Three straight D-II title game losses. Carson Newman and Portland St have lost two straight years, but nobody has ever been jilted at the altar three consecutive years in the 35 year history of D-II football. Not only that, but the three losses were by a combined 12 points.

I guess the glass is half full fans will say it takes a lot to make it that far that many times. But, there's nothing redeeming the Bearcats can do this season except win the championship. The good news is NWMS is loaded with Joel Osborn back and four offensive lineman returning as well. For the seniors, it's a chance at redemption and it begins this weekend against Abilene Christian who is ranked 8th in the preseason poll. They say the fourth time is the charm. Or is the third time's the charm?