Weekend Video: I'd cry too.

A buddy of Wildcat11's sent this along. That's why you shouldn't put your head down when you hit someone! The guy that posted the video said the kid wasn't hurt but could you please get him some Advil!

Around The CatdomeO'sphere

Our weekly link dump is back to catch you up with the latest news around the Catdome and the NWC. We're going to start keeping an eye down on So. Cal as that race really heats up with Cal Lutheran taking control with their win over Oxy. That sets up a showdown with Redlands and Cal Lu to determine just who will be headed North to face Linfield in the first round (that's assuming that the trend of SCIAC up to NWC schools in the first round continues). Also, be sure to check out the article that discusses smaller colleges looking to add football to help balance the Female to Male ratio....some great stereotyping from "open minded" people about having football players on campus. With the 'Cats off this weekend it's time to catch up on items around the house. Be safe and have fun this weekend. Catdome!

The Linfield Review: Despite slow start, 'Cats continue winning streak

Newsregister.com: 'Cats run to 8-0, clinch playoffs and NWC Title

The News Tribune: UPS Zuhl's catches 18 passes but Linfield's offense was too much.

LinfieldSports.com: Linfield's Jaymin Jackson is a warrior

The Oregonian: Oregon Colleges look to add football to attract more males to campus. This causes some to get their undies in a bunch.

NWCsports.com: Linfield's Aaron Boehme and Jaymin Jackson are names NWC offensive and defensive players of the week

YouTube.com: (Video) Linfield Pep Band's halftime performance during UPS game. Great Job!

Spokesman.com: Rats go out with a bang.

SWXrightnow.com: (Video) Rats close out home season with goal line stop.

The News Tribune: Pirates sink Lutes in overtime.

Palo Alto online: Oaks win 3rd in a row...Parents have nothing to say in comment section.

VCSpreps.com: Cal Lutheran wins huge game over Oxy and puts the Kingsmen on cusp of NCAA big and a possible trip to the Catdome.

KadyTV.com: Video reboradcast of the Occidental vs Cal Lutheran game

Extras:

The Whitworthian: Letter to the Editor: Women's Soccer getting short end of the stick from student paper.

The News Register: Linfield's Scott Brosius throws out 1st pitch of game 6 of the World Series

NWC All-Conference should be the best of our conference's best.

It's time for Wildcat11's annual plea to the Head Coaches of the Northwest Conference regarding making the 1st team All-Conference selection elite. It has almost become an annual tradition where the NWC coaches put way too many players on the first team offense or defense or it seems there is always Co-Offensive and Defensive players of the year in the conference. It's almost a running joke at this point and it's a shame because we have great players in the conference that should be pointed out as our very best and not hidden by a mass of other good but not great players.

Just look at last year. The conference names Linfield's Taylor Summers and Willamette's Tommy Grove Co-Defensive players of the year. I know Willamette had a outstanding season but I'm sorry...Tommy Grove was nowhere near the player as Summers and shouldn't have had a piece of that honor. I don't even think Grove was the best LB on that team (Bevins).

Then on the offensive side of the ball we had Whitworth's Anderson and Willamette's Woo as co-offensive players of the year. Now that was a legit debate but at the end of the day the coaches should have made the tough choice and either named Anderson or Woo the offensive POY. (I would have taken Anderson)

In fact 4 out of the past 6 seasons the Conference has named Co-POY's either on offense or defense. That includes 2003, when the NWC inexplicably named TRI-POY's on both offense and defense. That's crazy considering there were only 6 teams in the entire conference at the time!

Again, we look at the 2008 1st team defense where there were four linebackers named to the 1st team defense but only 2 defensive backs. Really? There were only two defensive backs in the entire conference that were worthy of being name first team? I guess the conference was trying to balance out when they named 6 DB's 1st team in 2007. It's really all over the map.

I'm begging the coaches to make the 1st team all-conference selections the elite of the conference...I mean make the decision on who is the best in each position throughout the NWC. Do we really need to see a case like in 2005 when Joel Clark, who was a fine QB, was named 1st team offense along with Brett Elliott? Or in 2007 where the coaches named two place kickers to the first team? I know both of those kickers were probably deserving but you couldn't tell me that coaches didn't know that one of the kickers was better than the other? Come on! Make a hard decision on who is the best in the NWC!

If the coaches do finally start making these tough decisions all it will do is help promote the best players in the NWC and the NWC itself. Conferences that put a excess numbers of players on their first team are pretty much negating any pull or influence the NWC conference team may have as a potential endorsement of the conference's best. I put the question to Publisher of D3football.com, Pat Coleman, about conferences that have a glut of players named to their all-conference teams and this is what he had to say: "In my mind, a voluminous All-Conference team basically makes the coaches' opinion unusable when we're voting on All-Region and All-American awards. We hope an All-Conference team can tell us who the best player is at each position, so that we know how to compare players across conferences."

Freaking Bingo Pat! I know the coaches hearts are in the right place and they want to fight for the respect of their players and programs but in order to help further promote the conference we have to legitimize the NWC all-conference sections. So please coaches, let's make the hard choices and select the best of our best.

NWCsports.com Football Archives

'Cats Win! Linfield clinches a share of the NWC Title and locks up an NCAA bid.

(Photo by Brad Thompson: Buy Brad's 2009 Linfield photos here)

The 'Cats got it done on Saturday with a 54-36 victory over the Puget Sound Loggers. Yeah, the 'Cats gave up a ton of points to what had been up to that point a bad offense. I guess all of my poking fun at UPS's offense came back to bite the 'Cats in the rear. So all of you frusturated Linfield fans can pin it on me for bringing bad karma to the 'Cats.

But lets take a step back and look at the big picture here. Linfield clinched a piece of the Northwest Conference title (33rd title overall) and with PLU's loss to Whitworth, Linfield also clinched the NWC's autobid to the NCAA Division III playoffs (21st post season appearance). What a great accomplishment for this year's team to be 8-0 and on the brink of clinching the program's 12th 9-0 season since 1896 (1961, 74, 80, 82, 84, 86, 92, 2000, 02, 03, 04). This team has the chance to do something rather remarkable and it has to feel even better knowing that there were folks worried if Linfield would be able to win 5 games this year when the season kicked off. Now we're talking about just how deep could this team go in the NCAA's.

But before we start talking about Lutes and playoffs let's take a look back at a game that the offense shined but the defense would rather just forget.

The Good

505 yards of total offense. UPS committed to slowing down the 'Cats running game so Linfield turned to the air where Linfield sliced and diced the Loggers for 409 yards through the air. After getting to watch the film of the game the Linfield offense just had their way with UPS and I continue to love just how diversified the offense has become during the year. Last week, Linfield punished Willamette on the ground, this past Saturday, the 'Cats killed UPS in the air. Great work

8 different 'Cats with receptions: Great work by Linfield quarterback Aaron Boehme and the receiving corp/RB's. Trevor Patterson continues to have a stellar year catching the rock and but the WR's are not lacking in other threats catching the ball.

Aaron Boehme: Look, I don't like to single out players in these sections very often because we all know it's a team game and all the players play a part in the successes/outcome of the game but I do have to mention the play of our quarterback. Boehme just keeps getting better and better and I'll say it without hesitation, he's one of the elite QB's in Division III.

The Bad:

Puget Sound Starting field position after kickoffs: UPS38, UPS33, UPS26, UPS40, Lin47, UPS40, UPS37, UPS43, UPS45. That's was the UPS starting field position after each Linfield kickoff. After a great week in the kickoff/coverage vs Willamette we came back with this stinker. That is just not going to get it done and if we don't improve in this area we're not doing our defense any favors by allowing teams short fields to work with.

0-2 Field Goals: I know we took some longer shots (39 yard miss and 42 yard miss) but we need be able to get it done from 40 yards in. The playoffs are just around the corner and having the ability to get 3 on the board is going to be a huge key in the 'Cats success.

Attendance of 1,728: Pathetic Catdome family. I'm responsible too because I was working on Saturday but that is a Willamette fan base type of effort for a team ranked #5 in the country and that has been on a roll. Yeah, I know the Linfield fans took over the Catdome Capital last week in Salem and I could see why some skipped out on the game vs a 0-7 UPS team but that is still a horrible effort from a traditionally great fan base. In watching the film it seems like the Catdome fan base was just flat and if you don't think that doesn't effect the players then you're crazy.

There is no reason we shouldn't be able to crack 3,000 for the season finale vs long time and our historical rival Pacific Lutheran. Does Linfield have to go all UW-Whitewater and start handing out free tuition or having 60's night? I hope we don't have to have gimmick promotions to get people out to watch one of the top Division III programs in the country. So what's it going to be Linfield fans...are you going to show or be a fair-weather/nice-weather Wildcat fan?

The Ugly

Do I really need to say it? The defensive kids and coaching staff are harder on themselves more than any of us fans could be in regards to giving up 36 points to Puget Sound. Give Credit to UPS for coming down and getting it done on offense but I'm not going to spend much more space here jumping on the defense. The 'Cats defense has been great all-year long and I'm not going to let one off day condemn a season's worth of shutting down teams and coming up with huge plays. The staff and players will chalk it up this and next week and get if figured out. I believe....do you?

***Note From WC11: The 2005 team would be on that list of teams to go 9-0 during the regular season but that was the year that L&C canceled their NWC games and left the NWC and Linfield short one game on the season. 2005 Linfield finished the regualr season 8-0.

Wildcat11 is sorry for the lack of info this week.

Have to say that I'm sorry for the lack of a UPS game preview and a link dump but this is my busiest week of the year at work and in fact I'll be at work tomorrow during the UPS/Linfield game. I know "Whaaaaa! Wildcat11 can't go to a football game" I'm thankful to be working at a great job but I'll still have the 'Catdome on my mind. I'll get back on it next week and try to bring you a few different items since it's the bye week. Until then, stay safe and Go 'Cats!!!!!

Linfield/Willamette Post Game Interviews: Offense

After the 'Cats 30-27 victory over Willamette, Wildcat11 caught up with Linfield players, Maika Kunioka, Aaron Boehme, Aaron Williams, and Chris Saunders. Linfield slot receiver, Ryan Henderson, makes a cameo appearance.

Wildcat11 will not be in be able to make it to the UPS game this weekend (work obligations) so we won't have any post game interviews for next week. Sorry....

'Cats Win! Linfield takes control of NWC race with 30-27 victory over Willamette

(Buy Brad Thompson's Linfield Photos Here)

After last year's drubbing at the hands of Willamette, Wildcat11 was in the Keck parking lot with some of the other Linfield faithful licking our wounds and a Willamette student who was celebrating his team's victory proclaimed to us that "Linfield is living in the past" and that it's a new era in the Northwest Conference. Obviously, the enthusiastic young Bearcat isn't a history major at WU or he would know that history has a way of repeating itself, as it did yesterday, with Linfield's hard fought 30-27 victory.

The win was Linfield's 4th in 5 games this past decade at the "Catdome Capital" and ran their total record to 8-2 overall this past decade against their Salem rivals. More importantly, the win moved Linfield to 7-0 on the season and 4-0 in Northwest Conference play. Linfield just has to win 1 of the next 2 to clinch a share of the NWC title and lock up the NWC autobid to the NCAA's. Of course, it would be much better to just win out and stand alone as conference champions for the 33rd time.

As for the game itself, it was a perfect day in the mid-valley and just a great example of what a great small college football should look like with a great crowd, great weather, and two fine teams slugging it out. It was a great day to be a Wildcat and we should all be proud of the young men on this team. They are a close group of players and it's satisfying to see their hard work paying off this season.

The Good:

Offensive Line pass pro: We talked about how Willamette came into the game easily leading the conference in total sacks (avg about 4 a game) but the big fellas up front gave up zero on the day and Boehme never really felt any heat back in the pocket through out the day. It was the biggest test of the year for this offensive line group and they passed with flying colors.

1st Half Defense: Outstanding defense by the 'Cats in the 1st half in giving up two field goals and really setting the tone for the 'Cats at the beginning of the contest. Great bend but don't break at the end of the 1st half where Willmette had a golden chance to punch in a touchdown but the 'Cats defense was able to hold and force the field goal.

Running game: The offensive line and wide receivers were great in setting up Aaron Williams and Aaron Boehme in the 'Cats running attack. (You have to mention the job the wide receivers do in the run game this year...excellent work by Coach Yen's crew). Williams was a tough as nails in finishing run after run while taking care of the rock and Boehme did a great job with his decision making in terms of pull down the ball and taking off in what seemed was 1st down after 1st down in that 4th quarter.

Special Teams: Awesome, awesome job. Special Teams really hurt Linfield in 07 and 08 vs Willamette but the special teams unit continued to show improvement and did a great job all game long. A lot of hard work by that group and they deserve "5 alrights".

Catdome Fans: It was really the "Catdome Capital" on Saturday as the Linfield faithful swarmed McCulloch Stadium and outnumbered the home crowd. It was a great showing as the 'Cat fans really brought great energy all game long.

The Bad:

1st half 4th down misses: The 'Cats really missed a golden opportunity to put some big distances between them and Willamette but Linfield was unable to convert two 4th and short opportunities deep in Willamette territory that might have resulted in additional scoring opportunites.

Schoettgen Got Loose: The Willamette Wide Receiver finished the day with 8 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. A few times Schoettgen just made some plays that few, if anybody, in Division III would have been able to defend but that was one area of the game that I'm sure the defensive staff would have loved to have another shot at.

The Ugly:

A perfect fall Saturday in the Willamette valley, a huge and vocal crowd, and a Linfield victory over Willamette to push the 'Cats to 7-0 and all that much closer to a NWC crown....there was nothing ugly about Saturday.

Brad Thompson's 2009 Linfield Photos: Purchase Here

Get off the tracks when Boehme comes through

Linfield quarterback Aaron Boehme pulls down the ball and then puts down a Willamette defender. Just a great of many moments in a well played game down in Salem.

Linfield/Willamette post game interviews: Defense

After Linfield's victory we spoke with Sophomore Defensive End Sparky Gonzales and Sophomore Corner back Nate Dixon about the 30-27 win over Willamette.

On a side note, big thanks to the Willamette student who proclaimed Linfield #1 during the Dixon interview. The Willamette backer is at least smart enough to know who was the better team on Saturday. :)

Around The Catdome'Osphere

(Thanks to the Fishers for their Wildcat Carving Creation)

Holy smokes this week has sprinted by and we're on the eve of the NWC showdown of the year between our Linfield Wildcats and Willamette. It is that time of the year where the weather is turning along with the leaves. Halloween is right around the corner and we had some 'Cats send in their Wildcat creations (pretty darn cool). Keep sending in the Wildcat photos and we'll keep posting them up. Here are the Linfield/NWC stories from the past week. Go 'Cats!

News-Register: Steamrolled

Statesman Journal: Are you ready for a showdown?

OregonLive.com: Wildcats have different offensive look headed into this years Linfield/Willamette game.

Statesman Journal: James Day is picking Linfield this time around.

Bearcat Press: Linfield/Willamette Preview

D3football Daily Dose: Pat Coleman has Linfield/Willamette game has top game of the week.

Bearcat Press: Bearcats avoid the upset bid of PLU's

The Mast: 'Lutes QB AJ Palazzolo keeps overcoming the adversity

The News Tribune: Rats Frosh QB cuts down Loggers.

Tacoma Weekly: Loggers drop another one.

The News Tribune: Loggers DB was once a QB

The News Tribune: 'Lutes big play man was a late starter.

Whitworthian: Rats get back in the groove.

D3football.com's Around The Nation: Wildcat11 shares his "all-star" game experience.

(Thanks to the Jones for their Wildcat Carving Creation)

Game 7 Preview: Linfield at Willamette

What many around Willamette and Linfield had hoped for will come true this weekend as the 'Cats and Bearcats will square off in Salem this Saturday for basically all of the NWC marbles. The #6 Linfield Wildcats will have their shortest but toughest road trip of the year as they head 1/2 hour South to face the #17 and defending NWC champions. It's the biggest game in the state of Oregon this weekend as both the Ducks and Beavers are away and a lot of eyes around Division III will be watching closly on the outcome of this game.

Much is on the line for both teams on Satruday. For Linfield, they have a chance to bring home another NWC crown and a get in position to land a NCAA playoff birth (last time for both was 2005). For Willamette, a loss might spell doom for their NCAA playoff hopes as the competition for Pool C bids (runners up in auto-bid conferences) is thick this year and a loss by Mary Hardin Baylor might have made this game a win or no playoffs situation for Willamette. Add the fact that this is now officially a rivalry game again after Linfield dominated Willamette for the first 7 years of the decade to only see Willamette turn the tables the past two seasons and what we have is a HUGE division III football game. It really should be a great atmosphere in Salem and McCulloch Stadium should break the 2K attendance mark for the first time all season on Satuday.

Better Get To Know A Wildcat

#62 Scott Millenbach, Senior, Offensive Guard

Vitals: 6' 2", 280 lbs.

Hometown: Olympia, Washington

High School: Capital High School

Major:
History

Minor:
Psychology

Would you choose pizza from Primetime, 3rd Street Pizza, or McMinnville Pizza Company?
I would have to choose 3rd Street Pizza, its never let me down.

Favorite Movie(s):
My favorite "movie" is actually a t.v. series from HBO, "Band of Brothers". Somewhere second to that are the movies Taken, Boondock Saints, and anything John Wayne is in.

Favorite Music/Artist(s):
I'm an Country fan all the way. Two of my favorite artists are Jason Aldean and Craig Morgan.

Future Aspirations:
My future is still up in the air. I have a lot of options, and which road I will take I still don't know. I'd like to coach at some point in my future, but I am leaning towards joining the Navy after graduation.

Best part about being an offensive lineman:
The best part about being an offensive lineman is the camaraderie between the unit. I think we work the hardest out of any position, but we also have the most fun by never being too serious and always making fun of each other. When you are an offensive linemen the only glory you receive is only when the QB, WR, or RB does something great. We may not get stats, but we always have our brothers beside us.

A thing most people don't know about you:
I don't think people know that I am not as serious as I seem. I am actually fairly jovial most of the time off the field.

Favorite class/professor at Linfield:
My favorite class at Linfield was Aviation Physics. I had an opportunity to take some flying lessons while taking the class, and it was something I really enjoyed.

What do you drive:
I drive a 1990 3/4 Chevrolet Silverado. I'm not a fan of any of those imports. My dad bought it brand new, and we have had it ever since. We put a new motor in it and have fixed it up a bit in recent years, but it is something I take pride in.

PS3, Xbox, or Wii:
Can't say that I have time for video games, but I am a fan of the PS3.

Mac or PC:
PC, Macs are just so counter-intuitive.

Favorite Coach Smith saying/quote:
My favorite "Smithism" would have to come from this year's trip to Menlo. During our pre-game speech he said "Anyone, Any time." That sums up what the 'Cats are all about this year.

Yes or no on Linfield's All-Purple Uni combo:
I go with yes, only because it is extremely demoralizing to get beat by a team wearing all purple.

Wildcat11's Key To Victory

Find that right tension: Saturday isn't about 2008 or 2007. This is about Linfield going to play a very tough opponent on the road and trying to play the best Linfield football possible. No need to get caught up in any of the other junk that is floating around about this game. Just focus on doing your job the best you can and have trust the 'Cat next to you will do that same. Do that and the 'Cats are going to be just fine.

Line 'Em Up: I know it's very cliche to talk about the line play but the play of both Linfield's offensive and defensive lines is going to be paramount this contest. If you look at the NWC stats Linfield and Willamette trade off as #1 and #2 in just about every category of offense and defense but the one that jumps out huge is Willamette has piled up 27 sacks in 7 games (around 4 a game) while Linfield has only given up 2 the whole year. The ability to protect Boehme in the pass game is going to be huge. Linfield's defense line has been very physical but what killed the 'Cats last year was the inability to get a pass rush up the middle vs Willamette. That has to change this weekend in order to try to limit the Bearcat passing game.

Linfield's balancing act: Linfield has maintained a 54/46 run to pass ratio this season and the 'Cats have to be able to establish the run on Saturday if the 'Cats want to get the play action passing game going and score points. Even if Willamette bottles up the run early, Linfield must keep pounding the rock and maintain that offensive balance.

Be great tacklers: We all know the fly offense makes you honor various plays and creates one-on-one tackling situations. The 'Cats tackling last season sucked and it cost Linfield dearly in a number of big Willamette strikes. Watching the Whitewater/Willamette playoff game last year the Warhawks shut down Willamette in the 1st half because the first defender tackled great but as the game went along and Willamette was able to get the Warhawks out of position the first tacker started missing the next thing you know Willamette is moving the ball up and down the field.

Limit Willamette's Schoettgen: Easier said than done but Schoettgen is a fantastic receiver and a big play threat in the Willamette passing game. Schoettgen hurt Linfield last year and he has to be someone the 'Cats have to try to limit on Saturday. If Linfield can slow down Schoettgen then Linfield will slow down Willamette's offense.

Soild special teams play: If you read the Willamette game stories it seems that just about every game you read about a Willamette return punt/kick for touchdown or a blocked kick. This isn't by accident. Willamette always does a fine job in special teams and have hurt Linfield the past two seasons in this phase of the game. Linfield's special teams needs to continue to improve and kick, cover, protect, and return well. Don't overlook this aspect of the game.

Overall

Linfield by 7. I expect nothing more than a great game on Saturday versus two very well coached and hard playing teams. In my gut I just believe this Linfield team still has their best football in front of them and I want to see that complete 60 minute effort this Saturday. There are going to be ups and downs and how Linfield reacts to the adversity is going to be key but if Linfield can establish the run game then I think Linfield is going to be hard to beat. It will be a battle to the very end but when the dust settles I believe that Linfield will walk out of Salem with their destiny in their own hands.

'Cats Win! Linfield sends the Pioneers packing 59-14

(Photo by Brad Thompson: Buy his Linfield Photos Here)

Really every Linfield fan saw this coming. Linfield is just too darn good to give a rebuilding Lewis and Clark team a chance to hang in even for a quarter of play. The 'Cats did what they needed to do in coming out and hammering the Pioneers early and giving the 'Cat reserves a big chunk of well deserved playing time.

For Lewis & Clark, they know there is still much work to do but they have a very young roster and some good looking athletes. It's just going to take time to continue to build the depth and players required to be competitive week in and week out in the Northwest Conference. I believe they're on the right track and hope they continue to get the support they need to build a good program.

The Good:

Starters Ready to Play: The big concern I had was that Linfield's starters wouldn't be ready to play after coming off a crazy 4 game roadie and then having L&C at home. Those worries were put to rest after the first series as Linfield's 1st unit was sharp and getting after L&C. I loved their energy and readiness.

Special Teams Play: I've been getting after the special teams unit in my "The Bad" breakdown this season but the 'Cats special teams unit was dynamite on Saturday. PJ Sequeira had two huge early punt returns (was sprung by some great blocking) including a 52-yard return for TD and another 46 yard return that set up the 'Cats on the Pioneer 5 yard line. This is what Linfield's special teams unit should be doing against a Lewis & Clark type opponent and I was happy to see it happen.

82 'Cats played: Really cool to see so many 'Cats get a chance to get out in front of the home crowd and show their stuff. Linfield has some VERY good young talent and the future, along with the present, is bright at the 'Catdome.

The Bad

4 turnovers: The lone blemish on the day was the ball security of the 'Cats. Linfield has been stellar all year long in the ball security department but there were some ugly turnovers/fumbles on the day. Some of it was just guys trying to pick up some extra yards but even in a blowout situation the players need to put a premium on taking care of the rock.

The Ugly

All Purple Uniforms: I'm sorry but I'm still a hater on the all-purples. WC11 only gets to get to 3 home games this season (have to miss UPS game) and 33.33% of my Linfield home season is blemished with the all-purples. Maybe I can have that Menlo Mom write an opinion article to the News-Register about how we should get rid of this color combo? Yeah...that's a bad idea.

Brad Thompson's 2009 Linfield Football Photos. These are available for purchase

2009 Alumni vs Junior Varsity Game. Great time had by all.

The 2009 Linfield Alumni vs Junior Varsity game is in the books for another year and the alumni team pulled out a hard fought 14-7 victory over a hard playing JV team. The alumni team had a blast once again and one of the biggest victories of the night was that nobody on either side suffered injury.

What a great day put together by the Linfield football coaching staff and by Alumni Team coordinator and assistant coach, Brandon Hazenberg. The day started with the present Wildcats pasting the Pioneers and the day ended with the past and future of the program fighting it out.

The Alumni team had a great time and we loved the energy of the JV kids and that they didn't back down from us old 'Cats. Most of us wouldn't admit it during the game but we loved it that the young guys didn't put up with any of our crap. It gave us a sense of pride in how hard they played.

For myself, it was good night but I was happy the game was over and that I could go home and put my feet up. Some of the younger players on the alumni team made it down to 3rd street to socialize after the game and one texted me at midnight telling me to get my butt down to 3rd street. I couldn't because I was busy falling asleep on the couch to CBS's 48 hours mysteries. Game highlights are below.



(Big thanks to Seniors Ian Estrada and Aaron Heston for taping the game for the ADvantage)

Around The Catdome'Osphere

A loyal reader of ADvantage Catdome and a Linfield fan from Texas sent in this photo of "Gomez The Wildcat" sporting some Linfield gear. If you guys have photos you want to send in of you or your family with some Linfield swag on, just fire off an email to Wildcat11 at catdomealumni@yahoo.com

I freaking love it that Linfield is back at the 'Catdome tomorrow in what should be a pretty dang cool day. Yeah, the weather folks are calling for rain but I can deal with mid-October rain for a few hours (just not during the Alumni Game please). We have more than just article links today as we have some video clips from the Spokane news stations and a radio interview with Coach Joe Smith too. Tomorrow we'll pump out our NWC picks before we head out to the 'Catdome and I'll see you back here on Sunday with game interviews and some clips from the Alumni/JV game. Be safe out there and Go 'Cats!

ESPN Northwest (video): Rats fall at Pine Bowl to Linfield

KREM.com (Video): "Bame" goes the Wildcats as Linfield downs the Rats.

The Whitworthian: Rats on the skids but thankfully they have UPS next week.

News-Register: Linfield finally gets to unpack bags and brings home 5-0 record in a snow globe as a present to their fans. (Does that one make sense?)

Statesman Journal: 'Cats add another year to The Streak but have bigger things on their minds.

Linfield Sports: Dynamic Duo (Player Focus Feature)

KPAM 860 (Radio Segment): Linfield Head Coach Joe Smith on the Radio. Good Listen.

The News Tribune: Loggers have two choices to lead their terrible offense.

The News Tribune: Menlo picks up first NWC win through the air over Puget Sound.

The News Tribune: Greg Ford goes BONKERS but it's still not enough as Lutes fall to Gusties.

Thre Free Press (Mankato, Mn.): Gusties pull out last minute win over PLU.

The Mast: Even though the Lutes lost they don't feel defeated.

Bearcat Press (via D3boards.com): Bearcats keep Wagon Wheel by rolling Lewis & Clark

Oregonlive.com: Pios taking steps back to being respectable.

The Almanac: (Opinion) Menlo Continues Losing Ways. Why? (Widcat11's quick take: If you or your son has a concern then have your son step up and go to the coaches and not write this bunk on a public forum that can do nothing but harm a team and a program).

JohnnieFootball.com: SJU fan, Touchdown Tommy, and D3football.com writer, Adam Johnson, run into an official that blew the 2000 Linfield/Central "Mishap In The Mud" call. I'm still pissed about that.

The Pacific Index: Boxer Head Coach talkes about where they are focusing recruiting effort and that he hasn't seen the "Boxer Army" at fall athletic events.

The Pacific Index: Pacific's athletic department is finding out that making a deal with the City is coming back to bite them a little with regards to scheduling.

The Pacific Index: Buckley's first hire is right out of Forest Grove's own backyard.

Game 6 Preview: Linfield Vs. Lewis & Clark

It's been a long time but it will be nice to be back home. The 5-0 #7 ranked Linfield Wildcats will be hosting the 0-4 Lewis & Clark Pioneers for Homecoming at the 'Catdome this Saturday in a game where much of the Wildcat roster should get an opportunity to play in front of the home crowd.

For Lewis & Clark they took a pretty bad beating last week at the hands of Willamette (69-24) but I hope you can believe me when I say the this is a program that is making positive progress in becoming a competitive team in the Northwest Conference. They brought in the largest freshman class in about 2 decades at L&C and are developing some nice players. They still have a long road to get back to viability but it seems the support is there and everyone in the NWC should be happy for them. It wasn't too long ago (2005) when L&C almost shut it down after canceling half of their season.

Better Get To Know A Pioneer:
#98 Andrew Foote, Senior, Placekicker

Vitals: 5' 11", 200 lbs.

Hometown: Denver, Colo.

High School: George Washington High

Favorite Book: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoffer

Favorite Coffee Stops: Stumptown and Sip & Kranz

Favorite Class: Labor Economics

Future Aspirations: Wants to pursue a PhD in Economics

Here is a L&C put together video on Mr. Foote:




Better Get To Know A Wildcat:#6 Nate Dixon, Sophomore, Cornerback

Hometown: Kapolei, Hawaii

High School: Kapolei High

Vitals: 5' 9", 180 lbs.

Major: Finance

Minor: Economics

Favorite place in Mac to eat: Tequila Grill..but muchas always hits the spot

Favorite Movie(s): Oceans 12, Scarface, Dark Knight

Favorite Music/Artist(s): Hip hop/rap/ R&B/ Soul...I like anything that sounds really good

Future Aspirations: I hope to invest in things such as real estate and hopefully have my own business doing that.

Favorite TV Show(s): CSI MIAMI, Lie to Me.....

A thing most people don't know about you: Maybe that I can eat more than people think i can...

Favorite class/professor at Linfield: Human Sex was my favorite class so far....Professor Graff-Height is pretty cool

Dog or Cat: Mans best friend

PS3, Xbox, or Wii: XBOX 360 ANYDAY

Mac or PC: I like macs but I'll go PC

Favorite Coach Fendall saying: His jokes before the games are hilarious haha..i dont really have a favorite

Yes or no on Linfield's All-Purple Uni combo: I'd say no because we cant where black socks....but who knows if that will ever happen.

Wildcat11's Key To Victory:

Focus on Getting Better: For Linfield this week should be about improving in areas that the 'Cats need to tighten up on and also continue to strive and improve in what Linfield has been doing well. Really, the focus of this game is just how well can Linfield focus on their preparation and execution of the game plan.

Put The Game Away Early: There is no reason why Linfield shouldn't come out and make sure that L&C knows they are not going to be able to hang around for a half or even the full contest. Play great LINFIELD FOOTBALL early and get as many of 'Cats an opportunity to compete.

Overall:

Linfield by as much as they want. That may seem disrespectful to L&C but this is a Wildcat team that has been playing very good football and I don't see that stopping on Saturday. L&C is going to come in and compete the whole contest but Linfield just has too much talent and is too deep for L&C to contend over a 60 minute period. I think this kind of prediction involving L&C is going to change a few years down the road but for now the game should be all 'Cats, all day long.

Alumni/JV Game this Saturday at 7:30!!!!!!

The now annual Linfield alumni vs Junior Varsity game will take place this Saturday at 7:30 at the 'Catdome. It should be a great Saturday for football at Linfield as the 'Cats Varsity will square off vs Lewis & Clark at 1:30 for Homecoming and just a few hours later the 'Cats of the past will face off vs the 'Cats of the future. The Alumni Team coordinator and Linfield assistant coach, Brandon Hazenberg, has confirmed that there are about 55 alumni players that have confirmed they will squeeze into the Linfield purple and white once again. Below is a tentative roster and there will probably be additions/subtractions:

QB: Brett Elliott, Tyler Matthews, Trevor Scharer

RB: Mort Kotler, Dan Lever, Jon Montalvo, Louie Penn, Pete Cruikchank, Riley Jenkins (Possible)

WR: Casey Allen, Brad McKechnie, George Carter, Brandon Hazenberg, Josh Vierra, John Torsey, Travis Master, Andy Jamison, Kyle Warner, Joe O'Neil, Sonte Wong (Possible)

OL: Dwight Donaldson, James Holan, Rob McCollough, Jason Bolin, Jared Hinkle, John Kemper, Bryan Swanson

TE: Joe Siefert, Ben Blosser

Kicker: Scott Cannon, Scott Birkhofer

Defensive End: Wildcat11, Taylor Summers, Nick Soo, Robert Acevedo. Kelley Bertrand

DT: Ricky Gaspar, Mike Ketler; Mitch Chadwick (possible)

LB: Phil Rombach, Ryan Caffall, Brodie Unger; Brandon Olsen, Cam Rogers

Rover: Andrew Bean, Ryan Boatsman

Safety: Brian Mehl, Neil Fendall, Rod Booth

Monster: Keone Twata, Ray Boatsman

Cornerback: Chris Boock; Phil Marr; Josh "Army" Armstrong, Gabe Haberly; Andrew Woods; Joe Smith

Coach Hazenberg would like all of the alumni players to meet after the team break AFTER the Lewis and Clark game is over. If not, be at the stadium around 4:30 PM to get you gear. All you need is a mouthpiece and cleats, as the college will have the uniforms (if we can still fit in them) but bring along your own stuff if you want.

If you are not on this list and want to play please email Coach Hazenberg at: brhazenb@linfield.edu

Also, the team is planning on conducting a silent auction during the alumni game and there should be a large amount of cool Linfield Wildcat football items that will be available. From helmet stickers, shirts to autographed pictures of some of the Linfield greats from the past.

Make sure you make it out to BOTH games this Saturday. Go 'Cats!!!

'Cats Win! Linfield Keelhauls the Rats

It was a cold but beautiful day at the Pine Bowl (btw, the Pine Bowl is looking good Rats) and the day was made even better by Linfield handling Whitworth and improving the 'Cats record to 5-0. Linfield dominated the 1st half to post up the 24-7 lead and went on to cruise to victory.

One of the best parts for anybody that's on the team or have been following Linfield from game to game is that the West Coast Road Trip of 2009 is officially over. The 'Cats logged over 4,596 miles on the road over the past month and came out with a 4-0 record vs a pretty stiff list of opponents. I have to say it was a pretty gutsy move by Head Coach Joe Smith and AD Scott Carnahan to set up the 2009 schedule with this huge month but risk has been rewarded with a 5-0 overall record and the 'Cats preforming as a pretty damn good football team.

On a personal note, Wildcat11 wants to say thanks to Mrs. 11 for being so great about this past month. Mrs. 11 rocks and I just want to publicly thank her for backing 11 and The 'Cats.

OK...enough of the mushy stuff let's get to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of last week's handling of the Rats.

The Good:

Road Warriors Finishing Strong: I have to admit I was a little concern when Coach Smith said that the team was tired during his press conference this past Monday but he was right. Everyone was tired after being on the road for so long but once again, Linfield had prepared well and was wound to that right tension before the game and came out and flat dominated that 1st half. Great team mental toughness.

Lock Down Defense: Besides the opening Whitworth drive that was stopped by a great one handed pick by Safety Kole Krieger, the 'Cats defense just spent most of the first half blasting the Rats offensive line and only surrendering 100 1st half yards and 243 total yards on the day. This group continues to improve and I love their physical nature as a defense.

Offensive explosion out of the gates: First two possessions = 14 Wildcat Points. That set the tone for rest of the game as the Linfield offense piled up 24 first half points and had stretches where Whitworth couldn't do anything to slow down the 'Cats offense. Aaron Boehme and the 'Cats WR really showed their skill during large chunks of the game. They have to be one of the better QB/WR batteries in DIII.

Linfield Pass Protection: The big fellas up front reminded me of a protection detail for the President...no Pirate came close to Boehme all day long. Really, since the SOU game the 'Cats offense line has been lights out in their pass protection and have only give up 2 sacks during the entire year. Outstanding effort big fellas.

D-line and defensive play making: Whitworth is the type of team a defensive line loves to play against because there is nothing tricky...it's just who's tougher up front. The 'Cats D-Line was great during the day in causing all sorts of issues for the Whitworth running game. They flat out got after it. Also, the Linfield LB's and DB's continue to make play after play in the backfield and created 4 more picks and 6 total turnovers. This is a ball hawking defense and they are a fun group to watch.

100 Yards and 3 TDs: A big day for 'Cat Back Aaron Williams and the O-Line as they produce another 100 yard day and Williams was able to blast across three short TDs on the day. I love watching this team run the ball with Williams, Abbott, and Avritt. Just wish that I could include Lamson in that list of RBs too....(continue to get healthy young man).

The Bad

Kickoff Coverage: Again Linfield was hurt in the special teams game with another huge kick return by the opponent. It was the only offense the Rats had in that first half and it did give them some life. Not to be an alarmist but Linfield HAS to get this worked out because we have an opponent in a few weeks that has a habit of making big plays in their special teams game.

Dropped Passes: The 'Cats had about 4-5 straight drop passes on the day. I'm not talking about a WR and DB going up on a fade and fighting for a pass but just dropping passes. I don't even need to really point this out because I know that WR corp wasn't happy with it and will be cleaning that up as the season goes along.

The Ugly:

Whitworth Injuries: I hate seeing it and it sucks. We've talked about it before that injuries are part of football and Linfield has their fair share of bad injuries in the past and currently (Lamson's collar bone break) but I want ALL of these young people playing football to stay healthy during the course of a game. They all work too hard on the field and as students to suffer bad injuries. I felt horrible for both Whitworth quarterbacks Andrew Durant and Cub Jansen who left Saturday's game with what looked like pretty bad injuries. I hope those young men can bounce back in a hurry.

Linfield at Whitworth: Post Game Interviews

Wildcat11 was able to talk to a few 'Cats about the 38-20 victory over the Whitworth Pirates. We spoke with Defensive End Ian Estrada, WR Gunnar Cederberg, Safety Kole Krieger, and OT Aaron Heston. We'll keep mixing it up throughout the remainder of the season in regards to players and I'll keep hitting them with the hard questions!

Linfield extends the streak and the game was streaked at Whitworth

The 'Cats extended their all-division college football record of consecutive winning seasons to 54 with a 38-20 hammering of the Whitworth Pirates this past Saturday. The win moves Linfield to 5-0 for the first time since 2005 and once again secures another winning season. One of the most impressive parts of Linfield's streak is that during this 54 year run Linfield has only three 5-4 seasons to maintain the streak. Incredible.

In regards to the Whitworth streaker...it happened during the early portion of the 3rd quarter where about one second into the clip above you see the streaker in question zip past WC11's camera and into the opening field where a get away truck was waiting for him on the other side of the field. He had pretty decent speed and I think that Coach Tully may want to sign him up as another outside threat for the Rats.

Around The Catdome'Osphere

Time for a trip around the 'CatdomeO'sphere...get on board and buckle up. There were some good features on a couple of players around the NWC conference and not a peep on UPS this week. I know...shed your tears as a week without coverage of Puget Sound Football is like a week without sunshine. Hope you all have a safe and great weekend with family and Linfield football! Go 'Cats!

The Linfield Reveiw: 'Cats move to 4-0 after knocking down Menlo.

News-Register: Linfield Is On The Road Again

News-Register: 'Cats cut down Oaks.

Sports and Weather Right Now: Whitworth's Anderson could be shut down for the year.

Spokesman Review: Rats' Brandon Martin is man in the middle for Whitworth.

Statesman Journal: Transfer Linebacker fills big void for stiff Bearcat Defense and Linfield is "sick" of being of the road.

Whitworthian: Rats get clobbered by Bearcats.

Bearcat Press: Fast start sparks Willamette.

The Mast: Lutes defense leads to way to big 43-14 win over L&C

The News-Tribune: PLU's Scott Westering move up to the booth pays off for Lute offense.

The News-Tribune: Lutes transfer QB, AJ Palazzolo, keeps overcoming the adversity.