Video: Buff Bowen Talks SWC

Buff Bowen has seen his share of SWC teams this offseason. He set up Elite Passing Academy's 7-on-7 passing league this spring, and has worked with several of the league's quarterbacks and receivers this summer. Watch Bowen talk about the players and teams he's worked with, and which ones he thinks will have an impact in 2007.

Who's Playing Who? The 2007 Schedules

The addition of Nonnewaug to the SWC makes things easier on the schedule-makers... that is until Oxford starts playing on the varsity level.

That means no more Thanksgiving rivalry games like New Fairfield-Bullard-Havens, New Fairfield-Montville, Pomperaug-New Milford. I'm excited that natural rivalries are going to happen.

Before you click on the schedule links below, share this one with the world: Which is the best SWC football rivalry, and why?

I'd have to say either:

1. Newtown-Masuk, because it's usually loser stays home for the state playoffs
2. Stratford-Bunnell, because it always draws 5,000+ fans, and the underdog usually wins
3. Brookfield-Bethel, though it usually ends up with kids from one school trashing the field of the other

On to the schedules:

• Bethel
  
• Brookfield
  
• Bunnell
• Immaculate
  
• Joel Barlow
  
• Masuk
  
• New Fairfield
  
• New Milford
  
• Newtown
  
• Nonnewaug
• Notre Dame-Fairfield
  
• Pomperaug
• Stratford
  
• Weston

The Buzz on Torrey Mack

Stratford is going to be a major force again this season, with Octavias McKoy and Torrey Mack in the backfield for their senior seasons. Mack recently announce he will play collegiately at University of Virginia.

Mack chose Virginia for academic reasons, but as a running back, it's also a true path to the NFL. Think Tiki Barber, think Thomas Jones. I'm sure there's more.

Click here for Stratford Star's June 21 article on Mack's announcement. Then check out some more buzz on Torrey Mack:

• Mack talks about his decision to select Virginia
• Video: Torrey Mack is electric in the open field
• Div. 1 recruiters coming to Conn. for players

And now, here's a question for you readers: Which Stratford running back is better: Mack or McKoy? Leave your comments.

The Buzz on Shannon James

I was just channel surfing, saw a CFL game on, and the camera was focused on a defensive back named Shannon James. Yep, the same Shannon James who starred earlier this decade at Bunnell.

James was one of those guys who probably could have played D-I football, but instead went to UMass and became a star. After spending last summer with the Baltimore Ravens, he signed on with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders and became a starter this season.

Here's where you can find some more information on Shannon James, the former Bunnell player who seems to be destined for stardom north of the border:

• Shannon James' Bio: Clagary Stampeders
  
• UMass Football Blog: Shannon James with the Calgary Stampeders
• Stamps linebacker James quietly making a name for himself
• The Calgary Sun - The 3-Minute Drill with Shannon James

Here's your question of the day: Who is the best player you've seen this decade in the SWC, and why? Leave a comment.

Welcome to SWC Buzz

From the founder of the FCIAC Football Blog, welcome to SWC Buzz...

If you're here, I'm sure it's because you're a fan of South West Conference football. Don't just sit back and enjoy, register and comment on posts. I may say Octavias McKoy is the best running back in the league, you may say it's Torrey Mack. And if we don't agree, it's not a bad thing at all.

The goal of this blog is to engage fans and players, and start a conversation. Hopefully SWC Buzz will include some guest bloggers along the way. And feel free to drop me an e-mail at any time - the address is timparry@sbcglobal.net.

I'll try to get out to some games, I'll take some photos, I'll shoot some video, and I'll meet you, the readers.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. And you. And you... And if you love SWC Buzz, maybe you'll buy a t-shirt...