NHL Top Five Rookies for 2010-11

For the next five days, I will countdown the five players who have rookie status in the 2010-11 that will have the greatest impact this season. This countdown is not a projection of career performance, but is just who, in my opinion will have the best statistics and influence on team performance this season. The countdown begins with a forward for the Buffalo Sabres, who had very little trouble in the AHL last season for nearly a point per game. 5. Tyler Ennis Center/Wing Buffalo Sabres Ennis was an offensive force last season with 74 points in 79 regular season games between the AHL and NHL. Ennis also added four points in the playoffs, showing that he is ready for the NHL.He played over fifteen minutes per game in the NHL last year, and his playing time is bound to improve. Ennis is lock to be on one of the top three lines this season for the Sabres, and will contribute with solid numbers regardless of which line he is placed on. However, if Ennis earns a spot on the same line as Thomas Vanek, he could be a serious threat for the Calder Trophy. Look for Number 4 in the countdown of the top NHL rookies for the 2010-11 season tomorrow.

Crusader Week Two Article

After a loss last weekend to Moravian described as “tough to swallow” by Coach Steve Briggs, the Susquehanna Crusaders needed to rebound against Juniata. Briggs said, “We felt as though we left many points on the board against Moravian”. In front of the home crowd, SU needed to have a strong showing with both teams entering the game at 0-1, after Susquehanna’s 12-6 loss to Moravian and Juniata’s 3-0 loss to McDaniel. The Crusaders did much more than simply rebound in a 45-3 thrashing of the Juniata Eagles. From the first quarter onward, it was clear that SU was in control of the game on both sides of the ball. Susquehanna and Juniata play every year for The Goal Post Trophy, which currently resides in Selinsgrove. Coach Steve Briggs stated that playing for a trophy and the prestige attached with winning such an honor adds motivation to his team. It is likely that the thrill of playing in a rivalry game added to the success of the Crusaders on Saturday. For a large majority of the first quarter, both offenses were struggling to mount an attack. However, a ten-play, fifty-five yard drive late in the first quarter jumpstarted the Crusader offense. Junior quarterback Rich Palazzi found his favorite target, junior wide receiver Mike Ritter for a 19-yard touchdown for a 7-0 lead. The touchdown at the end of the first quarter was simply the opening act of a rout at Nicholas A. Lopardo Stadium. Early in the second quarter, Palazzi and Ritter connected on a 59-yard pass to add to the lead and make the score 14-0 in favor of SU. After a Juniata field goal that would be their only points of the game, the offensive juggernaut continued for Susquehanna. Junior running back Greg Tellish collected 52 of his 187 rushing yards following a long return by sophomore defensive back Jalon Scott. Palazzi then connected with junior linebacker Justin Stover, who was in the play as a receiver, for a two-yard touchdown to make the score 21-3 Crusaders. Following a fumble recovery by Scott which was returned to the Juniata five-yard line, Palazzi found junior tight end Matt Knouse in the end zone for his fourth passing touchdown of the day. After a blocked punt by Jalon Scott, senior kicker Bobby Eppleman converted on a 35-yard field goal to end the first half with Susquehanna leading 31-3. The domination that Susquehanna showed in the first half continued into the second half as the defense began to make plays sapping any hope from Juniata. After a touchdown from Greg Tellish to give Susquehanna a 38-3 lead, the defense continued to make key stops to prevent Juniata from moving the ball down the field. A fine defensive performance was capped in the fourth quarter when freshman running back Tyler Grosser broke through the offensive line and blocked a Juniata punt attempt for the second blocked punt of the game for SU. Almost immediately, sophomore defensive back Teighler Doak recovered the loose ball and returned it for the final touchdown of the game, making the score 45-3. When asked about his emotions and thoughts upon recovering the blocked punt, Doak said, “I felt like I should have let (Tyler) Grosser pick it up, but I felt lucky that Coach Briggs put me in the right spot and it worked out”. Seven minutes and fourteen seconds later, Susquehanna had sealed a victory over the Juniata Eagles 45-3, and retained The Goal Post Trophy. Succeeding can breed confidence very quickly, and with a 42-point victory, the Crusaders will carry full confidence into their next game against Muhlenberg. The Crusaders have rebounded and will be a very difficult team to beat in the weeks to come.

Crusader Week One Article

Each week I will post the weekly article that I write for The Crusader on here. Last year, the Susquehanna football team finished atop the Liberty League standings, following an 8-2 campaign. Two years removed from a 2-8 season, Susquehanna had captured a league title that was described as "tremendous and unforgettable" by Head Coach Steve Briggs. However, changes are plentiful both on and off the gridiron. This year, the team has moved to the Centennial Conference and the interest in Susquehanna football has increased greatly due to the success of last year's team. Additionally, a familiar face is missing from the Crusader backfield this season. Dave Paveletz '10, the all-time leading rusher in Susquehanna football history is gone to graduation. On the loss of Paveletz, Briggs said, "It is difficult to replace someone like that. He is the best we have ever had at running back". Despite a changing of the guard at running back, expect the Crusaders to run the football consistently. "We will still run the ball," Briggs said. "We will use three players instead of one to run the ball". While a significant change is occurring behind the quarterback, many offensive contributors from last season's championship team return, including junior quarterback Rich Palazzi and junior wide receiver Mike Ritter. Both Palazzi and Ritter experienced a breakout season their sophomore year, with Palazzi throwing for twenty touchdowns, seven of which were caught by Ritter. On the touchdown combination, Briggs said, "It played a large part in our success, Rich was the unsung hero of our team last year". Briggs also said to expect Ritter to play an even larger role in the offense this season. While the continued success of Palazzi to Ritter will play a large part in the overall success of the team, there will be other factors as well. Certain critics may point out that a strong offense is the key to winning games, however, special teams also plays a crucial role in a team's success. The Crusaders clearly have an edge in the kicking game with senior Bobby Eppleman. Eppleman, a three-time All-Liberty League selection as a punter, is considered an invaluable part of the Crusader team. Briggs said, "The kicking game controls our offense and defense. (Eppleman) is an incredible weapon." Having a player who can control the opponent's starting field position easily, while also kicking field goals in excess of 40 yards, will be as important to the success of Susquehanna football this season as a star on the offensive side of the ball will be. While there are many prominent players returning to the team, there are also a few key transfers into the program to keep an eye on. The main transfers are on the defensive side of the ball. "We are pleased with Billy Mancini, who will be starting on defense, and also Aaron Inch at linebacker," Briggs said. Inch comes to Susquehanna from Delaware Valley College, and Mancini arrives from St. Joseph's Prep. Both of these players will see significant playing time and will contribute greatly to the team as a whole. While the Susquehanna football teamwinnig tea suffered a large loss with the graduation of Dave Paveletz, many of the key contributors from last year's championship winning team are back. The added year of experience along with the knowledge of the attitude and dedication necessary to win a championship will lead to another exciting year of Susquehanna Crusaders football.