The Metropolis magazine MetPod is giving away free tickets to the Rice Bowl (between the Obic Seagulls and the Ritsumeikan Panthers). For a chance to win:
To: metpod@metropolis.co.jp
Re: "Rice Bowl"
[body]: (the name of your favorite Japanese football team- any league, any level. Just pick one)
The Rice Bowl will be held at the Tokyo Dome on January 3rd (national holiday in Japan). Kickoff will be at 2PM. The game will also be televised by NHK.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Clash of the school titans
more american football action this weekend as the season comes to a head:
A double-header of X2 League games at Kawasaki on Saturday, December 4th beginning at 11.
On Sunday, in first division X-league semi-final action, since the Fujitsu Frontiers were knocked out of the playoffs, the Obic seagulls (including 3 American players) will take on the Kajima Deers at 2:30 at Kawasaki; meanwhile the wild card IBM Big Blue will be down in Osaka to face the Panasonic Impulse.
The big college game in the Kanto area is the Clash Bowl on Sunday the 5th- featuring the top two teams in the KCFA- the perennial champion Hosei Tomahawks will face the Waseda Big Bears at Ajinomoto Stadium (that's near Tobitakyu station on the Keio line).
Pregame festivities will include youth football games featuring the Little Tomahawks and the Little Green Machine from Kanagawa; and from the Tokyo area- the Gators, comprised of a lot of expat kids, going against the Japanese Hurricanes.
Then the main event kicks off at 13:00- bands, cheerleaders, a half-time show- the whole works. The winner of the clash Bowl goes to Osaka for the Koshien Bowl to determine the university champion on December 19th.
A double-header of X2 League games at Kawasaki on Saturday, December 4th beginning at 11.
On Sunday, in first division X-league semi-final action, since the Fujitsu Frontiers were knocked out of the playoffs, the Obic seagulls (including 3 American players) will take on the Kajima Deers at 2:30 at Kawasaki; meanwhile the wild card IBM Big Blue will be down in Osaka to face the Panasonic Impulse.
The big college game in the Kanto area is the Clash Bowl on Sunday the 5th- featuring the top two teams in the KCFA- the perennial champion Hosei Tomahawks will face the Waseda Big Bears at Ajinomoto Stadium (that's near Tobitakyu station on the Keio line).
Pregame festivities will include youth football games featuring the Little Tomahawks and the Little Green Machine from Kanagawa; and from the Tokyo area- the Gators, comprised of a lot of expat kids, going against the Japanese Hurricanes.
Then the main event kicks off at 13:00- bands, cheerleaders, a half-time show- the whole works. The winner of the clash Bowl goes to Osaka for the Koshien Bowl to determine the university champion on December 19th.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
end of November
UFL action at Oi Stadium #2.
The Roebucks will meet the Thunderbirds in the championship game on December 12th.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
November 27-28
Thanksgiving weekend. Big games coming up this weekend in the States- the last game of the regular season. The top 3 college teams play on Friday.
Here in Japan:
College football on Saturday at Komazawa Stadium #2 right there in Komazawa Park.
Triple-headers both Saturday and Sunday at Aminovital.
Final regular season games on Sunday for the for the Kanto Collegiate Football Federation. Sunday is the last regular season game for the Urban Football league at Oi Dai Ni stadium as well; and Sunday also closes out the regular season for the Japan Private Football Federation- but spectators are of course,welcome- at Grand Yasushi Ken Oomiya and at Minato Mirai.
You can check listings (see links), but the kickoff for the first game is usually around 11AM; and where there is a third game, that usually starts around 4:30.
...and the 6-year dental and medical schools in Japan have special leagues of their own- they will have 3 games at 10, 12 and 2 on Sunday in Kawasaki stadium.
Dress warm and enjoy american football, japan-style!
Here in Japan:
College football on Saturday at Komazawa Stadium #2 right there in Komazawa Park.
Triple-headers both Saturday and Sunday at Aminovital.
Final regular season games on Sunday for the for the Kanto Collegiate Football Federation. Sunday is the last regular season game for the Urban Football league at Oi Dai Ni stadium as well; and Sunday also closes out the regular season for the Japan Private Football Federation- but spectators are of course,welcome- at Grand Yasushi Ken Oomiya and at Minato Mirai.
You can check listings (see links), but the kickoff for the first game is usually around 11AM; and where there is a third game, that usually starts around 4:30.
...and the 6-year dental and medical schools in Japan have special leagues of their own- they will have 3 games at 10, 12 and 2 on Sunday in Kawasaki stadium.
Dress warm and enjoy american football, japan-style!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
2011 X-League Division I blocks
The X League announced it's divisional alignment for 2011. The Kanto area is divided into two "blocks", nominally the Eastern and Central, which are redrawn each year, based on standings.
EASTERN
Kajima Dears
Fujitsu Frontiers
Meiji-Yasuda Pirates
All-Mitsubishi Lions
Bullseyes Tokyo
Fuji-Xerox Minerva
CENTRAL:
Obic Seagulls
IBM Big Blue
Asahi Beer Silver Stars
Hurricanes
All Tokyo Gas Creators
Nihon Unisys Bulls
EASTERN
Kajima Dears
Fujitsu Frontiers
Meiji-Yasuda Pirates
All-Mitsubishi Lions
Bullseyes Tokyo
Fuji-Xerox Minerva
CENTRAL:
Obic Seagulls
IBM Big Blue
Asahi Beer Silver Stars
Hurricanes
All Tokyo Gas Creators
Nihon Unisys Bulls
shaking out
The last few weeks of November are when things shake out- play-off and regulation games are decided, and tentative alignments for next year are formed.
While most divisions of most leagues in Japan have their last game coming up this coming weekend, Division 1 of X-League and KCFA (Kanto) and the KAFCA (Kanssai) concluded their seasons, and will have playoff games the first weekend in December.
In college action at Kawasaki Stadium, after leading 20-10 at the half the Hosei Tomahawks defeated the Tohoku Hornets 51-16; not to be outdone, the Waseda Big Bears pounded the Hokkaido champion Otaru University of Commerce squad- also called the Tomahawks- by a 56-13 score. Hosei and Waseda will meet in the "Clash Bowl" on 12/5 at Ajinomoto Stadium. The winner will face the Kansai champion in the Koshien Bowl to be crowned as collegiate champion.
In 2nd Stage X1 action, at Kincho Stadium (formerly the Nagai Ball Field) in Osaka, Kansai and Kanto teams split a double-header. The Asahi Challengers got close at the beginning of the 4th Quarter to make it 21-16, but the Kajima Deers pulled away to a 38-23 win. The Panasonic Impulse scored a TD later to make it 23-16 over the Fujitsu Frontiers. The Frontiers, who won the Pearl Bowl in July and were favorites to return to make it to the X-Bowl, finished in a 3 way tie for a spot in playoffs.
That drawing was won by IBM, so the Big Blue advance, even though they just lost to Obic 55-27. IBM coach Shinzo Yamda looked over at me and said, "We were just lucky; we didn't do anything to deserve it". They were shut out in the first half, as Obic scored 4 TDs in the 2nd Quarter. With 77-yard KOR for a TD by Josh Sample to open the 2nd half, and a TD after an ill advised scramble by Obic QB Morishita which resulted in a fumble giving IBM the ball on the 4 yard-line, the Big Blue were able to close it to 31-17 with a little over 17 minutes left in the ball game, but 6 turnovers in the game, and three more Obic TDs in the 4th quarter put the game out of reach.
In the semi-finals on 12/5, Obic will meet Kajima at Kawasaki, and IBM will travel to Osaka to face Panasonic at Nagai.
irikaesen or Relegation games (otherwise known as Replacement or my favorite, Up-Down games) will take place the following weekend.
While most divisions of most leagues in Japan have their last game coming up this coming weekend, Division 1 of X-League and KCFA (Kanto) and the KAFCA (Kanssai) concluded their seasons, and will have playoff games the first weekend in December.
In college action at Kawasaki Stadium, after leading 20-10 at the half the Hosei Tomahawks defeated the Tohoku Hornets 51-16; not to be outdone, the Waseda Big Bears pounded the Hokkaido champion Otaru University of Commerce squad- also called the Tomahawks- by a 56-13 score. Hosei and Waseda will meet in the "Clash Bowl" on 12/5 at Ajinomoto Stadium. The winner will face the Kansai champion in the Koshien Bowl to be crowned as collegiate champion.
In 2nd Stage X1 action, at Kincho Stadium (formerly the Nagai Ball Field) in Osaka, Kansai and Kanto teams split a double-header. The Asahi Challengers got close at the beginning of the 4th Quarter to make it 21-16, but the Kajima Deers pulled away to a 38-23 win. The Panasonic Impulse scored a TD later to make it 23-16 over the Fujitsu Frontiers. The Frontiers, who won the Pearl Bowl in July and were favorites to return to make it to the X-Bowl, finished in a 3 way tie for a spot in playoffs.
That drawing was won by IBM, so the Big Blue advance, even though they just lost to Obic 55-27. IBM coach Shinzo Yamda looked over at me and said, "We were just lucky; we didn't do anything to deserve it". They were shut out in the first half, as Obic scored 4 TDs in the 2nd Quarter. With 77-yard KOR for a TD by Josh Sample to open the 2nd half, and a TD after an ill advised scramble by Obic QB Morishita which resulted in a fumble giving IBM the ball on the 4 yard-line, the Big Blue were able to close it to 31-17 with a little over 17 minutes left in the ball game, but 6 turnovers in the game, and three more Obic TDs in the 4th quarter put the game out of reach.
In the semi-finals on 12/5, Obic will meet Kajima at Kawasaki, and IBM will travel to Osaka to face Panasonic at Nagai.
irikaesen or Relegation games (otherwise known as Replacement or my favorite, Up-Down games) will take place the following weekend.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
good football too
Three terrific Division II collegiate games on a beautiful football Saturday at Konmazawa Park, with it's 5 yard end zones and all.
While Division I games in September are generally lopsided affairs, this year there seems to be a lot more parity in Division II. (In week 1 in B block, the bottom four teams in the division defeated the top four).
In the morning game, the Toyo Vikings and the Musashino Pheasants from block A fought to a 17-all tie. Toyo scored first on a field goal, and a late drive brought them inside the 10 to give them a shot at a short field goal, but it was blocked to end the game (there is no overtime in Division II regular season games). Both teams featured impressive passing attacks.
After a two hour wait for the kickoff of the second game (to avoid the mid-day heat) the Gakushuin Generals and Aoyama Lightning got off to a slow start, but showed lots of offense throughout the day, as #21 for both sides ran (and in some places kicked), and showing great speed and determination for their respective teams. The Generals scored first on a field goal, and Aoyama came back tith a drive of their own to take a 7-3 lead. After falling behind on another General's drive, Aoyama scored late in the half on a beautiful fade to Anzaki who beat the CB and S for a TD with less than a minute to go. But Gakushuin Marched down and scored on the final play of the half to reclaim a 3 point lead.
Aoyama scored on a FG to tie it 17-all early in the 3rd period, and went ahead ona 1 yard run by Kimura early in the 4th period. Gakushuin returned the kickoff for a TD to tie it up again. From there, turnovers did in Aoyama, as a fumbed point gave Gakushuin a short field, and a couple of TD receptions by #87 late made the final 38-24. The Generals are now 2-0, and Aoyama falls to 0-2.
In the evening contest, the Yokohama Mastiffs fell behind to the Takushoku Rattle Snakes after scoring early, then finally scoring a TD again with two minutes left. The Rattle Snakes drove to near the Aoyama goal line, but after spiking on 1st and 3rd down, their FG attempt on 4th down was blocked, allowing the Mastiffs to escape with a 13-10 victory.
While Division I games in September are generally lopsided affairs, this year there seems to be a lot more parity in Division II. (In week 1 in B block, the bottom four teams in the division defeated the top four).
In the morning game, the Toyo Vikings and the Musashino Pheasants from block A fought to a 17-all tie. Toyo scored first on a field goal, and a late drive brought them inside the 10 to give them a shot at a short field goal, but it was blocked to end the game (there is no overtime in Division II regular season games). Both teams featured impressive passing attacks.
After a two hour wait for the kickoff of the second game (to avoid the mid-day heat) the Gakushuin Generals and Aoyama Lightning got off to a slow start, but showed lots of offense throughout the day, as #21 for both sides ran (and in some places kicked), and showing great speed and determination for their respective teams. The Generals scored first on a field goal, and Aoyama came back tith a drive of their own to take a 7-3 lead. After falling behind on another General's drive, Aoyama scored late in the half on a beautiful fade to Anzaki who beat the CB and S for a TD with less than a minute to go. But Gakushuin Marched down and scored on the final play of the half to reclaim a 3 point lead.
Aoyama scored on a FG to tie it 17-all early in the 3rd period, and went ahead ona 1 yard run by Kimura early in the 4th period. Gakushuin returned the kickoff for a TD to tie it up again. From there, turnovers did in Aoyama, as a fumbed point gave Gakushuin a short field, and a couple of TD receptions by #87 late made the final 38-24. The Generals are now 2-0, and Aoyama falls to 0-2.
In the evening contest, the Yokohama Mastiffs fell behind to the Takushoku Rattle Snakes after scoring early, then finally scoring a TD again with two minutes left. The Rattle Snakes drove to near the Aoyama goal line, but after spiking on 1st and 3rd down, their FG attempt on 4th down was blocked, allowing the Mastiffs to escape with a 13-10 victory.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Football Weekend
Well, if you like American Football in all of its various and glorious forms, head out on Saturday to Amino Vital field (Tobitakyu/Ajinomoto Stadium station on the Keio Line). There on one stage (of field turf) you will find flag, touch, and tackle football. The "Flag Festival" kicks off at 10:30, followed by Touch Football at 14:30. A college division I game caps it off with Nippon Daigaku taking on Kanagawa beginning at 17:15.
There will also be X2 games played at Oi Stadium #2, in the stadium near the horse track, and a pair of X3 games at Kawasaki.
Sunday will feature various games:
KCFA I-A games at Kawasaki; X2 games at Amino Vital. JPFF will also have several games taking place in both the Kanto and Kansai regions- check their website.
(see LINKS section)
There will also be X2 games played at Oi Stadium #2, in the stadium near the horse track, and a pair of X3 games at Kawasaki.
Sunday will feature various games:
KCFA I-A games at Kawasaki; X2 games at Amino Vital. JPFF will also have several games taking place in both the Kanto and Kansai regions- check their website.
(see LINKS section)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
are you ready for some football?
X-League action continues throughout the week, with most of the games held at the Big Egg (Tokyo Dome). Several have been critical of the league for the expense of renting the Tokyo Dome- said to be several million yen, but with the hot weather and then the taiphoon that hit Japan mid-week, the air-conditioned dome has proved to be a welcome shelter from the elements.
Due to the semi-professional nature of the league, several teams have been hampered by work conflicts preventing various members to appear.
But the lone upset this week so far has been the Bulls-eyes mild upset of Fuji Xerox by a score appropriate to the facility of the baseball facility: 7-3.
Due to the semi-professional nature of the league, several teams have been hampered by work conflicts preventing various members to appear.
But the lone upset this week so far has been the Bulls-eyes mild upset of Fuji Xerox by a score appropriate to the facility of the baseball facility: 7-3.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
KCFA Division II notes
One curious occurrence this weekend: in the B block of Division II, the four bottom teams in the division defeated the four top ranked teams. Cannot ever remember that happening.
Who knows if the weather had anything to do with it: on the new field at Tokyo Institute of Technology on Saturday, it was 42 degrees (107 F) by the time of the kickoff of the second game.
As is the case in most divisions in Japan, games are scheduled approximately two week(ends) apart.
Who knows if the weather had anything to do with it: on the new field at Tokyo Institute of Technology on Saturday, it was 42 degrees (107 F) by the time of the kickoff of the second game.
As is the case in most divisions in Japan, games are scheduled approximately two week(ends) apart.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Football!
Apologies for months of neglect.
New host for the a-football website.
Have various scraps of notes to upload here. Bear with us,
Anyway, glad the season is finally here again. To football season, truly nothing quite compares....
New host for the a-football website.
Have various scraps of notes to upload here. Bear with us,
Anyway, glad the season is finally here again. To football season, truly nothing quite compares....
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
2010 Pearl Bowl
The 2010 version of the Pearl Bowl will be held on Thursday, July 1st at the Tokyo Dome.
Perennial rivals Obic Seagulls will face off against the Fujitsu Frontiers beginning at 19:00.
While I am never much of a fan of indoor football, and the Bigg Egg is certainly one of my least favorite places to watch a football game, the recent hot muggy weather, and the high probability of rain and lightening probably justify the use of the Tokyo Dome indoors facility in this case.
The two team's fate was decided on 6/13 when Obic handily defeated the Pirates; and Fujitsu defeated their other main rivals Kajima by a much closer 20-17 score. In that game Fujitsu only completed 5 passes (albeit for 85 yards), but gained 252 yards on the ground.
There are four Americans appearing on the rosters of the two teams. University of Hawaii alumni DEs Kevin Jackson (#11) and Karl Noa (#12), and OL Frank Fernandez (#67) will play again this year for the Seagulls; while former Arizona Wildcats WR Brad "Boo" Brennan (#15) returns for yet another season with the Frontiers.
Perennial rivals Obic Seagulls will face off against the Fujitsu Frontiers beginning at 19:00.
While I am never much of a fan of indoor football, and the Bigg Egg is certainly one of my least favorite places to watch a football game, the recent hot muggy weather, and the high probability of rain and lightening probably justify the use of the Tokyo Dome indoors facility in this case.
The two team's fate was decided on 6/13 when Obic handily defeated the Pirates; and Fujitsu defeated their other main rivals Kajima by a much closer 20-17 score. In that game Fujitsu only completed 5 passes (albeit for 85 yards), but gained 252 yards on the ground.
There are four Americans appearing on the rosters of the two teams. University of Hawaii alumni DEs Kevin Jackson (#11) and Karl Noa (#12), and OL Frank Fernandez (#67) will play again this year for the Seagulls; while former Arizona Wildcats WR Brad "Boo" Brennan (#15) returns for yet another season with the Frontiers.
Friday, June 25, 2010
More East & West action on Saturday in Japan.
At Oji Stadium down Kobe way, Mieji will visit Kansai Gakuin. Meanwhile Nichidai will host Kyoto University at their facility in Shimo Takaido. That game was moved up from a scheduled Sunday contest at Amnino Vital field.
Both games will kick-off at 16:00.
At Oji Stadium down Kobe way, Mieji will visit Kansai Gakuin. Meanwhile Nichidai will host Kyoto University at their facility in Shimo Takaido. That game was moved up from a scheduled Sunday contest at Amnino Vital field.
Both games will kick-off at 16:00.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
movement
It wasn't an earthquake, but movements in the NCAA last week are tremors that portend seismic shifts in the football landscape there.
First Colorado announced it would leave the Big 12 for the Pac Ten (now 11). On Friday, Nebraska announced it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten. That would give the Big Ten 12 members, while the Big 12 now has ten. Go figure! Don't worry though- no one expects things to remain that way for long.
Pac 10 commissioner Larry Scott appears to have outmaneuvered the Big 10's Jim Delaney, at least for the moment. Delaney began all the rumblings and speculation by announcing that the Big 10 was looking to expand withing the next 12-18 months; and that it wouldn't necessarily stop at twelve, indicating that 14 or 16 were possibilities. The hugely successful Big Ten TV network pays member schools a larger TV revenue share than that of any other conference, and larger than Notre Dame's exclusive contract with NBC.
Scott's plan that seems to be developing would bring 5 more teams to the Pac Ten to bring it to 16 of the PacWest (you read it here first) Conference, including what is generally regarded as the big prize, Texas. Presumably those teams would combine with Arizona and ASU to form an inland division, with the old members of the Pac Eight forming the Coastal Division. Their television contracts expire in 2011, and many are expecting them to attempt to construct something similar to the Big Ten network with Fox Sports.
The Big 10 was also reported to be in discussions with Texas, but did not want to bring along a lot of extra baggage- Texas Tech and Baylor by name- which the Texas state legislature forced the Big 12 to accept when Texas and Texas A & M joined the Big 8 to create the Big 12 in 1994, marking the demise of the Southwest Conference.
The Aggies are said to be eying a spot in the SEC instead, which would probably be good for them, getting out from under the Longhorn shadow.
The admission of Nebraska to the Big Ten frankly surprised me. It seems a much better deal for Nebraska than it is for the Big Ten. While the Cornhusker football program might bring some prestige, Nebraska ranks below all other Big Ten schools in academics; and offers a very small television market.
With Big Ten membership usually comes admission to the CIC, a consortium of shared research (and a huge amount of research $$) and graduate school programs that includes all Big Ten schools and the University of Chicago. It was established as an academic counterpoint to the athletic conference in 1958, and also boasts the largest combined library in the US. It is considered second in prestige only to the Ivy League. All members of the Big 10 are now members of the elite Association of American Universities, which was founded in 1900 with fourteen members, mostly from the Ivy League, as well as Michigan, Wisconsin, (and Stanford and UC Berkeley). The AAU now has 61 members. So achieving an invitation would be attractive addition to the legacy of the head of any university, as it is generally these people who make the decisions on which conferences to join.
The Big Ten has long thought to be pursuing Notre Dame as well as Texas. Notre Dame is fiercely protective of its Catholic and independent, especially in football. Though it is not a member of the AAU, it has been ranked #20 by the USN&WR, and would bring a nationwide fan-base.
My prediction- which proved to be wrong- was that the Big Ten would first approach ND and Texas simultaneously. Then, depending on the results of those negotiations, would look to expand in the East: Maryland, perhaps Virginia, and Rutgers and/or Syracuse (to heighten a presence in the NYC market); and (especially if Texas joined) into the Mid-southwest: meaning Texas A & M and/or Missouri (St. Louis and Kansas City markets). One intriguing idea included Georgia Tech along with Maryland, as one GT blogger pointed out that half the schools in the Big Ten are actually closer to Atlanta than many of the schools in the ACC.
First Colorado announced it would leave the Big 12 for the Pac Ten (now 11). On Friday, Nebraska announced it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten. That would give the Big Ten 12 members, while the Big 12 now has ten. Go figure! Don't worry though- no one expects things to remain that way for long.
Pac 10 commissioner Larry Scott appears to have outmaneuvered the Big 10's Jim Delaney, at least for the moment. Delaney began all the rumblings and speculation by announcing that the Big 10 was looking to expand withing the next 12-18 months; and that it wouldn't necessarily stop at twelve, indicating that 14 or 16 were possibilities. The hugely successful Big Ten TV network pays member schools a larger TV revenue share than that of any other conference, and larger than Notre Dame's exclusive contract with NBC.
Scott's plan that seems to be developing would bring 5 more teams to the Pac Ten to bring it to 16 of the PacWest (you read it here first) Conference, including what is generally regarded as the big prize, Texas. Presumably those teams would combine with Arizona and ASU to form an inland division, with the old members of the Pac Eight forming the Coastal Division. Their television contracts expire in 2011, and many are expecting them to attempt to construct something similar to the Big Ten network with Fox Sports.
The Big 10 was also reported to be in discussions with Texas, but did not want to bring along a lot of extra baggage- Texas Tech and Baylor by name- which the Texas state legislature forced the Big 12 to accept when Texas and Texas A & M joined the Big 8 to create the Big 12 in 1994, marking the demise of the Southwest Conference.
The Aggies are said to be eying a spot in the SEC instead, which would probably be good for them, getting out from under the Longhorn shadow.
The admission of Nebraska to the Big Ten frankly surprised me. It seems a much better deal for Nebraska than it is for the Big Ten. While the Cornhusker football program might bring some prestige, Nebraska ranks below all other Big Ten schools in academics; and offers a very small television market.
With Big Ten membership usually comes admission to the CIC, a consortium of shared research (and a huge amount of research $$) and graduate school programs that includes all Big Ten schools and the University of Chicago. It was established as an academic counterpoint to the athletic conference in 1958, and also boasts the largest combined library in the US. It is considered second in prestige only to the Ivy League. All members of the Big 10 are now members of the elite Association of American Universities, which was founded in 1900 with fourteen members, mostly from the Ivy League, as well as Michigan, Wisconsin, (and Stanford and UC Berkeley). The AAU now has 61 members. So achieving an invitation would be attractive addition to the legacy of the head of any university, as it is generally these people who make the decisions on which conferences to join.
The Big Ten has long thought to be pursuing Notre Dame as well as Texas. Notre Dame is fiercely protective of its Catholic and independent, especially in football. Though it is not a member of the AAU, it has been ranked #20 by the USN&WR, and would bring a nationwide fan-base.
My prediction- which proved to be wrong- was that the Big Ten would first approach ND and Texas simultaneously. Then, depending on the results of those negotiations, would look to expand in the East: Maryland, perhaps Virginia, and Rutgers and/or Syracuse (to heighten a presence in the NYC market); and (especially if Texas joined) into the Mid-southwest: meaning Texas A & M and/or Missouri (St. Louis and Kansas City markets). One intriguing idea included Georgia Tech along with Maryland, as one GT blogger pointed out that half the schools in the Big Ten are actually closer to Atlanta than many of the schools in the ACC.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Spring Football
Like elsewhere, football is a year-round commitment for players in coaches. But in Japan, fans are able to see lots of competitive football in Spring and Fall.
While Autumn is considered the true regular season, teams are actually forged during the spring and summer. The spring seasons feature their own tournaments and games, and the atmosphere is a little more fun and relaxed. A little.
This weekend has a pretty full schedule at all levels, with games at Amino Vital, Kawasaki, as well as at Takai University Takamgahara Ground, and Gakushuin's ground in Mejiro.
The Harbors meet the Bandits in X-3 Tokyo Bayside Bowl action kicking off at 11 AM at Amino Vital. The Bandits prevailed over the Steelers 13-10 on May 3rd at Oi Dai-ni, when the Harbors soundly defeated Marubeni 34-7. That game will be followed by Japan Sports U vs. Meiji Gakuin at 13:30; and Tokyo Gakugei vs. Boei at 16:00.
Sunday morning High School Students will begin things there, followed by Medical school games at 13:30, and Kokushukan vs Rikyo in the later game. Meanwhile X-1 (Pearl Bowl) action continues this weekend at Kawasaki with double-headers scheduled for both days. X-1 continues playing 60 minute games, 20 minute half-times. More on that later.
While Autumn is considered the true regular season, teams are actually forged during the spring and summer. The spring seasons feature their own tournaments and games, and the atmosphere is a little more fun and relaxed. A little.
This weekend has a pretty full schedule at all levels, with games at Amino Vital, Kawasaki, as well as at Takai University Takamgahara Ground, and Gakushuin's ground in Mejiro.
The Harbors meet the Bandits in X-3 Tokyo Bayside Bowl action kicking off at 11 AM at Amino Vital. The Bandits prevailed over the Steelers 13-10 on May 3rd at Oi Dai-ni, when the Harbors soundly defeated Marubeni 34-7. That game will be followed by Japan Sports U vs. Meiji Gakuin at 13:30; and Tokyo Gakugei vs. Boei at 16:00.
Sunday morning High School Students will begin things there, followed by Medical school games at 13:30, and Kokushukan vs Rikyo in the later game. Meanwhile X-1 (Pearl Bowl) action continues this weekend at Kawasaki with double-headers scheduled for both days. X-1 continues playing 60 minute games, 20 minute half-times. More on that later.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
German-Japan Bowl
On Saturday, Japan prevailed in the first ever German-Japan Bowl 24-14, held in Dusseldorf.
The speed and experience of the Japanese team seemed to make the difference. Noriaki Kinoshita returned the opening kick-off 81 yards, and caught a pair of TD passes from Tetsuo Takata. Takata finished the game 15-25-0 and 159 yards with 3 TD passes (the other going to S. Hasegawa), and 42 yards on the ground. Kinoshita finished with 118 All-Purpose yards and was named MVP.
Zimmerman went 14-19-1 for the German squad, and Patrick Scott gained 65 yards on 9 carries. The Japanese outgained the Germans 293-231, averaging 5.3 yds/play to 3.6 yds/play for the Germans. 2 interceptions and 3 fumbles hampered the German efforts, while the kicking game continued to be the one apparent weakness in the Japanese game in international competition- M. Schmitt blocked a FG attempt and returned it 61 yards for the German's first touchdown to tie the score.
In the 2007 World Cup held in Kawasaki, Japan, the two teams did not face each other, but took the silver and bronze, and Japan lost in overtime to the US in the final.
The trip gave the Japanese squad a good chance to practice their German- the 2011 World Cup will be held in Austria.
The speed and experience of the Japanese team seemed to make the difference. Noriaki Kinoshita returned the opening kick-off 81 yards, and caught a pair of TD passes from Tetsuo Takata. Takata finished the game 15-25-0 and 159 yards with 3 TD passes (the other going to S. Hasegawa), and 42 yards on the ground. Kinoshita finished with 118 All-Purpose yards and was named MVP.
Zimmerman went 14-19-1 for the German squad, and Patrick Scott gained 65 yards on 9 carries. The Japanese outgained the Germans 293-231, averaging 5.3 yds/play to 3.6 yds/play for the Germans. 2 interceptions and 3 fumbles hampered the German efforts, while the kicking game continued to be the one apparent weakness in the Japanese game in international competition- M. Schmitt blocked a FG attempt and returned it 61 yards for the German's first touchdown to tie the score.
In the 2007 World Cup held in Kawasaki, Japan, the two teams did not face each other, but took the silver and bronze, and Japan lost in overtime to the US in the final.
The trip gave the Japanese squad a good chance to practice their German- the 2011 World Cup will be held in Austria.
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