The Lions have improved throughout the season a lot of credit should go to Josh but the offensive line has really been playing well, those seniors on the line will be missed next year.
The reason this game is at Camden is so both teams would have 5 home games this was agreed on by Coach Cupples and Coach Fisher back in September of 2002 when this years and next years schedule was made out. This was week three of the 2002 season.
I agree that a bowl game is a very good idea but with the playoffs being somewhat watered down with many teams in with losing records can you find matchups that are appealing?
I think each team is different some schools may not be able to afford to get any player injured while others have capable replacements. That is not say they want to lose any player. I also believe it is hard to learn to tackle and block a moving target without going live.
As far as building the program you have to look at Coach McCloud was only here 2 years and the team was undefeated the year before he came. You also must realize he had Josh and Byron Boyd as his running backs.
The radio station may have been interested in this game due to the fact Monterey's Head Coach is from Parsons (Riverside). If the rumor is about South Pitt. as stated in a previous thread this would be of interest in their listening area.
Coach Shanks would be an excellent choice. I also feel Coach Alan Cox (former OC at UTM) would do great maybe the combination is what UTM is needed. P.A. would also do a good job.