Dr. I think what interests me the most is if Hillsdale continues it's steady play and remains a factor in the race. I think its Chippewa's league to lose, but they have had issues stopping the run and can be vulnerable. That being said, I'm not sure anyone in the league can stop the Chipps offense. I've said all year that they have so many weapons, that it is impossible to lock them all down. For example, I'm sure Waynedale did not have Bennett as a priority last night. All in all, there is not a team that will make a deep playoff run, but it has been relatively balanced an exciting.

Here are the remaining games for the WCAL:

Week 7:
Dalton @ Chippewa
Hillsdale @ Rittman
Northwestern @ Waynedale
Smithville @ Norwayne


Week 8:
Doylestown @ Smithville
Norwayne @ Hillsdale
Rittman @ Northwestern
Waynedale @ Dalton

Week 9:
Hillsdale @ Chippewa
Northwestern @ Norwayne
Rittman @ Waynedale
Smithville @ Dalton


Week 10:
Chippewa @ Northwestern
Dalton @ Hillsdale
Norwayne @ Rittman
Waynedale @ Smithville

Over the past few years as teams like Hillsdale and Norwayne have risen to semi-dominance in the WCAL, I have marveled at the finger pointing that has taken place amongst the other teams. I can not believe that people actually believe there is that much difference between the students, parents or fans of any WCAL team. Kids every where have more distractions in their life. With a lot of attention placed on injuries many parents are not as excited about their kid playing. From what I have seen, the fan bases of most of the teams comes and goes every couple of years with graduation. From time to time,yes a class is exceptional, good or bad, but as an average they are pretty equal. That leaves one major variable- the coach. If anyone wants to argue that then please show me how Hillsdale kids were weaker, smaller, and slower than the rest of the kids in the league for forty years. Even great coaches, if they do not adapt fall behind. It has happened in the WCAL, I have watched great coaches that stuck with what worked for years get pushed into obscurity by a faster paced game. Don't get me wrong there are some things that a coach can not control enough to accomplish much, some times for even a couple years.But it is still the coach that sets the basis by which the kids, parents, and fans have to buy into.

Go Falcons;1660495 wrote:Over the past few years as teams like Hillsdale and Norwayne have risen to semi-dominance in the WCAL, I have marveled at the finger pointing that has taken place amongst the other teams. I can not believe that people actually believe there is that much difference between the students, parents or fans of any WCAL team. Kids every where have more distractions in their life. With a lot of attention placed on injuries many parents are not as excited about their kid playing. From what I have seen, the fan bases of most of the teams comes and goes every couple of years with graduation. From time to time,yes a class is exceptional, good or bad, but as an average they are pretty equal. That leaves one major variable- the coach. If anyone wants to argue that then please show me how Hillsdale kids were weaker, smaller, and slower than the rest of the kids in the league for forty years. Even great coaches, if they do not adapt fall behind. It has happened in the WCAL, I have watched great coaches that stuck with what worked for years get pushed into obscurity by a faster paced game. Don't get me wrong there are some things that a coach can not control enough to accomplish much, some times for even a couple years.But it is still the coach that sets the basis by which the kids, parents, and fans have to buy into.

Well said! I wondered for YEARS why Hillsdale couldnt compete with the farm boys that way? Williams has made a difference!

Thut? Well Roche Harmon had a great grip on the huskies...but I wouldnt expect wcalfan to even know that name. Malterich started a great thing with great athlletes...Harbour stepped into the perfect storm. Bohley?? IDK... LOL That guy just figured things out! Bescancon? Well Shcrock got railroaded.....idk where they are now. Dennis...program killer. Ramsey left, Dalton looking for identity. Thats all I have to say about that.

Go Falcons;1660471 wrote:I do not see a reason to have a separate thread for Waynedale, this thread has only been a Waynedale whine fest for about a year and a half.

It has come and gone for well over a year. You're right. It's annoying, though, right? Inasmuch as that is the case, I'd rather it stay somewhere else.

Go Falcons;1660495 wrote:Over the past few years as teams like Hillsdale and Norwayne have risen to semi-dominance in the WCAL, I have marveled at the finger pointing that has taken place amongst the other teams. I can not believe that people actually believe there is that much difference between the students, parents or fans of any WCAL team. Kids every where have more distractions in their life. With a lot of attention placed on injuries many parents are not as excited about their kid playing. From what I have seen, the fan bases of most of the teams comes and goes every couple of years with graduation. From time to time,yes a class is exceptional, good or bad, but as an average they are pretty equal. That leaves one major variable- the coach. If anyone wants to argue that then please show me how Hillsdale kids were weaker, smaller, and slower than the rest of the kids in the league for forty years. Even great coaches, if they do not adapt fall behind. It has happened in the WCAL, I have watched great coaches that stuck with what worked for years get pushed into obscurity by a faster paced game. Don't get me wrong there are some things that a coach can not control enough to accomplish much, some times for even a couple years.But it is still the coach that sets the basis by which the kids, parents, and fans have to buy into.

There is little difference in the talent pool to be sure. However, I think there might be one thing left out: the popularity of the program among the talent pool.

It follows a pattern, to be sure. The more successful a team has been in recent history, it's likely that team will become more popular among the top athletes at the school.

On the other hand, the less success a program has had in recent history, it's likely that the team will be less popular among the top athletes, who might think other sports ought to take their attention (either preparing for sports in different seasons or playing different sports in that same season).

So I do think that there can, indeed, be a distinction between the talent of one team and another. The talent pools are probably pretty much the same, but the portion of it that goes out for football can be different. The number of self-starters and self-motivators can be different (leading to better off-season preparation, with or without good motivation from a coach).

I do agree that good coaching does make a HUGE difference, though. We saw it in Smithville in the '90s and 2000s. There were simply too many consecutive seasons of success for it to have been just a talented class. It was, to a large degree, coaching. But the program's success bred popularity, which drew most of the athletes and large participation numbers. And because of the success, the training and pre-season program was an easier sell to the athletes, as well (because it was proven to have led to success).

Coaching does play a big role, and it oughtn't be downplayed, but there are other factors.

1_beast;1660397 wrote:Honestly....YOU asked my opinion on the "QB situation", I answered. Now you're moving to Defense? Im not the coach, just an armchair QB. Give YOUR opinion on the D.

I honestly don't know anything about "scheming" on defense so I am not sure where to begin...but I just know for some reason we can't come up with the "big stop".

When Williams started at Hillsdale, the football field was not the place to be, well it was but as a band member. There was not fifty kids in the weight room during the summer, there was three. He did not set out with the goal of being the WCAL champs, he wanted to play close with Mapleton and Lucas, Waynedale and Smithville came later. He started with baby steps to build in the kids the belief that they could win. Hillsdale's most talented team was not 2010 it was 2009, but because of personalities they could not pull it together like they did in 10. I do not always agree with Williams and Co. on how they call a game, how they use every player, and I particularly have issues with our strength training; but at the end of the season success or failure started and ended with the coaches ability to make the kids believe in themselves.

Go Falcons;1660495 wrote:Over the past few years as teams like Hillsdale and Norwayne have risen to semi-dominance in the WCAL, I have marveled at the finger pointing that has taken place amongst the other teams. I can not believe that people actually believe there is that much difference between the students, parents or fans of any WCAL team. Kids every where have more distractions in their life. With a lot of attention placed on injuries many parents are not as excited about their kid playing. From what I have seen, the fan bases of most of the teams comes and goes every couple of years with graduation. From time to time,yes a class is exceptional, good or bad, but as an average they are pretty equal. That leaves one major variable- the coach. If anyone wants to argue that then please show me how Hillsdale kids were weaker, smaller, and slower than the rest of the kids in the league for forty years. Even great coaches, if they do not adapt fall behind. It has happened in the WCAL, I have watched great coaches that stuck with what worked for years get pushed into obscurity by a faster paced game. Don't get me wrong there are some things that a coach can not control enough to accomplish much, some times for even a couple years.But it is still the coach that sets the basis by which the kids, parents, and fans have to buy into.

Let me start by apologizing to anyone I have offended on this thread. I am truly sorry and I will do my best to get myself under control. I feel Waynedale is at a crucial point in the program's history and we need to get it figured out and I am willing to listen to your input. Consider this my "intervention"...thanks gentlemen!

Please don't fall over but I do agree with you that the coach sets the basis BUT how can our parents not buy into what Z is selling? It worked at the beginning of his coaching career but now it doesn't...AND he has adapted his style. At first we were under center because we had Nofsinger who could carry us on his back. We haven't seen a back at Waynedale with his speed and size since, so we changed our offense. I do think we need to go under center more now because Reibe is not runner like Weaver was and we can utilize our 2 athletic rb's by splitting them in the backfield. However, I am not sure if that necessarily translates into more wins so far this year or not. If you look at our losses (with the exception of Triway because that was just a crazy football game), what's been our achilles heal? Turnovers...and the turnovers at not just interceptions...we have fumbled the ball a bunch. I said it a long time ago on here...if we want to turn this thing around then it has to be complete buy in from everyone. Heck, maybe it is too late for that...I don't know. I just feel bad for the program.

Go Falcons;1660552 wrote:When Williams started at Hillsdale, the football field was not the place to be, well it was but as a band member. There was not fifty kids in the weight room during the summer, there was three. He did not set out with the goal of being the WCAL champs, he wanted to play close with Mapleton and Lucas, Waynedale and Smithville came later. He started with baby steps to build in the kids the belief that they could win. Hillsdale's most talented team was not 2010 it was 2009, but because of personalities they could not pull it together like they did in 10. I do not always agree with Williams and Co. on how they call a game, how they use every player, and I particularly have issues with our strength training; but at the end of the season success or failure started and ended with the coaches ability to make the kids believe in themselves.

Agreed....I think Williams is as good as there is in our area, but look at the run of athletes he has had as well. I know it takes a leader to put it all together but I just look back at our game 2 weeks ago over there. Hillsdale had to defensive ends that were 6'5"and this is sort of an "off" year for them...heck we have NEVER had a football player that was 6'5"...they have 2 (maybe more) on their team this year. Last year they had a 6'7" end who almost ripped our qb's head off. I just don't remember Hillsdale having 6'5" kids who could run like deer "back in the day". In the past, we were able to overcome our "short"comings by playing harder...well guess what? I don't see that at all. Who's fault is that? Where does that start and get taught? Can you teach it?

My concern is this...WHY do we worry now about the parents buying in??? Not so long ago, it was an automatic that the parents "bought in". They didn't question the coach, the teacher, the principal, etc. Now everyone thinks they should have an opinion and they have all types avenues to express them. I can remember "back in my day" (sorry) that if I ever came home questioning one of my "authority" figures my father would have laughed at me and said..."Tough $#&^ son!"

I have a few theories on this but I have stated those long ago and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight.

Can you tell I am desperate??? I'm just searching for some answers.

wcalfan;1660551 wrote:I honestly don't know anything about "scheming" on defense so I am not sure where to begin...but I just know for some reason we can't come up with the "big stop".

are you sh@tting me? We Have had BIG stops this year! We have stopped plenty of folks in the "Red Zone", it's the big play, (long pass down field) that hurts us. We just held the Chipps inside the 10 for example #1...


I think I want to arrange a sit down appt with YOU and Z. I'm sure he will tell you to stfu on the forums if you so legit!

Go Falcons;1660552 wrote:When Williams started at Hillsdale, the football field was not the place to be, well it was but as a band member. There was not fifty kids in the weight room during the summer, there was three. He did not set out with the goal of being the WCAL champs, he wanted to play close with Mapleton and Lucas, Waynedale and Smithville came later. He started with baby steps to build in the kids the belief that they could win. Hillsdale's most talented team was not 2010 it was 2009, but because of personalities they could not pull it together like they did in 10. I do not always agree with Williams and Co. on how they call a game, how they use every player, and I particularly have issues with our strength training; but at the end of the season success or failure started and ended with the coaches ability to make the kids believe in themselves.

Are you guys still play to play? You have the best coach in the area and I wish the daily record would consider this when they vote on coach of the year, it's not who wins the County that year. It's the coach who can get the kids involved in the program. Coach Williams dealing with pay to play and a division smaller then have the league is a great indicator of the coach he is. Falcon fans do what you can to keep this coach, he is a keeper!

1_beast;1660584 wrote:are you sh@tting me? We Have had BIG stops this year! We have stopped plenty of folks in the "Red Zone", it's the big play, (long pass down field) that hurts us. We just held the Chipps inside the 10 for example #1...


I think I want to arrange a sit down appt with YOU and Z. I'm sure he will tell you to stfu on the forums if you so legit!

(Silently to myself) Goosfraba

We are talking about the same 2-4 team, right? The 2-4 team who has given up an average of almost 37 points per game (221 in 6 games)? OK...let me re-phrase it...we can't come up with STOPS...period.

I am honestly searching for answers...doesn't it start with defense?

Alum01;1660592 wrote:Are you guys still play to play? You have the best coach in the area and I wish the daily record would consider this when they vote on coach of the year, it's not who wins the County that year. It's the coach who can get the kids involved in the program. Coach Williams dealing with pay to play and a division smaller then have the league is a great indicator of the coach he is. Falcon fans do what you can to keep this coach, he is a keeper!

Good point...they are still pay to play (I think around $300 a sport??)...that shows even more that he is one of the best around.

wcalfan;1660594 wrote:Good point...they are still pay to play (I think around $300 a sport??)...that shows even more that he is one of the best around.

Thanks for your approval! He is!

Alum01;1660606 wrote:Thanks for your approval! He is!

Listen...I'm trying over here....

wcalfan;1660608 wrote:Listen...I'm trying over here....

I was at your game last night, seen a group of kids that would not quit, they were down but no quit! Paper today coach throw the DB's under the bus, kids get this! man up and take the heat "that's your job this D-5 football an what you do if you want to keep a football program" As a player it's nice to know after months on doing what you have ask, at least you have my back! Sorry Waclfan not trying to start [EMAIL="#$@%"]#$@%[/EMAIL] but PLEASE, I'm just stating what I'm hearing and SEEING.

wcalfan;1660593 wrote:(Silently to myself) Goosfraba

We are talking about the same 2-4 team, right? The 2-4 team who has given up an average of almost 37 points per game (221 in 6 games)? OK...let me re-phrase it...we can't come up with STOPS...period.

I am honestly searching for answers...doesn't it start with defense?

Really it does start with defense, so this should be able to figure out. Us no-coaches deal with this stuff everyday in the real world. Question number 1) Who has last say in the defense called for a play? I have two possible answers, but lets get the word from the insider before we let them know how to fix their defense. It's a simple answer, head coach, or D-coach. THAT'S WERE YOU START. So lets get this started, I know I can fix this if this is your concern!

1_beast;1660450 wrote:Show your face, or shut your face!

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Paul;1660624 wrote:Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Really Paul! your hole is awaiting for the next 25 years!!, nice run but it's over. Sorry man! We will flip your rock over in??? maybe 2050!

Go Falcons;1660552 wrote:When Williams started at Hillsdale, the football field was not the place to be, well it was but as a band member. There was not fifty kids in the weight room during the summer, there was three. He did not set out with the goal of being the WCAL champs, he wanted to play close with Mapleton and Lucas, Waynedale and Smithville came later. He started with baby steps to build in the kids the belief that they could win. Hillsdale's most talented team was not 2010 it was 2009, but because of personalities they could not pull it together like they did in 10. I do not always agree with Williams and Co. on how they call a game, how they use every player, and I particularly have issues with our strength training; but at the end of the season success or failure started and ended with the coaches ability to make the kids believe in themselves.

Totally agree with your last line. Coaches must get there KIDS to believe in themselves. This is what happened at Norwayne. Every WCAL team ALMOST every year to more similar to each other than they are opposite. These kids all grow up the same way with the same life styles. One coach and his staff does instills more belief into there KIDS than another team and it shows up in the weight room, training, and then on the field. I am telling you it happened at Norwayne and happens to every winning football team in the world. These guys are just KIDS. Belief in them and teach them to belief in themselves then watch out !

Alum01;1660618 wrote:I was at your game last night, seen a group of kids that would not quit, they were down but no quit! Paper today coach throw the DB's under the bus, kids get this! man up and take the heat "that's your job this D-5 football an what you do if you want to keep a football program" As a player it's nice to know after months on doing what you have ask, at least you have my back! Sorry Waclfan not trying to start #$@% but PLEASE, I'm just stating what I'm hearing and SEEING.

Here are the quotes from the paper:





[FONT=&amp]“We had to put our guys in position to be successful, and that meant filling the box and putting those DBs out on that island,” Zuercher said. “Those guys have made a lot of plays for us some nights,unfortunately, tonight wasn’t one of them.”

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]“We defended the run well, especially early in the game, and to give up the big pass like that was disappointing,” Zuercher added. “You watch most of them, we’re right there stride for stride, it’s just a matter of making a play on the ball.”[/FONT]


Alum (and anyone else) I am not trying to start #%@$ but PLEASE explain how the coach "throw the DB's under the bus"? How does he not have "their back"? Isn't this the truth? AGAIN...like I have ALWAYS said it comes down to players making plays. I know in my "real world" if I don't get the job done, my boss is going to let me know. He isn't going to rub my back and say "that's ok...you'll get em next time" and give me a token for a free ice cream cone. He said the DB's were right there and all they have to do is make the play, which is absolutely true for those of us at the game.

I see coaches in the paper say those types of things ALL THE TIME after a loss. Why does Z get singled out ALL THE TIME???? If saying things like this is considered by many as "throwing under the bus", then I hate to say it but....well, forget it...I get in trouble for speaking the truth because it's offensive....

99bobcatdb;1660640 wrote:Totally agree with your last line. Coaches must get there KIDS to believe in themselves. This is what happened at Norwayne. Every WCAL team ALMOST every year to more similar to each other than they are opposite. These kids all grow up the same way with the same life styles. One coach and his staff does instills more belief into there KIDS than another team and it shows up in the weight room, training, and then on the field. I am telling you it happened at Norwayne and happens to every winning football team in the world. These guys are just KIDS. Belief in them and teach them to belief in themselves then watch out !

I totally agree with you but it is a TEAM approach. EVERYONE (coaches,players, parents, admin) has to been on the same page with absolutely NO AGENDAS. Let me throw this out...does it hurt when the coach is an alum of that school? If you look at most of the complaining about coaches here in this forum and others, it is mostly aimed at coaches who went to that school, right? Are the expectations different OR does jealousy play a part in it? Now don't start going nuts because I said jealousy but I really wonder if that isn't a part of it. I hate to say it but fans, heck people in general, are very jealous people and will go to great lengths to see people fail. I don't know...like I said...I am desperate.

Alum01;1660618 wrote:I was at your game last night, seen a group of kids that would not quit, they were down but no quit! Paper today coach throw the DB's under the bus, kids get this! man up and take the heat "that's your job this D-5 football an what you do if you want to keep a football program" As a player it's nice to know after months on doing what you have ask, at least you have my back! Sorry Waclfan not trying to start #$@% but PLEASE, I'm just stating what I'm hearing and SEEING.

Here are the quotes from the paper:

[FONT=&amp]“We had to put our guys in position to be successful, and that meant filling the box and putting those DBs out on that island,” Zuercher said. “Those guys have made a lot of plays for us some nights, unfortunately, tonight wasn’t one of them.[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]“We defended the run well, especially early in the game, and to give up the big pass like that was [/FONT][FONT=&amp]disappointing,” Zuercher added. “You watch most of them, we’re right there stride for stride, it’s just a matter of making a play on the ball.”[/FONT]


Alum (and anyone else) I am not trying to start #%@$ but PLEASE explain how the coach "throw the DB's under the bus"? How does he not have "their back"? [FONT=&amp]Isn't this the truth?[/FONT] AGAIN...like I have ALWAYS said it comes down to players making plays. I know in my "real world" if I don't get the job done, my boss is going to let me know. He isn't going to rub my back and say "good effort, that's ok...you'll get em next time" and give me a token for a free ice cream cone. He said the DB's were right there and all they have to do is make the play, which is absolutely true for those of us at the game.

I see coaches in the paper say those types of things ALL THE TIME after a loss. Why does Z get singled out ALL THE TIME???? If saying things like this is considered by many as "throwing under the bus", then I hate to say it but....well, forget it...I get in trouble for speaking the truth....

99bobcatdb;1660640 wrote:Totally agree with your last line. Coaches must get there KIDS to believe in themselves. This is what happened at Norwayne. Every WCAL team ALMOST every year to more similar to each other than they are opposite. These kids all grow up the same way with the same life styles. One coach and his staff does instills more belief into there KIDS than another team and it shows up in the weight room, training, and then on the field. I am telling you it happened at Norwayne and happens to every winning football team in the world. These guys are just KIDS. Belief in them and teach them to belief in themselves then watch out !

I totally agree with you but it is a TEAM approach. EVERYONE (coaches,players, parents, admin) has to been on the same page with absolutely NO AGENDAS. Let me throw this out...does it hurt when the coach is an alum of that school? If you look at most of the complaining about coaches here in this forum and others, it is mostly aimed at coaches who went to that school, right? I know over here that Z and Reibe have gone through HELL. Are the expectations different OR does jealousy play a part in it? Now don't start going nuts because I said jealousy but I really wonder if that isn't a part of it. I hate to say it but fans, heck people in general, are very jealous people and will go to great lengths to see people fail. I don't know...like I said...I am desperate.

Fan: repeatedly you have said you are desperate, why? Do you have a kid on team? Because if you do than I am sure you have put him in a bad position by sharing your feelings at the dinner table. He will go into the locker room with the belief that the guys around him can not do their job and instead of concentrating on doing the best at his job he will be worrying about having to cover others positions. If you do not then you need to chill, cheer for the team and support the kids. It is a game and these are young semi-adults that feel the pressure to do great things from around them. I watch every week fans just sit there or just cheer for their own kid. I am a strong believer in letting the kids on the field know you are there, they really do feel that support.

Go Falcons;1660653 wrote:Fan: repeatedly you have said you are desperate, why? Do you have a kid on team? Because if you do than I am sure you have put him in a bad position by sharing your feelings at the dinner table. He will go into the locker room with the belief that the guys around him can not do their job and instead of concentrating on doing the best at his job he will be worrying about having to cover others positions. If you do not then you need to chill, cheer for the team and support the kids. It is a game and these are young semi-adults that feel the pressure to do great things from around them. I watch every week fans just sit there or just cheer for their own kid. I am a strong believer in letting the kids on the field know you are there, they really do feel that support.

For the millionth time, NO DOG IN THE FIGHT. I use the word desperate trying to be funny really. How about this...I am CURIOUS??? People get on here and give their opinions and say our coach should do this and that, why can't I ask for opinions? I agree fans should sit there and cheer on the kids but do you see that from our fans on here? Seriously? Again, I am not trying to start anything here but it seems like a double-standard here. So if you have "rep power" on a forum you have immunity? Again...I am just CURIOUS