RFC Summer Semester--Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) Preview--(NCAA Division III)

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2011 Final Standings

Looking back: Despite going winless in non-conference games, Norwich (7-4 overall) went undefeated in league play en route to winning the ECFC title, and advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time ever.  The Cadets were quickly ousted in the first round by Delaware Valley, 62-10.

Looking ahead: Norwich might be hard-pressed to repeat last year's success.

 2012 Predicted Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)

1. Norwich (7-4):  The Cadets open the 2012 campaign at home against another team that also reached their first-ever D-III dance in Western New England, on September 1.  They'll find out quickly just how good they are on Labor Day Weekend.


2. Maritime (N.Y.)--(8-2):  One of the Mariners two losses in 2011 cost them a trip to postseason play: a 16-9 setback to Norwich on November 5.  They'll get a chance to return the favor in Vermont on November 3.


3. Mount Ida (6-5):  The Mustangs up and down 2011 campaign ended with a 31-22 loss to Endicott in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl.  If they're to challenge for the ECFC title in 2012, the Mustangs must learn how to win the close games, as they were 1-4 in games decided by nine points or less.


4. Castleton (4-6):  The Spartans had a habit of giving up a lot of points in 2011, finishing 3-4 in games in which they allowed 50 or more points.

5.  Gallaudet (5-5):  Although they finished a respectable 4-3 in ECFC action last year, the Bison lost their final two games of the season to finish at .500 overall, although both losses came against teams (Mount Ida and Maritime) that eventually finished 2011 with winning records.  It's something the Bison hope to accomplish in 2012.


6. Anna Maria (2-8):  After going winless in their first 27 games, the Amcats finally found their way into the win column on November 5, 2011, as they held off Becker in a hard-fought 35-33 victory.  They followed up that win with a 31-28 triumph over Husson to close out the season a week later.  Under interim head coach Vince Sinagra, the Amcats hope to move forward in 2012.


7. Becker (1-9):  A 20-14 win over Husson was the lone highlight of an otherwise dismal season for the Hawks.


8. Husson (0-10):  The Eagles surrendered at least 70 points in two of their games last season, and at least 60 in another game.