Elon is still reaching for Appalachian's stature
Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:02 pm
By Lenox Rawlings | Journal Columnist
Published: November 15, 2009
ELON -- On a pristine autumn afternoon, Elon fans opened their tailgates like Appalachian State.
They partied like Appalachian State. They bragged about imminent glory like Appalachian State.
But there was one slight distinction. Elon's football team still doesn't play like Appalachian State. The 27-10 final score -- it wasn't nearly that close -- verified the status quo and certified the Mountaineers' fifth consecutive Southern Conference championship.
About an hour after sundown, Commissioner John Iamarino marched onto the field and awarded the trophy, suitable for bus transport back to Boone. One potential complication: If Western Carolina somehow upsets ASU next week and Elon ties for first, the league would have to spring for a duplicate trophy.
Equality would end right there. This wipeout, with a record Rhodes Stadium crowd of 14,167 watching, assured ASU (8-2, 7-0 SoCon) of the league's automatic NCAA playoff spot. Elon (8-2, 6-1) had been ranked sixth in the national media poll, one rung above ASU, and might get an at-large bid even if it stumbles at Samford.
A Western win in Boone might seem outlandish except for one unknown medical fact. Quarterback Armanti Edwards took a shot while throwing a pass just before halftime and something happened to his right knee, which limited his repertoire thereafter.
Edwards reported minimal pain and maximum uncertainty, pending further tests. He could skip the WCU game as a precaution before ASU pursues its fourth NCAA title in five seasons.
"As long as we stay injury-free," Edwards said, "we'll be a very tough team to go up against."
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009 ... olumnists/
Published: November 15, 2009
ELON -- On a pristine autumn afternoon, Elon fans opened their tailgates like Appalachian State.
They partied like Appalachian State. They bragged about imminent glory like Appalachian State.
But there was one slight distinction. Elon's football team still doesn't play like Appalachian State. The 27-10 final score -- it wasn't nearly that close -- verified the status quo and certified the Mountaineers' fifth consecutive Southern Conference championship.
About an hour after sundown, Commissioner John Iamarino marched onto the field and awarded the trophy, suitable for bus transport back to Boone. One potential complication: If Western Carolina somehow upsets ASU next week and Elon ties for first, the league would have to spring for a duplicate trophy.
Equality would end right there. This wipeout, with a record Rhodes Stadium crowd of 14,167 watching, assured ASU (8-2, 7-0 SoCon) of the league's automatic NCAA playoff spot. Elon (8-2, 6-1) had been ranked sixth in the national media poll, one rung above ASU, and might get an at-large bid even if it stumbles at Samford.
A Western win in Boone might seem outlandish except for one unknown medical fact. Quarterback Armanti Edwards took a shot while throwing a pass just before halftime and something happened to his right knee, which limited his repertoire thereafter.
Edwards reported minimal pain and maximum uncertainty, pending further tests. He could skip the WCU game as a precaution before ASU pursues its fourth NCAA title in five seasons.
"As long as we stay injury-free," Edwards said, "we'll be a very tough team to go up against."
http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009 ... olumnists/
