ADvantage Friday Feature: A Football Family Affair

Jordan Giza has turned in a sensational final season for the 'Cats

Photo Courtesy of Rusty Rae: View Rusty's Photos Here.

I played soccer my entire life. There are pictures of me as a child sitting on my dad’s lap, watching Landon Donavon play in his inaugural game, eyes wide, clutching a size three-soccer ball for dear life.

In 1994, my dad and his best friend convinced their wives to take our two families to Disneyland. I guess it was simply a lucky coincidence that the World Cup final was being played at the Rose Bowl that year.

I played at Linfield and my older sister played at Oregon State. She flew all over the country for games; where my team was usually designated to the northwest.

But no matter where we played, how far away from home it was or the amount of effort it took, we always had a family member at every single game we have ever played.

The Linfield football program knows a little something about family. And for Jordan Giza, he knows the feeling of seeing a parent’s smiling face in the stands.

“Having my parents come to every game means a lot to me,” said Giza, a senior for the Wildcats. “Most guys on the team aren't as fortunate as I am to be so close to home, which means their parents are only able to attend a few games, if any. So, I definitely take advantage of the time I get with my parents after games, and for some of my closer buddies whose parents can't come, my parents try and substitute as best as possible.”

Giza was recently named to the North West Conference defensive first team. He also was honored with Division III football’s play of the week after he ran back a punt return for a 63-yard touchdown.

“After games where I had a big play, such as that punt return, I always give my mom a hug first, and then my dad,” said Giza. “They tell me good job, and then my dad is usually quick to jokingly say thank goodness you got my athletic ability, or something like that.”

“That’s probably one of my favorite memories of Jordan at Linfield,” said Giza’s mother Debbie. “That and last year at playoffs, I’m so proud of him.”

Debbie and Greg Giza, like several other families, will be following the Cats to Texas to watch them take on nationally ranked Mary-Hardin Baylor. And Giza is incredibly grateful.

“Being a senior, and having this be the playoffs, any game could be my last,” said Giza. “Having my parents come is truly a blessing since this could be the last time they ever see me play in a Wildcat uniform.”

Giza’s family is used to watching Northwest Conference games. However, instead of wearing purple and red, Giza’s older brother Tyson played for Willamette. He graduated in 2013, meaning that there were two years where the Giza brothers faced off on the field.

“It was excruciating,” laughed Debbie. “I dreaded those games because one would always be very, very said afterward. It was always way harder on me then on them.”

During the years when both boys played, the Giza parents would switch off who went to which game, always making sure one parent was watching.

“It was always hard deciding which to go to,” said Debbie. “My husband, and I both wanted to be at both so we would split up and then switch. It was always a really hard decision.”

Now, that it’s Giza’s final season as a wildcat, both Debbie and Greg attend every game possible.

“The only game we didn’t go to was the Redlands game at the beginning of the season,” said Debbie. “Especially with it being his senior year, we want to go to all of them. We’ll go wherever they go; it’s a last hurrah of ours.”

Travel plans began last weekend after Linfield beat Chapman 55-24 at home. Now, after a Thanksgiving dinner together, they head to Texas for the second round of playoffs.

Linfield football has and always will be about family. So, even those whose parents aren’t able to make the trip, they have a family in their coaches, teammates and the Wildcat fans who love and believe in them.

“Football has been such a part of our life forever,” said Debbie. “I don’t know what it will feel like when it’s over. I do know that it’s the greatest feeling to see how hard Jordan has worked and how it’s paid off for him.

“I’m going to miss Jordan getting to play with all his friends, being a part of the Linfield atmosphere and the rest of the parents. I’ll miss everything.”

-Sara Miller

2014 NCAA Division 3 Playoffs Round 2: Linfield (9-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (11-0)

The 'Cats vs The Cru

We’re off to Texas this Thanksgiving weekend to play the 2nd ranked team in the country, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders. The Cru is once again having another powerhouse season as UMHB has pounded team after team this season. While the UMHB program is only 17 years old that hasn’t stopped them from winning 170 games over that span. Remarkable.  It all starts with the UMHB coaching staff and their stability. Head Coach Pete Fredenburg started this program and has built a juggernaut during his tenure.  Each season UMHB features one of most talented rosters in the country and have a reputation of doing it the right way. The result is a program that has grown into a sure fire lock to win American Southwest Conference titles and make continual deep runs into the playoffs. This season is no different as UMHB has won games by an average margin of 39.6 PPG. (54.6 PPG to 15.0 PAPG)

Last weekend, Mary Hardin-Baylor had one of the more interesting playoff games in recent Division III history, as a huge storm rolled through Belton, Texas that caused multiple delays in their game vs Texas Lutheran. Eventually, the game was suspended on Saturday and wrapped up on Sunday with UMHB surviving a talent rich TLU, 27-20.  Don’t let that opening round score fool you. This was the second time UMHB and TLU faced each other in 2014 with UMHB laying the wood to TLU in the first go-around (72-16). As a player, it's difficult gearing back up to play an opponent a second time in the same season, especially when the first game was so decisive. Anybody around UMHB will say that wasn’t a typical Cru effort and when UMHB had a “down” game this season, all that Mary Hardin-Baylor has done is come back and double barrel blast their next opponent.  No doubt, the ‘Cats are going to see a UMHB team at their best come Saturday.

UMHB features a balanced offense attack and a large and athletic smothering defense.  While the Cru has thrown for 2,709 yards and 26 TD’s this season (against only 7 picks), it still starts with the rushing attack for UMHB. UMHB has a number of running back options to select from including their QB, Zach Anderson. The Cru running back corps will be the most explosive group the ‘Cats will have seen this season (2,613 Yards, 5.0 per carry, 44 rush TDs) and it’s going to be a huge priority for Linfield to try to figure out how to slow down the UMHB rushing attack.  On the other side of ball the Cru’s defense has limited the opposition to only 15.0 points per game on only 311.4 yard per game which is impressive considering the vast offensive talent in the ASC and the teams they faced during their non-conference schedule.    The Cru defense has compiled 111 tackles for loss (11 per contest) and 35 sacks. This is about as physical and athletic group of defenders that you’ll find in Division 3.

Yeah, there is history between our two programs. UMHB and Linfield first faced each other in the 2004 Stagg Bowl, where Linfield was able to pullout the 28-21 victory to win the 2004 National Title.  Five years later, the ‘Cats and Cru once again faced off, this time in the 2nd round of the 2009 playoffs in the ‘Catdome. UMHB controlled the early action before Linfield’s defense went crazy in turning over UMHB multiple times on their way to a 53-21 Linfield victory. There is nobody on the rosters this weekend that played in either of these games and those other two games have zip, zero, nada impact on what’s going to happen this weekend. This Saturday is all about these two current rosters trying to win and advance so they can continue to chase the ultimate prize and nothing that happened in 2004 or 2009 matters to the guys on either roster.

Obviously, the ‘Cats know they’re up against it this weekend. Our ‘Cats are an underdog (undercat?) and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. Everybody associated with Linfield knows that Linfield is going to have to be at their best in order to put the ‘Cats in a position to pull off the upset. Linfield doesn’t have to be prefect but the ‘Cats are going to have to execute and play as clean of a game possible in order to have a shot at advancing.  I love this Linfield team. The ‘Cats have a wonderful mixture of youth and veteran talent that’s come together and is playing at a very high level in all three phases of the game. If there was going to be a Linfield team to finally breakthrough on the road in the playoffs, this is the group of ‘Cats that can get it done.

Get To Know A Wildcat

#7 Eli Biondine, Linebacker, Junior
Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii High School: St. Louis School

Favorite place to eat in Mac: The Grain Station - chicken, bacon, avocado sandwich is phenomenal.

Favorite Movie: The Goonies - definitely a childhood favorite

Favorite Music: Reggae

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds

Favorite Book: Steve Jobs - great viewpoint from a successful business man

Class I Most Look Forward to: Really any of my business classes, but if I had to pick one probably Business Law

iPhone or Android: iPhone

CPU Homepage: Catdomealumni YouTube channel

Personal Mantra: Find a way or fade away

Social Media of Choice: Instagram

Car or Truck: Truck

Xbox, PS3, or Wii: PS3

What first inspired you to play football: It was really the only thing that got my mind off of the outside world. The field became my sanctuary and there was no place I'd rather be.

Favorite Coach Smith Saying: "You don't know, what you don't know."

Favorite part of playing at Linfield: Definitely the bond with all the guys and staff that are a part of this program. This is truly home away from home. Catdome family.

Post Linfield aspirations: To be a successful business man and entrepreneur.

Wildcat11’s Keys To Victory

60 minutes of Linfield Football.  Expect To Win. Linfield has to have the state of mind that they can go in one of the toughest venues of all of Division 3 and go toe-to-toe with the Cru. I’m stating the obvious when I say that Linfield is going to have a superior effort in order to knock off UMHB but I have tremendous believe in the talent and heart of this team.  Linfield has to be prepared to handle the ups and downs of the game and keep moving forward with the best effort until the last snap is over.

Be up to the task on the line of scrimmage: The ‘Cats offensive and defensive lines face the biggest challenge of the season when they line up against UMHB. We all love to talk about the skills guys and put them on the highlight videos *rises hand* but football has and always will be won in the trenches. The ‘Cats offensive line and defensive fronts have to play great assignment football and be up for the physical challenge.

Maintain a Balanced Offensive Attack: Linfield has shown great offensive balance this season and the ‘Cats will have to be able to get after UMHB by both running the ball and through the air. The ‘Cats offense cannot afford to be one-dimensional so Linfield is going to have to find ways to keep the Cru off on their heels by mixing up the pass and run.

Don’t give up the big play: UMHB is explosive on offense. They have playmakers all over the field so Linfield is going to have to be a great tackling team and not allow the Cru rack up quick points by allowing the big run or letting Cru receivers get behind the defense.

Play A Smart Brand of Football:  Sometimes in big games like this, players have the desire to press and do things they don’t typically do. Forget that and just do your responsibility and make good decisions.  This game is going to be tough enough so excessive penalties and bad ball security will only make it harder.

Special Teams Stepping Up: If you’ve been reading this blog this year, you already know how I feel about the growth of the ‘Cats special teams.  Linfield is going to need another great performance out of this group to help shift field position in favor of the ‘Cats and help capture every point possible. 

Enjoy the Moment: There are only 16 teams left in the country; you are with your best friends, and getting a chance to play a game you love in a beautiful venue against one of the very best. Enjoy the heck out of the moment and let it rip.

Overall

Cats by 1. Linfield is walking into a lion’s den this weekend in Belton and will be pushed to their physical and mental limits by one of the very best in the business. This is weekend is why the players on the roster choose Linfield.  They choose Linfield over the NWC schools to have the chance to go toe-to-toe with the big boys and see how they measure up. If Linfield can play a clean football game and manage the lows and highs of the contest, I’m fully expecting the ‘Cats to have a shot at this towards the end. This is Linfield team not only has talent but they have heart. Let’s go see what we’ve got.

2014 Linfield Football: Chapman Playoff Mini-Highlight

Previous 2014 Mini-Highlights:
Pacific Mini-Highlight
Puget Sound Mini-Highlight
Willamette Mini-Highlight
Lewis & Clark Mini-Highlight
Whitworth Mini-Highlight
George Fox Mini-Highlight
PLU Mini-Highlight
Redlands Mini-Highlight
Chapman Mini-Highlight

‘Cats Win!!! Linfield plays for Moore in a 55-24 opening playoff victory over Chapman.

Gone but never forgotten. RIP Parker.

This past Saturday in the ‘Catdome there were tears of joy, tears of sadness, and at times, both were shed at the same time.  Saying it was an emotional day of football would be an understatement as your Linfield Wildcats honored their teammate, friend, and brother Parker Moore in a resounding 55-24 opening playoff win against the SCIAC Champions, Chapman University Panthers.  Linfield came out of the gates and left no doubt what the outcome of the day was going to be as Linfield used all three units to control contest and build a 38-3 first half lead. Linfield never looked back.

Chapman had a heck of year and did play Linfield close down in Orange to start the 2014 season.  Panther Head Coach Bob Owens, who has done a magnificent job in building Chapman up, stated in the week’s lead up that his Panthers probably caught Linfield a little by surprise in the ‘Cats 21-14 opening season game in Orange, Ca. “We were maybe a little better football team than (Linfield) thought.” Sure, there might have been a little of that, but I clearly remember thinking to myself after the season opener that Chapman was already playing to the ceiling of their potential while I thought this Linfield team had a great chance to grow into a national contender. This time around, Chapman got to experience what a fully realized Linfield team looks and feels like.

With the victory, Linfield gets the opportunity to move on in the playoffs and travel out to Belton, Texas to face the #2 ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders.  When Linfield lost to Willamette in Week 7, I thought that if the ‘Cats could win out, and then win our opening playoff game, Linfield would be on the road to back Whitewater.  But the NCAA tapped Linfield on the shoulder and said “Sorry, not that beanstalk here but that beanstalk over there is the one you need to go climb.”  What I’m saying is that instead of one D3 giant I thought Linfield would face in the second round, we’re just getting another giant instead.  But once you get past the first round of the playoffs, everyone is a good football team so we might as well go play one of the VERY best there is.  Let’s go see if this Linfield team has something left in the tank.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

Being Ready To Play:  I wasn’t sure what to expect from the ‘Cats this weekend considering the week this program, college, and multiple communities have experienced with the death of Parker.  However, as soon as I stepped into the locker room, I knew that this team was ready to go. Their hearts were heavy but this group of young people were determined to honor their fallen friend the best way they knew how and that was to perform.


Put Chapman away early: The Panthers had no chance. Linfield buried Chapman in all three phases to build a 35-0 lead before the Panthers could scratch out a field goal towards the end of the half. I think it was critical for Linfield to get the game out of reach early and Linfield did just that.

1st Half Defense:  The Linfield defense forced 5 three-and-outs in the 1st half against Chapman. The ‘Cats were swamping anything the Panthers could throw at Linfield during the 1st half. The Linfield speed and physicality was just too much.  At the end of the half, the Panthers only collected 4 first downs and gained only 61 yards of offense.

Balanced Offensive Attack: I loved the way our offense attacked Chapman’s defense. 227 yards rushing (4.9 per carry) and 279 yards passing (12.7 per completion) for 506 total offensive yards. This Linfield offense is so dangerous when you combine a clicking Linfield passing attack with Payne, Willis, and Riddle rushing the ball for big chunks. Saturday’s offensive performance is what Coach Smith and his offensive staff had to envision before this season started.  The offense looked sharp.

Special Teams…again: I’ve been raving about the Linfield Special Teams unit and their second half of the season improvement and they continue to impress.  A huge 63 yard Jordan Giza punt return for TD, two field goals, great coverage, great punting (42.0 avg, three punts inside the 20), and more booming kickoffs. Another banner day by Coach Haze’s guys.

Pass Protection: A few times on Saturday, I thought that Sam Riddle was going to break out a PB&J and start eating it while in the pocket with all the time his offensive line was providing.   Riddle had a standout day throwing the ball (22 of 36, 279 yards and 4 TDs) and a big reason why was his big fellas giving up zero sacks on the day and minimal pressure. 

‘Cats Receivers Making Plays: The Wildcat receivers had to be itching to get after it after Linfield almost exclusively ran the ball against Pacific the week before. There were a number of acrobatic catches by Charlie Poppen and Evan Peterson who came up with play after play for the ‘Cats. It was a fantastic performance by the Linfield receivers.

Linfield over Chapman 55-24 for a first round playoff victory! #Catdome #LinfieldStrong #D3fb

A photo posted by catdomealumni (@catdomealumni) on Nov 11, 2014 at 4:57pm PST

Bonus Good:

The Linfield Faithful and Students: The opening round of the playoffs falls on the start of the college’s fall break. That usually means that the student section is empty.  This game’s crowds are typically smaller but still vocal. This past Saturday a number of students stayed the extra day to show their support for their classmates and added some great energy to the ‘Catdome. I have to take my hat off to all of the ‘Cats that came out and showed their love and support to the Moore family and his Linfield teammates.  Go ‘Cats!

The Bad

3rd quarter lull: There was a drop in that 3rd quarter in energy and emotion from the ‘Cats and anybody could understand.  For many of our guys, this has probably one of the hardest weeks of their lives and I think a number of guys were running on empty in that 2nd half.  However, kudos to the Linfield roster for rallying and then snuffing out that mini-rally by Chapman to put the game on ice.

The Ugly

Nothing at all. This is a great group of young men that have handled all of this with such grace in the face of incredible sadness. This isn’t going to go away just because the ‘Cats won a football game but I do believe this team will forge ahead with the full intention of staying together for as long as they can to honor Parker and to be able to play for each other.

ADvantage Friday Feature: Linfield Strong

Linfield Strong: a state of mind, faith, loyalty, friendship, compassion, empathy, support, strength…a state of love; all felt by the members of an incredibly special community.

Of course, those are mere words attempting to describe the power that has made its way through Linfield and beyond. Being Linfield Strong is so much more than those symbols typed on a computer screen; it’s being a united family that nothing can break.

“The notion of what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force is used time and time again,” said sophomore Nathan Pellatz; a member of the Linfield golf team and a Resident Advisor. “But Linfield Strong shows us what happens when an immovable object is also an unstoppable force. Nobody can touch us when we band together and stand as one.” 

Parker Moore is every meaning of Linfield Strong. It takes an incredibly special human being to ignite the souls of an entire community in a way that Parker has. He is the Linfield Wildcat Family’s guardian angel; an angel who will be standing alongside every one of his teammates, as well as cheering along with every fan.

And that’s how we will remain, standing together, cheering on Coach Smith, the entire football staff and all of the young men who will be taking the field come Saturday.

“A tragedy like this, we are all just trying to get through it together, ” said Kristen Vroom, a junior on the Linfield softball team. “We are here to support friends and family, and our football team who will be carrying on into playoffs in Parker’s honor. It’s a heavy task to take on, but it’s something that the rest of the school will be here to support.”

“Here at a small D3 college, as athletes, we don’t get paid to play,” said sophomore Alexis Michael. “We play and spend countless hours training and practicing because we love the game. These athletes in the Catdome have incredible passion that is unlike anything I have ever seen.”

Michael, like Vroom, plays for the Linfield softball team. Catball and Catdome have a special bond that spreads much further than a shared coach. Coach Vaughn lends his time, expertise and passion to both the softball and football teams.

“Coach Vaughan has been a father figure and mentor to both Catball and Catdome,” said Michael. “He spends countless hours watching and reviewing film, and when you pass the HHPA, even at 12-1 AM, his lights light up his office.”

Members of the football team are often found lining the outfield of Del Smith Stadium during games. They shake the fence (adding K’s across the top for every strike pitchers dole out), climb the foul poles, join in on cheers and make up some of their own to chant.

“It’s very cool to see them support not only us but also Coach Vaughan,” agreed Vroom. “It just goes to show how close their program is, and how they support their coaches outside of football as well.” 

Last spring a large majority of football players even woke up to give a send off to the softball team on their way to super regionals.

That kind of support is the perfect summation of Linfield athletics. No matter the sport, no matter the weather, no matter the location (look at the group who followed the baseball team to Appleton, Wis.) there will always be purple and red in the stands.

“Being an athlete, fan support gets your adrenaline flowing,” said senior baseball player Jackson Ruckert. “You feed off of the energy that they bring to the stadium and use it in critical situations when you may be tiring or need a clutch result.”

Along with being a member of the national championship baseball team, Ruckert also played football for the Wildcats his freshman year. Now, after using his knowledge of the incredible tradition that the program has, he is one of the loudest fans on the south end of Maxwell Field.

“We are rowdy yet respectful and knowledgeable of the game,” sad Ruckert. “But we love winning.”

“Even though we’re a small school we have a big school spirit,” said Vroom. “Our boys work so hard on the field and they deserve to have loyal fans to support them.”

Support comes from both sides of the fence that surrounds the track at the football field. Whether it’s from one of the excited fans or from one of the players wearing purple jerseys, there’s an army behind the young men representing Linfield.

“Fingers could have been pointed after getting knocked off by Willamette and they could have folded,” said Ruckert. “Instead, they were humbled, realized they weren’t their best that day and came out and absolutely hammered Pacific for the conference title.”

Although that conference title was followed by heartbreak, nothing can take away the pride that the Linfield community feels for those young men and all they’ve accomplished.

“Linfield Strong, to me, shows that not only is it a time to be strong for yourself, but that us, the Linfield community, is strong,” said Pellatz.

That community has extended in the past week. Pictures, letters, banners and condolences came from conference rivals, Linfield alumni, friends, family and everyone in between. Even a sunset up in Seattle was streaked with the reassuring colors of purple and red; proving that everyone is a Linfield Wildcat.

“We do not get through tragic events without each other,” said Ruckert. “It’s been amazing to see how everyone who has a tie to Linfield, and even those who don’t, come together and show this community support.”

This community believes in the Catdome. And there we will remain, now and forever, cheering on our boys. LINFI3LD 5TRONG.

-Sara Miller

Photo Courtesy of Linfield Student Piikea Kailio

An Open Letter from Coach Smith on the death of Parker Moore.

Dear Catdome Family,

The past few days have been the most difficult of my life, and certainly the most trying and painful period our program has experienced. It has ripped our hearts out. I believe the greatest strength of our program is its closeness. This truly is a family. It is pillar number 1. We say Family, we break huddles to Family, it’s written in the locker room; but it is more than words. We actually live Family. It is the single greatest characteristic that makes our program what it is. It’s Thor’s hammer; it’s Samson’s Hair.

It is also what has made this so painful for all of us. Not only is each member of our team hurting personally, but they have to see the hurt in their fellow teammate’s eyes and the pain is doubled. A former Wildcat just a few years out, wrote to me “I never had the pleasure of meeting Parker, but that doesn’t matter, once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. If one is hurting, we all are hurting, if one of us is in need we pick each other up.”      

 I could not agree more. It has been very hard, but that very sentiment shared to me is helping our program process, embrace, and eventually grow from our loss of Parker.

The incredible outpouring of love and support from hundreds of former players, supporters, as well as so many people from the McMinnville community is overwhelming. Businesses and many churches in town have sent their support, many sending incredible letters and wishes. Driving home past the reader board at Walgreens last night, I had to pull over as I found that so powerful and impacting.  All of this outpouring is humbling and has truly helped our students and staff.  On behalf of our program I want to publically thank you all. 

I have to agree with sentiment that in the midst of tragedy is when you find out what you are made of.  Saturday night at that 7 Eleven I was able to witness first-hand the finest police officers and paramedics one could want, perform in their darkest moment. The way in which they handled the scene was impressive to me. They were professional and yet compassionate. I applaud them for what they do, and I am in their debt.   Thank you.  The officers and paramedics that tried to save Parker’s life on that floor, in the ambulance, and in the helicopter; thank you.  To the Mac PD officers that physically stood between Parker and evil, thank you for protecting ALL in that 7 Eleven.   You are heroic to me.

The way in which Linfield has come together to show solidarity and support has given me a renewed hope for this generation. Just when I think my kids can only live digitally, these young men and women showed so much compassion and insight that I was taken aback. I am so proud of our students here. The memorial fence is a testament to the caring and insight and yes, wisdom, that our young adults here possess. I am so proud of Linfield and our students.

The way that colleges all around the country have reached out and expressed their condolences, letting us know we are in their thoughts and prayers, has really helped our team. Many high schools throughout Oregon and the NW have reached out as well. Thank you.

The Northwest Conference has particularly struck a chord with our team, as the support from our fiercest competitors made a difference for us. Each program in our conference reached out to me personally, some even going further, such as Pacific’s image they posted, Lewis and Clark’s picture of their team honoring Parker, and Whitman’s candlelight vigil. Chapman specifically honored Parker, as is Wesley with a moment of silence planned for their playoff game. To all I say, “thank you”.

The way that Parker Moore lived his life is a testament to his faith and his upbringing. There is no doubt that the Moore family raised an incredible young man. The impact he has had on our campus is what has made his loss so unbearably great. He was a young man that transcended social barriers because of his genuine love and concern for others. In many ways Parker was the total package. I really do believe he embodied all that is good at Linfield, and all that we strive for men in our program to become. A consummate teammate. Team first at all cost.  A man of character, his word was his bond.  A man of action. He was a worker that loved the grind. Teddy Roosevelt was writing about Parker when he penned the “man in the arena”.  A true leader. Some people are born with a magnetic personality and strength of personality that draws people to them. Parker was that man. From a young age I know he exhibited that. What made him a true leader was his compassion and caring for people. His middle school math teacher, Ryan Adams, wrote a letter that portrays Parker EXACTLY as the image I have in my mind of what I believe Parker would have been like at that age.  A young man that cared more about others more than himself.  

Now besides being a man of action, Parker could talk. That is for sure, and he was funny. He had that gift of timely wit, and knowing when a nickname would stick, and ride it. Since he cared about people, he got people. He knew what would be funny, what would interest others, and would go with it. His positivity was contagious.  Our team will miss that smile and that positive humor and spirit more than I can write. Many have described Parker as a light on campus, and I sure agree with that.

Many around our campus have celebrated the well roundedness and compassion of Parker, and that is so true. However, make no mistake about it, Parker was a linebacker. When he sat in my office with his father contemplating colleges, he asked what we thought about him. I told him, “you are a football player Parker, and you are our kind of man. We want you.”  He was created to enjoy physical combat, it was in his DNA. Parker could run and hit. And he loved it. Parker loved to compete, especially if he could hit something while competing.  Parker embodied the compassionate warrior that so many of our players strive to be. He was STRONG in ALL the best ways.

Parker Moore is the young man that every father wants their son to grow up to be.   I am so proud of him. The example he has given this team, this college, and hopefully all who read about him, will live on in all the young men who come through this program.  As Lucas Jepson wrote to our team, “Parker Moore is not gone, he’s with us all every step we take.  He will be making sure we all represent that Linfield L to the fullest with every step and every moment we encounter.   It’s a chance to rise up and be leaders and change a life.”   I know that the young men on this team will use Parker as an example to live up to, and will be better men from having known him.   I know that will have a ripple effect in our communities and world, and Parker will have made a larger impact than he could imagine. Our coaches will ensure that every future player gets to know Parker and what he stood for.

I know Parker loved our football field, and it was clearly a favorite place of his.   Parker was a strong man of faith.  As hundreds stood on the L in the middle of our field last night at our student led candlelight vigil, I could not help but realize our Parker was at his new favorite place, watching down on his school brought together as one.  I know he has heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

I love you, Parker.

Coach Smith

2014 NCAA Division III Round One Playoff Game: Linfield (8-1) vs Chapman (8-1)

Playoff football in the 'Catdome?  Yes please!

After coming off a tremendous 59-0 victory over the Pacific Boxers, your Linfield Wildcats received the right to represent the NWC in the 2014 Division III Playoffs and the honor to host a game in the 1st round. I love playoff football in the ‘Catdome and I’ve never taken these weekends for granted. You never know when you’re going to get another opportunity to host and while the thanksgiving break playoff crowds are small, the passion of the core Linfield fans attending these first round games is fierce.  After Linfield wrapped up Pacific everyone and their cousin knew that it was going to be Chapman in the first round.  The ‘Cats barely escaped Orange, California back in September as Linfield had to mount a 2nd half comeback to overcome a very talented Chapman squad 21-14. I’m fully expecting another closely contested and hard found game in McMinnville this weekend. 

The 2014 Chapman Panthers might be the best team the SCIAC has produced since the 2004 Occidental Tigers who advanced to that year’s quarterfinals of the playoffs. So don’t assume and make the mistake that just because Linfield’s offense has shown significant growth since the season opener that this game is in the bag for Linfield. The assuming and dismissing is what lead to an unconceivable loss to Willamette in week 7 and Chapman ain’t Willamette. Chapman is a damn good football team who feels like they match up with Linfield’s speed and athletic ability.  A flight up to the PNW isn’t going to shake Chapman as this is their 2nd time up in this area in 2014 as the Panthers when to Spokane and smacked Whitworth before heading into SCIAC play and rolling over their conference schedule.  Chapman has stated that they’re ready to show the division III nation what Southern California football is all about and knocking off Linfield in the ‘Catdome would be a heck of an introduction.

Obviously this has been an unthinkable week for the Linfield College community and this football program. The death of Parker Moore has shook everyone associated with Linfield and this community is deeply grieving Pakrer being ripped from our lives.  Preparing for a football game seems like a trivial matter compared to the gravity of all of this, but at the same time, Parker’s teammates and closest friends are getting the opportunity to be together in the face of this tragedy, grieve together,  and pay tribute to their fallen friend. I know the community and staff has been terrific in keeping these young men together and the staff has been working so hard to prepare them for Saturday. Who knows what Saturday will hold for the Wildcats but I have a feeling this group is going to respond with a great effort in the ‘Catdome.  No matter what the final results will hold, I’ve never been more proud to be a Linfield Wildcat. I truly love and respect what this College and Football program is all about…..Family.

Get To Know A Wildcat

#62 Eric Pitassi, Offensive Guard, Junior
Hometown: West Linn, Or. High School: West Linn High School

Favorite place to eat in Mac: Tequila Grill

Favorite Movie: Heavy Weights

Favorite Music: Anything

Favorite TV show: The Newsroom

Favorite Book: A Song of Ice and Fire Series (Game of Thrones) (WC11 note: as a fellow ASOIAF nerd...I approve)

Class I Most Look Forward to: Athletic Training Professional Experience

iPhone or Android: iPhone

CPU Homepage: Google

Personal Mantra: "Be what you want, If you want to be a shoe shiner then be a shoe shiner, but you be the best shoe shiner there ever was" - My Dad

Social Media of choice: Facebook

Car or Truck: Truck

Xbox, PS3, or Wii: Xbox

What first inspired you to play football: I didn't like playing soccer, mostly because I wasn't good at it, so I switched to football and been hooked since.

Favorite Coach Smith Saying: "You don't know, what you don't know, you just don't."

Favorite part of playing at Linfield: Everyone on the team is your brother, and you would do anything for your fellow brothers. (RIP Parker, I'm honored I was able to call you my brother).

Post Linfield aspirations: Physical Therapy School

Wildcat11’s Keys To Victory

Come Together, Play Together:  Saturday is a day for this team and these players to come together and focus solely on playing for one each other and putting out their very best effort.  They’re going to be in for a heck of a battle and it’s going to take our ‘Cats playing their best for four quarters.

Limit the Chapman Run Game: The Panther offense is built on running the football and they do it very well.  The Panther’s average 202.2 rushing yards per game and have punched in 29 rushing TDs on the season.  Linfield didn’t see much of Jeremiah McKibbins in their first game of the year but the senior RB is healthy and tearing it up for 99.1 rush yards per game (6.6 per carry) and 16 TDs. You would think the ‘Cats defense is going to see a whole lot of McKibbins this upcoming Saturday. When you mix in the explosive Cody Chapple (58.6 per game/5 TDs), Kean Stancil (38.3 rush yards per game) and QB Michael Lahey (41.2 per game/3 TDs) the Panthers seeming have unlimited options running the ball. 

Effective Linfield Rushing Attack: Linfield struggled running the football against Chapman in September (74 rushing yards/3.4 per carry) and for good reason. The Panther defense is a fast and athletic group that’s only surrendering 129.2 rushing yards per game and only gives up an impressive 19.9 points per game. This Linfield offense is at their best when they are running the ball well and we’re going to need that dynamic run offense on Saturday.

Pressure: The Chapman coaching staff is going to be very aware of the Linfield pass rush as the ‘Cats ability to sack and harass Michael Lahey was critical in Linfield’s victory. I’m sure Champan is looking at ways to better protect Lahey this time around but it’s paramount for the ‘Cats to be able to get to the Chapman QB early and often.

Making plays in the passing game:  Sam Riddle and the Linfield WR corps are going to have to make plays in the passing game this weekend. Yeah, weather conditions are not going to be ideal but that can’t be a deterrent from keeping Chapman honest and stretching the field.  Linfield is going to have to make some plays in the passing game.

Execution of assignments and playing smart:  Obviously, when you’re executing you’re going to put yourself in a position to have success and the ‘Cats are incredibly tough when each player on the field is getting their job done and playing a smart brand of football. Chapman is a sharp and smart football team as well and I’m sure they’ll have an excellent game plan for the ‘Cats.

Great Tackling: Linfield is going to have to be a fantastic tackling team against Chapman. The Panther offensive scheme is so darn tough to defend as they’ll get their RB’s and QB in open space so Linfield has to be fundamentally sound tacklers to help limit damage and not allow the Panthers to break off the big one.

Special Teams Coming To Play: The Linfield Special Teams unit has grown tremendously over the 2014 season and will need a great performance against Champan to help the ‘Cats win the field position game. We need our coverage units sharp and make sure that Linfield puts their return personnel in positions to succeed.  The special teams groups could have a major say in this game’s outcome.

Take care of that football: Not a whole lot to say here but make sure we have great security on the football and make good decisions with it.

Overall

‘Cats by 7. Chapman is a hell of a club that has a ton of belief and ability. Somehow, the ‘Cats are going find a way to have a great week of practice in order to be ready to perform on Saturday.  The Panthers are coming to win and our ‘Cats need to be ready to strap it up against this worthy opponent. In my heart, I know this group is going to rally and be ready to play Linfield football for each other and for Parker.  Go ‘Cats!

2014 Linfield College Football: Pacific Mini Highlight

Previous 2014 Mini-Highlights:
Puget Sound Mini-Highlight
Willamette Mini-Highlight
Lewis & Clark Mini-Highlight
Whitworth Mini-Highlight
George Fox Mini-Highlight
PLU Mini-Highlight
Redlands Mini-Highlight
Chapman Mini-Highlight

‘Cats Win!!! Linfield dominates Pacific in a 59-0 victory in the ‘Catdome.

Wildcat11 Note: I’ve been wrestling in my mind and heart on what this should week should be about on the ADvantage. Should I press on and try to dive into our routine of game reviews, video, preview, etc? Is that insensitive to the magnitude of the events that have shook so many people and communities connected to Parker? I’m not sure if there’s a right answer but in my heart I’m going to honor Parker on this little blog by pressing on to the best of my ability. Parker has spent the past two seasons of his life pouring himself into Linfield Football. He’s put in the work, time, effort, and heart to the success of this program over these past two year and I’m going to celebrate that in the way I know how.  Parker believed in this program and his teammates. He believed in his friends. So I’m going to try to honor that for the remainder of the season. Rest in Peace, Parker.

#7 Eli Biondine and the 'Cats defense stonewalled the Boxers this past Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of Brad Thompson: Purchase Brad's Photos here.

Saturday was a tremendous performance from your Linfield College Wildcats. The ‘Cats were sharp, focused, and ready to play to the best of this team’s ability. And when this team plays to that potential, and to their high end of talent, there are very few teams across this country that can match that level. Pacific had the chance to experience firsthand what most everyone that’s played Linfield in 2014 has, and that’s when Linfield is rolling, the ‘Cats are extraordinarily tough to handle.

For Pacific, I poured the honey on pretty thick last week in the game preview and for good reason. The Boxers’ growth over 5 years has been tremendous and should be applauded. After starting 0-2 this season, the Boxers showed resolve and growth and earned their part of the NWC title. That’s something to be proud of. However, I think some part Pacific might have fallen into the score comparison trap with the Willamette results and that was a mistake. Saturday, the Boxers saw the Linfield team that the ‘Catdome has witnessed for the great majority of 2014 season. And when you add in the fact that the Boxers dumped Gatorade on their coach after beating Willamette, put out a hype video the night before the game, having a send off ralley, etc. I think many of the Linfield players felt like Pacific was treating Saturday’s game as a coronation rather than a showdown for all the NWC marbles. So, the ‘Cats were determined to show the Boxers what Linfield’s best looked like.

With the victory, the ‘Cats have assured themselves the NWC automatic bid and the ‘Cats 6th consecutive Northwest Conference title and 12th NWC crown over the past 15 years.  The playoff brackets came out on Sunday and to nobody’s surprise it will be a NWC/SCIAC match up as the Chapman Panthers will be making their way up to McMinnville for the 1st round.  This is a rematch of the season opener as Linfield was able to escape Chapman with a tight 21-14 victory. Both teams have had significant growth since week one and I’m sure each staff is hard at work in trying to figure out the best ways to attack each other in this rematch. Obviously, Linfield is going to have a very difficult week in trying to come together and prepare for a football game while grieving Parker’s death. At this point, I don’t know what to expect come Saturday. I know the staff and communities will take care of our young men and honor Parker by trying their best to prepare and represent him to the utmost of their ability. Chapman is a fantastic opponent and I know Linfield will do their best to stick together and put out a worthy effort on the field.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

Focused and Ready to Play: You could feel it walking into the locker room that this group of guys were ready and at that right tension. The intensity was bubbling right below the surface. Every guy has their own thing going on during pregame. Some get in their own world with their headphones on. Others can’t stop talking and cutting it up with their teammates. But no matter how each player was gearing up for the game you could feel that sense of readiness. When Coach Smith finished his pregame talk and said “Today...let's pick up that hammer.” there was an explosion of energy in the locker room. This team was ready to play.

Defensive Effort: My goodness that was an old fashioned busting out the salt truck Linfield defensive performance. The Linfield defense controlled all aspects of the Pacific offensive attack.  The ‘Cats only yielded 144 yards of total offense (2.6 per play) with 62 of those yards coming in the Boxers' last drive of the game. The ‘Cats defense forced seven 3-and-outs, forced two turnovers on fumbles (both resulting in Linfield touchdowns), allowed only 46 net rush yards (1.5 per), and limited the Boxers' starting QB to only 38 passing yards on 8 completed passes on 17 attempts.

Rushing Attack: A former Boxer football player fresh out of school commented to a close friend of mine in the north end zone before kickoff that Linfield doesn’t have a run game and Pacific only needs to worry about the pass. 316 rushing yards (5.7 per carry) and 7 rushing touchdowns later by Linfield and I wonder if that sentiment would be the same. The ‘Cats rushing attack was so dynamic in being able to go side-to-side or line up and push the Boxers downhill as well.

Red Zone Offense: The Linfield Red Zone offense went 8 for 8 with all 8 conversions being by way of touchdowns. Pacific came into this past Saturday in only allowing 55% of opposition red zone scores being TD’s so that just continues to speak towards the absolute domination by the ‘Cats.

#9 Evan Peterson hauled in this 2nd quarter TD to extend Linfield's lead to 31-0.

Photo Courtesy of Brad Thompson: Purchase Brad's Photos here.

Special Teams Play: Major shout out to the ‘Cats special teams unit. The group has grown so much over the season. Honestly, the special teams coverage and return units at the beginning of the season were shaky and that’s putting it nicely. However, Coach Hazenberg kept shaping this group and they have become a weapon for Linfield in the 2nd half of the season.  Saturday, this group once again caused a big turnover, pinned the opposition all game long, and came up with play after play.

Physicality: There wasn’t a single doubt once the game started just who was the more physical team. Linfield at every point of attack was the aggressors and just broke Pacific’s will as the game developed. Physicality doesn’t always just come from size and speed but it comes from want and desire. The Wildcats had the want and the desire this past Saturday.

Owning 3rd down (4th down as well): We talked about in our game preview how the 3rd down conversion stat would speak to the game’s outcome. Pacific came into the game 8th in the country in 3rd down conversion at over 51% and Linfield’s defense held them to 4 of 15 on the day.  And when you add to the fact that the Wildcat offense goes 9 of 17 on 3rd down and then 4 of 4 on 4th down…….lights out. That is just great execution by the Linfield defense and offense.

Pressure: The Boxers’ Warner Shaw has some nice scrambling ability and he needed it as he was under constant fire by the ‘Cats defensive front.  The ‘Cats were so darn aggressive and fast and the Boxers offense had no counter punch to slow down the heat Linfield was applying.

The Bad

You just smacked the NWC Co-Champs by 59 points with all three phases chipping in with an "A" level effort. Nothing bad there.

Cats Win!!!! 59-0 victory over Pacific for a share of the NWC title and the playoff auto bid. #catdome #D3FB

A photo posted by catdomealumni (@catdomealumni) on Nov 11, 2014 at 3:47pm PST

The Ugly

Nothing: It was a cold but beautiful day in the ‘Catdome and a great performance put on by our ‘Cats. It was a tremendous way to end the regular season by an incredible group of young men. Go ‘Cats!

The death of Linfield student and football player, Parker Moore.

Where do you even being? In running this blog over the years, I’ve had the honor of covering a wonderful group of coaches, volunteers, and countless waves of downright great young men on their journey through the ‘Catdome.  As fans, we’ve all experienced highs and lows that athletics exposes you to but nothing can prepare you as a person to deal with such a tragedy.  Last night, Linfield student and Linebacker Parker Moore, age 20, was fatally stabbed at the 7-Eleven across the street from Linfield in an evil and random act of violence. Like every other person that woke up this morning, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It doesn’t seem real that one of our own has been taken away from us so suddenly and at such a young age.

This type of things should never happen anywhere and is incredibly unfair for Parker’s family, friends, his former teammates at Woodinville High School (Wa.) and his current teammates at Linfield. This is a tragic event that will leave a lasting impact on all of those people that have been touched by Parker over the course of his life.

Parker Moore was a great young man. He is loved deeply by his close friends, hardworking, selfless, a man of action.  Parker Moore is everything you would want as a son, a friend, and a Linfield Wildcat. He is going to be deeply missed by all that loved Parker and will never be forgotten.

Parker’s death was a senseless act, and like so many people, I’m struggling with wrapping my mind around why and how this could happen. As a parent, as much as I’ve tried there is nothing I can do to understand the level of pain and grief the Moore family is currently experiencing.

For the players and staff of the Linfield College Football team, this is nothing you could prepare for. These young men and coaches are leveled at the news of Parker’s death.  Linfield College and the staff will do everything they can to make sure that Parker’s teammates and friends have outlets to grieve the loss of one of their own.

There will be information coming out shortly regarding how Linfield College and Linfield Football will be memorializing and celebrating Parker’s life. If you are in the McMinnville or surrounding areas and are looking for ways to help the Linfield community, I’ll do my best to provide you with details when I can.

Linfield is a strong family built on a solid foundation of trust and love. If you have a way to do something to help the people of Linfield, McMinnville, or Woodinville, do it. Parker was a person who put others in front of himself and we should honor him by exercising that same quality for those that are currently in need of love and support.