What's in a Name? Ferrum

While surfing through the internet, I "googled" the word Ferrum. Being as I went to Ferrum College in the community of Ferrum Virginia, I wondered where the name Ferrum came from. Ferrum as it turns out is the latin word for Iron. This term and its meaning did not really surprise me as there are many references to Iron at the college. Fe is the name of the College magazine, and is also the designation for iron on the periodic table of elements. The newspaper on campus is "The Iron Blade", and I was familiar with the term "ferrous" as it relates to metals. This all made sense, but what was the connection to iron in Franklin County?

Upon digging deeper, I was able to learn of the history of Iron making in Virginia. Thirty different counties in Virginia at one time had iron making facilities. Franklin County was one of those counties with as best as I can tell, two separate iron blast furnaces. The one best known is the Washington Furnace. This furnace has been preserved, and is still in, from information I have found, quite good condition. This furnace may have been later known as the Saunders furnace. More information about this can be obtained through the Franklin County Historical Society.

The second furnace was called the Carron Furnace which was located near Ferrum. So I am left to assume that the community of Ferrum derived it name from the iron making industries in the surrounding areas. This is substantiated by a historical marker in Franklin County. (Photo of Ferrum Punter T.J. Grzesikowski enjoying what he is reading about the community of Ferrum and the College. Click picture to enlarge)

In the Iron making industry, the main instrument was the blast
 furnace. This is where all necessary raw components were melded together through a chemical reaction to heat. While I could go into more detail, the reason I am writing about this is simple. I began to think of Ferrum College and relating this to the Panthers football team. Many different components make up this years team. Student athletes from 9 different states and the District of Columbia have come together at W.B. Adams Stadium to form a "solid as iron" team. This same process has been going on since 1955, and since 1960 at Adams Stadium. Under the direction of the coaches, the team is worked and molded until the final product results in a
team that is of the highest quality. During the years that this process has been going on, Ferrum has won four national championships, and turned out countless All Americans, and professional athletes.

This stadium has been a successful training ground for the men that have toiled on her field, and she never fails to turn out stronger, athletes who are not only better prepared on game day, but learn lessons to apply in life. The players are the components used to defeat those visiting teams who come in with the misguided idea of claiming victory at Adams Stadium.
So when the Panthers play at home, look for them to bond like iron, look for the coaches, players and crowd to turn up the heat on the visiting team, and just watch as W.B. Adams Stadium becomes the modern day Ferrum Blast Furnace.

Go Panthers!

Poll Results are In- Hire from Within

Soon after Coach Davis announced that he would be stepping down as Ferrum's head football coach, I posted a poll to try to get an opinion of you that read the blog. The question was whether Ferrum should hire it's next head coach from within the ranks of the assistants, or should they pursue an outside candidate.

The results are in, and of the 61 votes that were cast, 48, or 78% voted that they should hire from within the ranks of the assistants, while 13, or 22% believed that Ferrum should pursue the candidate from an outside source.
This seems fairly one sided, and is by far a majority finding. So now I will post a poll listing all of the Ferrum football coaches as possible candidates for the job. This poll will be up for three weeks, and will not be extended. This does not suggest that all of the coaches are interested in the position, in fact I have no direct knowledge that any of them at all are interested. but it is only fair that I list them all. The coaches will be listed in alphabetical order by last name.

To learn more about each coach, go to the link below:

Ferrum Football Coaching Staff

Ferrum Panthers- Conference Champions? Crazy Notion?...Maybe Not

After three games, Ferrum has looked strong in some parts of it's game, and struggled in others. The offense is capable, and has the ability to put points on the board, but mistakes and some unexpected injuries have slowed the offensive output. The defense looked pretty solid in it's first two games, but was outmatched against Bridgewater. The pass defense has talent, but was really burned in its last outing. This will need to change as the Panthers go into conference play.

The question is, can Ferrum win the conference? Their first test will come early as the Panthers welcome defending conference champion North Carolina Wesleyan to W.B. Adams field for homecoming. Last year, the Bishops jumped out to an early lead, and although Ferrum did mount a second half rally, they came up 10 points short on the road. In order to beat this team, Ferrum needs to do exactly what NCW did to them...get the lead early, and make them play catch up.

The Ferrum offense was drastically affected by injuries this past week, and it showed. Less than a hundred yards on offense. After going 0-3 in non-conference play, look for Ferrum to be fired up for their homecoming match up with the Bishops.

North Carolina Wesleyan will not be a push over however...remember in my preseason poll, I picked them to repeat as conference champions. While I think this could still be an accurate pick, they are not as strong as last year. Their offensive line is fairly inexperienced, and their quarterback is a freshman. This being said, they are still a very talented football team. For Ferrum to win will take a superb effort.

As the season shakes out, Averett looks to be as good as anyone in the conference. The Cougars opened with a hard fought loss to Hampden-Sydney, and won in week three against an under manned Guilford team in a runaway. This team is strong, and will be in the mix for the championship until it is decided. Look for Averett to have smooth sailing with rough seas coming in their last half of their schedule.

The other team usually thought of as the potential representative of the USA South is Christopher Newport. The Captains always play a very strong non conference schedule. After finishing the non conference section of their schedule 0-3, many fans are thinking that this may not be their year. Look for CNU to have a strong say in who the USA South representative is in the playoffs. This is still a quality team that will be in the mix at the end.

Again, the question is, can Ferrum win the conference? It will not be easy. they have to play solid every game, but if they want to contend, a win over North Carolina Wesleyan will certainly put them headed in the right direction.

Prediction Update-

Apparently I had a memory lapse last week, and forgot to post my predictions. While I did not post them, I did vote in the poll, and will attempt to catch things up now.

At the end of week 2, I was 12-2 but week three was none too kind to me. I went 2-4 bringing my over all total after three weeks to 14-6. For week four, I selected the following as winners:

Ferrum
N.C. Wesleyan
Emory and Henry
Averett

I was 3-1 last week, and that leaves my overall record at 17-7.

My picks for week 5 are as follows:

North Carolina Wesleyan @ Ferrum
Christopher Newport @ Shenandoah
Greensboro @ Averett
Maryville @ Methodist

Player Profile- Quintel Banks

#42 Quintel Banks
Position: Full Back
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Class: Senior
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
High School: E.C. Glass
HONORS
USA South All-Conference 1st team, 2009



"QT" aka "Burn 'em up" is a work horse for the Panthers running game. Look for him to be a double threat as a runner and receiver. Banks is also key in the blocking schemes for Ferrum.

And Now the Season REALLY Begins

As the first three games have been completed, Ferrum needs to focus their energy on the upcoming North Carolina Wesleyan game. The defending conference champion is a force to be reckoned with, but is not the same team as last year. I predicted that they would win the conference, but they have lost a lot of players to graduation, and have had to rebuild their offensive line totally. They are also working with a new quarterback this year, and so far they have a 1-2 record. While this may seem encouraging, their two losses came at the hands of Salisbury, and # 27 Hampden-Sydney. The Battling Bishops lost these games by a combined total of 8 points.

Here is what I know about the Bishops. They are ranked in the top 100 in the country in eight categories.

They are:
Passing Offense: 49th in the nation, 1st in the conference.
Pass Efficiency Defense: 23rd in the Nation, 1st in the conference.
Scoring Defense: 73rd in the nation, 2nd in the conference.
Net Punting: 96th in the nation, 3rd in the conference.
Turnover Margin: 69th in the nation, 1st in the conference.
Pass Defense: 96th in the nation, 3rd in the conference
Tackles for Loss: 4th in the nation, 1st in the conference
Sacks Allowed: 50th in the nation, 1st in the conference.

At first glance it would appear that this team is quite solid, and I would agree...but while they have played well, they can be beaten, and It is quite possible that Ferrum can do this.

Ferrum's numbers look like this:
Rushing Offense is ranked 76th in the nation, and 1st in the conference. This is somewhat of a misleading national ranking as their efforts were hampered by various offensive injuries in their last game.
Punt Returns: Ferrum is ranked 13th in the nation, and 1st in the conference.
Sacks: Ferrum is 51st in the nation and is 2nd in the conference.
Net Punting: Ferrum is ranked 43rd in the nation, and second in the conference.
Punting : T.J. Grzeikowski is ranked 5th in the nation, and first in the conference.

Ferrum will have a big task in front of them to win, but it is not impossible. This is an important game, and will give Ferrum a chance to stake their claim to the conference championship.

Keys to a Panther victory:

Control time of possession.- If they do not have the ball they cannot score.
Pressure the quarterback. This will be a tough match-up as the Bishops are excellent at preventing sacks, but Ferrum has shown this to be a strength.
Utilize the running game to the fullest. This is where Ferrum can out shine the Bishops.
Touchdowns in the Red Zone. Visits to the Red Zone have to result in touchdowns. 6 points needs to be the goal.
Pass Defense- The pressure is on. While there were really solid numbers posted the first two games, the secondary took its lumps against Bridgewater. The bad news about that is Bridgewater is ranked 125th in passing offense. NCW is 49th. Look for this team to rely on the pass. Get ready for another areial assualt.

This will not be easy, but Ferrum can win if they execute, and stop the pass. They MUST stop the pass.

My Prediction:

North Carolina Wesleyan 37

Ferrum 28

Ferrum falls to 0-3 Bridgewater 35 Ferrum24

For Ferrum to be 0-3 is a tough pill to swallow. It certainly must have the coaches bewildered. I have reviewed the stats from the Bridgewater game, and several things jump off the page. It is a rare day that Ferrum is held to under 100 yards rushing. This has not happened in the last five years, and likely it has been longer than that. Ferrum, which had seemed more solid than usual in the secondary was burned for 299 yards passing, and gave up four TD's through the air.
Passing numbers for Ferrum were pretty good, as Mayo completed 50% of his passes, for 153 yards through the air, and one touchdown. He was not intercepted.
Special Teams had its bright spots as Marcus Mayo returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. and Puschell was 1-2 on FG's. T.J. Grzesikowski had an overall good day punting, but did have one punt blocked, that resulted in a Bridgewater touchdown. As far as I know this was the first time T.J. has had a punt blocked in his career at Ferrum.

I have to believe that while Ferrum has room for improvement in most all areas of their game, they ran into an especially well prepared Bridgewater team. The Eagles were coming off of their bye week, and obviously had focused on how to stop the Ferrum running game. They also were prepared to pass and exploit the Panther secondary.

Reviewing the keys to a Panther victory-

Offense needs to execute on every play. Utilize the speed in the backfield to get to the outside.

Running game was not all that effective. Bridgewater for the most part shut that down. Thomas Porter did not have any carries for the Panthers.

Defensive line needs to dominate the line of scrimmage. Put a hat on somebody, and make them feel it.
While the D line did better in stopping the running game, Bridgewater did have 162 yards rushing. There were no rushing touchdowns for the Eagles. This was a good effort. There were also 4 sacks of the Bridgewater QB.

Special teams- Return teams- Blockers stay in your lanes- Return man, follow your blockers- look for the seam, and hit it.

Ferrum scored on a punt return. A 76 yard carry by Marcus Mayo. Very good.

FG/XP's- Head down until follow through is complete. Execute the basics-
 This area is one that will be fine. With more reps, this will continue to improve.

This was not a game with all negatives to be sure. Ferrum did quite a few things well, but the ineffective running game, coupled with the secondary that really struggled led to Ferrum's third straight loss. Bridgewater is a strong team, and was up to the task.

It is difficult to say what Ferrum needs to do to right the ship. I am sure that the coaches are working diligently in practice to identify and correct any areas of weakness.

Ferrum @ Bridgewater

On paper, the statistics would offer that Ferrum may again be in trouble this weekend. Bridgewater is 2-0 this season, and some of their statistics are:

Points per Game-28.5

Passing yards per game- 128.5

Rushing yards per game- 183.5

For Ferrum, the numbers are both impressive, and puzzling... 

Points per game- 17.0

Passing yards per game- 127.0

Rushing yards per game- 223.5

Ferrum's rushing offense is ranked 23rd in the nation, and 1st in the USA South. They are moving the ball on the ground, but are not putting up the points that they will need to be successful.

Ferrum;s defense against the run, is ranked 178th nationally, and 5th in the USA South.

Ferrum's defense against the pass is ranked 25th nationally, and 3rd. in the USA South.

Bridgewater will try to exploit Ferrum's run defense, and look to control the ball and the clock. Ferrum will need to execute on offense in all aspects to score points. They need an offensive breakthrough, and can win with a consistent offensive effort. The funny thing is that Ferrum's offense is obviously moving the ball because punter T.J. Grzeikowski, one of the premier punters in the nation, is not ranked nationally. This is because in order to be ranked, you have to average 3.6 punts per game. so far T.J is averaging 2 punts per game.

In order to come away with a win, every aspect of the Panthers game has to be elevated. While the offense is producing yardage, they are not getting into the end zone. While the defense is working hard, they have to tighten up the D line, and stop the running game of Bridgewater. While the secondary of the Panthers has 2 interceptions in two games, they will need to get two in this game, and while the special teams have struggled in many aspects, they need to be flawless. This includes punt and kickoff returns.

Ferrum has a tough game ahead this week, and will need to play like they are capable of to win. Confidence is the key, and while there has been little to celebrate to this point, All of the pieces to the puzzle are there. The offense can move the ball. The defense can stifle the opponent, and the special teams can score and provide good field position. It all has to happen for four full quarters to get the win.


Keys to a Panther Victory:

Offense needs to execute on every play. Utilize the speed in the backfield to get to the outside.
Defensive line needs to dominate the line of scrimmage. Put a hat on somebody, and make them feel it.
Special teams- Return teams- Blockers stay in your lanes- Return man, follow your blockers- look for the seam, and hit it.
FG/XP's- Head down until follow through is complete. Execute the basics-
Do not shoot yourself in the foot. No turnovers/no penalties.
This is a winnable game. Just go out there and be the aggressor.

My Prediction:

Ferrum 27

Bridgewater 24     OT

Panther Profile-Willie Taylor

#92 Willie Taylor
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6-3
Weight: 285
Class: Senior
Hometown: Onancock, Va.
High School: Nandua
HONORS
USA South All-Conference 1st team, 2008
USA South All-Conference 1st team, 2009
D3 Senior Classic Preseason All-America Second Team, 2010



Willie brings his speed and strength to the Ferrum defensive line. In 2 games, Willie has 9.5 tackles. Look for continued domination by Taylor as the season progresses.

Knights get first-ever win over Ferrum 20-17

The Southern Virginia University Knights traveled to Ferrum Saturday, and walked away with their first ever win over the Panthers. In the end it seemed to come down to the team that played the most consistent and made the fewest mistakes would be the winner...and in this case it was Southern Virginia.
In looking over the statistics, Ferrum was dominate in most all areas of the game. First Downs, Time of Possession, Rushing yards, and Passing yards. Ferrum also had far fewer penalty yards than the Knights.

A Tale of 2 Halves

In the first half, Ferrum had eight separate possessions. They resulted in an interception, 2 punts, a field goal, a missed field goal, a touchdown, a fumble, and a blocked field goal attempt at the end of the half.

In the second half, Ferrum had only four possessions. This is significant in that it would appear that SVU was dominating time of possession. This is not true. Ferrum had the ball over 7 mins. longer in the second half! This was due to an excellent defensive effort in the second half.These possessions resulted in a fumble, a missed field goal, a touchdown, and a missed field goal.

Where are the points?

After 2 games, Ferrum has scored 17 points in each game. In Saturday's game, Ferrum was in the red zone (Inside the opponents 20 yard line) six separate times. They came away with two touchdowns, and one field goal, but also had 2 missed FG's and a fumble. My concern is not whether they are making or missing the field goals , as much as why are they not converting touchdowns from the red zone?

This loss was in a way unexpected to me. I had said that Ferrum should have won, and won big...Obviously, I was quite a bit off on the prediction, but where did the difference lie? I think it came down to Ferrum struggling to finish. Finish a drive in the end zone. Finish a drive with points. Finish a drive without turning it over. While Ferrum looks good statistically, the difference lies in the red zone, and the consistency needed their.

This week, Ferrum travels to Bridgewater for their first road game. They need to shake this loss off, and look ahead to this week as a chance to improve. Focus on getting better. Everyone needs to research their individual role and responsibilities, and focus on executing EVERY PLAY! Take the frustration you are feeling, pack it on the bus to Bridgewater, and give it to the Eagles to keep for a while. Let's go get a W!

Curl-Flat

Curl-Flat is possibly the best play in football.  It is a horizontal stretch play designed to put the defensive Flat player in a bind of trying to cover both the Curl and the Flat route.  If the play is properly executed, the Flat player will be unable to do both.  Curl-Flat is a concept that has been around for quite a while and it has stood the test of time.  Its cruel effectiveness is not hindered in any way by its familiarity; rather, the design of the play makes it almost impossible for Cover 3 defenses to stop, even if they practice against it extensively.

Cover 3 remains a popular coverage, so this play continues to be a main staple in passing offenses today.  It is not the best play against Cover 2 or Man coverage, but it is not a wasted play against those coverages either.  It also has a couple of ways that it works well vs. Quarters coverage. 

Let's examine the play against Cover 3.  The Curl route itself attacks a Cornerback whose primary responsibility is the deep 1/3 zone--nothing can get behind him.  The CB will usually be in "Off" or soft coverage (5+ yards) to help him to stay on top of the WR and not get beat deep.  If the Wide Receiver runs the route correctly, the CB cannot make a play on the ball.  

Keys for the WR on the Curl route vs. "Off" coverage

1.  Threaten him deep.  The WR must look like he is about to run a Go route right by the CB.  A WR must have enough speed to make the CB respect the threat of the Go route so that he can get the cushion needed to catch the pass in front of him. 

2.  Eyes downfield (not looking down at the ground where he is about to stop).3.  Keep your arms pumping.  Arms pumping fast help to create the illusion that you are trying to run by the CB. The arms cannot stop pumping or drop to the ground before your break, because this tells the CB, "Hey, I'm about to stop."

4.  Don't turn your head early to the QB until you drive out of your break (this is another signal to the CB that you are about to stop).
5.  A good, sharp break, coming back to the QB and to the ball under control.  It is called a Curl route, but if you literally "curl" it and run a big, lazy loop, the CB will be able to pick it off.
6.  Must have inside leverage.  If the CB is lined up inside of the WR, the WR must attack his inside # with his route to get inside leverage (position).

Some people run the Curl route as a 14 yard Post-Curl (with inside foot up): five steps vertical, then four steps (two big, two little) to the Post and break it off to the Curl.  I have run it this way before with success, but I do not believe it is the best way to run the Curl route.  It may be that WRs are turning their head too early after they make their Post cut, but I have seen more CBs make Interceptions off the Post-Curl variation than if the WR runs right at the CB.  The CB has help on the Post, so he can take a chance and jump the route, but he is on an island with the Go route, so he has to fear the vertical stem more and give it more cushion than he would like to.  The vertical stem is a nine step route (seven big, two little) with the inside foot up and comes out to a depth of 12 yards.

Flat Player
The Curl route alone will not be enough to beat Cover 3, because the Flat player can get underneath the route if he is not controlled.  The label of the "Flat" player in Cover 3 is somewhat misleading.  If the Flat player runs directly to the Flat as soon as he reads pass (which a lot of high school teams still do), the offense can severely exploit the defense.  A well-coached Cover 3 defense recognizes its primary weakness: the deep Seam area between the three deep defenders, and will coach its Flat players to help keep receivers from quickly attacking that area.  The Flat player must 1) collision and stop vertical push by any inside WR, then 2) help cover the Curl area, and finally 3) break late to the Flat area.  

Modern defenses are designating the area from 0-5 yards deep as a No-Cover Zone.  Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio describes this in the 2004 Nike Coach of the Year Manual: "In any zone coverage, the no-cover zone is five yards from the line of scrimmage.  If we are playing defense, we never want a player standing in the no-cover zone.  We want our defenders to be ten yards deep with the ability to break back into the no-cover zone to make the tackle."

The Problem with Curl-Flat

I believe that most teams do not run Curl-Flat as well as it could be run.  The problem is that they aren't putting the Flat player in a bind.  The play is designed to be a horizontal stretch, but teams split their outside WR out so wide that there is no horizontal stretch.  Also, some teams run the Curl route deeper than 12 yards, which affects the timing of the play.  I believe the play works best with quicker timing.  The quicker timing also keeps the Hook player from being able to get to the Curl route.  The Hook player is the "Danger" player, as he is unaccounted for in the QB's read.  

We used to run the Post-Curl variation of the Curl route at 14 yards and have the WR find the window.  The problem with that was that the Hook player had time to get to the Curl and protection became an issue as the QB had to wait for the WR to work off of the Flat player and then off the Hook player to get open.  I prefer the Curl route to be shorter and the timing to be quicker to make the "Danger" player a non-factor.

Film Room

Let's look at a cut-up of the San Francisco 49ers from the Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Terrell Owens era (although Young is not the QB on this play).  Jerry Rice is running the Curl route and the defense rolls strong to Cover 3 to Rice's side.  It's a different Cover 3 variation in that the SS is rolling down to be the Hook player instead of the Flat player.   The ILB is normally the Hook and "Danger" player in Cover 3.  The SS is the "Danger" player here and he is already deeper and wider than an ILB located in the box would be.  Since the "Danger" player is now starting closer to the Curl route, it makes the quick timing of the concept even more crucial.

The Curl-Flat variation shown here is not as good vs. Cover 3 as if the TE were to run 5 yard Hook route over the ball between the Hook players, normally the ILBs.  The Seam route by the TE is however a good call vs. Quarters and it is better vs. Cover 2 than the Hook route.  

The reason I chose this cut-up was to illustrate the bind that the tighter WR split puts on the Flat player.  The Flat player must be stretched horizontally to be put into a bind.  He can sit on the Curl route, but while the Swing route is being run, he must think that, "If I don't come off this Curl route, the RB is going to catch it and run up the sidelines for 6 points!"  If the Flat player doesn't have this fear, then the play will not be as effective.

The QB must look at the TE first, whether he has the Seam route (shown below) or the 5 yard Hook route.  This helps to hold the Hook player.  He then can read the Flat player and throw off of his movement or read it as a progression: Seam, Curl, Swing.  The QB takes a 5 step with a quick hitch up.

The Post backside is usually the way to go vs. Cover 3 strong-side rotation, but when you are a 49ers QB not named Montana or Young and it's 3rd and 10, you are more likely to try to get it to the best WR to ever play the game.

60 Y Curl from Barry Hoover on Vimeo.

Southern Virginia @ Ferrum

 I will say up front that Ferrum should win this game and win big. Southern Virginia is a team that is working hard to improve, and based on their website, they had an excellent recruiting year. While they are taking on stronger competition in an effort to improve, they still have a long way to go. Through their first three games, they are 1-2, and based on statistics, they have struggled to say the least. There are no statistics available for their lone win, as Radford is a "club team", but in their two defeats, the following stats stick out.

Combined two game totals: (both losses)

Offense-
Rushing yards-   56 yards on 84 attempts  (The Knights were -20 yards rushing last week)
Passing Yards-  213 (25-49) with 4 int's.
Points scored by Offense- 24 (They did score 44 points against Radford, but I am not sure that they were all offensive points)


Defense- Combined two game totals (both losses)

Rushing Yards Allowed- 542
Passing Yards Allowed- 753

Points given up by Defense- 116 ( there were an additional 6 points scored by Radford, but I am not sure how they were scored)

In their defense, Concord University (WV) who defeated SVU 72-21,  is a DII school, and is 2-0. The Knights seem to be anemic on offense, and susceptible on defense. Given the history between Ferrum and SVU, it could be a close game, but I tend to think the Panthers have too many offensive weapons, and are too strong defensively up front. One thing is certain, this team will pass the ball. The Ferrum secondary will get challenged, and if the Knights are successful passing, they may keep it close. Their offensive line is anchored by Jacob Lee 6'-4" 375lb. and Dakota Bartlett 6'-5" 305lb. I would assume that they help provide pretty decent pass protection for their quarterback.

Look for Ferrum to win this one easily, but should Ferrum give this team opportunities, it could be close...or worse.

Keys to a Panther win:

Minimize turnovers
Minimize penalties
Cut off their passing game as much as possible. Cover close, pressure qb when possible.
Score first- Score often

My Prediction:

Ferrum  34
SVU     17

Week 3 Predictions

After two weeks, There have only been two teams from the USA South to register a win. The first week, Greensboro defeated Guilford, and in week 2, Methodist defeated Guilford. Look for the USA South to improve in week 3.

Southern Virginia @ Ferrum

Christopher Newport @ Frostburg State

LaGrange @ Maryville

Shenandoah @ Randolph Macon

Greensboro @ Apprentice School

Guilford @ Averett


Last Weeks Predictions 6-0


Overall  12-2

Panther Profile- Marcus Mayo

#24 Marcus Mayo
Position: Quarterback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 214
Class: Junior
Hometown: Lexington, Va.
High School: Rockbridge County

Marcus Mayo provided a ton of excitement in the season opener against Emory and Henry. With a strong arm, and a running style similar to Tyrod Taylor of Virginia Tech, Mayo threw for 64 yards, and ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Look for more of the same from Marcus as the season progresses. Welcome back Marcus!

Ferrum to Break Ground for the Hank Norton Center!

Coach Norton on the Importance of the new Athletic Center

Ferrum College Sportsmanship Video

Week 2 Predictions

Winners are in BOLD


Emory and Henry @ Greensboro

North Carolina Wesleyan @ Hampden - Sydney

Shenandoah @ Bridgewater

Centre @ Maryville

Christopher Newport @ Salisbury

Methodist @ Guilford

Panther Profile-Cedrick Hargrove

#6 Cedric Hargrove

Position: Safety
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
Class: Junior
Hometown: Midlothian, Va.
High School: Kellam

A strong performance in the season opener resulted in a fumble recovery, a pass interception, and contributing 7.5 tackles. look for more important contributions on the 18th against Southern Virginia University.

Another Stinging Loss to the Wasps-Emory and Henry 23Ferrum17 (2 OT)

A gorgeous day, and a really nice sized crowd seemed like the recipe for a Panther win to open the season. This was not to be for Ferrum, as their best efforts left them just short in double overtime, 23-17.

This game however should not be looked at as a failure. It should be looked at as two really solid teams going toe to toe for four quarters without a winner being decided. This was a war, and both teams came to the game fully armed in hopes of defeating the other. In the end, The Wasps had a little more gas in their tank, and outlasted Ferrum.

Ferrum should take away a lot of positives from the game, but also can look back on the game film, and disect things that they can improve upon.



Many positives-


Rushing Game- This was strong. Led by QB Marcus Mayo, Ferrum out gained Emory and Henry on the ground. The Offensive line, having players short on experience, did a nice job holding blocks, and opening holes. This was a nice start to a facet of the Panthers game that will only get stronger.


Special Teams- Blocked Field Goal, Punt out of bounds on the 2, and a 47 yard field goal (This kick tied the school record for the longest field goal in Ferrum DIII history) to tie the game in regulation.


Pass Defense- While the Wasps gained 146 yards through the air, the Panthers looked much improved in this area. One interception, a broken up pass play, and overall much better coverage. Ferrum did not allow a passing touchdown.

Note of recognition to Cedric Hargrove (6) who ended the day with an interception, a fumble recovery, a tackle for a loss, and a sack. Also roecognition to Chris McCalla who led the defense with 7.5 tackles.



Not so Positives-


Special Teams- While the game tying 47 yard field goal was crucial, and a beautiful thing to watch, the 2 missed field goals were costly. The consistency in this area, will get better.



Passing Game-One interception of the offense early, and a dropped pass that would have resulted in a touchdown, were events that no doubt influenced the outcome. These were things that while painful today, will serve as teaching points that will lead to overall improvement. Mayo has an arm, and can send it. It is imperative that both the quarterback and intended receivers are in sync, and crisp routes are met with crisp passes. This too will improve. I think Ferrum can open up its passing game, and add a dimension that teams are not expecting. In turn, this will open up the running game.



There are not all that many negatives. Ferrum looked good, and Emory and Henry knew they had been in a battle. Mistakes here and there did influence the game, but again this year, the natural talent of the Wasps No. 7 Caleb Jennings showed through, as he rushed for over 200 yards....most of these were in the second half. He is a very fast back, that will cause every opponent problems. He is not going to be stopped for an entire game, just hopefully contained.



A look back at the keys to victory-

Must control time of possession.- Keep Caleb Jennings off of the field.

This was a very good effort- The second half time of possession was likely in favor of E&H, but over all, it was a minimal difference. Jennings was a difference maker.

All special teams scoring opportunities must be capitalized on.-
The special teams scoring opportunities results were not where they need to be, but the ability is there. This is an area that needs to improve, and will. Puschell is a strong kicker, and his skill may just require more reps.

Turnovers and penalties cannot happen. This team is too good to give them anything.

Too many penalty yards. 128 yards.



Defensive secondary must have at least one interception.Piscopo will throw the ball.

This was accomplished. Great Job. Secondary seemed much improved !!! OK, it was Dustin Beck, and not Piscopo...my mistake.

Do not give them any room on punt/kickoff returns. Jennings does this also, and can burn you.

Punt returns was a non issue- Covering kickoff returns were where some things can get better.



Get pressure on the QB for E&H. Their passing game will take what is given to them...do not give too much of a cushion.

Overall I think things looked much better in the secondary. The one glaring stat is that Emory and Henry gained 10 first downs through the air. There was one sack by the Ferrum defense. More pressure may have limited those first downs....hard to say.


Overall, I think this was an outstanding effort, and I see the Panthers as much further ahead, preparation wise than they were last year. I projected this team to be 4-6, but am feeling a lot better about the talent on the team. D3football.com, projected the Panthers to finish 1-9. NO WAY!!! This team is really good, and I think in the end can be a conference contender.Keep your heads up, and know that this was a great team effort. Take your upcoming week off seriously. Review the films, and get ready for Southern Virginia University. Take it one game at a time!

Stadion Wijayakusuma

Photo kiriman : Denmaz Karebet (Cilacap)

Kota : Cilacap, Jawa Tengah

Dibangun : -

Kandang : PSCS Cilacap

Kapasitas : 15.000 Penonton.

Tipe Stadion : Stadion Sepakbola Lama

Kategori : C

Event Besat

- PON I Jawa Tengah 1948

Sejarah Singkat

Stadion ini merupakan homebase dari Klub Divisi Utama tahun 2010/2011 PSCS Cilacap. Berkapasitas 15.000 Penonton stadion ini selelu sipenuhi penonton stiap kali PSCS memainkan laga kandangnya (sumber: Denmaz Karebet)

Kondisi Sekarang

Tribun : C

Tempat duduk : C

Fasilitas : C+

Rumput : C

Drainase : C

Penerangan : -

Papan Skor : C

Kondisi : C+

Galeri Photo :

Photo : Laskar Nusakambangan (Cilacap)

Photo : Laskar Nusakambangan (Cilacap)

Photo kiriman : Denmaz Karebet (Cilacap)

Photo kiriman : Denmaz Karebet (Cilacap)

Preview- Emory and Henry @ Ferrum

Saturday's game will bring two similar teams together. Ferrum with a powerful ground game, and Emory and Henry with an All American running back in Caleb Jennings.
Ferrum with two capable quarterbacks in Mayo and Brubaker, and The Wasps countering with Drew Piscopo.
The defenses will have their hands full, and this may well be where the difference is. The defense that can stop the offense, create turnovers, and give their offense consistently good field position, will put their team in the best position to win. It should be a very good game, and I expect it to be close. Overtime is not out of the question. Like last year, it could come right down to the wire.

Keys to a Ferrum win:

Must control time of possession.- Keep Caleb Jennings off of the field
All special teams scoring opportunities must be capitalized on.
Turnovers and penalties cannot happen. This team is too good to give them anything.
Defensive secondary must have at least one interception. Piscopo will throw the ball.
Do not give them any room on punt/kickoff returns. Jennings does this also, and can burn you.
Get pressure on the QB for E&H. Their passing game will take what is given to them...do not give too much of a cushion.

This will be an offensive display, but it will be the defense that decides it.


My Prediction-

E&H 24
Ferrum 21

Week 1 Predictions

Projected Winner is in Bold

Randolph-Macon @ Methodist

Wesley @ Christopher Newport

Hampden-Sydney @ Averett

Emory & Henry @ Ferrum

Maryville @ Huntingdon

N.C. Wesleyan @ Salisbury

Catholic @ Shenandoah

Greensboro @ Guilford

An Inside look at the Panthers

Below is a link to a new article in the Franklin News Post. It gives a very detailed look at the Panthers on both sides of the ball.

http://www.thefranklinnewspost.com/article.cfm?ID=17012