A letter to the players

All UCA fans know that the seniors on this year’s squad played key roles in the success. But they couldn’t have led this team to a 10-2 record and the best record in the SLC without their teammates.

Lucky for us we’ll get guys like Larry Hart, Anthony Gambles, Brent Grimes, Lane Friewald, Willie Landers – you get the point. We’re losing 12 players who weren’t just on the team but real contributors to the success this team has had throughout the final GSC years, the transition and now our very own SLC champions.

To the players returning, those that have come and gone before you have raised the bar. With your help this season, that bar is higher than it’s ever been in the 100-year history of the school. It’s going to be tough to replace the Dirty Dozen, no doubt. But there’s a lot of quality experience from quality athletes returning.

To the seniors, I got to know some of you over the last few years. I think I speak for all fans when I say that it’s truly been awesome following your UCA careers. It was a privilege to cheer for you from the stands, through the radio, and from the sidelines.

It was seeing you 12 after the game that quickly turned my complete excitement to a bit of sadness; but even more, a feeling of respect. You guys have been through a lot. And I can’t really think of a better ending for you 12.

I was able to make it down to McNeese for the chance to share the SLC title last season. It was November 17.

Now I  tend to be an extremist on some things: the highest of highs, lowest of lows, and even superstitions. Since that Saturday night, I’ve carried around my ticket stub. I keep souvenirs of things, but this one stayed in my wallet. For 372 days, I – like you guys – have been waiting for your chance to get another shot at McNeese. And you guys made the most of the opportunity.

I just want to thank you 12 – Eric Ware, Nathan Brown, Corey McMurrian, Marquez Branson, Dathan Johnson, Tim Holloway, Quad Sanders, Mike Neal, Boomer Cunningham, Brad Gordon, Jeremy Ford and Marc Winston – for you time, your effort and the memories you’ve created for those of us who could never tell you enough how much we have enjoyed your time, whether 5 years or 2 years, at UCA.

I hope all of you enjoyed your time as a Bear. I hope that no matter where life takes you that you’ll always remember being a Bear. I hope you’ll take the time to come back and cheer on future Bears. But most of all, I hope you know how much you’ve meant to the fans.

Thanks for everything,
TreyUCA

Another nailbiter

The Bears made another fourth down stop – this one from the two yard line – to hold on to a 49-41 win over Stephen F. Austin last night. But as you’ll read if you don’t already know. Brent Grimes’ five touchdowns is a huge part of this story.

I’m obviously a stat freak and even more so when I’m not at the game. So, that’s really all I have to go on other than the radio broadcast. If you don’t like stats, you might want to just stick with the links above.

• We all know that Brent Grimes had probably his best game as a Bear (219 total yards, 5 rushing touchdowns). Before Saturday, his largest load was 21 carries – 36 against SFA. He had just two 100-yard rushing games. He’s averaged 5.2 yards per carry this season, and every time he’s had 20+ carries he breaks the century mark. The math works out. When has has to carry a load, he’s come through. As cliche as it is, he may just get stronger with the more work he gets. He’s only lost one fumble in his 108 carries/31 receptions this season.
• The 49 points is the second-highest total by UCA this season. The highest was against NAIA Quincy.
• The third quarter was again a struggle, outscored 14-7.
• In the last two games, the Bears have totalled up 1019 yards of total offense. The SFA game was the first 500+ game against a D1 opponent.
• Nathan Brown – 381 yards of offense. It was his second consecutive 300+ yard passing game. He did throw his fourth interception – temporarily. It was overturned due to a roughing the passer call.
• Marquez Branson finished with 8 catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. His most receptions this season; 2nd most yardage. He now has 10 td receptions on the season. The only negative from Saturday was his fumble. The catch moved UCA down to the 17 – down 24-14. He got off the hook when SFA fumbled the ball right back.
• The defense had three sacks, but gave up 480 yards of offense. They came up with plays when they were forced to step up – in the fourth quarter. The one-handed Phillip Johnson made an interception when an SFA field goal would have given them the lead. And they made the four stops from the 2 yard line. The Jacks failed to score on just three posessions – the fumble, the interception and the goalline stand.
• The good news is that it was just the second SLC game that an opponent had over 400 yards of offense. Both of those teams (SHSU and SFA) throw the ball around a lot and lead the conference in passing.
• A brief look ahead:
  McNeese averages just 200 yards/game passing.
  McNeese leads the SLC in rushing – 243/game.
  UCA is second in rushing defense – 140/game; McNeese leads giving up only 119.