Captain Kangaroo

Click Me Of course in the PD, Ellen had to finish his story "The Zips, who were 7-5 last season, were expected to compete for the conference championship." I elected not to post her column...not worth it. Use the MAC link above.

True.

Jacobs numbers were too overwhelming for Charlie to overcome, I guess. First Team Offense Center - Brian Van Aker, Northern Illinois (Jr., Crystal Lake, Ill.) Lineman - Rob Warren, Bowling Green (Jr., Mentor, Ohio) Lineman - Adam Kieft, Central Michigan (Sr., Rockford, Mich.)## Lineman - Jake VerStraete, Northern Illinois (Sr., Atkinson, Ill.)++ Lineman - Nick Kaczur, Toledo (Sr., Brantford, Ont.)&&/++/%% (tie) Tight End - Brad Cieslak, Northern Illinois (Sr., Long Grove, Ill.) (tie) Tight End - Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan (Jr., Chelsea, Mich.) Wide Receiver - Dante Ridgeway, Ball State (Jr., Decatur, Ill.) Wide Receiver - Lance Moore, Toledo (Sr., Westerville, Ohio)++ Wide Receiver - Greg Jennings, Western Michigan (Jr., Kalamazoo, Mich.)## Quarterback - Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green (So., Delray Beach, Fla.) Running Back - Adell Givens, Ball State (Fr., Hamilton, Ohio) Running Back - Jerry Seymour, Central Michigan (So., Miramar, Fla.)## Running Back - Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (So., Chicago, Ill.) Placekicker - Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan (So., Canton, Ohio)p First Team Defense Outside Linebacker - Terna Nande, Miami (Jr., Grand Rapids, Mich.)## Outside Linebacker - Javan Lee, Northern Illinois (Jr., Michigan City, Ind.) Lineman - Dan Bazuin, Central Michigan (So., McBain, Mich.) Lineman - Johnathan Goddard, Marshall (Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.) Lineman - Marcus Johnson, Miami (Jr., Youngstown, Ohio) Lineman - Travis Moore, Northern Illinois (Sr., Robbins, Ill.) Inside Linebacker - Jovon Burkes, Bowling Green (Sr., Detroit, Mich.) Inside Linebacker - Brian Atkinson, Northern Illinois (Sr., Chicago, Ill.)$$/++ Defensive Back - Justin Beriault, Ball State (Sr., Indianapolis, Ind.)$$/++ Defensive Back - Keon Newson, Bowling Green (Sr., Decatur, Ga.) Defensive Back - Lionel Hickenbottom, Northern Illinois (Sr., Dolton, Ill.) Defensive Back - Patrick Body, Toledo (Sr., Pittsburgh, Pa.) Punter - Reggie Hodges, Ball State (Sr., Champaign, Ill.) Second Team Offense Center - Scott Mruczkowski, Bowling Green (Sr., Garfield Heights, Ohio)++ Lineman - Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green (Fr., Van Wert, Ohio) Lineman - Todd Londot, Miami (Jr., Utica, Ohio)## Lineman - Doug Free, Northern Illinois (So., Manitowoc, Wi.) Lineman - Ben Lueck, Northern Illinois (So., Oswego, Ill.) Tight End - Chris Holmes, Toledo (Sr., Chicago, Ill.) Wide Receiver - Josh Davis, Marshall (Sr., Hickory Grove, S.C.) Wide Receiver - Dan Sheldon, Northern Illinois (Sr., Elgin, Ill.) Wide Receiver - Eric Deslauriers, Eastern Michigan (So., Gatineau, Que.) Quarterback - Charlie Frye, Akron (Sr., Willard, Ohio) Running Back - Brett Biggs, Akron (Jr., Bartow, Fla.) Running Back - P.J. Pope, Bowling Green (Jr., Fairfield, Ohio)++ Running Back - Anthony Sherrell, Eastern Michigan (Sr., Roseville, Mich.)++ Placekicker - Shaun Suisham, Bowling Green (Sr., Wallaceburg, Ont.) Second Team Defense Outside Linebacker - James King, Central Michigan (Sr., Southfield, Mich.)## Outside Linebacker - Keon Jackson, Toledo (Jr., East Chiacgo, Ill.) Lineman - Mitch Crossley, Bowling Green (Jr., Springfield, Ohio)## Lineman - Justin Parrish, Can't State (Jr., Landover Hills, Md.) Lineman - Jamus Martin, Marshall (Sr., Martinsville, Va.)$$/++ Lineman - Kevin Carberry, Ohio (Sr., Oak Lawn, Ill.) Inside Linebacker - Kevin Harrison, Eastern Michigan (Sr., Belleville, Mich.) Inside Linebacker - Eric Mahl, Can't State (Sr., Monroeville, Ohio) ^^ Defensive Back - Curtis Keyes, Marshall (So., Mt. Olive, Miss.) Defensive Back - Alphonso Hodge, Miami (Sr., Cleveland, Ohio) Defensive Back - Matt Pusateri, Miami (Sr., Dublin, Ohio) Defensive Back - Darrell Hunter, Miami (Jr., Middletown, Ohio) Punter - Adam Anderson, Western Michigan (Sr., Chesaning, Mich.)++ Honorable Mention (next top five in voting regardless of position) Placekicker - Chris Nendick, Northern Illinois (Fr., Naperville, Ill.) Quarterback - Joshua Cribbs, Can't State (Sr., Upper Marlboro, Md.) Running Back - Luke Clemens, Miami (Sr., Dayton, Ohio) Outside Linebacker - John Busing, Miami (Jr., Alpharetta, Ga.) Outside Linebacker - Daniel Sayles, Bowling Green (Sr., Warner Robbins, Ga.)

Any idea where he's going. He seems small, but he's piling up the yards.

This would have been his year to sit, right? Would he be elegible in 2005? Don't do it, JD.

Nice guy. Absolutely horrible Division 1 football coach.

If the MAC is looking for a team to replace Marshall, it looks like it could be us...I was hoping that it would be solely in wins/losses, and not the character of the recruit. I hope this isn't true. It would be a PR nightmare. We're doing so well right now, we don't need to take on a kid convicted of aggravated manslaughter. There are other good RB's out there that don't have such baggage. Can't accepted a kid convicted of sexual battery and had a convited felon as a QB. He should go there. Just say no, JD.

I couldn't disagree more. The University knows how huge a bowl berth would be for the program. They want it bad. The MAC office will not promote a CUSA team for a bowl. Marshall fans won't travel to see a 6-5 Herd team play UAB in Boise, or anywhere else. Ever see one of those non-New Year's bowls? They're usually in front of empty seats. Has the "Hawai'i Bowl" ever had more than 10K? I doubt it. TV want Charlie Frye, not Stan Hill I still don't see the Zips getting a bowl bid, but if they don't it won't be because The University or the MAC front office don't want it.

I'm tired, but here goes: Wood looked awesome. Hustled, rebounded, scored...he won't have a sophmore jinx. Peterson was ok. Middleton will be awesome, once he learns to finish his drives. Look out for him in mid-season. Bubba can play. Looks very court-saavy for an 18 year old. Good vision. How much weight has the entire team lost cumulative? I'm guessing 120 lbs? Every player looks pretty "buff" compared to last season. Enpecially Wood. Where does Futch fit in? Looks like a square peg in a round hole at the moment...but it is early. Did Joyce grow another inch or two? Looks like a "regular" D1 point guard! He's solid. Mc Fadden's shot looked like 2002-3, not 2003-4. Flat...a bit hard...dead on, but rattling out. He needs to get used to the pace. I swear after he popped a 17 footer that missed, he looked to the bench expecting Hipsher to yank him...then he realized Dambrot is the coach and he doesn't have a problem with his shooters taking wide open shots. How nice was it not to see a Hipsher at the substitution table? God bless them, but I am so glad that "era" is over. Did UAM approach and local foundries about sponsoring a "<Insert Company Name Here> Bricked Free Throw of the Game?" He should. The Zips appear to be horrid from the line yet again this year. This style of play is so refresing to watch after 9 years of the slo-motion offense. Wonder when the team will gel? Right now it seems all the guys...and the coach...are a work in progress. Looks a bit rough...but it will come around. Milum is about 6' 7", 155 lbs? Gotta believe he'll redshirt, barring an injury or grade casualty. He's active and fun to watch, but I can't see him loggong much PT. I liked Dambrots substitutions. I like the fact that the players can "play" without fear of getting yanked for stupid stuff like shooting too soon, or taking a shot that Hipsher didn't want...even if the shot went in the hoop. I don't see this team quitting on Dambrot. The players all seemed like they listened in the huddle, and expended maximum effort on the court. I don't miss Tarver or Hollingsworthless one bit. I saw no "Me" attitudes on the floor tonight. I saw plenty of them over the past few seasons. Looks like it will be a fun season. I have a feeling it will be like football re-visited. New coach learing his players...players learning the new coach...players learning a new system...and sometime in late December/early January things will begin clicking. I'm happy.

Owens ran away from Hawai'i. I expect better from JD. Keep Purdue, and beat Purdue.

Sept. 10 at Purdue Sept. 17 at Middle Tennessee State Sept. 1 Home Army (a guess on the date, but Army @ home in 2005 seems to be a given) If we can take care of business vs. MTSU, we should be in good shape for the OOC 2005 season. I think Orton will be gone, so Purdue should be a good game. We have Can't and OU at the Rubber Bowl. If BG moves back to the east, I'd hope we get them at home since Miami is @ Oxford. Games at Oxford and BG would be tough. Also...who's the crossover game? I'd love to play Toledo since we haven't met in about 8 years. NIU at the Rubber Bowl would be great too.

Beautiful November evening for a game. Tailgate lot was a bit wet, but temp had to be in the upper 50's. Couldn't ask for better. Tailgate lot was full! Kudos to all the folks that made it live up to the nickname: "The Greatest Neigborhood in Northeast Ohio." Had the pleasure of sharing beers with Big Zip for the first time, as well as former Zips Paul Ondrusek and Brad Detweiler. Guest appearances by Z-P, ZipDude and ZFF made for a great evening. Thanks to all for stopping by! Things looked really good at the beginning. Too bad it was short lived. Opening couple of possessions were a joy to watch. The defense played well all night. I wish our OL and DL had the depth to go into the 4th quarter, but against Miami it wasn't going to happen. Missed FG at before halftime hurt. Gave Miami some hope, and took some major wind out of our sails. With the transfer kicker from Wisconsin now in the fold, was this Swiger's last game? Biggs is so damn good when he gets some room to run. Unfortunately there were few. As was the story the entire season vs. "good" teams, Biggs got no decent holes, and was held to negligible rushing yards. Ringer did a nice job on his few carries. Hixson was outstanding. I can't wait to watch him next season. He could dominate. Mongomery had a hell of a game as well. Why did we abandon the TE after the 2nd quarter? Dan Basch had a great RAC on a screen, mowing down several would be tacklers. Shades of what could have been if injuries hadn't bit him. Beacon's front page sports feature story was the Zips!! On the OSU/Michigan day, nonetheless??!! Has hell frozen over? Wish Elie would have pulled in that easy INT. It didn't hurt us, but man that would have given us some momentum. Frye was awesome. Simply awesome. Damn, I'll miss him. I hope Luke Getsy was taking good notes. That's how you lead a team. The last game of the year is usually Dr. Z, me, players, parents, the band and referees. Total of about 500. To see 17,500 at the Zips final game was awesome. Thanks to the team, staff and Marketing for proving what all of us have said for years...give the Akron fans a quality product...compete for championships...and they will come. Will the MAC take notes on this, and keep the "big" games reserved for late in the season? If attendance is going to be a factor in staying D1, then the MAC MUST schedule its better teams to meet late in the season. You get both fans, and TV interest at a time of year when weather takes a big toll on MAC crowds. I've seen enough of 700 person crowds at the end of the season, vs. Buffalo or Can't. Keep the cupcakes for the beginning of the season. The Zips should now be considered a championship contender and play the Miami's, Toledo's and BG's of the world in November. Let Buffalo play Western Michgan in November, not the Zips. Sucks to see the opposing team celebrate on your turf. Hope to do it to Miami some time soon. Great showing by the students. Stood up an cheered the entire game. It was great to see Hixson gesturing to the endzone crowd (mostly students) getting them pumped up. Nice to have Sullivan back next season. He had another solid game. DB's played great all night. I wish they'd have tightend up the coverage on those sideline passes a bit earlier, but in general you can't complain. Betts had nothing deep all night, and he usually had all day to throw. When we play the crappy MAC teams we get "Players of the Week" on DL. When we play good teams, they turn into "Players of the Weak?" We never could get a decent rush on Miami..or Marshall...etc. Against OU, or UCF...man we were like Gastineau and Klecko. I said before...but I'm too lazy to go back and find the quote...that Murphy would hurt us more than Clemens. We need more speed on D...and better discipline to "stay home" and guard against the cutback next year. The shifty RB's killed us all year. Clemens also had a solid game, but he worked for his yards. We contained him fairly well until the end. Zipboy was right...the beer tent was PACKED! Unlike the Detroit Pistons' fans, apparently Zips fans have the class enough to simply have a couple beers, and enjoy the gamenight. Classiest ending to a Miami/Zips game in a while. No garbage, as I have personally witnessed in some recent games. Teams were very respectful at game's end. Zips need some impact OL's and DL's in this recruiting class if we're going to give these guys a run in Oxford next season. They are a solid, well coached football team. And we aren't all that far behind them. Hell of a game Zips. Be proud. You exceeded everyone's expectations and gave us fans a kick-ass fall 2004. I expect to see all graduating seniors in the tailgate lot next fall!!! Unless of course, you're playing somewhere on Sundays!

SSA football players of the year : Grant Hrabovsky By Dave Schrecengost VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH Thursday, November 18, 2004 At 6-feet-3 and 285 pounds, Grant Hrabovsky makes a big impression on people. "A lineman my size at Shady Side Academy stands out," Hrabovsky said. "I outweigh all the other linemen on my team except one by at least 50 pounds." While Hrabovsky's size caught people's attention, it was his play on the football field that really turned heads. A dominant two-way lineman who started at nose guard and offensive tackle, Hrabovsky was a force on both sides of the football for Shady Side. "(Hrabovsky) was one of our biggest question marks coming into this year, but he really showed he could play at the next level," Shady Side coach Dave Havern said. "He did everything we asked. By the end of the season, everybody was running away from him and double-teaming him, but he still kept making plays." Hrabovsky, The Herald's choice as Shady Side's Football Player of the Year, put up some impressive numbers on defense. He recorded a team-high 53 tackles, including 16 for loss, had six quarterback sacks and forced four fumbles. "He made a lot of tackles, and six sacks -- that's a hell of a number for a noseguard," Havern said. "As big and strong as he is, he had an incredible bull rush, but he could move really well laterally, too." Hrabovsky spent countless hours in the weight room during the off-season, dropping a few pounds while adding muscle. He set team records in the bench press (385 pounds), deadlift (510) and squat (605). There aren't many players with Hrabovsky's combination of size and strength playing at Class AA schools in the WPIAL. Those attributes also make Hrabovsky, who lives in Fox Chapel, attractive to college scouts. Division I Akron and a slew of smaller schools have been recruiting him. "People at the next level are going to like him," Havern said. "He's still raw, but he has a a good mind for football, and he could probably put on another 30 pounds. He has the frame where he could go up to about 310 (pounds)." Hrabovsky's leadership on and off the field were needed during Shady Side's 3-6 season. "I wish we could have won some more games," Hrabovsky said. "I'm just happy that we played our best." Havern says the graduation of Hrabovsky will leave a huge hole in Shady Side's program. "He was a great mentor for some of our younger linemen," Havern said. "We had nine great seniors, but he'll be the hardest to replace because of his size, strength and durability."

Him, Dwight Smith and Jason Taylor. All should be in the "Ring of Honor." I wouldn't retire the jersey.

Put down the crack pipe.

Woo hoo!

I ALWAYS have extra pops in the chiller for Z-P! I'll bring some for the 'dude too...but he doesn't show up much anymore? Victim of some sort of assasination plot? I will be in the lot by 4pm. Hopefully earlier.

I'm guessing 22K? I haven't heard much Marketing push for the game? Do any of the 20K that left in the 3rd quarter of the Marshall game return for a few more quarters Saturday? Another question is: Will the Akron fans be vocal? I know the fans in the endzone were pretty clueless for the Marshall game. They sat quietly on their asses for 2 quarters, then filed out early. I can guarantee Miami's fans will be pretty boisterous...and it wouldn't shock me to see 6-8k worth of those white turtleneck and red sweatshirt wearin' bastards in the stands belchin' up their tailgate foie gras and Bordeaux, screaming for their team. 49 hours til kick off...

Sorry if you missed it...but it is still football season in Summit County!

Since I bitch every time DL Morgan writes a poorly-researched, factually incorrect cut-n-pasted column, it wouldn't be fair for me not to mention it when he writes a good one. Nice job, DL. Unfortunately, your percentage of "good" columns hovers somewhere between Bryan Hipsher's FG percentage and UCF football's winning percentage.

Click for Tuzze Article

Zips are good at stopping the straight ahead run, so they should be able to keep Clemens in check. Zips defense gives up yards, but also generates turnovers. Every game for the past 5 has been a "playoff" game for the Zips, so the jitters probably won't be there. Frye is 0-3 vs Miami. He's due. Zips 31-Miami 27

Why not?

Miami (7-3, 6-1 MAC) at Akron (6-4, 6-1 MAC) - 6:00 Television: FOX Sports Net Ohio/Empire Network (Ron Thulin, play-by-play; Rob Otto, analyst). Site: Akron , Ohio - Rubber Bowl (35,000/AstroPlay) Series: Miami leads 10-4-1 ... the RedHawks have won three in a row and six of the last seven ... Akron 's last win was in 2000, 37-20. Coaches: MIA-Terry Hoeppner (47-23, sixth season); UA-J.D. Brookhart (6-4, first season). Game Notes: * It's all on the line for the East Division championship in this game. * Miami is the defending MAC Champion and also won a co-divisional title in 1998 - the Zips shared the East tile in 2000 and are after their first ever post season action since going to I-A in 1987. * Akron has won five in a row, a school record for its I-A competition. * Miami has captured five in a row also and its last two road games have resulted in wins ... the Zips have come back from 28-7 and 13-0 deficits the last two games for wins. * QBs Josh Betts ( Miami ) and Charlie Frye ( Akron ) rank third and fourth, respectively, in the league in passing efficiency. * Frye needs 13 completions to reach 900 for his career. * The Zips have allowed four punt returns for a score this year and will be challenged by Miami specialist Ryne Robinson, a sophomore who holds the MAC all-time record with five punt returns for a touchdown - the Zips have rebounded from a 1-4 overall start to the season with two five-point wins and one three-point victory among its five-game winning streak. Comment: Akron is very focused and has done a great job winning five in a row, but Miami does have more talent and is used to playing in and winning ‘big games’ when they count. Expect Miami to pull away late. Nick’s Pick: Miami 35 – Akron 24 Line: Miami by 8