Christmas 2016

Peace and Happiness To You All!

Merry Christmas!

Info For Players/Coaches/Families

 Received this e-mail recently

Coach:

I am the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Dakota College at Bottineau, a small 2 year college in northern North Dakota near the Canadian border.  I thought I would email you to introduce our college and let you know that we would love to recruit your student-athletes to DCB.  We are 26-15 over the last four years and are looking to continue our successful run with good players who also are people of good character.

Canadian Residents pay instate tuition and fees here at DCB.  The cost this past year for tuition was approximately 4200 dollars US.  Counting room and board, we would cost a Canadian resident about 10500 US dollars and we do take Canadian financial aid.

We do not offer athletic scholarships, but do offer financial aid based on the results of the FAFSA.  Most students who attend DCB will have to take out student loans in addition to any grants and scholarships they would qualify for.  Our cost is reasonable and affordable.

Our college has been around for over 100 years.  We have strong AA, AS, and AAS programs such as liberal-arts, nursing, wildlife, forestry, and business (among many others).  At 700 students, about 250 living in on-campus residence halls, we can offer one on one individualized approaches to learning and we get to know everyone’s name.  You can check out a complete list of our majors at www.dakotacollege.edu.

Bottineau is a small town of 2400 residents and is only minutes away from the Lake Metigoshe area, which being an outsider surprised me with the resemblance to Northern Minnesota and my home state of Michigan.  It has a ski area and other outdoor sporting opportunities (hunting, fishing, etc.) and I have found it to be a great small town atmosphere.  We are about 1 ½ hours from Minot North Dakota (45000) and a town of similar size in Canada, Brandon, Manitoba.

We would love to know about any of your student-athletes you feel would be a good fit for DCB.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 701-228-5451 or email me at danny.davis@dakotacollege.edu.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Dan Davis

Athletic Director/Head Football Coach

Dakota College at Bottineau

105 Simrall Boulevard

Bottineau, ND  58318

danny.davis@dakotacollege.edu

Blog Closed Indefinitely

AA Varsity Week Six

Gridiron's AA Varsity Top 5

1. Seaquam SeaHawks

2. Hugh Boyd Trojans

3. Vernon Panthers

4. Holy Cross Crusaders

5. Windsor Dukes

Week Five Scores

Hugh Boyd 27 Frank Hurt 0
Ballenas 27 Nanaimo District 13
Holy Criss 41 Salmon Arm 7
Argyle 30 Langley 14
G.W. Graham 32 Robert Bateman 0
Seaquam 35 Windsor 21
South Kamloops 28 Valleyview 18
Clarence Fulton 33 Westsyde 28
Prince George 14 College Heights 12
John Barsby 52 Timberline 0

Gridiron's Picks

Friday, 14 October

Langly @ Salmon Arm: Two teams desperately looking for a divisional win square off on Friday. This is very evenly matched and will go down to the wire.  Look for the visitors to be the dominant team via the air and this will be the difference. GI's Pick: Langley by 7

Clarence Fulton @ Vernon: This game will be Vernon's biggest divisional test.  Fulton has some momentum on its side, but does not win the match-ups on the perimeter and up front. GI's Pick: Panthers by 17

Argyle @ Robert Bateman: Bateman runs the ball very well while Argyle conversely, throws it around as good as anyone.  The weather is supposed to be epic in terms of wind and rain.  The edge in these conditions goes to the Timberwolves.  GI's Pick: Bateman by 8

Valleyview @ Westsyde: Westsyde, though losing a recent spate of games, has been playing pretty good ball and they ought to build off of it nicely when they host Valleyview.  GI's Pick: Westsyde by 11

Nechako Valley @ College Heights:  Nechako Valley has been nothing short of a juggernaught offensively this season, posting big numbers each time they take the field.  College Heights is playing stingy ball defensively, but this week's opponent will be overwhelming. GI's Pick: Vikings by 18

D.P. Todd @ Duchess Park: The Trojans are going through their first season in years with the growth curve that accompanies such an endeavor.  Duchess has more depth and football IQ at this point.  GI's Pick: Duchess Park by 20

Holy Cross @ G.W. Graham:  This game could very well determine who is going to be first place in the East.  G.W. Graham is getting healthy and that means a real tough game for the Crusaders.  The projected weather for the game means throwing the ball could be difficult at best.  The depth on the roster goes to HC in this one. GI's Pick:  Holy Cross by 7


Saturday, 15 October

Nanaimo @ Frank Hurt: This will be a muddy, run heavy game in throwback field conditions.  The Islanders are built better offensively for the run than are their hosts.  GI's Pick: Islanders by 17

John Barsby @ Seaquam:  The trenches are going to be living up to their name if the weather forcast rings true.  Seaquam wins the team speed match-up and is undefeated headed in to this big divisional game and thus far, have seemed to have figured out the recipe for great second halves week in and week out. GI's Pick: Seaquam by 21

Windsor @ Ballenas:  This game will be a windy, muddy slopfest characterized by some big runs and lots of turnovers in the Whaler mud.  Both teams run down hill very well and have big play athletes. GI's Pick:  Windsor by 6

South Kamloops @ W.L. Seaton:  The Titans are on a bit of a roll right now.  They will find more momentum coming out of this one. GI's Pick: South Kamloops by 11

AA Varsity Week 5

Week Four Wrap-Up

Seaquam, Hugh Boyd, Vernon and Holy Cross served notice they are for real this past weekend with big "statement" wins.  The rest of the pack is still sorting itself out with other contenders yet to emerge.

Scores

Friday, 30 September

John Barsby 53 Frank Hurt 12
Nanaimo District 35 Westsyde 19
Vernon 40-Pitt Meadows 3
Holy Cross 21 Handsworth (AAA) 18
Salmon Arm 20 South Kamloops 10
College Heights 58 D.P. Todd 14
Nechako Valley 60 Correllieu 6
Hugh Boyd 28 Windsor 14
Clarence Fulton 41 Duchess Park 27

Saturday, 1 October

Seaquam 45 Ballenas 12
Abbottsford (AAA) 27 Robert Bateman 5

A Happy Thanksgiving Weekend To Everyone!

Gridiron's Week Five Top Five

1. Seaquam SeaHawks
2. Hugh Boyd Trojans
3. Vernon Panthers
4. G.W. Graham Grizzlies
5. Robert Bateman Timberwolves

GI's Picks

Friday, 7 October

Salmon Arm @ Holy Cross: Two quality squads coming off of quality wins lock horns on Friday.  The Crusader running game will be the difference maker as the Golds will have to load-up the box to stop it and will become vulnerable to big plays via the air.  GI's Pick: Holy Cross by 12

D.P. Todd @ Eric Hamber: This is a great road game for the nascent D.P. Todd varsity squad.  It is also good for Eric Hamber.  The edge in football experience goes to the hosts and that is tough to bet against.  GI's Pick: Hamber by 11

Langley @ Argyle: Possible game of the week here!  The match-ups are superb and the offensive/defensive styles will make for a good back and forth afternoon.  Argyle is always tough at home and the visitors are going to be in for a big dose of play-action passing.  GI's Pick: Pipers by 7

Seaquam @ Windsor: The SeaHawks have steam rolled out of the gates thus far in 2016.  The playing surface at Windsor will compliment their speed and the possible rain on game day, their size/running game.  The Dukes will likely give their opponents fits early on, but Seaquam ought to grind em down as the game progresses.  Look for a big third quarter for the visitors. GI's Pick: Seaquam by 18

South Kamloops @ Valleyview: South Kamloops emerges from last week's contest vs Salmon Arm a tougher, more resilient squad.  This week's contest will see some big runs from the Titans en route to a big score.GI's Pick: Titans by 20

Correlieu @ Duchess Park:  Duchess had a good trip last weekend and they ought to springboard that experience in to a total team effort vs Correlieu. GI's Pick: Condors by 20 plus

Westsyde @ Clarence Fulton:  This will be a fun game to watch.  Westsyde had a good game in a losing effort on the Island this past weekend while Clarence Fulton put on a show vs Duchess Park. The Fulton offense is really rounding in to form and look for the Maroons to post at least 28 points come game-day.  GI's Pick: Maroons by 14

John Barsby @ Timberline: Timberline and Barsby have not locked horns since 2008.  The game used to be a rivalry of sorts but the two programs have gone different directions since.  Both teams will benefit from this year's resumption in different ways.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 20 plus

College Heights @ PGSS: This game will be very close.  The Cougars rolled their last opponent and PG was unimpressive in their loss to Nechako Valley two weeks ago.  The ability of College Heights to stop the run and PGSS to manage turnovers will speak volumes on the outcome. GI's Pick:  Cougars by 6

Robert Bateman @ G.W. Graham: Big, Big Game Here!  Graham is returning to a modicum of health just in time to square off against what amounts to one of the big surprise squads of AA ball this year in the Robert Bateman Timberwolves.  If the Grizzlies can engineer a similar defensive performance to the one Abbey put together last week vs Bateman, the game will surely tilt in their favor.   I think Graham and Vernon are a lot alike and the outcome vs this common opponent will likely be similar. GI's Pick: Grizzlies by 14

Vernon @ W.L. Seaton:  Vernon is now on a divisional cake-walk to the playoffs and the first whump under their tires will be Seaton.  GI's Pick:  Panthers by 20 plus

Saturday, 8 October

Hugh Boyd @ Frank Hurt:  The Hornets surely do have some bright spots in their backfield and on the edge offensively.  Up front however, they are no match for Hugh Boyd and this will result in a big day on the ground for the Trojan offense. GI's Pick: Trojans by 20 plus

Nanaimo District @ Ballenas:  This game will be fun to watch.  Nanaimo District has a chance to win if they can cover the deep ball.  If not, it will be a day of trying to match quick drives by the Whalers with long clock-eaters by the Islanders.  Roster size and depth goes to Nanaimo District in this game. Speed and execution to the Whalers.  A rainy day and turnovers off special teams will be factors that insert themselves in to the outcome.  GI's Pick: Whalers by 14

AA Varsity Week 4

Gridiron's Top Five

1. Seaquam SeaHawks
2. Vernon Panthers
3. Hugh Boyd Trojans
4. Ballenas Whalers
5. G.W. Graham Grizzlies

GI's Picks

Friday, 30 September

Frank Hurt @ John Barsby:  Frank Hurt travels to the Island for a tough one vs the John Barsby Bulldogs.  The Hornets are running and throwing well of late and will compete for sure.  Barsby has been close to hitting the win column in weeks two and three, but has fallen short.  Look for hungry squads taking the field Friday afternoon.  GI's Pick: Barsby by 10

Holy Cross @ Handsworth (AAA): This game will be a real test for the Crusaders as their hosts are quietly putting together one of their better seasons since 2010.  Handsworth will have the size advantage and they pass better than the visitors.  The HC running game is potent however so this could be a close affair.  GI's Pick: Royals by 9

Correlieu @ Nechako Valley:  The crew from Vanderhoof is off to a good start and I see no reason for them to falter this week vs the visiting Clansmen of Quesnel.  This will be a big day for the Viking offense.  GI's Pick: Nechako Valley by 18 plus.

South Kamloops @ Salmon Arm:  Big game in the Interior!  Salmon Arm ought to run and pass its way to victory on Friday.  I don't see the Titan defense being able to slow em down.  GI's Pick: Golds by 14

Windsor @ Hugh Boyd:  This contest is a co-"game of the week" pick in my books.  Two veteren coaching staffs with plenty of experience against one another bring two good squads on to the playing field to contest the W.  The line of scrimmage goes to Hugh Boyd and the so called-skill positions to Windsor.  In either case the difference is not too huge to overcome.  Big plays, defending big plays and roster depth are going to be decisive in this game.  GI's Pick: Hugh Boyd wears em down in the second half....Trojans by 9

D.P. Todd @ College Heights: This game will be close.  College Heights has an edge in terms of experienced players.  GI's Pick: Cougars by 6

Westsyde @ Nanaimo District: Part two of a home and home series gets played Friday night under the lights in Nanaimo.  Westsyde won last year's contest.  Nanaimo will win this year however as they have a massive roster and plenty of experience to boot.  Look for big offensive production by the Islanders on the ground and via the air.  GI's Pick: Islanders by 17 plus.

Pitt Meadows @ Vernon: Another home and home winds up this weekend with Pitt taking the trip north.  Vernon is smarting after a big loss vs Abbey last week.  This will be just what the Dr. ordered. GI's Pick: Vernon by 18 plus.

Saturday, 1 October

Abbottsford (AAA) @ Robert Bateman: Bateman is a pleasant surprise this year!  The Timberwolves have been playing solid ball and their triple option game has been doing a great job chewing up defenses.  Abbey is a true powerhouse however and a threat to score big on every snap.  The Panthers also are big and deep up front on both sides of the ball.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 20

Howe Sound @ Valleyview:  This will be a back and forth affair.  Howe Sound has the size and roster depth in this contest.  GI's Pick: Sounders by 7

Ballenas @ Seaquam: Co-"game of the week" right here.  Seaquam has been very impressive throughout the first three weeks of the season.  Ballenas is coming off of a huge game vs Barsby and showed some great things en-route to their victory.  The match-ups: Size to Seaquam; Speed-draw; Receivers-draw; physicality, slight edge Seaquam; depth-Seaquam.  GI's Pick: SeaHawks by 10

Duchess Park @ Clarence Fulton: This is a good game for both squads.  The Maroons are on an up-year and are playing at home.  Gotta give em this one.  GI's Pick: Fulton by 11

Week 2

2016 AA Varsity Week 2

Week One Round-Up

Seaquam got all over Langley in a game that blew wide open for the new number one.  Abbottsford didn't skip a beat from last year's Eastern dominance in its victory over AAA Mission.  Barsby got into a physical contest with AAA Mt. Douglas, ultimately coming up short but with encouraging play.  Vernon started slow and finished with a bang versus Robert Bateman and Holy Cross had a great second half against a tough Windsor squad.  Elsewhere, PGSS served notice up north that it is the team to beat, Hugh Boyd got out of the blocks with a bang vs AAA Earl Marriot and Nanaimo District got a solid W vs a plucky Spectrum squad.  G.W. Graham found itself over-matched versus a surprisingly strong AAA Handsworth squad that seems to be looking to regain form it has not seen since the mid-to late 2000's.

Week One Scores

Mt. Douglas 35 John Barsby 18
Nanaimo District 28 Spectrum 0
Prince George 39 D.P. Todd 0
Vernon 27 Robert Bateman 7
Abbottsford 34 Mission 12
Seaquam 47 Langley 14
Hugh Boyd 48 Earl Marriot 12
Handsworth 19 G.W. Graham 6
Holy Cross 41 Windsor 24
Argyle 27 Frank Hurt 7

Gridiron's Top Five

1. Seaquam SeaHawks
2. Abbottsford Panthers
3. John Barsby Bulldogs
4. Vernon Panthers
5. Holy Cross Crusaders

Honourable Mention

G.W. Graham Grizzlies, Langley Saints, Windsor Dukes, Hugh Boyd Trojans, Ballenas Whalers

GI's Picks

Friday, 16 September

Abbottsford @ Centennial (AAA): Abbey looks very good and continues a triple A pre-season with a game at Centennial this Friday.  Look for the air show to continue with the Panthers and for the defense to play tough up front versus the run.  GI's Pick: Panthers by 14

South Kamloops @ Hugh Boyd: The Trojans are coming off of a big win and are putting together the foundation for a very good season.  The visiting Titans have a long travel day before the kick-off so they may be a bit "bus legged" at the start.  I like the Trojan running game in this contest.  GI's Pick: Trojans by 12

Earl Marriot (AAA) @ Nanaimo: Great match-up for both teams.  Marriot got gashed pretty good by the run last week.  Nanaimo District runs and throws well with plenty of speed on defense.  If the Islanders can defend the deep ball, this one goes their way.  GI's Pick: Islanders by 10

Robert Bateman @ Mission (AAA): A good local tilt in the Valley!  Both teams are coming off of tough losses and are looking to get in the win column.  Mission has the preponderance of athletes in this one and has dominated the series over the years.  GI's Pick: Roadrunners by 14

Valleyview @ Eric Hamber: Another good match-up.  The visitors will run the ball hard and this game will be determined by the defensive play of each squad.  GI's Pick: Valleyview by 7

West Vancouver (AAA) @ Windsor: I was a bit taken aback by the score of the game last week between Windsor and Holy Cross.  The Dukes will be better this week, that is how they roll as a program.  West Van is playing some pretty good ball right now and will have a size advantage at the LOS.  This one will be very tight.  GI's Pick: Dukes by 1

Holy Cross @ Notre Dame (AAA): A big rivalry game here in the Catholic School Community. The Crusaders have been making strides as a program the past couple years as have the Jugglers.  Notre Dame is quite simply deeper and more talented however.  GI's Pick: Jugglers by 14

D.P. Todd @ Correllieu:  The resurrected Trojan program heads in to one of its easier games on this year's schedule with a valuable week 1 tilt against a dominant PGSS squad under its belt.  This one will be back and forth all game long.  When you are starting a program, it is the little victories along the way that count as much or more as the final score.  Getting on the scoreboard will be one of em for D.P. Todd.  Celebrate it! GI's Pick: Correllieu by 4

Langley @ Westsyde: This will be a BIG rebound game for Langley as they travel up North to play the Blue Wave.  There will be a huge chip on their shoulder after week one.  GI's Pick: Langley by 18 plus.

Duchess Park @ College Heights: Duchess played great ball at JV last season.  This year's varsity will reflect that as the Condors are a sure bet to roll come game day.  GI's Pick: Duchess by 19

Clarence Fulton @ Omak (WA): This is the Maroon's annual "team builder" to Washington State.  It is usually a 40 pt. drubbing that does in its way, propel the visitors towards bigger and better things down the road.  GI's Pick: Omak by 38

New West (AAA) @ G.W. Graham: At the start of the season I'd have hi-lited this tilt as one to see! Seasons are funny things however.  Graham got pretty chewed up health wise the past two weeks and will limp in to New Westminster on Friday.  The Hyacks are a contender for all of the AAA marbles this year.  GI's Pick: New Westminster by 24

Frank Hurt @ Pitt Meadows: Good game here!  Pitt is tough and scrappy across the roster.  Hurt is on the rise and gained some confidence playing AAA Argyle last week.  The Hornets have a deeper roster and will wear down the hosts as the game plays out.  GI's Pick: Frank Hurt by 9

Ballenas @ Belmont: These teams know each other very well, having run a "joint practice" at the end of the first week of pre-season workouts.  Belmont is for the first time in years, decisively deeper than the visitors.  The Whalers are balanced offensively and match-up pretty good on the LOS. Speed however goes to Belmont and that will be the kicker.  GI's Pick: Belmont by 17

Saturday, 17 September 

Vernon @ John Barsby: This could shape-up to being one of the best games of the weekend as the Panthers pay a visit to The Island to complete a home and home series.  Vernon did a great job throwing the ball in its week one victory vs Bateman.  Barsby ran hard and consistently vs Mt. Douglas in it's season opener.  Defensively however, Vernon did a much better job of defending the run than the Bulldogs.  This leaves room for an upset if Barsby doesn't get things fixed this week. GI's Pick: Barsby by 2 in a squeaker

Argyle (AAA) @ Seaquam: The SeaHawks are a far different squad for Argyle to face than were the Frank Hurt Hornets.  This game will be well played early by both teams with Seaquam pulling away by mid 2nd quarter.  GI's Pick: SeaHawks by 15

Prince George @ Nechako Valley: PGSS is on the road and facing a possible upset game from the host Vikings of Vanderhoof.  The Polar coaches better be all over their squad this week at practice in terms of not underestimating a well coached opponent on an up year.  GI's Pick: Polars by 9