Good morning Johnnie football fanatics. Hump day is upon us and another glorious Fall Saturday morning is drawing near. A chance to tailgate at the Stiftungsfestivities, catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and revel in the beauty that is Collegeville. I am excited for the MIAC conference schedule to get rolling this weekend. Saturday in Collegeville and St. Cloud presents a phenomenal opportunity to get a great vibe on the West Region football power rankings. The 4th ranked Johnnies host the Auggies and then at night over at Div. 2 St. Cloud State you can catch the Huskies hosting the 2nd ranked Warhawks from Whitewater (FYI: they’ve brought the Big Red Machine to its final demise the last two seasons). I don’t think you could ask for a better doubleheader in mid-September.
The first weekend of conference play brings some real interesting matchups. The upstart Gusties travel to downtrodden Summit and Cretin Ave for a showdown with the Tommies. Will the Toms start 0-3? Will the new Gustie “spread” offense become the next Bill Walsh West Coast Offense of the late 80s/early 90s?
I must admit even with the double header extraordinaire in Central Minnesota the Game of the Week in the MIAC is on the tundra of Moorhead. The Royals from Bethel come to town. Both teams are expecting big things and have played the Johnnies very tough the past several years. A Bethel loss could effectively eliminate them from a 2007 NCAA playoff berth (barring a freakish comeback to win the MIAC). A win for the Cobbers would give them oodles of momentum propelling them into the annual nailbiter with the Johnnies in Collegeville on the 22nd. This has all the makings of a fantastic early season matchup.
Notes:
- Where oh where has the once vaunted Rat Pack of St. John’s gone? I remember the days when Thorr would play his trumpet in front of the home stands and “Wolfman” Chuck would ride his bicycle down the hill. It is time for the Pack to return to his former glory and become the homefield advantage that it once served.
- How soon until Olde Johnnie Ale is served “on tap” at the Stiftungsfestivities? What a great opportunity for Johnnie/Bennie alumnae to network before each Johnnie football game! Everyone is always well behaved and if they aren’t they are “informed” of the proper way to conduct themselves by many of the veteran Johnnies in attendance. I know Johnnie Red would love to have more attendees each week. Don’t be afraid to stop by, introduce yourself, tell us you are an avid Johnniefootball.com reader, and enjoy the tastiest burger you’ll ever eat.
