January 5, 2007

The 2006 football season resembled a roller coaster ride – highs and lows, fast and slow.  Everyone was optimistic and upbeat going into this past summer, which was filled with internships, research opportunities, and summer employment, combined with dedicated strength and fitness preparation.  A talented group of freshmen, mixed with seasoned veterans appeared on paper to have the ingredients necessary to defend our UAA championship. 

The coaching staff divided the 2006 season into three segments: September with four non-conference games, October with our UAA schedule, and November with our two final contests.  We knew that we would have to perform at a 3-1 or better level in September to remain in contention for the NCAA playoffs.  Winning the three October games would bring Chicago its first ever back-to-back UAA championships.  Our goal was to be undefeated in November and send out the seniors in a positive manner, while setting a winning tone for the 2007 season.

Defensively, the Maroons played well at times, but missed the big play ability that the 2005 defensive unit had successfully used, lead by graduates Rob Tamillow and Colin Carrier.  The UAA this season was very much a defensive-minded conference.  All the UAA’s defenses were ranked among the top 20% in the NCAA’s total defense and all ranked in the top 33% in scoring defense 229 teams are ranked).  In comparison, only two offenses (CMU and Chicago) were ranked in the top 50% in total offense and scoring offense. 

Individual NCAA category leaders on defense including three UAA defenders ranked in the top 10 in tackles-for-losses, two others in top 20 in sacks and forced fumbles, (Chicago’s own Tony Insalaco earned the 5th spot in forced fumbles).  In comparison, offensively only two QB’s were ranked in the top 33%, including the Maroons’ Matt Rinklin.

Unfortunately, injuries to key players can play a major role in a team’s success.  You hope that the team can collectively raise their play to help reduce their loss.  Offensively, losing three 2005 first-team All-UAA performers; Micah Dawson, Leon Gordon, and Nick Schey for all or most of the season and their combined 15 touchdowns and 1,800 yards were not easy to make up. 

The defense was not untouched by the injury bug either, as it lost second-year starting linebacker and second team All-UAA selection Vinny O’Leary and the 2005 UAA Rookie of the Year, safety Todd Young, for over six weeks each. 

Several young players came in and gained valuable experience including John Ryle, Jonathan Currie, Mike DeNoma, Matt Siedlecki, Brian Dedeker, Chuck Little, John Kiernan, and Mike Serio.

With 18 rising seniors leading the way and a rededication to championship caliber preparation this off-season, Maroon fans can be optimistic about the 2007 season and returning the Founder’s Cup to the Midway.

 

 

 

Dick Maloney
Head Football Coach

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