Chapman Football Game Notes (9/3/11)
Looking to Get Over the Hump
Following back-to-back winning seasons in 2007-08, the Chapman
football team is coming off back-to-back 4-5 seasons. In 2011, the
Panthers are hoping to getting over the hump. To do so, Chapman
will have to fare better in against non-SCIAC opponents. The
Panthers were 0-2 against Menlo and Azusa Pacific last season while
going 4-3 against the SCIAC.
D3Football.com Projection
According to a projection from D3Football.com, the Panthers are
expected to take a step backwards in 2011 and are slated to go 3-6
this year.
Success at Chapman Stadium
One thing that could help the Panthers have a winning season is
playing five home games in 2011. Chapman was 3-1 at Ernie Chapman
Stadium last season and is 14-8 at home over the past five
years.
Season Openers
Chapman is 9-8 all-time in season openers and had their three-year
winning streak snapped in 2010 with a 21-10 loss at Menlo.
Panthers Laboring on Labor Day Weekend
Perhaps you did a double-take when you saw Chapman was playing a
meaningful football game on Labor Day weekend? If so, you weren't
alone. Saturday's Sept. 3 game is the earliest the Panthers have
began a season in school history - and never on Labor Day weekend
which, in the past, had been reserved for a final preseason
scrimmage.
Joining the SCIAC
For the first time in 2011, Chapman can claim affiliation with a
conference, joining the SCIAC over the summer. The Panthers'
schedule is really no different as a result since Chapman has
played every SCIAC member since 2006. However, in just one year
(2012-13) Chapman will become eligible for the conference
championship - and with it, an automatic berth into the coveted
NCAA playoffs.
All-America Hopeful: Jimmy
Adranly
Senior P Jimmy Adranly is coming off consecutive seasons ranked in
the top-10 in the nation in punting average, ranking No. 7 in
Division III last year with 42.2 yards per punt. Adranly
(pronounced add-RAHN-lee) had seven punts go 50 or more yards and
nine punts pinned opponents inside their own 20 yard line. As a
result, Chapman as a punting unit ranked No. 11 in the nation in
net punting.
Visciglia Returns at Quarterback
A virtual carousel at quarterback the past two years has made
offensive consistency a struggle for Chapman. But this year, it
appears QB Bret
Visciglia will be the primary playcaller for the second
straight year. The senior made over 71 percent of the team's pass
attempts last season and is looking to improve on a performance
that included 1,181 yards and seven touchdowns.
Giving Football a Shot
After riding the pine as a backup QB last year, sophomore TE Brian
Kirwan is expected to have a significant role in the offense
this season. Prior to his collegiate football career, Kirwan had a
three-year stint in the minor leagues as a starting pitcher in the
Minnesota Twins organization. Kirwan was an 11th round pick and
reached as high as Class-A Beloit in the Midwest League in 2008.
While Kirwan took the baseball route out of high school, he is not
a stranger to the football field as he was an All-CIF quarterback
at Del Mar High School in San Diego.
Chapman vs. Whitworth
Chapman is looking for its first-ever win against the Pirates,
going 0-4 in the first four meetings between the West Region
schools. The Panthers last hosted Whitworth at Ernie Chapman
Stadium in 2008 resulting in a 41-35 loss.
Whitworth in 2010
It's no surprise Whitworth balanced its books in 2010 with a .500
record in 10 games when you consider the Pirates' offense average
just over 24 points per game and their defense allowed 24 points
per game. Whitworth returns just four starters on defense (similar
to Chapman) and on offense the Pirates will have a new playcaller
as well as a new tailback following the graduation of All-Region
performer Adam Anderson - who the Panthers saw more than enough of
in their last meetings in 2008 and '09. Whitworth's 3-3 record in
Northwest Conference play was good for fourth in the standings.
Follow Chapman Athletics on Facebook and
Twitter
For more information on Panthers' football and other Chapman
sports, remember to follow Chapman Athletics on Facebook and
Twitter. Watch video, view pictures and get other information by
becoming a fan on Facebook or you can follow the Panthers on
Twitter @ChapmanSports. Just visit the ChapmanAthletics.com for
links to both.
Panthers On Air
For the fifth straight year, Chapman will partner with the
school's on-campus radio station, Chapman Radio, to broadcast all
nine Panthers' football games in 2011 streaming live on the
internet at http://www.chapmanradio.com/sports. A rotation of
on-air student talent will provide play-by-play and commentary for
every down of Chapman football.
For complete game notes click here