2011 Around the Northeast columns

November 16, 2011 First time magic Western New England and Norwich were once brought together by an early-season non-conference game. Now they'll also each be making their first NCAA playoff appearance.

November 8, 2011 Once-in-a-lifetime players, games John Cordasco's coach considers him a once-in-a-lifetime member of the Mass-Dartmouth defense. And there are others in Around the Northeast.

November 1, 2011 Titles, hopes and lots of kicks Western New England and Framingham State tucked their respective New England Football Conference titles away for a date in the NEFC Championship Game.

October 25, 2011 Tough places to play Trinity (Conn.) has won 42 consecutive home games, or to put it another way, the Bantams have never lost a home game on turf. Where else is it tough to play in New England? Tom Haley has more.

October 18, 2011 Block party unites twins It is better to block than to receive. That is a mantra the Duford twins have to to embrace as receivers in the run-oriented Maine Maritime and Plymouth State.

October 10, 2011 Bunkers' battle awaiting just over the hill There are two undefeated teams remaining in the New England Small College Athletic Conference and they each have a Bunker in the backfield.

October 4, 2011 Falling through the cracks Framingham State's best returning offensive player was so far under the radar coming out of high school he originally went to a non-football school, to play lacrosse.

September 27, 2011 Endicott's Eagan shines in a week of offense Endicott's Kevin Eagan had 13 tackles, including six for a loss, in the Gulls' 24-17 victory in the New England Football Conference showdown with Salve Regina.

September 20, 2011 A monument to love and commitment Castleton State's president brought football to the school a little over two years ago. Now he's bringing awareness of Alzheimer's, because it's hit close to home.

September 13, 2011 Winning the neighborhood Worcester State beat its crosstown rival, WPI, for the first time since 2002, while SUNY-Maritime gets ready to welcome its cross-bay neighbors, Merchant Marine.

September 6, 2011 Hoopin' it up on the gridiron Mount Ida and Mass-Dartmouth were each led by basketball players in their football season openers.

August 29, 2011 Ten games to watch It's not that Division III football doesn't have any warts. It's just that is has far fewer of them. And great stories. They unfold every week, delicious, compelling and stay-with-you stories.