MulesCentral - View From The Press Box

Previous Editions:
August 30, 2006
September 6, 2006

View From The Press Box
with Shawn Jones, Greg Hassler & Joe Moore

Shawn Jones is in his seventh season as the radio play-by-play voice of Mules football, basketball and baseball. In addition to his radio and television duties as host of "Sportspage", he is CMSU's Associate Athletic Director for External Relations in charge of marketing, promotions, media relations, fund-raising events and special events. Greg Hassler is in his sixth season as the sideline reporter and pre and post-game host for Mules broadcasts. He is the Sports Director of flagship stations 1450 KOKO and 98.5 MIKE-FM. Joe Moore and Bob Jackson will provide color analysis this season and Moore will also contribute to this column. Jackson has been a part of the CMSU broadcast team since 1981 and is CMSU's Athletic Promotions Coordinator and Web Manager. Moore is a former Mules football player and CMSU Athletic Media Relations Director. He is now an instructor in Central Missouri's Department of Communication.

Conference season is upon us, and it doesn’t get any better than the Mules and the Ichabods. I remember not too long ago when the Mules rolled by the 'Bods eight straight years by an average of 30 points a game. Those days are long gone with the emergence of Washburn as a football power. Washburn head coach Craig Schurig has done a phenomenal job leading the Ichabods. He is 17-7 over the past two seasons, leading his teams to the post season both years including a Mineral Water Bowl win in 2004.

This Washburn team is loaded once again. It all starts with junior quarterback Jordan Brill. Brill is averaging 319 yards per game this season. He has the ability to spread the ball around; seven Ichabods have already caught passes this season. Brill’s favorite target is senior wide receiver Sam Sissom, who has caught 11 balls for an average of 28 yards per catch--that’s right, 28 yards per catch--definitely big time. Senior running back Trent Hearn is also the real deal. He is just 33 yards from becoming Washburn’s all time leading rusher in school history, which should happen sometime in the first half on Saturday. And lets not overlook the Bods’ defense. Senior defensive back Terrell Fletcher is as good as it gets, and with that huge defensive line anchored by Trey Lewis, yards can be tough to come by.

The Ichabods stubbed their toe this past Saturday falling to Western Washington 16-13 on a last second field goal. They outgained Western Washington 414-279, but three turnovers did them in. If there is a weak spot for Washburn this year, it’s that they have a tendency to turn the ball over--5 fumbles and 2 INT’s in two games--you can’t do that and win in the MIAA.

Some of you might think the Mules have no chance in this game, but to quote Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friends.”

This is a solid Mule football team. I personally think they have the best quarterback in Division II with Toby Korrodi. Last year he led the nation in pass completion at 75%. The Mules also have a solid running game with Will Caldwell and Jeremy Braden. The Mules defense is not big, but they are fast. What’s the old saying? Speed can make up for mistakes. Yes, the Mules looked like world-beaters in the non-con, but to be fair they played a horrid Lincoln team and a middle-of-the-road NAIA team.

The winner of the game on Saturday definitely has an advantage as they look for an MIAA title. The loser won’t be out of it, but they will have an uphill climb. It should be a great game, and I for one can’t wait: The 2-0 Mules taking on the 1-1 Washburn Ichabods, 1:30 kick at Walton Stadium Kennedy Field.

Greg Hassler is a regular contributor to MulesCentral.com. "View From The Press Box" is published every Wednesday.

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