On Thursday night, at the Bismarck Community Bowl, it was time for U-Mary to face the bitter truth.  The preseason poll had Chadron State the #9 team in the country (which doesn’t mean anything when you put it together on the field), but the Eagles put on a tremendous display of what a #1 team should look like.  Jesse Kozak did not look like a 5-year starter; he looked more like a freshman.  His throws were errant and misfiring.  Kozak is supposed to be the leader of this team, but he only completed 18 of 35 passes giving the Eagles plenty of soaring power.  The Eagles were clicking on all cylinders.  There was a bright spot.  Down 20-0, the Marauders began to push the Eagles overboard when the QB Kozak used his comfort zone when he ran the ball in for 2 of U-Mary’s scores.  Final Score: Chadron State – 37, U-Mary – 17.  With the win, Chadron State goes to 1-0 and U-Mary goes to 0-1.  Mary will travel to Upper Iowa for a 1:00 pm match up on Saturday 9/6 with the Peacocks (this game will be their Northern Sun opener).  You can hear the pregame with Jack Michaels, Rick Anthony, and KFYR TV’s Geoff Groseclose.

Tonight is my chance to observe Chadron State up-close and personal.  In less than two days, it’s the opening act of the college football season in North Dakota at the Bowl.  You want coverage, we’ll have your coverage right here on JB SportsCorner.  Head Coach Bill O’Boyle and his force to be reckoned with, the Eagles, come flying into the Community Bowl.  Here are some of JB SportsCorner’s keys: no turnover on Mary’s junior laden offense, hang on to the ball at all times (every possession will be crucial… you better be ready for four corners of hard-nosed college football at the D-II level), don’t try to tackle at the knees (make sure you get a good grip on the ball carrier with both hands to bring the Eagles down), make sure you execute at the first offensive possession (the team that has the ball last will win), and finally get the crowd going in your favor.

Let’s meet the 2008 University of Mary Marauders!  In this interview, you will hear from Jesse Kozak, and defensive player of the year (in the NSIC preseason), #9 from Watford City, ND, Shawn Melland.  Also, the captain of the ship, the head coach, Myron Schulz.  Among the questions that JB SportsCorner posed was how would the Marauders do without Blair Sandy.  Kozak used to be a backup to the now departed senior Sandy.  JB SportsCorner had a chance to get up close and personal with the orange and blue.  

JB SportsCorner would like to remember Nick Hulberg for his smile and for his enthusiasm towards the coolest game on Earth.  Hulberg was one of the classiest individuals you would ever meet.  It didn’t matter what was going on on the ice, the son of Maggie Hulberg always treated his staff writer with class and dignity.  One of my favorite moments, from the 23 year old Hulberg, was when Alex Olsen beat the Express in overtime and Nick’s enthusiasm for the game that I love shone through.  When he said, “Olsen walks in, shoots, and scores! Yes sir! Yes Sir! Yes sir!”  To me, that moment will always be forever in my heart.  You couldn’t ask for a nicer guy than Nick.  On and off the ice, he would always greet his writer with a smile, no matter if we were winning or losing.  You’re forever in our hearts Nick.  Good luck with your new endeavor.

Marauders coverage is coming soon!!  With all new features on the ship!  Log on to read players and coaches interviews on your swash buckling home from the name you know and trust, JB Sportscorner.com