. Just nine days after having knee surgery, the Edinboro senior quarterback threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns in rallying his team past East Stroudsburg. Amazing.
Of course I couldn't forget to mention Garrett Lindholm's 64-yard game tying field goal in Tarleton State's 57-56 double overtime win over Texas A&M-Kingsville. That kick has to go down as one of the great clutch kicks in NCAA history.
But what many people are forgetting is that it took another small miracle just for that field goal attempt to take place. The Texans converted on a 4th and 18 play earlier in the drive when quarterback Scott Grantham appeared to just throw the ball up for grabs and receiver Arthur Buckingham came down with it for a 35-yard gain.
Then in the second overtime it was Grantham again, scrambling, breaking tackles, and running for a 20-yard touchdown on 4th down, then following up that play with the winning two-point conversion on a quarterback sweep. Keep in mind that the game hadn't even reached the third overtime, where teams are forced to go for two. Gutsy play call by TSU coach Sam McElroy, but hey, when your team seems to be playing with a rabbit's foot in its pocket, why not?
Can round two possibly replicate the excitement of round one? What we do know about round two is that many of these teams will be familiar with each other. Five of the eight games feature rematches from earlier in the season, and in four of them, I'm picking the team that lost the first time around to have the upper hand this week. It should be another very interesting week of playoff football in Division II.
Full Column
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