Five-Star Matchups

Perhaps we should have called this "The Final Countdown." It's the final day of the basketball season, while the swimmers begin their second season this weekend at Gettysburg at the Conference championships. The track and field athletes prepare for next weekend's championship meet at Haverford, while the wrestlers gear up for next Saturday's Centennial tournament at Washington and Lee.

Let's talk hoops on this blog entry ... and the scenarios surrounding the final berths for the playoffs.

Women's Basketball
Four teams are in the field - Johns Hopkins (1), Muhlenberg (2), Gettysburg (3) and Ursinus. A Bear win over the Mules will give Ursinus the No. 4 seed and home court for Wednesday's first-round game against either Franklin & Marshall or Swarthmore. A loss combined with a Diplomat win vs. Dickinson would enable F&M to slip into the four-spot and host UC on Wednesday. A F&M loss combined with a Swarthmore win vs. Haverford would allow the Garnet to grab the No. 5 position and oust the Diplomats.

Swarthmore at Haverford, 1:00
Ursinus at Muhlenberg, 2:00
Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall, 2:00
Muhlenberg has clinched the No. 2 seed and will face Gettysburg in the CC semifinals next weekend at Johns Hopkins. Ursinus (11-8 CC, 15-9) can secure the No. 4 seed with a win or with a loss by F&M. The Bears have dropped five straight to the Mules since a 2008 win at Memorial Hall. The Diplomats (10-9, 12-12) have lost four consecutive contests and 10 of the last 11 to the Red Devils and need a victory to lock down a playoff berth. A loss opens the door for the Garnet (10-9, 14-10) who has won 23 of the last 26 games with Haverford. But the Fords defeated Swat by 21 in the year's first meeting at Tarble. F&M holds the tie-breaker with the Garnet due to its season sweep of Swarthmore.

Men's Basketball
We know that three teams are in the field - Franklin & Marshall (1), Dickinson (2) and McDaniel. The Green Terror and Gettysburg meet at Bream with the winner receiving the third first-round bye. A Bullet win would make McDaniel the No. 4 seed and the Terror would host the first-round game on Wednesday. A Gettysburg victory would also mean Ursinus can secure the final spot in the tournament with a win at Muhlenberg. A Bear loss in this scenario opens the door for Haverford to get in the field with a win over Swarthmore. Losses by the Fords and UC gets the Mules in as the No. 5 seed.

But if McDaniel wins ... Ursinus can get the #4 spot with a victory, while Haverford gets to host the first-round game with a win and a Bear loss. Gettysburg slides in at #4 with losses by the Fords and the Bears. An Ursinus win means that Haverford can qualify with a win, while a loss puts the Bullets in at No. 5. Follow all that?

McDaniel at Gettysburg, 2:00
Swarthmore at Haverford, 3:00
Ursinus at Muhlenberg, 4:00
The Green Terror (10-7, 13-11) looks for its first season sweep of the Bullets (10-7, 13-11) since 2007. The Bears (9-8, 12-12) and the Mules (8-9, 12-12) meet for the 100th time with UC looking for its sixth win in eight games vs. 'Berg. Watch the battle of the big guys - Ursinus' Jon Ward and Muhlenberg's Kevin Hargrove. The Fords (9-8, 12-11) have won seven in a row vs. the Garnet who has not won at Gooding Arena since 2006.

Five-Star Matchups

It's the weekend prior to Valentine's Day and (pardon the upcoming pun) we have some Sweetheart matchups as the basketball regular season enters its penultimate Saturday, the wrestling dual-meet title is on the line and the indoor track and field season enters the home stretch.

Women's Basketball
Franklin & Marshall at Swarthmore
Johns Hopkins at Ursinus
Two huge games dot the Conference landscape on Saturday as the Diplomats (9-8 CC, 11-11) travel to take on the Garnet (9-8, 13-9) and the Blue Jays (15-3, 18-4) visit Collegeville and the Bears (10-7, 14-8). F&M and Swarthmore are tied in the loss column with Washington College for the fifth and final CC playoff berth. The Diplomats won the first meeting of the season by 20 and look for their ninth win in the last 11 games vs. the Garnet. Hopkins can clinch the top seed and home court for the Centennial tournament by avenging its overtime home loss to Ursinus on Jan. 8. The Bears can take a huge step toward the playoffs and hosting a first-round contest with a victory.

STANDINGS
Hopkins ..... 15-3
Muhlenberg .. 13-4
Gettysburg .. 12-5
Ursinus ..... 10-7
Swarthmore ..  9-8
F&M .........  9-8
Washington ..  8-8

Men's Basketball
Muhlenberg at McDaniel
Haverford at Dickinson
Four of the six teams fighting for the four remaining playoff spots meet in games in Westminster and Carlisle. The Mules (8-7, 12-10) and the Green Terror (8-7, 11-11) square off in a contest that will go a long way in determining one of those slots. Muhlenberg has won seven of the last nine at the Gill Center and captured an 80-66 decision in Allentown in the year's first meeting. The Red Devils (10-5, 12-10) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Fords (8-7, 11-10). Haverford, who has qualified for the CC tournament in each of the last three odd-numbered years, can solidly improve its chances to continue that streak with a win.

STANDINGS
F&M ......... 13-2
Dickinson ... 10-5
Muhlenberg ..  8-7
Haverford ...  8-7
Gettysburg ..  8-7
McDaniel ....  8-7
Ursinus .....  7-8

Wrestling
Johns Hopkins, Merchant Marine at Stevens
The Blue Jays (4-1, 8-9) and the Mariners (5-0, 11-2) visit Hoboken to meet the Ducks (4-1, 11-10-1) and Gettysburg in the regular-season Conference quad finale. A Hopkins sweep would give JHU its first-ever Centennial dual title, while one win would give USMMA its fourth consecutive dual-meet crown. Stevens can also grab a share of its first crown, while Ursinus can still sneak in as dual champs with two losses by the Mariners and a split by Hop and the Ducks. The 174-pound weight class could be crucial as Kings Point's Justin Diesel (19-2), Stevens' Ryan Dormann (28-3) and JHU's Pat Stanley (18-4) do battle.

STANDINGS
USMMA ....... 5-0
Hopkins ..... 4-1
Stevens ..... 4-1
Ursinus ..... 4-2

Last Night's aCCtion

Jeff Cook of the Gettysburg Times writes that it was a night of milestones at Gettysburg's Bream Gym, as Glenn Robinson won his 800th career game and Andrew Powers broke the Bullets' career scoring record.

Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Newspapers notes that Historic Gettysburg was just that for Glenn Robinson as F&M defeated Gettysburg.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times notes that the McDaniel men's basketball team has started skidding at the least opportune time after a 47-45 loss to Johns Hopkins.

photo by Darryl Wheeler, Gettysburg Times

Five-Star Matchups

There's a new way to watch Centennial Conference sports - the "C Zone" Channel. We have created a web page that has all the video screens from our member schools. It's not quite NFL "Red Zone" style, but does provide you with a window into all the day's action on one screen. Hope you enjoy!

Haverford at McDaniel
Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Diplomats (11-2 CC, 15-5) hold a three-game lead in the chase for the top seed and home court for the Conference tournament, while the other three are trying to land one of the remaining four spots. The Mules (8-5, 12-8) ended a seven-game losing streak against F&M with a 71-67 victory in Allentown. But 'Berg has not won at Mayser since the 2001 Centennial semifinals. The Green Terror (8-5, 11-9) downed the Fords (7-6, 10-9) in the year's first meeting and look for the second season sweep in four seasons. Haverford has dropped three straight games at the Gill Center.

STANDINGS

F&M .......... 11-2
Muhlenberg ...  8-5
Gettysburg ...  8-5
McDaniel .....  8-5
Dickinson ....  8-5
Haverford ....  7-6

Ursinus at Gettysburg
Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Basketball)
Four of the team chasing front-running Johns Hopkins in the women's basketball standings square off on Saturday. The Bullets (10-5 CC, 15-5), fresh from an overtime win at Hopkins, entertain the Bears (9-6, 13-7), while the Diplomats (9-6, 11-9) welcome the Mules (10-4, 14-5) to Mayser Center. Ursinus looks for its first two-game season sweep of Gettysburg since 1995. A Bear win would give UC 14 for the season - just the second time since 1997 that Ursinus has won 14 or more games. Gettysburg has won five straight from the Bears at Bream Gym. Muhlenberg has won five in a row from F&M and eight of the last nine.

STANDINGS

Hopkins ...... 13-3
Muhlenberg ... 10-4
Gettysburg ... 10-5
Ursinus ......  9-6
F&M ..........  9-6
Swarthmore ...  8-7
Washington ...  7-7

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Men's Swimming)
The Red Devils (4-1, 8-2) and the Garnet (3-1, 4-1) square off in a meet that could determine first place in the Conference. Dickinson would share the dual-meet title with Gettysburg, should the Bullets drop their season finale at Franklin & Marshall. Swarthmore would also need a win vs. Washington next Wednesday to share the crown.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Swimming)
The best swimming rivalry in the Conference is renewed Saturday at the Kunkel Aquatic Center as the Bullets (6-0, 7-2) and Diplomats (6-0, 7-4) meet for the dual-meet title. Gettysburg's Maggie Mulderrig will need a big meet in the freestyle sprints to offset F&M's Olivia Hill in the freestyle distances.

Five-Star Matchups

Groundhog Day 2011 has brought the entire gamut of weather to our region - snow, ice, rain - but the hearty Centennial folk are still in action tonight with a host of key matchups.

Dickinson at Gettysburg (Men's Swimming)
It's a battle for first place in the dual-meet standings tonight at the site of the 2011 Centennial championship as the Red Devils (4-0, 8-1) meet the Bullets (4-0, 6-1). The top races may take place in the freestyle sprints between Dickinson's Jason Adams and Gettysburg's Matt Libby. Adams has the top time in the 50 (21.51) and is second in the 100 (47.26), while Libby is tops in the 100 (46.29) and second in the 50 (21.55).

McDaniel at Dickinson (Men's Basketball)
Two of the surprise teams in the Conference meet in Carlisle with hopes of improving their playoff chances. The Green Terror (8-4 CC, 11-8) was picked to finish eighth in the Centennial's preseason poll, while the Red Devils (9-10, 7-5) were slotted at number nine. Dickinson won the first meeting, 54-50, coming back from an eight-point halftime deficit and looks for its first season sweep of McDaniel since 2002.

Gettysburg at Johns Hopkins
Muhlenberg at Swarthmore (Women's Basketball)
The playoff race on the women's side may become a little clearer when the dust settles tonight in Baltimore and Swarthmore. The Blue Jays (13-2, 16-3) can clinch a berth in the five-team field with a win tonight and losses by Swarthmore and Ursinus, while the Bullets (9-5, 14-5) can improve their chances for a first-round tourney bye with a win. Hopkins captured a 59-52 decision on Dec. 2 and is 13-3 vs. the Bullets at Goldfarb Gym since 1994. The Mules (9-4, 13-5) have won eight straight from the Garnet (8-6, 12-7), following an 86-67 victory in the year's first meeting, and hold a 45-7 all-time series lead. Swarthmore has not defeated 'Berg at Tarble since 2005. Garnet senior Kathryn Stockbower needs one more double-double to tie the Conference and NCAA Division III record of 79, held by Julie Anderson of Johns Hopkins '98.

Last Night's aCCtion

Mandy Housenick of The Morning Call writes that Katie Brooks needed just six minutes to make an impact in Johns Hopkins' 67-57 victory at Muhlenberg. She also notes that the Mule men's victory over the Blue Jays was eerily familiar.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the McDaniel women capped an uplifting week with a 73-35 win over Bryn Mawr.

Five-Star Matchups

Swarthmore at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (6-5 CC, 10-6) looks for a season sweep against the Bears (7-4, 10-5) in a showdown between teams headed the wrong way in the Conference standings. Both Swarthmore and Ursinus have dropped two in a row and look for a win to right the ship. The Garnet defeated the Bears, 70-62, back on Dec. 4 as Ceylan Bodur tossed in 17 points. Swarthmore has not swept Ursinus in a season set since 2005, but leads the all-time series 64-22.

Johns Hopkins at Ursinus (Wrestling)
The Blue Jays (1-0, 4-8) and the Bears (0-0, 4-0) meet in Collegeville in an early-season test. Ursinus is undefeated against Hopkins since the inception of the Conference in 1994. Nate Murren leads the Bears with a 17-6 record at 184. Pat Stanley has a 14-3 record at 174 for the Jays.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Green Terror (6-3, 9-7) and the Diplomats (7-2, 12-4) meet in a first-place showdown in Lancaster. The home team has won each of the last six meetings between the teams and McDaniel, fresh from a 61-53 win vs. F&M on Jan. 11, looks for its first season sweep since 2008. Keep an eye on the guards - F&M's Georgio Milligan (17.1) and McDaniel's Devon Lesniak (15.3).

Haverford at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
The Fords (6-3, 9-6) look for their first-ever season sweep of the Bullets (6-3, 9-7) when they visit the Battlefield. Haverford defeated Gettysburg 65-55 back on Dec. 4 but has never beaten the Orange and Blue at Bream Gym. Two of the CC's most dynamic scorers take the floor in Haverford's Cam Baker (18.1) and Gettysburg's Andrew Powers (20.4).

Five-Star Matchups

It's "Rivalry Night" in the Conference, as the schedule-maker set up showdowns between some of the fiercest rivals in the Centennial. We'll keep an eye on the fiercest - Haverford at Swarthmore - but here are the three biggest games of the night.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
It's the 63rd time that the Mules (6-3, 10-4) and the Bears (7-3, 10-4) have met on the hardwood with Muhlenberg holding a 35-27 overall lead, including four straight wins. Ursinus has not won at Helfferich since a 67-65 overtime win in 2007. Both teams are a game behind front-running Johns Hopkins in the loss column and would keep their hold on second place with a victory. Alexandra Chili of the Mules leads the CC in scoring (21.3), while the Bears' Lindsay Teuber averages a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Red Devils (5-3, 7-8) play host to the Diplomats (6-2, 11-4) in the 167th edition of their rivalry. F&M swept the season set a year ago to stop a Dickinson run of four wins in five games and take a 102-64 all-time advantage. The Diplomats are tied for first place with Gettysburg, while Dickinson is in a three-way tie for third with Haverford and McDaniel. F&M senior James McNally needs two points tonight to become the program's all-time leading scorer. Matt Dolan leads the Devils in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (8.1).

Gettysburg at McDaniel (Men's Basketball)
It's the Route 97 rivalry tonight in Westminster as the first-place Bullets (6-2, 9-6) travel to take non the third-place Green Terror (5-3, 8-7). Just over 20 miles separate these two rivals who meet for the 102nd time since 1917. Gettysburg has won four consecutive meetings and holds a 73-28 advantage. McDaniel's last win was a 56-53 triumph at home in 2009. The Bullets' Andrew Powers is having his best season as a collegian, ranking fourth in the CC in scoring (19.8), seventh in rebounding (6.7) and sixth in assists (2.9). Devon Lesniak leads the Terror in scoring (14.3).

Get links to live video, audio and stats at www.centennial.org

Last Night's aCCtion

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that there is a noticeable change in attitude around the locker room after McDaniel won its third straight game with a 54-45 win over Ursinus.

Land also writes that the Green Terror women shook off an historic loss with a 62-54 win against Washington College.

Roundups
Annapolis Capital, Philadelphia Inquirer.

Last Night's aCCtion

Jeff Cook of the Gettysburg Times writes the weather outside Gettysburg's Bream Gym was plenty nasty, while inside, there was an avalanche in the Bullets' win over Bryn Mawr.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the McDaniel women's early-season bad habits reared their head again last night in a loss to Swarthmore.

Land also wrote that the Green Terror men continued their winning streak at home against Franklin & Marshall, defeating the 18th ranked Diplomats, 61-53.

Staff Reports: Philadelphia Inquirer and Baltimore Sun

Last Night's aCCtion

Tom Housenick of the Morning Call writes that DeSales was not supposed to beat nationally-ranked Muhlenberg in their showdown on Monday night ... but they did.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the timing for tonight's McDaniel-Franklin & Marshall men's basketball game is quite intriguing.

Last Night's aCCtion

Tom Housenick of the Morning Call writes that although the large leads dwindled in size, the Muhlenberg men and women held on for wins versus McDaniel.

Mike Gross of the Lancaster Sunday News writes that the more important number in Franklin & Marshall's 85-46 win over Swarthmore was the smaller one.

Five-Star Matchups

If you could be in two places at one time ... tonight would be a great night to be at Varsity Field in Allentown and Tarble Pavilion in Swarthmore. The top two teams in men's soccer and volleyball square off tonight in these locales with first place and the top seed for the upcoming playoff tournaments on the line.

Swarthmore at Muhlenberg (Men's Soccer)
"It's the biggest game of my career, the biggest game of every senior's career." - Eric Williams, Muhlenberg (pictured in grey)

How big is this game ... the last time two unbeaten Conference teams met this late in the season was in 1998 when Johns Hopkins (7-0) defeated Gettysburg (7-0), 2-0, at Homewood. The #19th ranked Mules (4-0-3, 9-0-6) are one of two unbeaten teams (Wisconsin-Oshkosh) in Division III, while the ninth-ranked Garnet (12-1-2, 5-0-2) can secure the top seed and home field advantage for next weekend's final four with a victory. Muhlenberg holds a 28-24-3 series lead and has a win and a tie in its last two trips to Clothier Field. Two of the top candidates for CC Player of the Year will be on display in the Mules' Cody Antonini (15-4-34) and Swarthmore's Morgan Langley (11-13-35). Antonini leads the Centennial and is third in Division III in goals, while Langley leads the Conference and is sixth nationally in points. 'Berg has a school record 15-game unbeaten streak. Watch LIVE.

Haverford at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
Do you prefer volleyball to soccer ... then we have a match for you! The four-time defending Centennial champion Fords (8-0, 15-12) can lock up the top seed for next weekend's Conference tournament with a victory over the Garnet (7-1, 17-8). A Swat victory, combined with a triumph at F&M on Friday night, would give the Garnet the top seed and homecourt next Saturday. The Fords have won seven straight in the series to take a 20-7 lead since the inception of the CC in 1993. Swarthmore's last triumph was a four-set win at home in 2003. The stars will be out in force tonight at Tarble, as Haverford's Kelsey Cantwell is third in the Conference in kills (3.08), while the Garnet's Genny Pezzola is sixth (2.99). The Fords' Kate Comey leads all CC setters in assists (9.85), while Swat's Brone Lobichusky is among the Conference leaders in blocks (0.75). Watch LIVE.

Johns Hopkins at Gettysburg (Men's Soccer)
Not to be lost in the lights of the showdown at Swarthmore is the critical match between the Blue Jays (3-2-2, 10-3-3) and the Bullets (3-2-2, 4-8-2) at the Battlefield. It was 12 years ago when the squads battled for the Centennial championship as Conference unbeatens. Tonight, they meet as two teams tied for the fifth and final playoff spot, looking for three points to solidify their tournament hopes. This is the 75th meeting between the schools with Hopkins holding a 44-21-9 advantage. Gettysburg has captured the last two regular season matches, but JHU won the 2008 semifinal contest at Swarthmore. Hopkins' Sean Coleman (9-1-19) trails only Swarthmore's Morgan Langley (11-13-35) and Muhlenberg's Cody Antonini (15-4-34) in the Conference scoring chase. Watch out for Gettysburg's Eric Hynes. Two of his three goals in CC play have been game-winners. Watch LIVE.

Johns Hopkins at McDaniel (Field Hockey)
The Blue Jays (7-1 CC, 10-5) and the Green Terror (4-4, 7-8) meet in a game that has critical implications for both teams' playoff hopes. Hopkins needs a win to keep its hopes alive for the top seed and homefield for next weekend's final four. McDaniel is tied with Washington College for the fifth and final playoff spot and needs a win to improve its chances of making the field. It is the 36th meeting between the long-time rivals with JHU holding a 23-10-2 lead, including wins in the last five encounters. The Terror's last triumph was a 4-0 blanking of the Blue Jays at home in 2005. Hopkins' Carly Bianco (11-5-27) is one of seven CC players with 10+ goals, while McDaniel's Sarah Meszler has three game-winning goals among her seven on the season.

Five-Star Matchups

It's the penultimate weekend in the Conference regular season for field hockey, soccer and volleyball, while cross country prepares for next weekend's Centennial championship in Elkridge, Md. It's crunch time in the Conference and we take a look at the weekend's big games.



Men's Soccer
Might be easier to list the game that won't have an impact on the Centennial playoff chase on Saturday in the nation's toughest DIII conference (see poll if you don't believe us!). Five points separate the top seven teams in the CC with only five playoff spots available. Swarthmore (4-0-2 CC, 11-1-2), ranked first nationally by the NSCAA, has a two-point edge on Muhlenberg for first place and hosts McDaniel (2-4, 5-9). The #19 Mules (3-0-3, 8-0-6) - one of three unbeaten teams in the country along with Dominican and Wisconsin-Oshkosh - play host to Haverford (3-2-1, 7-4-2) who is tied with Dickinson and Gettysburg for fourth place. The Fords have not won in Allentown since 1969. The Red Devils (3-2-1, 9-3-2) and the Bullets (3-2-1, 4-8-1) square off in Carlisle for the 70th time in their series, while third-place Johns Hopkins (3-1-2, 10-2-3) welcomes Franklin & Marshall (2-1-3, 6-3-3) to the Charm City.

Washington at McDaniel (Field Hockey)
The Shorewomen (4-3, 6-8) and the Green Terror (3-4, 6-8) meet in a game for Free State bragging rights that could also determine both teams' playoff chances. McDaniel holds a 10-7 all-time lead, but Washington has taken two of the last three in Westminster, including a 3-2 decision in 2008. The Shorewomen are just 1-5 over their last six contests. Emily Trees leads WC in scoring with 7-3-17. Sarah Meszler tops the Terror scoring list with 7-1-15.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Field Hockey)
The Bullets (4-3, 6-8) and the Garnet (3-4, 6-9) are two of seven teams still in the hunt for the final two playoff berths and a win Saturday would go a long way to helping the cause. Gettysburg has won nine straight in the series to forge a 15-5 all-time advantage. Swarthmore's last win was a 4-2 triumph at home in 2000. Sarah Cole leads the Orange and Blue in scoring (6-2-14), while Katie Teleky (8-2-18) and Nia Jones (8-1-17) share the goal-scoring lead for the Garnet.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
Two-for-the-price-of-one as the Bullets (5-2, 14-12) and the Garnet (6-1, 16-8) also meet in a critical volleyball match at Tarble Pavilion on Saturday. The winner secures a Conference playoff berth and improves its chances for a first-round bye in the Centennial tournament in two weeks. History favors Gettysburg, as the Bullets have won all 28 previous meetings with Swarthmore. In fact, the Garnet has taken just one set in 17 matches (2006) since the formation of the Centennial in 1993. But this isn't your mother's Swat squad. Swarthmore leads the CC in hitting percentage (.210), led by Kathryn Montemurro (.330) and Genny Pezzola (2.95 kpg). Gettysburg's Nicole Burns in third in the Conference in hitting (.306).

Haverford at Dickinson (Women's Soccer)
All eyes in the Conference women's soccer world will be on Carlisle, as the Fords (5-2, 10-4) tangle with the Red Devils (6-1, 11-2-1). Dickinson sits alone in first place in the CC with 18 points, while six teams - including Haverford - are tied for second with 15. The home team has won this match-up in each of the last four years and the Fords hold a 13-8-4 series advantage that includes a 5-2 win at Dickinson in 2004. The Devil defense has been superb and has not surrendered a goal since Sept. 25 - a streak of seven games and 723:06. Genevieve Olson leads Dickinson in scoring with 7-5-19. Haverford's defense has recorded four consecutive shutouts. Meg Boyer leads the Fords in scoring (4-4-12).

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Dennis Weller of the Pottstown Mercury writes that there cannot be too many disbelievers anymore after Ursinus' 26-17 win over defending Conference champ Johns Hopkins.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that nothing went right for McDaniel in its 29-0 home loss to Muhlenberg. Terror Notebook

Bob Blubaugh of the Carroll County Times writes that Saturday was a referendum on McDaniel football and a chance for the Green Terror to insert itself in the Conference race.

Tim Shoemaker of the Allentown Morning Call notes that although Matt Johnson played well, it was Joe Tegan that made the biggest play of all in Moravian's 24-17 upset of Franklin & Marshall.

Tom Hinkel of the Express-Times writes that the stage was set for a collapse for Moravian but the Greyhounds would have none of it in their 24-17 victory vs. the Diplomats.

Todd Hummel of the Danville Daily Item writes that words are hard to come by to describe the feelings in the Susquehanna locker room after the Crusaders fell to Dickinson, 28-24.

Jeff Gill of the Altoona Mirror writes that Juniata's return home after six weeks away was not what the Eagles hoped for in a 56-21 loss to Gettysburg.

Roundups: Philadelphia Inquirer, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Baltimore Sun, Lancaster Sunday News, Annapolis Capital

The Friday Tailgate

We are officially at the halfway mark of the Conference football season and the time to determine whether your team is a contender or pretender is here. Johns Hopkins (2-1 CC, 2-2) kicks off the weekend under the lights on Friday night against Dickinson (1-2, 1-3). The Jays are a game behind league-leading Ursinus (4-0, 5-0) and Muhlenberg (3-0, 3-1) and may not be able to afford another loss. The Red Devils' Conference title hopes rest in the balance each week with two CC defeats on their record. The Mules look to close that half-game gap with the Bears when it welcomes Juniata (0-4, 0-4) to the Lehigh Valley. McDaniel (2-1, 3-1) also cannot afford another CC defeat when it entertains Susquehanna (1-4, 1-4) on Saturday. Moravian (2-2, 2-3), fresh off last week's upset at Dickinson, takes on the top offense in the Conference in Gettysburg (0-3, 1-3) at the Battlefield. F&M (3-1, 4-1) and Ursinus are idle this Saturday.

Dickinson at Johns Hopkins
Video: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Live Stats: Yes.
The Red Devils and the Blue Jays meet for the 64th time in a series that began in 1891 with Hopkins holding a 32-27-4 lead. JHU is 19-11-2 in games in the Charm City and has won three straight from Dickinson since a 21-13 loss at home in 2006. Hopkins is 27-13-1 (.671) in Friday night games at Homewood Field. Dickinson is 1-1 vs. the Jays in night games, winning in 2004 (17-7) and losing in 2008 (36-34). The winner of this game has claimed at least a share of six of the last eight Conference titles (2002-03-04-05-06-09). This is the first time in school history JHU has opened a season scoring 27 or more points in four straight games. Hopkins has intercepted at least one pass in 18 straight games dating back to the final game of the 2008 season vs. Catholic. Dickinson QB Ricky Martz is second in the CC in completion percentage (63.8) and efficiency (136.6) in his first season as a starter. WR Craig Helfer has 22 receptions for 342 yards with four of those catches going for scores.

Juniata at Muhlenberg
Video: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the sixth meeting between the Eagles and the Mules since 1929 with the previous five decisions going to 'Berg. Juniata has only scored 17 points in the five games and no more than seven in any contest. Muhlenberg RBs Terrence Dandridge and J.T. Merklinger are 3-5 in the Conference in rushing with 78.2 and 75.0 yards per game, respectively. KR Chase Nadell leads the Centennial in kickoff return average with eight returns for 32.89 yards per. LB Patrick McDonough shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Juniata RB Derek Kramer is 10th in the Conference with 208 rushing yards. PK Scott Andrews has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 35 yards. Freshman LB Kevin Gorman is eighth in the CC with 34 tackles with 6.5 leading to loss of yardage.

Susquehanna at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470, WQSU-FM 88.9. Live Stats: Yes.
The Crusaders and the Terror meet for the 11th time in a series that is deadlocked at five wins apiece. On closer inspection, the series is even closer, as both teams have won twice in Westminster and three times in Selinsgrove. McDaniel has won each of the last two meetings in 2001 (63-27) and 2002 (27-7). Susquehanna's last triumph was a 21-14 win at home in 1995 and has not won in Westminster in 1969 (28-8). The Terror can match its Centennial win total from last season with a victory. WR Matt Cahill is third on the all-time Terror reception list (130) and needs five more to tie Alan Pietkiewicz '95 for second place. QB Tom Massucci has thrown for over 200 yards in seven games in his career. McDaniel is 13-3 under coach Tim Keating in games after a bye. Susquehanna RB Greg Tellish is second in the CC in rushing (78.6 ypg). QB Rich Palazzi has thrown nine TD passes, including five to WR Mike Ritter. Ritter is second in the Conference in all-purpose yards (585). PK Bobby Eppleman has not missed a kick this season, converting all 11 PATs and five field goals. He is also averaging 38.3 yards per punt. Susquehanna is last in the Conference in time of possession (23:18).

Moravian at Gettysburg
Video: Yes. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the ninth time that the Greyhounds and the Bullets have met on the gridiron with Gettysburg holding a 7-1 series advantage. The Orange and Blue has won the last seven meetings since a 17-7 win by Moravian in Bethlehem in the teams' first game in 1978. Gettysburg has started fast this season, outscoring its opponents, 42-14, in the first 15 minutes. The Bullets lead the CC in rushing offense (204.5) and are second in total offense (389.8). The problem is that the defense is 10th in total defense (415.8). RB Jamel Mutunga is fourth in the Conference with 76.5 yards rushing per game. QB Kyle Whitmoyer has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 739 yards, while rushing for an additional 223 yards. RB Anthony DeSalva is third among Centennial players in all-purpose yards (570). SS Joe Delaney shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Moravian went on the road and came away with a 24-16 win at Dickinson last weekend behind reserve QB Matt Johnson. Johnson, the team's starting strong safety for the first four games, ran for 61 yards and a score while also throwing for 174 yards. The 'Hounds amassed 320 total yards - their best offensive output of the season. WR Shawn Sylvainus is fifth in the CC in receiving yards (71.6). Moravian's defense is third in the Conference against the run (100.0) and in total defense (260.8).

The Friday Tailgate

The Friday Tailgate returns for its third season here on the Centennial Conference Today blog. We hope you'll enjoy our weekly look at the weekend's gridiron games.

This year, we welcome Susquehanna University to the Conference as an associate football member, bringing the Centennial to 10 teams. The Crusaders won the Liberty League title last fall, advancing to the NCAA tournament.

Washington & Lee at Franklin & Marshall
Audio: WLUR-FM 91.5. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 11th time that the Generals and the Diplomats have met on the gridiron with the series tied at 5-5. F&M is 67-52-3 in season openers and 3-1 under head coach John Troxell. The Diplomats are also 87-34-1 in their home opener. W&L was picked to finish fifth in the seven-team Old Dominion Athletic Conference, while F&M was slotted in the #2 spot in the Centennial preseason poll. The Generals are 57-52-1 in season lidlifters and has not won a road opener since a 14-13 win at Towson on Sept. 20, 1969 - a string of 19 straight losses away from Lexington.

Gettysburg at Lebanon Valley
Audio: WMSS-FM 91.1. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 37th time that the Bullets have lined up opposite the Flying Dutchmen since 1898. Gettysburg holds a 30-6-1 lead but LVC has won four of the last six matchups, including the last three in Annville. Bullet head coach Barry Streeter ranks 11th among active Division III coaches with 155 victories. He is 6-2 in games at Lebanon Valley - his alma mater. LVC was picked second in the Middle Atlantic Conference preseason poll.

McDaniel at Juniata
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 23rd time that the Green Terror and the Eagles meet on the gridiron in a series that dates to 1923. Juniata holds a slim 11-9-1 lead, but McDaniel captured a 30-3 decision last year in Westminster. The Terror is 61-48-6 on opening day and coach Tim Keating is 8-9 in season lidlifters. This is the first time since 1985 that McDaniel has opened with a league foe and the September 4 date is the earliest ever for the Green and Gold to play a Conference opponent. McDaniel was picked seventh in the 10-team preseason Centennial poll, while Juniata was slotted at No. 10. The Eagles are opening with a Conference opponent for the first time since 2001.

Susquehanna at Moravian
Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9; WSAN-AM 1470.
Saturday's game is the 37th in the series between the Crusaders and the Greyhounds - who are back in the same conference for the first time since 2006. Moravian holds a 20-15-1 series lead with three straight wins over SU in Bethlehem. Susquehanna's last win at Moravian was a 41-14 triumph in 2001. The 'Hounds are 7-2 in their last nine season openers. Susquehanna - the newest member of the Centennial - won the Liberty League championship last season. SU head coach Steve Briggs (110-93) and Moravian mentor Scot Dapp (137-99-1) are the winningest coaches in their respective school's histories.

Delaware Valley at Muhlenberg
Audio: DVC Sports Network. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
The Mules and the Aggies - separated by just 33 miles - will meet for the first time since 1972. Delaware Valley captured that contest, 35-14, while Muhlenberg avenged that defeat the following year, aqlso by a 35-14 count. After a season in which five of their 10 opponents continued onto postseason play, the Mules open with an Aggie squad ranked 10th in the preseason by D3football.com. Muhlenberg is 8-2 in its last 10 season lidlifters.

Ursinus at Albright
Audio: WXAC-FM 91.3; Ursinus Sports Network. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 18th meeting between the Bears and the Lions with Albright holding a 10-6-1 series lead. UC head coach Peter Gallagher (40-52) needs just one more win to tie Steve Gilbert for the most victories in school history with 41. This is the Bears' first night game since a 2007 tilt with LaSalle. Both teams were picked to finish third in their respective conference preseason polls. Albright was won nine straight games at Shirk Stadium since a loss in the 2008 season opener to Salisbury. The Lions will be sporting brand-new red uniforms for the contest.

Track and Field Championship Preview

The 17th annual Centennial Conference Track and Field championship begins today at Swarthmore College with the multi-events and the 10K. And all eyes are on the Haverford men's and women's squads, as the Fords look to extend their championship streaks.

The Haverford men have won all 16 titles in the Conference's existence, but the Fords were defeated by Dickinson at the 2010 indoor championships. The Haverford women won their fourth consecutive Centennial championship last spring. The Fords will face challenges from Johns Hopkins, who finished second indoors, and Muhlenberg.

Some individuals to keep an eye on ... can Ursinus' Al Desiderio become the first male to repeat in the 100/200 since UC's Brandon Evans in 2005-06 ... can Muhlenberg's Alexandra Faust become the first four-time winner of the women's pole vault?

Defending Champions (Men)
100: Al Desiderio, Ursinus
200: Al Desiderio, Ursinus
800: Tim Schoch, Haverford
400 Hurdles; Brendan Kirk, Muhlenberg
3000 Steeplechase: Kent Pecora, Dickinson
Shot Put: Ryan Lino, Johns Hopkins
High Jump: Travis Youngs, Ursinus
Discus: Anthony Abbate, Dickinson

Defending Champions (Women)
200: Christina Neilson, Haverford
400: Alex Faust, Muhlenberg
1500: Laura Paulsen, Johns Hopkins
10,000: Laura Paulsen, Johns Hopkins
100 Hurdles: Eliza Reiss, Haverford
Pole Vault: Alex Faust, Muhlenberg
Discus: Jackie Freund, Haverford
High Jump: Nicole Cox, Swarthmore

Men's Top Performances
Women's Top Performances

Playoff Scenarios

Playoffs! Allen Iverson will always be known for his rant on practice ... Jim Mora will always be known for his rant on the playoffs!

Here are the scenarios for Saturday's Centennial Conference action as it relates to playoff consideration:

BASEBALL
Hopkins is #1 seed; Haverford and Swarthmore are in the tourney.
Muhlenberg is IN with a sweep of Washington; Shoremen are IN with one win vs. Mules.

MEN'S LACROSSE
Gettysburg is #1 seed, Dickinson is #2 seed
Haverford is IN with win vs. Swarthmore and is #3 seed.
McDaniel is IN with win vs. Dickinson.
Loser of Muhlenberg-Ursinus is OUT.

a 4-4 tie between Haverford and Muhlenberg --> Muhlenberg
a 4-4 tie between Haverford and Ursinus --> Haverford
a 4-4 tie between McDaniel, Muhlenberg and/or Ursinus --> McDaniel
a 4-4 tie among Haverford, McDaniel and Ursinus --> Haverford, McDaniel
a 4-4 tie among Haverford, McDaniel and Muhlenberg
* teams are 1-1 vs. each other
* if F&M wins vs. Gettysburg and gains 6th place --> Haverford, McDaniel
* if F&M loses and three teams are tied at 2-6 --> Haverford, McDaniel on goal differential in games between Haverford, McDaniel and Muhlenberg

WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Gettysburg is #1 seed and plays winner of Haverford-Dickinson in semis
Franklin & Marshall is #2 seed and plays #3 seed Ursinus in semis
Haverford is #4 seed and plays host to #5 Dickinson in 1st round

SOFTBALL
Ursinus is #1 seed
Gettysburg, Swarthmore and Dickinson are IN
Dickinson wins all tie-breakers in an 8-8 tie.

MEN'S TENNIS
Johns Hopkins is #1 seed, Swarthmore is IN.
Franklin & Marshall is IN with a win vs. either Muhlenberg or Swarthmore
F&M wins 6-3/5-4 ties with Haverford and Washington
Washington wins 6-3/5-4 ties with Haverford
a 5-4 tie among Dickinson, F&M, Haverford and Washington --> Dickinson, F&M
a 5-4 tie among Dickinson, Haverford and Washington --> depends on final score of Dickinson-Washington match.
Individual matches won in dual-meets between tied teams:
--> Washington 6, Haverford 3
--> Haverford 5, Dickinson 4
--> TOTAL: Haverford 8, Washington 6, Dickinson 4.
--> A Dickinson 5-4 win means Washington is IN. A Dickinson win of 6-3 or greater gives spot to Devils.

WOMEN'S TENNIS
Johns Hopkins is #1 seed, Swarthmore is #2 seed
Dickinson is IN with a win vs. Washington. Haverford is IN and Washington OUT.
Washington is IN with wins vs. Dickinson and McDaniel.
a 7-3 tie between Dickinson and Haverford --> Dickinson
a 7-3 tie between Haverford and Washington --> Haverford
a 7-3 tie among Dickinson, Haverford and Washington --> Washington, Dickinson

Golf Championship Preview

The Centennial Conference men's and women's golf championships are set to tee off on Saturday with Franklin & Marshall and McDaniel looking to defend their respective titles. The 54-hole men's event will be held at Stonewall Golf Club in Elverson, Pa., hosted by Ursinus, while the 36-hole women's tourney is hosted by McDaniel at Piney Branch GC in Hampstead, Md. Here is what to watch for this weekend.

MEN
The defending champion Diplomats have the Conference's low stroke average (312.75) and have a 26-2 record against Centennial competition this season. Senior Andrew Woods has the low individual stroke average at 76.67 and has six top-10 performances in nine events. Cameron Warner (78.00), Danny Liebowitz (78.38) and Brendon Mohler (78.77) are also ranked in the top 10. McDaniel (314.30), shooting for an unprecedented sixth Centennial title, is led by Keith Mazurek (77.78) and Paul Kovalcheck (77.95). Dickinson (323.83) returns the No. 2 player in stroke average - Joey Goldstein (77.33) - and the defending individual champion - Tucker Joyce (81.40). Also keep an eye on Swarthmore's Paul Weston (78.23), Muhlenberg's Zachary Oyer (78.55) and Gettysburg's Reid Sessa (79.86). The champion qualifies for the NCAA Division III championship. Championship website / Men's Golf Release

WOMEN
The Green Terror goes for a second straight and unprecedented seventh Conference title this weekend. McDaniel has the low team stroke average (364.4) and is 6-1 against Centennial competition. The Terror's lone loss - Gettysburg. The Bullets (369.0) are 11-2 against CC foes. Defending individual champion Caroline Nathan (89.0) leads the Bullets and her stroke average tops all Conference players. McDaniel is led by Morgan Koopman (90.0) and Val Saucier (92.2). Also keep an eye on Dickinson's Ann Gibala (90.3), Franklin & Marshall's Meghan Maloney (89.1) and Grace Gallagher (90.4), and Susquehanna's Rachel Villano (91.7). Championship website / Women's Golf Release