Pittsburg-Western leftovers

--- I have no idea why Drew Newhart didn’t run in for the touchdown on the third-to-last play. From where I was standing, when he scrambled out in the right flat, it looked like he had an avenue to the end zone. Instead, he threw a soft pass that fell incomplete in the end zone. While he is just a sophomore, Newhart needs to make better decisions in crucial moments and carry his team to victory. That’s three weeks in a row where his mistakes overshadowed his talent. And, as d2football.com’s and friend of the blog Jeff Harlin pointed out, Newhart doesn’t look off defenders. Two of his picks came on deflections where linebackers read Newhart.

--- In the scouting report, I wrote these schools were even in the special teams partially because I had given Western a huge edge every week prior and felt like shaking it up a bit. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. The Griffons just dominated, blocking two field goals, hitting two long fields of their own and holding a significant edge in kickoff return yards. Jamie Hanson’s shanked punt was the only blemish on the Griffons’ special teams’ record.

--- Except for that fake punt. Partridge told me afterward that Pittsburg ran that fake against Chadron two weeks ago and he should have put Zach Sharp out in the flat instead of doubling on the tight end, which opened up the edge for punter Jared Witter’s 7-yard run for the first down.

--- I wouldn’t say this is the worst defense in Partridge’s 12 years at Western since I’ve only been on the beat for two seasons. But the final scores seem indicate this unit might give the 1998 team a run for that distinction, statistically speaking.

--- On a bright note, Western rediscovered its run game. Thomas Hodges looked much stronger and more decisive, and the line opened huge holes. At one touchdown drive – after a Newhart pick – Western ran the ball all 14 plays and scored a touchdown. For an offense that looks like it’s going to have outscore opponents every week, the Griffons now at least have a fighting chance moving forward.

--- And finally, the league’s two best logos were on display Saturday night. The Griffon in the shape of Missouri and the Gorilla face are two of the most unique logos in Division II. And their teams were every bit as entertaining in what has to be the game of the season in the MIAA thus far.

Quotable

“I wasn’t get touched until the second tier a lot of times. When its like that, I can get a head of steam going, and it helps a lot.”

-- Pittsburg running back Caleb Farabi, who averaged 8.1 yards a carry en route to 226 rushing yards

Spratt must haunt me or something. I haven’t played well at home.”

-- Western quarterback Drew Newhart, who is 0-2 with eight turnovers at home this season.