#7 Maine at #3 Eastern Washington

[Redfield10]

I'm trying to figure out how much the Bison will beat EWU by. At least the Eagles are among the top teams. I suppose three touchdowns? The Bison are 20th in the Sagarin Ratings for the FBS. I see they would be favored by 14 against EWU. That's probably about right.

[Grizalltheway]

Frankly I can't believe Weber lost to this team...at home.

[BisonBacker]

Wow I thought Maine was supposed to have a defense? Did they forget to get on the plane?

[Lorne_Malvo]

This one is over.

[Schism55]

This one appears to be trending towards over before half time. Glad there's bowl games and NFL games today. Good hoops too!!
Before end of first quarter...holy **** Maine xeyebrowx

[Redfield10]

This doesn't surprise me at all. Maine has been lucky to play who they have.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

EWU might hit 70. The Eagles are obviously very good but Maine looks like a team that's kind of happy to be here....

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Wow I thought Maine was supposed to have a defense? Did they forget to get on the plane?


All the travel probably is catching up with them.

1st time in the semis and not stepping up.

[Redfield10]

Wow I thought Maine was supposed to have a defense? Did they forget to get on the plane?

You keep forgetting that they play nobody.

[UNHWildcat18]

Frankly I can't believe Weber lost to this team...at home.

Simple, today, Maine drove 60 yards, missed FG, then threw a borderline pick 6, then drove 50 yards to turn it over, Maine’s morale is down in the dumps, EWU dialing up the right plays and taking advantage. Like I said Bison will hose them anyways. Defensively, they have no chance.

[Prime Power]

Wow...Maine...gross.

[BisonBacker]

Well at least NDSU can start game planning early now that they know who they will be playing. Not that it will matter which team would have won this game xcoffeex

[Bison56]

You keep forgetting that they play nobody.
You better not disrespect Maine.

[cx500d]

Even the kick returns are garbage

[UNHWildcat18]

This doesn't surprise me at all. Maine has been lucky to play who they have.
Oh get the hell out of here with that ****.

[BisonFan02]

If any defense can give up a 21 point lead....its EWU.

[Grizalltheway]

Simple, today, Maine drove 60 yards, missed FG, then threw a borderline pick 6, then drove 50 yards to turn it over, Maine’s morale is down in the dumps, EWU dialing up the right plays and taking advantage. Like I said Bison will hose them anyways. Defensively, they have no chance.
You seem awfully invested in this fight in which you have no dog.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The Maine QB is completely lost. Maine moving the ball then the QB panics...

[UNHWildcat18]

You seem awfully invested in this fight in which you have no dog.

Just calling it as I see it

[Herder]

I like Maine to establish something and get back in this one.

as soon as they can get a stop, ole moe will turn.

[No_Skill]

That one announcer has a hot microphone. Annoying as hell.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

You seem awfully invested in this fight in which you have no dog.

It's true though. Maine can clearly move the ball against EWU. But the mistakes and turnovers have crushed them. Credit EWU for being in position to create them but if you're Maine you MUST protect the ball when possessions in a game like this are everything...

[BisonBacker]

This Maine QB is bad!

[Outsider1]

This is just UGLY.......

[Grizalltheway]

Just calling it as I see it
Yes I get that you're trying to sugarcoat a very bad performance by your conference's champion.

[Red & Black]

It's true though. Maine can clearly move the ball against EWU. But the mistakes and turnovers have crushed them. Credit EWU for being in position to create them but if you're Maine you MUST protect the ball when possessions in a game like this are everything...

You act like EWU did nothing to create those turnovers. One was a poor decision by the QB to throw into coverage as he was getting sacked, the other was a sack-fumble.

[BisonBacker]

That Maine RB came up Gimpy after that last run.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Does Maine have a screen play?!?!

- - - Updated - - -


You act like EWU did nothing to create those turnovers. One was a poor decision by the QB to throw into coverage as he was getting sacked, the other was a sack-fumble.

I literally said "Credit EWU for being in position to create them"....xembarrassedx

[UNHWildcat18]

Yes I get that you're trying to sugarcoat a very bad performance by your conference's champion.

Its a bad performance... and that’s okay.... you said you didn’t understand how the beat Weber, simple they had a tough fought game, made little errors besides doing poorly on a lot of third downs..... today is not like the game vs Weber. I said EWU has been dialing up good plays....

[cx500d]

Finally a stop

[UNHWildcat18]

Does Maine have a screen play?!?!

- - - Updated - - -



I literally said "Credit EWU for being in position to create them"....xembarrassedx He didn’t go to the Derek Zoolander center for kids who can’t read good

[BisonBacker]

SDSU would have crushed this Maine team. SDSU and EWU would have been a good one but I'd still give the edge to SDSU in that one too.

[POD Knows]

Geez. You only have to donate 500k to get field named after you.

[CockyGeek]

EWU has managed to expose the weak Maine defense while keeping their explosive offense in check. I'm really impressed.

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[Bison56]

Way to easy for EW.

[POD Knows]

This kid that is the QB for EWU is a better QB than TC for SDSU.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD EWU!

Forgot to mention the D2 Title game is on at 4!! xthumbsupx

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Maine's defensive effort is pathetic.

[Bison56]

What happened to the aggressive Maine defense? They are standing around watching EW do what ever they want.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

This kid that is the QB for EWU is a better QB than TC for SDSU.

Outside of Strong, EWU's skill players are much better than SDSU's imo.

[citdog]

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain couldn't save this Maine team.

[NDSUtk]

Geez. You only have to donate 500k to get field named after you.Wonder what Gate City Bank paid

[NDSUtk]

Is it okay to start the championship thread now? Or do we have to wait until halftime?

[ddmann]

Honestly I am quite surprised, living in Spokane I get to see a lot of EWU football and they are playing their best game of the year right now. Watched the Maine / Weber game and saw Weber play their worst game of the year. Still thought Maine would be a bit more difficult than this.

I saw the Weber / NAU game that Weber lost and they played much better in that loss than in the loss to Maine.

[Redfield10]

What happened to the aggressive Maine defense? They are standing around watching EW do what ever they want.

I'll give them credit for beating Weber State, but their season stats mean nothing as they play in a very weak conference compared to the Valley and the Big Sky.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain couldn't save this Maine team.

No but he would have wrote eloquently about their demise.

[kdinva]

Even the kick returns are garbage

remind the Bears about the new fair catch rule on KO's.........lost 17 yards on that particular return.

[Red & Black]

This kid that is the QB for EWU is a better QB than TC for SDSU.

He's good. I'm not sure if he's as good as Gubrud was as a Sophomore, but we think he's going to be a good one for us the next couple of years.

I still wish Gage could have played in the playoffs this year. Still, I don't know how many teams could lose their All-American QB midway through the season and still reach the semi's. NDSU and maybe a couple of others. Not many.

[Bison56]

Box is stacked and they run right into it.

[cx500d]

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain couldn't save this Maine team.
Maybe they should have sent Bowdoin

[Bison56]

Maybe the Maine coach can yell about how disrespected they were during his halftime speech.

[POD Knows]

He's good. I'm not sure if he's as good as Gubrud was as a Sophomore, but we think he's going to be a good one for us the next couple of years.

I still wish Gage could have played in the playoffs this year. Still, I don't know how many teams could lose their All-American QB midway through the season and still reach the semi's. NDSU and maybe a couple of others. Not many.
Actually. I think this kid is a better QB than Gage right now. He is a better runner and I really dont notice much difference in the passing game

[POD Knows]

Did Maine play anybody, outside of JSU, that had a decent offense this year.

[Bison56]

10 yard run and struts like he is a beastxlolx

[Red & Black]

Actually. I think this kid is a better QB than Gage right now. He is a better runner and I really dont notice much difference in the passing game

Barriere is a better runner no doubt about it. He probably also has a stronger arm than Gage. Gage is more accurate (at this point) and reads the defense a lot better. Although there is huge upside for EB3 in that regard.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

That could have been a pick 6!!

[kdinva]

finally the Maine Def. does something.....

[Bison56]

Int Maine

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Barriere made two less than stellar throws on that drive. Got burned on the seocnd one....

[Redfield10]

Maybe the Maine coach can yell about how disrespected they were during his halftime speech.

LOL. Today there was a reason.

[ddmann]

Barriere is a better runner no doubt about it. He probably also has a stronger arm than Gage. Gage is more accurate (at this point) and reads the defense a lot better. Although there is huge upside for EB3 in that regard.


Took the words right from my keyboard. On top of that his front line has really bonded with him. Once a QB gets the front line working for him, if he has any passing ability, he becomes twice as dangerous.

[Redfield10]

Did Maine play anybody, outside of JSU, that had a decent offense this year.

Level of competition. Year after year after year.

[Sycamore62]

I’m not sure about EWU Head Coach’s coaching skills but he could give a NASCAR winners circle interview

[POD Knows]

Barriere is a better runner no doubt about it. He probably also has a stronger arm than Gage. Gage is more accurate (at this point) and reads the defense a lot better. Although there is huge upside for EB3 in that regard.
Yea. He looks like the real deal. This is the third game I have seen EWU play and he has looked good in each game

[citdog]

This is the third game I have seen EWU play and he has looked good in each game

Has he now...

[POD Knows]

Has he now...
Yes he did.

[citdog]

Yes he did.

No homo?

[kdinva]

comeback by Maine...........what was that on first down?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Mistake by EWU results in a safety....

[BisonBacker]

Ooooh boy we have a game now :D

[UNHWildcat18]

Level of competition. Year after year after year.

Didnt northern Arizona make the playoffs and lose to a scholarshipless team 2 years in a row? We don’t need trolling while the adults are talking

[Bison56]

Here comes the Eastern Washington collapse.:D

[BisonBacker]

Wow was that a late flag

[Bison56]

Barf

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

those were 3 strange play calls. I guess they really wanted to win a 1 on 1 battle...

[BisonBacker]

Holy hell who's calling the plays for Maine? They have some success running the ball and then get down close and give up on the run and toss a back shoulder throw and a fade route?

[Twentysix]

Wow, maine sucks. Ewu didn't even play defense on most of the pass plays that possession. Maine can't complete uncontested passes.

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[KPSUL]

Field Goal? Down 28-2 in the 2nd half? Did Coach Harasymiak leave his B_ _ _ s in The Bangor airport?

[Twentysix]

Maine needs some offensive rhythm, stat.

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[BisonBacker]

Maine needs some offensive rhythm, stat.

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Nah they're just looking for the Bus to get back to the airport and get the hell outta there. What a joke.

[Bison56]

Top defensexcoffeex

[ddmann]

Seriously this is the by far the best EWU has played all year.

[AggieFinn]

Hakuna Matata

[mainejeff]

Field Goal? Down 28-2 in the 2nd half? Did Coach Harasymiak leave his B_ _ _ s in The Bangor airport?

Seriously.

Hopefully he's done going for FGs down 35-5 now.

[POD Knows]

Jesus Maine. I guess the gaping hole D showed up today.

[Bison56]

That field goal was just admitting defeat.

[AggieFinn]

All the travel probably is catching up with them.

1st time in the semis and not stepping up.


No homo?


Field Goal? Down 28-2 in the 2nd half? Did Coach Harasymiak leave his B_ _ _ s in The Bangor airport?


Seriously.

Hopefully he's done going for FGs down 35-5 now.

Did Ron Gould make is way to Orono?

[Twentysix]

So when we watched the Weber maine game my wife said, "both of these teams suck." I told her they both have great defenses. After this game I've joined her side, Maine sucks.

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[BisonBacker]

Top defensexcoffeex

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=29741&stc=1

[Bison56]

And to think Maine lost games because that QB was out, how bad is the back up?

[BisonBacker]

Even the announcer said the defense isn't doing anything to make it difficult for the EWU QB.

[citdog]

So when we watched the Weber maine game my wife said, "both of these teams suck." I told her they both have great defenses. After this game I've joined her side, Maine sucks.

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Maine "furmans"...

[Red & Black]

Seriously this is the by far the best EWU has played all year.

Kind of hard to say without a lot of common opposition.

[Bison56]

Rushing 3 guys on D is a fail.

[Ivytalk]

Nolo contendere

[Twentysix]

Omfg catch a not defended pass for once. How did this team beat anyone? They are completely inept offensively.

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[cx500d]

They should have left the Yale game plan at home.

[Bison56]

Wide open and wasnt even close.

[Red & Black]

Another interesting note on this game is that EWU is missing 7 defensive starters from the beginning of the season.

[Drblankstare]

How the **** did Maine make it this far with an offense this terrible

[Bison56]

3rd and 10 and throw a 5 yard passxdrunkyx

[Twentysix]

Holy **** they caught a pass. I think they are like 1/9 since I turned the game on, yet they are almost exclusively passing for some reason.

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[BisonBacker]

Jesus Maine's QB sucks balls.

[Bison56]

They cant even slow down a 4 man rush no one can get open at all.

[BisonBacker]

Punting on the 40 down by 30 points? Why not just concede the freaking game now?

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Punting on the 40 down by 30 points? Why not just concede the freaking game now?


Might as well kneel on all the downs now....:(

Maine lost this game in the 1st quarter.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Jesus Maine's QB sucks balls.

He had time on that third down play but never set his feet. EWU got some pressure off the edge but rolled away from it and had plenty of time to make a good throw. He's just so jittery back there. EWU playing well but Maine doing nothing to help themselves. I feel like they can move the ball too despite the struggles....

[Bison56]

He had time on that third down play but never set his feet. EWU got some pressure off the edge but rolled away from it and had plenty of time to make a good throw. He's just so jittery back there. EWU playing well but Maine doing nothing to help themselves. I feel like they can move the ball too despite the struggles....

I agree he is hurrying some of his throws

- - - Updated - - -

What an idiot

- - - Updated - - -

Nice handsxrotatehx

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Another missed opportunity on 1st down...my goodness...

[grizband]

Should have been a delay of game penalty on that punt return

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[Bison56]

As slow as Maines offense is moving you would think they were up big.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Maine finally executed on offense!!

This EWU defense has clear holes. Maine could have more points with better execution...

[citdog]

That was a football play.

[Bison56]

Anyone hear how many miles Maine will have traveled?

[cx500d]

AFT

[Bison56]

Maine is slow

[mainejeff]

Maine is slow to execute plays....something team & coaches need to work on in the off-season.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Big stop for the Black Bear defense. Offense needs to continue to execute....

[cx500d]

Maine is slow to execute plays....something team & coaches need to work on in the off-season.

I think they are going to have three extra weeks of offseason

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Run the ball!! Plenty of time!

[BisonBacker]

Where was this offense in the first half?

[ddmann]

Signs of life from Maine, I like it.

[Bison56]

Never underestimate EWs ability to blow a big lead in a semifinal.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Game is getting a little more interesting....

EWU's defense is going to have their work cutout against the Bison "O"...

[CockyGeek]

How the hell did this turn into a 3 score game on my drive home

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Where was this offense in the first half?

They've moved the ball all game. Lack of execution and the EWU defense has forced the Maine QB into mistakes....

[ddmann]

Holy Crap!

[AggieFinn]

Oh Jesus.

That coverage...horrid.

[BisonBacker]

Well there's that Maine Defense again xlolx

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

EWU OL just gave the double "Bison Horns"....lol

[POD Knows]

JFC. Get it to two scores and the Black Sieve D gives it right back.

[ming01]

Cant wait to stomp these guys... too

[mainejeff]

Maine lost this game in the 1st quarter.

This.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

JFC. Get it to two scores and the Black Sieve D gives it right back.


The whole of the CAA over rated?

xnodx

[cx500d]

what a **** show

[ddmann]

The whole of the CAA over rated?

xnodx



You'll get no argument from me.

[KPSUL]

The whole of the CAA over rated?

xnodx

No.

[grayghost06]

Every time Maine tries to outrun an EWU defender horizontally, they go no where and get run down. Here's a hint, they are faster than you-do something else!

[Bison56]

Nice celebration but he caught the ball.xlolx

[cx500d]

Every time Maine tries to outrun an EWU defender horizontally, they go no where and get run down. Here's a hint, they are faster than you-do something else!

#WestCoastSpeed

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Well that's the nail in the coffin. The Maine RB completely whiffed on the block which resulted in the pressure....

[BisonBacker]

Like I said the Maine QB sucks balls

[Bison56]

Like I said the Maine QB sucks balls

Just the QB?

[BisonBacker]

Just the QB?

Touche xbowx

[Twentysix]

EWU OL just gave the double "Bison Horns"....lolHe had dreams of being a Bison.

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[Bison56]

3rd and 10, throw it for 5 everytime.

[Bison56]

xlolx

[Reign of Terrier]

I think Eastern Washington is the best team in the FCS not named North Dakota State. The key matchup will be their offense against the Bison Defense.

I don't see any other team having a chance. They are the least flawed team in the FCS, sans NDSU (and that includes SDSU)

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[mainejeff]

I think Eastern Washington is the best team in the FCS not named North Dakota State. The key matchup will be their offense against the Bison Defense.

I don't see any other team having a chance. They are the least flawed team in the FCS, sans NDSU (and that includes SDSU)

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Agreed. Maine wasn't going to get the win today. That being said....Maine still played like *****. Bright spots were WRs Blair & Miller.

[grizband]

The caliber of the EWU offense over the years is evidenced by Barriere's 7td passes only tying the record.

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[Grizalltheway]

Glad I didn't put anything on Maine to cover the spread like I was thinking of doing.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

xlolx

Coach Best is kicking the ass of the chewing gum he has in his mouth....:D

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

EWU offense can definitely put a dent in the NDSU defense. But I don't think they can get enough stops. Feels like Alabama-Oklahoma....

[Bisonoline]

I expected more out of Maine.

[mainejeff]

I expected more out of Maine.

Especially the D.

[Gangtackle11]

Games like this happen.

Remember SDSU - JMU ? xpeacex

[Red & Black]

Congrats Black Bears on an excellent season and great run in the playoffs. I had a feeling this was the year we'd get over that semifinal curse. On to Frisco!

[maine612]

Congrats Eagles! What a great performance. That Berrierre kid is the real deal. I thought Maine had a better chance but your guys got it done. Go get 'em in Frisco!!!

612

[Iridebikes]

Cant wait to stomp these guys... too

That statement is not only presumptuous, it was obnoxious.

[Redfield10]

EWU offense can definitely put a dent in the NDSU defense. But I don't think they can get enough stops. Feels like Alabama-Oklahoma....

I don't expect the EWU offense to score more than 14 points off of the Bison defense.

[ming01]

That statement is not only presumptuous, it was obnoxious.

Not really

[Srdnaty]

I feared the mobile qb was going the shred maine. My fear was dead on.

Congratulations EW fans. Clearly the better team this year.

Go beat the Bison.

[dudeitsaid]

Congrats to Maine. I think the game today does not indicate the force that Maine is going to be for the coming years. You have a lot of returning pieces that are going to strengthen your offense. I think Ferguson, Jefferson, Edwards, etc are going to be really strong next year, especially with more experience on the O-line. And your defensive culture is strong, coach is passionate and infuses energy into your team. IMO, there is a strong chance of a higher seed next year. Nobody can brush off the kind of travel that you guys have like it's nothing.

Once again, feel great about the historic season you guys have had, already the best in Maine's history if I heard your coach correctly.

[KPSUL]

I think we are underestimating how hard it is for a team to have to travel clear across the country on two consecutive weekends and play top teams in a playoff setting. As GangTackle pointed out, SDSU looked even worse vs JMU last year and they only had to travel cross country one weekend. Maine started the game looking tired and disoriented compared to a fired up and ready EWU. I've seen this Maine team play several times this season and as much as they probably wanted to, they were not able to put up close to their best effort.

[thebootfitter]

I don't expect the EWU offense to score more than 14 points off of the Bison defense.If they can get a couple quick scores on the board early before Bison defense has a chance to settle in, they might be able to eek out 21-28. But that won't be enough to win.

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[MR. CHICKEN]

...."DUH BEARS".....YOUSE REPRESENTED US WELL......SEMI-FINAL.....TWO LONG TRIPS.......E. WASH....WAS BETTER DIS TIME.......CAACAN...xhighfivex...AWK!

[Schism55]

I think we are underestimating how hard it is for a team to have to travel clear across the country on two consecutive weekends and play top teams in a playoff setting. As GangTackle pointed out, SDSU looked even worse vs JMU last year and they only had to travel cross country one weekend. Maine started the game looking tired and disoriented compared to a fired up and ready EWU. I've seen this Maine team play several times this season and as much as they probably wanted to, they were not able to put up close to their best effort.
I know its tough with classes etc, but do you think Maine gave any thought/looked into staying on the west coast for the week?

[Srdnaty]

I know its tough with classes etc, but do you think Maine gave any thought/looked into staying on the west coast for the week?

My understanding is the NCAA would have to allow it and I suspect they would not.

Harasymiak specifically mentioned how they got approval from the NCAA to go out a day early.

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

Congrats to Maine. I think the game today does not indicate the force that Maine is going to be for the coming years. You have a lot of returning pieces that are going to strengthen your offense. I think Ferguson, Jefferson, Edwards, etc are going to be really strong next year, especially with more experience on the O-line. And your defensive culture is strong, coach is passionate and infuses energy into your team. IMO, there is a strong chance of a higher seed next year. Nobody can brush off the kind of travel that you guys have like it's nothing.

Once again, feel great about the historic season you guys have had, already the best in Maine's history if I heard your coach correctly.

Thanks for the kind words Dude, you guys looked like Champions today and I will be rooting for you against the Bison. It was a season the Black Bear fans will never forget. Have no idea how much flying cross country played a factor in this game as you guys owned us. GO EAGLES!!!

[maine612]

I agree. EWU was the better team. No shame in Maine's season. Beat UNH, won league title, won two playoff games and advanced to the semifinals for the first time. Lots to be excited about moving forward.

612

[Gil Dobie]

I think we are underestimating how hard it is for a team to have to travel clear across the country on two consecutive weekends and play top teams in a playoff setting. As GangTackle pointed out, SDSU looked even worse vs JMU last year and they only had to travel cross country one weekend. Maine started the game looking tired and disoriented compared to a fired up and ready EWU. I've seen this Maine team play several times this season and as much as they probably wanted to, they were not able to put up close to their best effort.

I don't think travel matters as much as you think, as the physicality of the teams they play. The coaching staff, if any good, will have a team ready. 2005 UNI beat #1 UNH, then went to #4 Texas St, and eventually lost to Appy by 5, in the championship.

[Gangtackle11]

I agree. EWU was the better team. No shame in Maine's season. Beat UNH, won league title, won two playoff games and advanced to the semifinals for the first time. Lots to be excited about moving forward.

612

and kept your head coach it appears. xpeacex