Springfield, Mass. -- November 10, 2009 -- The Springfield College football team (7-2) has fallen to a No. 3 ranking in the latest New England Division III Coaches Poll. Amherst, the last of the unbeatens in New England at 7-0, has jumped into the No. 1 slot, while Williams (6-1) moves up to No. 2. Amherst travels to Williams this Saturday, while Springfield has the week off.Springfield had regained the No. 1 ranking just last week, after residing at the No. 2 spot for the previous six weeks. But the Pride lost to St. John Fisher, 34-7, last Saturday. SC's only other loss came at Alfred in SC's third game of the season.
In the New England Division III poll, however, two losses can be tough to overcome, even if SC has not lost to any New England team (Fitchburg State, Husson, Mount Ida) this season. But if Williams defeats Amherst this Saturday, it could set up a mad scramble for that No. 1 spot in the final poll.
In another crucial game this Saturday, Curry (8-2), currently ranked No. 4 in the poll, hosts #5-ranked Maine Maritime (8-1) in the New England Football Conference title game. The winner of that game automatically receives an NCAA Tournament berth.
Springfield is still hopeful of receiving an ECAC Playoff berth. SC could wind up playing the loser of the NEFC Playoff game -- although that calls for much speculation. If Springfield were to receive an ECAC Playoff berth, that game would be played on Saturday, November 21 at a site to be determined.
The 2009 New England Division III Football Coaches Poll (Week #8)
1) Amherst (7-0) -- (14 first-place votes) -- 167 points
2) Williams (6-1) -- (1 first-place vote) -- 133 points
3) Springfield (7-2) -- 129 points
4) Curry (8-2) -- (1 first-place vote) -- 121 points
5) Maine Maritime (8-1) -- (1 first-place vote) -- 113 points
6) Plymouth State (8-2) -- 86 points
7) Trinity (5-2) -- 74 points
8) Westfield State (7-3) -- 49 points
9) Bridgewater State (7-3) -- 32 points
10) Norwich (7-3) -- 16 points
Others receiving votes: Middlebury (11 points).
Michael C. “Mike” DeLong ’74 enters his 32nd season as a head football coach in the fall of 2013. He enters his 30th year at Springfield College alone. For the past 28 years, he has been the head coach at Springfield, his alma mater. Mike had also been the head coach at Maine Maritime in Castine, Maine in 1979 and 1980. Read more.
