Finding renewed life after a first round victory over the Redlands Bulldogs The Johnnie Footballers were now set to continue their victory march down I35 to Pella, Iowa. As a post Thanksgiving Day treat the Central College Dutch were next on the schedule. The Dutch themselves were fresh off an undefeated season and a first round victory over Olivet College of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Not only had the Johnnie’s found new existence in the second round of The 2007 NCAA playoffs, fans of St. John’s University were intent on pushing this year’s team even further. To begin preparation for the Dutch, activity on a popular division III message board was buzzing all week with fans of both teams exchanging barbs immediately after first round victories.
Fan writers for this website, parents of players from both teams and even members of each broadcast team engaged in a border battle cyber war that made Saturday’s match-up all the more engaging. The outrageous banter even drew comments from the Dutch Radio Team during their post-game victory analysis. More proof the new media has arrived at the small college level.
Throughout 2007 the scene for Johnnie Tailgating gained increased popularity and exposure as a result of support from The St. John’s Alumni Association, fans like Dave Verkuilen and Chris Ditton ’86 cooking up wild rice brats and gourmet level polish sausage, Mike Fahey’s burgers, Mark Bingham ’87 and his audio Outcast, and publicity through the JFC website.
Saturday morning in Pella was another example of the excitement around this year’s team and Johnnie Tailgating as folks began showing up in the Central parking lot at 8:00am. At 10:00am the entire east side of the lot was lined with Johnnie fans enjoying the sunshine and anticipation of a second round victory and defeat of the Central Dutch.
As the game got underway the inspiration that appeared renewed the weekend before disappeared rapidly amidst 30 degree temperatures and 20 mile an hour winds. A quick 14 point lead by the Dutch reminded observers this year’s Johnnies were an extreme tale of two teams. The final score of 37 – 7 will be a permanent reminder of the suddenly ended 2007 season.
Evident on Saturday was a lack of execution and performance that is not typical of the Johnnies when playing in the highly energized surroundings of Clemens Stadium.
Not to be overlooked were notable performances by outgoing Johnnie running back Mike Patnode and Junior kick return man Derek Stifter. Both played with the type of angst and energy required to move onto the West Region Championship.
Clemens Stadium is small college’s greatest venue and may be the J’s greatest enemy. One fan at least is hoping an added level of emotion is evident on next year’s sideline both on the road and at home.
Thanks to everyone for making 2007 another fun and memorable season.
