Posted: Nov 19, 2013
Moge's Musings - November 19, 2013
Just a pretty bad all around end to the football season last Saturday in North Newton.
Bethany had so many chances early to take command and simply didn't, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
I will say one thing that could have made a difference. I'd liked us to have had instant replay on Rodney Molette's catch in the first quarter. I was positive he had broken the plane of the goalline, but the officials ruled him down just inches short.
Still, from the one, there is no excuse to not have scored with four cracks at it.
Well, it's time to quit beating a dead horse. What it did do though, is probably send the Swedes to Lamoni, Iowa for a game with Graceland the second week of next season. Of course, until the schedule is actually released, I can hope that the win over Tabor might be the difference in getting us a game at Avila. Wishful thinking I'm afraid.
When looking at the past season, I don't think Manny Matsakis ever expected to have his first Swede team so hindered by injuries.
From Justin Bane's dislocated shoulder and subsequent surgery to Milton Collins' and Caton Scarry's career ending procedures to a variety of other contributors missing significant time. And, that's not to mention all the regular nicks and scrapes that happened along the way. It was a struggle most of the year to put a healthy team on the field.
So, looking to the future, the Swede coaches are out recruiting. They have been doing it in season just like we did under Ted Kessinger.
Maybe no one knew but during the 28 seasons he coached the Swedes, in the evenings, every available phone was in use, being worked by coaches and captains, calling recruits around the country. I know since I spent some times in my 'broom closet' making those calls.
Now, we just wait for the All-Conference teams to be chosen. Being so far down the standings, we probably won't get a lot, but there should be some.
Oh, one really outstanding thing about the Bethel game to be mentioned was Brett Crome (again). He averaged 51.5 yards per punt, but it was the first one that needs recognition. It went 61 yards—INTO THE WIND. I mean, that was an NFL caliber punt.
With football now over for 2013, we build for 2014.
Around the conference, the KCAC got an unheard of three teams into the playoffs; Tabor, Sterling and Ottawa. I would say that those teams winning their games with Heart of America teams this season went a long way to making that possible.
Of the three, Tabor might have the best chance for a win at Benedictine. Sterling is an outside shot at Baker, but the NAIA did the Braves no favor sending them to Grand View, IA.
SEASONS CHANGE
But now we're into basketball. Brett Morehouse's women look to be greatly improved and will get stronger after Thanksgiving break.
Kaitlyn Norton will be back from injury, and Kendra Austin will finally join the team.
On the men's side; where to start?
Clair Oleen has so many really good players, the mind boggles at the potential depth.
So much has been said of Idris and all the returners, people should be on the lookout for Nate Coleman (6-4), Kirby Hawkins (6-3), Brandon Huskey (6-6), Alex Loul (6-6) and my own personal favorite, Jamelle Hays (6-7).
I had the chance to watch Hays on four occasions last winter when he was playing for Brown Mackie and I guarantee you, he can play.
Don't know how things will pan out come the end of February, but in between, Oleen and his staff certainly will not be wont for talent.