2016 Around the West columns

November 16, 2016 The time is now The adage “make the most of your opportunity” is used frequently. But it really hits home at St. Thomas. Up and down the lineup, players on the Tommies’ roster have prepared for their moment and seized the chance to excel.

November 8, 2016 Pair of pass-catchers leading for Linfield When Wildcats quarterback Sam Riddle is looking for targets for his many passes, he's looking first for his top two receivers, who are similar in statistics only: Johnny Carroll and Reed Peterson.

November 1, 2016 Refocused Redlands bulldogs its way to top Last year's 4-5 season was not the type of year Redlands is accustomed to. This year, says Connor Hoffman, “everyone just wants to get the job done.”

October 25, 2016 Coe's new heights The Kohawks found their new star running back on their depth chart at wide receiver, and Trevor Heitland has helped carry Coe to an unbeaten mark.

October 18, 2016 Protecting the head gets taken to heart A former student of the John Gagliardi philosophy has not only instilled the no-contact mantra at St. Scholastica, but is working to make it easier for other coaches to help players practice safely.

October 11, 2016 Johnnies standout almost didn't make it back Evan Clark has started off his senior season with 10 touchdown catches in St. John's first six games. But he had a pretty rough offseason before he got where he is now.

October 4, 2016 It's a long trip from 0-9 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps was winless just four years ago, but with new blood on the field and on the sidelines, the Stags are no hoping to no longer stay home from the big dance.

September 27, 2016 Recruited from on campus The way head coach Jeff McMartin summarized wide receiver Sam Markham’s journey to the Central football team sounds simple, but it’s definitely accurate.

September 21, 2016 Intestinal fortitude This year’s opening kickoff was an extremely exceptional moment for the Whitworth Pirates because when Brett Moser fielded the ball, it effectively completed his journey back to the gridiron after overcoming testicular cancer.

September 13, 2016 Following an All-American brother There were high expectations when Tom Kelly assumed the quarterback role at UW-Platteville, based largely on his older brother, John Kelly, who helped the Pioneers make the playoffs. Tom does not shy away from the inevitable comparisons.

September 7, 2016 The hero in a helmet Westminster (Mo.) defensive end Jacob Ellis pulled two people from a burning truck, to the surprise of nobody who knows him well.

August 30, 2016 10 games to watch for 2016 Around the West columnist Josh Smith runs down the top 10 games for this season in the IIAC, MIAC, MWC, NWC, UMAC and WIAC.