2012 Around the West columns

November 15, 2012 Getting second life There's no self-delusion required at Bethel, where the Royals made the playoffs. And at Pacific Lutheran, a key piece returns.

November 8, 2012 St. Scholastica wiser second time around Last year, when St. Scholastica won the UMAC's first-ever football automatic bid to the Division III playoffs, it was an entirely new, and humbling experience. This time the Saints will be better prepared.

October 31, 2012 Cobbers gear up for big game Concordia-Moorhead has bounced back from its crazy beyond-the-last-second loss to Bethel, but faces its biggest test of the season Saturday against St. Thomas.

October 23, 2012 Backup takes the reins Zach Shultis started the season kicking extra points for Cal Lutheran. Now he finds himself contributing to the other six points as well.

October 17, 2012 UW-Oshkosh looking strong UW-Oshkosh is off to a 6-0 start for the first time in 89 seasons, and there's a strong reason why they're still unbeaten heading into their battle with UW-Whitewater.

October 9, 2012 Change does Willamette good For the Bearcats, it's out with the Fly, in with letting the ball fly. After the departure of longtime coach Mark Speckman, the transition to a more wide-open offense was not particularly difficult.

October 2, 2012 The slimmest of margins Special teams rose to the occasion for Simpson when playing Iowa Conference foe Wartburg.

September 25, 2012 Finding his way back Brandon Wilcox drifted away from Whittier and the game he loved. He lost his direction. But coaching football helped him find his way back.

September 19, 2012 Kickin' it ... like a golfer With the game on the line and three missed field goals already under his belt, Linfield's Josh Kay channeled another sport to find the game-winning kick at Cal Lutheran.

September 11, 2012 Hey, it's you again Linfield and Cal Lutheran have their annual regular season meeting this week. Even though Cal Lutheran's national profile has risen, the Kingsmen know they need a win, and then likely another in November.

September 4, 2012 Eagles put the 'D' in North Central's defeat UW-La Crosse pulled off a big upset, St. Thomas had a strong comeback and Whitworth had a long trip to open the season.

August 28, 2012 10 games to watch for 2012 Here's 10 games to watch for the upcoming season, with a thumbnail sketch of why they're important.