PHOENIX-Hamilton Berger made a crucial interception with 3 seconds left to give the Nashville Kats an 18-13 victory in Week 6 of the AFL season.
Arizona started with the ball, and pulled out a fake punt on fourth down with Adrian Alphin completing a 17-yard pass to Hack McDonald to the Nashville 40, but it went for naught as Gaston Berg intercepted Don Fawcett at the 21-yard line. The Kats moved the ball, but had to punt and Red Hull placed it on the Rattlers' 1-yard line. From there, Marv Boozer sacked Fawcett in the end zone for a safety to give the Kats a 2-0 lead with 9:01 to go in the first. The teams would trade punts, and Nashville looked to drive for another score, but Chris Harrell intercepted Brewster Brickhouse at the Arizona 4-yard line with 2:51 left in the first.
After that, the Rattlers would drive 96 yards on 10 plays, finishing with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Fawcett to Shelby Lerti to give Arizona a 7-2 lead with 14:02 remaining in the second. Nashville would respond with an 8-play, 30-yard drive that ended with a Daniel Stevenson 52-yard field goal to make it 7-5 with 9:55 remaining in the half. After Arizona punted, the Kats marched 69 yards on 10 plays, with Stevenson kicking a 28-yard field goal with 1:52 remaining in the half to give Nashville an 8-7 lead going into the locker room at halftime.
The third quarter was a slow affair. Nashville punted on their first possession, and Arizona had a chance to retake the lead, but Pancho Barrow missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Both teams then traded punts, and then the Kats went on an 11-play, 55-yard drive that ended with Chet Fondren scoring on a reverse from 12 yards out to extend the Kats' lead to 15-7 with 1:13 to go in the third.
Arizona punted early in the fourth quarter, and Nashville went 60 yards on 9 plays. Stevenson went out and kicked his third field goal, from 37 yards out to make it 18-7 with 8:39 remaining in the game. The Rattlers would respond with an 8-play, 78-yard drive that ended with Fawcett tossing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Arvil Stinson. The 2-point conversion failed, and Arizona was down 18-13 with 5:07 remaining in the game. Nashville went three-and-out and Arizona started their next drive from their own 20 with 3:27 to go in the game. The Rattlers got as close to the Kats' 8-yard line with 12 seconds left. Fawcett threw a pass just short of the end zone, and Berger came up with the pick at the 2 and returned it to the 16-yard line with 3 seconds to go to cement Nashville's third straight win.
Nashville (3-3) gained 297 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 81 rushing yards on 26 carries. Davis Weems led the team with 66 yards on 15 carries. Brickhouse was 20-for-35 passing for 220 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Vittorio Swane led the team with 6 receptions for 82 yards. The Kats will host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Arizona (1-5) gained 396 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 39 yards on 13 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 30 yards on 4 carries. Fawcett was 29-for-43 passing for 342 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 2 yards. Will Meads led the Rattlers with 7 receptions for 126 yards. The Rattlers are on the road against the Georgia Force next week.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
AFL: Dragons Beat Mustangs, 17-13
MILWAUKEE-The New York Dragons intecepted JC George four times and scored 17 unanswered points to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs 17-13 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Milwaukee opened the game going three-and-out and punted to the Dragons, but Cecil Hyde sacked Dragons QB Faron Emerson, and James Lang recovered for the Mustangs at the Dragons 12-yard line. Two plays later, George hit C.C. Cage on a 3-yard touchdown pass to put Milwaukee up 7-0 with 12:53 remaining in the first. The remainder of the first quarter was dominated by punts from both sides.
Near the end of the first quarter, Milwaukee started on an 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 21-yard field goal with 9:14 to go in the second to put the Mustangs up 10-0. New York fumbled on their next possession as George Larron lost the ball at his own 29, and Travis Gargas recovered for Milwaukee. After going 14 yards on 5 plays, Philbrook kicked a 32-yard field goal to take a 13-0 lead with 4:45 left in the half. New York then punted, and Milwaukee appeared to be driving for another score when Dusty Mills intercepted George and returned it to the Mustangs 29-yard line. Six plays later, Emerson threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore with 18 seconds left in the half to cut the gap to 13-7. George threw another pass late in the half but was intercepted by Sinbad Howe, and the teams went into the locker room with the score at 13-7 in favor of the Mustangs.
The second half started with Emerson throwing two incomplete passes, then he threw a perfect strike to Ashmore covering 79 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 14-13 lead with 14:29 to go in the third. George was then intercepted for the third time, this time by Omar Wheeley at the Milwaukee 35-yard line. After four plays covered six yards, Burt Hamrick kicked a 46-yard field goal with 11:44 remaining in the third to put the Dragons up 17-13.
There was no more scoring during the game. George scrambled and fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Scott Van Horne at the Dragons' 44-yard line. New York went three-and-out and punted. Both teams exchanged punts, and then Vance Bicker intercepted George early in the fourth quarter. New York didn't do much in the fourth, and Milwaukee was turned away twice on fourth down.
New York (4-2) gained 238 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 52 yards on 27 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 28 yards on 7 carries. Emerson was 11-for-21 passing for 215 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Ashmore led the Dragons with 5 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TD. The Dragons will host the Chicago Rush next week.
Milwaukee (4-2) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 119 yards on 33 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 63 yards on 10 carries. George was 24-for-43 passing for 201 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was not sacked. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 54 yards. Cage caught 7 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Grand Rapids Rampage,
Milwaukee opened the game going three-and-out and punted to the Dragons, but Cecil Hyde sacked Dragons QB Faron Emerson, and James Lang recovered for the Mustangs at the Dragons 12-yard line. Two plays later, George hit C.C. Cage on a 3-yard touchdown pass to put Milwaukee up 7-0 with 12:53 remaining in the first. The remainder of the first quarter was dominated by punts from both sides.
Near the end of the first quarter, Milwaukee started on an 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 21-yard field goal with 9:14 to go in the second to put the Mustangs up 10-0. New York fumbled on their next possession as George Larron lost the ball at his own 29, and Travis Gargas recovered for Milwaukee. After going 14 yards on 5 plays, Philbrook kicked a 32-yard field goal to take a 13-0 lead with 4:45 left in the half. New York then punted, and Milwaukee appeared to be driving for another score when Dusty Mills intercepted George and returned it to the Mustangs 29-yard line. Six plays later, Emerson threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore with 18 seconds left in the half to cut the gap to 13-7. George threw another pass late in the half but was intercepted by Sinbad Howe, and the teams went into the locker room with the score at 13-7 in favor of the Mustangs.
The second half started with Emerson throwing two incomplete passes, then he threw a perfect strike to Ashmore covering 79 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 14-13 lead with 14:29 to go in the third. George was then intercepted for the third time, this time by Omar Wheeley at the Milwaukee 35-yard line. After four plays covered six yards, Burt Hamrick kicked a 46-yard field goal with 11:44 remaining in the third to put the Dragons up 17-13.
There was no more scoring during the game. George scrambled and fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Scott Van Horne at the Dragons' 44-yard line. New York went three-and-out and punted. Both teams exchanged punts, and then Vance Bicker intercepted George early in the fourth quarter. New York didn't do much in the fourth, and Milwaukee was turned away twice on fourth down.
New York (4-2) gained 238 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 52 yards on 27 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 28 yards on 7 carries. Emerson was 11-for-21 passing for 215 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Ashmore led the Dragons with 5 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TD. The Dragons will host the Chicago Rush next week.
Milwaukee (4-2) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 119 yards on 33 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 63 yards on 10 carries. George was 24-for-43 passing for 201 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was not sacked. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 54 yards. Cage caught 7 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Grand Rapids Rampage,
Friday, September 23, 2016
AFL: Barnstormers Hold Off Firebirds, 20-10
DES MOINES, IA-The Iowa Barnstormers held off a second-half rally to defeat the Albany Firebirds 20-10 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Albany started the game going three-and-out, and the Barnstormers moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Ev Blansett finished the drive with a 21-yard pass to Flip Cravens to put Iowa up 7-0 with 10:22 left in the first. Sinbad Gargaro threw an interception to Seth Waltrip on Albany's next possession, but the Barnstormers were forced to punt. The exchange of punts continued until late in the quarter, when Garry Farr fumbled a catch and Early Tune recovered for the Barnstormers at the Albany 45. Nine plays later, Powell Ramos swept through the left side for an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:08 remaining in the second to put Iowa up 14-0.
Not much of note happened in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts until Waltrip intercepted Gargaro for the second time with 29 seconds remaining in the half. Iowa took two plays to go 24 yards, and SB Rhoads kicked a 37-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining to put the Barnstormers up 17-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Iowa played a ball-control game and moved the ball 49 yards on 13 plays. Rhoads kicked his second field goal, a 33-yarder, to make it 20-0 with 8:24 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts, and the Firebirds then moved the ball 46 yards on 11 plays. Dom Wenning ended the drive with a 30-yard field goal to edge closer, 20-3 with 2:23 to go in the third.
Iowa punted on their next possession, and the Firebirds would drive 71 yards on 10 plays. Pinky Gardner would score on a reverse from 14 yards out to get within 20-10 with 12:55 left in the game. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff to the Firebirds' 44-yard line, but Rhoads missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. Albany would punt, and Iowa's Jean Butler would answer with a 77-yard punt downed at the Firebirds' 2-yard line with 7:46 remaining. Albany would go 59 yards on 14 plays, and Wenning was sent out to attempt a 56-yarder with 2:27 left to try to get within a touchdown. But he missed it, and the Barnstormers would run out the clock.
Iowa (4-2) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 121 yards on 39 carries. Ramos led the team with 62 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Blansett was 14-for-29 passing for 132 yards, 1 TD and was not sacked. Burke Fraser led the Barnstormers with 5 catches for 30 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Albany (3-3) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 52 rushing yards on 21 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 18 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 20-for-44 passing for 253 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Teddy Harley led the Firebirds with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds host the Dallas Desperados.
Albany started the game going three-and-out, and the Barnstormers moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Ev Blansett finished the drive with a 21-yard pass to Flip Cravens to put Iowa up 7-0 with 10:22 left in the first. Sinbad Gargaro threw an interception to Seth Waltrip on Albany's next possession, but the Barnstormers were forced to punt. The exchange of punts continued until late in the quarter, when Garry Farr fumbled a catch and Early Tune recovered for the Barnstormers at the Albany 45. Nine plays later, Powell Ramos swept through the left side for an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:08 remaining in the second to put Iowa up 14-0.
Not much of note happened in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts until Waltrip intercepted Gargaro for the second time with 29 seconds remaining in the half. Iowa took two plays to go 24 yards, and SB Rhoads kicked a 37-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining to put the Barnstormers up 17-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Iowa played a ball-control game and moved the ball 49 yards on 13 plays. Rhoads kicked his second field goal, a 33-yarder, to make it 20-0 with 8:24 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts, and the Firebirds then moved the ball 46 yards on 11 plays. Dom Wenning ended the drive with a 30-yard field goal to edge closer, 20-3 with 2:23 to go in the third.
Iowa punted on their next possession, and the Firebirds would drive 71 yards on 10 plays. Pinky Gardner would score on a reverse from 14 yards out to get within 20-10 with 12:55 left in the game. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff to the Firebirds' 44-yard line, but Rhoads missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. Albany would punt, and Iowa's Jean Butler would answer with a 77-yard punt downed at the Firebirds' 2-yard line with 7:46 remaining. Albany would go 59 yards on 14 plays, and Wenning was sent out to attempt a 56-yarder with 2:27 left to try to get within a touchdown. But he missed it, and the Barnstormers would run out the clock.
Iowa (4-2) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 121 yards on 39 carries. Ramos led the team with 62 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Blansett was 14-for-29 passing for 132 yards, 1 TD and was not sacked. Burke Fraser led the Barnstormers with 5 catches for 30 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Albany (3-3) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 52 rushing yards on 21 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 18 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 20-for-44 passing for 253 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Teddy Harley led the Firebirds with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds host the Dallas Desperados.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
AFL: Rampage Thwart Rush, 31-19
ROSEMONT, IL-Nikolai Vilmer's two first-quarter touchdowns helped propel the Grand Rapids Rampage past the Chicago Rush 31-19 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Chicago started with possession, but Arman Drummond fumbled after being sacked by Bobby Harpole, who recovered the ball at the Chicago 14-yard line. Four plays later, Curtis Wayne hit Vilmer for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13:05 left in the first to put the Rampage up 7-0. Both teams then traded punts, until the Rampage drove 84 yards on 3 plays. A 64-yard pass to Vilmer set up a 15-yard TD from Wayne to Vilmer on the following play to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 1:21 remaining in the first.
Chicago punted the ball away as the second quarter began, but Wayne threw an interception by Niko Simon at the Rampage 46-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond ran in on a QB keeper from 10 yards out to make it 14-7 with 13:06 to go in the half. The Rampage would punt, and Chicago got into scoring position again, only for Dete Justen to miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. The following Rampage drive resulted in a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by George Tibbs, and the half ended with Grand Rapids up by a touchdown.
Grand Rapids started the second half with a 14-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Hudie Naylor with 7:39 remaining in the third to put the Rampage up 21-7. The Rush answered with a 12-play, 57-yard drive culminating with a 42-yard field goal by Justen to make it 21-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third. Grand Rapids punted as the third quarter drew to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago went on a 7-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 47-yard field goal with 11:58 left in the fourth to cut the gap to 21-13. Grand Rapids answered with a 9-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Toby Harrell scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:39 left in the fourth to put the Rampage up 28-13. The Rush then moved the ball 70 yards on 8 plays. Drummond ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain. Justen missed the extra point*, and the Rush were down 28-19 with 4:15 to go in the game. Chicago attempted an onside kick, and Lester Gartman recovered for the Rampage at the Rush 42-yard line. After a 7-play, 32-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:08 left to make it 31-19 in favor of the Rampage.
Grand Rapids (3-3) gained 419 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 90 yards rushing on 33 carries. Harrell led the team with 54 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Wayne went 26-for-38 passing for 329 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT and was not sacked. Bud Tyrer led the Rampage with 5 receptions for 58 yards. Vilmer caught 4 passes for 84 yards and 2 TD. The Rampage host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Chicago (1-5) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 76 yards on 22 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 40 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 20-for-36 passing for 275 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Marty Margerum led the Rush with 10 receptions for 140 yards. The Rush will visit the New York Dragons next week.
*A quick little mini-rant about the missed extra point: When a team is down 15 when they score a touchdown, it seems to be a generally accepted theory to go for two to make it a 7-point game. I don't see it that way myself. My take is to kick the extra point to get within 8, then worry about going for two if the team scores another TD. At least you'd still be within one possession of a tie. If you go for two and miss it, you still have to score twice. Long story short (too late), making a kick is more of a sure thing (almost 96% conversion as of this writing) than going for two in that situation.
Chicago started with possession, but Arman Drummond fumbled after being sacked by Bobby Harpole, who recovered the ball at the Chicago 14-yard line. Four plays later, Curtis Wayne hit Vilmer for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13:05 left in the first to put the Rampage up 7-0. Both teams then traded punts, until the Rampage drove 84 yards on 3 plays. A 64-yard pass to Vilmer set up a 15-yard TD from Wayne to Vilmer on the following play to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 1:21 remaining in the first.
Chicago punted the ball away as the second quarter began, but Wayne threw an interception by Niko Simon at the Rampage 46-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond ran in on a QB keeper from 10 yards out to make it 14-7 with 13:06 to go in the half. The Rampage would punt, and Chicago got into scoring position again, only for Dete Justen to miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. The following Rampage drive resulted in a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by George Tibbs, and the half ended with Grand Rapids up by a touchdown.
Grand Rapids started the second half with a 14-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Hudie Naylor with 7:39 remaining in the third to put the Rampage up 21-7. The Rush answered with a 12-play, 57-yard drive culminating with a 42-yard field goal by Justen to make it 21-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third. Grand Rapids punted as the third quarter drew to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago went on a 7-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 47-yard field goal with 11:58 left in the fourth to cut the gap to 21-13. Grand Rapids answered with a 9-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Toby Harrell scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:39 left in the fourth to put the Rampage up 28-13. The Rush then moved the ball 70 yards on 8 plays. Drummond ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain. Justen missed the extra point*, and the Rush were down 28-19 with 4:15 to go in the game. Chicago attempted an onside kick, and Lester Gartman recovered for the Rampage at the Rush 42-yard line. After a 7-play, 32-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:08 left to make it 31-19 in favor of the Rampage.
Grand Rapids (3-3) gained 419 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 90 yards rushing on 33 carries. Harrell led the team with 54 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Wayne went 26-for-38 passing for 329 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT and was not sacked. Bud Tyrer led the Rampage with 5 receptions for 58 yards. Vilmer caught 4 passes for 84 yards and 2 TD. The Rampage host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Chicago (1-5) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 76 yards on 22 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 40 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 20-for-36 passing for 275 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Marty Margerum led the Rush with 10 receptions for 140 yards. The Rush will visit the New York Dragons next week.
*A quick little mini-rant about the missed extra point: When a team is down 15 when they score a touchdown, it seems to be a generally accepted theory to go for two to make it a 7-point game. I don't see it that way myself. My take is to kick the extra point to get within 8, then worry about going for two if the team scores another TD. At least you'd still be within one possession of a tie. If you go for two and miss it, you still have to score twice. Long story short (too late), making a kick is more of a sure thing (almost 96% conversion as of this writing) than going for two in that situation.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
AFL: Desperados Edge Drive, 28-27
DALLAS-For the second week in a row, the Dallas Desperados kept their opponents out of the end zone at the very end to preserve a 28-27 victory over the Detroit Drive in a Week 6 AFL game.
The first quarter started out slowly, with both offenses feeling out the opposition. Eventually, Detroit moved down the field, going 68 yards on 13 plays. Patch Brolie ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:16 left in the second quarter to put the Drive up 7-0.
On the subsequent Dallas drive, the Desperados moved the ball 50 yards on 8 plays, settling for a 46-yard field goal by Greg Hall to make it 7-3 with 10:34 left in the half. Detroit would go three-and-out, and Dallas got the ball at Detroit's 43-yard line. But after three plays netted only seven yards, Hall kicked his second field goal of the game, a 53-yarder, to close the gap to 7-6 with 7:29 left in the second quarter. Detroit struck back with an 11-play, 71-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass by Lou Couch to Vern Kelly with 3:39 remaining in the half to put the Drive up 14-6. Now, it was the Desperados' turn to strike back, as they embarked on a 9-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Heinie Voorhees hitting Clem Shaffer for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Dallas successfully made a 2-point conversion to tie the game with 52 seconds left in the half, and the game was tied at 14 going into halftime.
Detroit began the second half with Couch being intercepted by Otto Scholl at the Drive's 31-yard line. Eight plays and 18 yards later, Hall kicked a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Desperados up 17-14 with 11:29 remaining in the third. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 80 yards on 14 plays, the highlight of which was a fake field goal attempt that became an 18-yard pass from Indiana Thornley to Smokey Packer for a first down at the Desperados' 14-yard line. That set up a 14-yard touchdown pass by Couch to Ahmed Sohn on the next play to give Detroit a 21-17 lead with 6:26 left in the third. Dallas' next drive would go 57 yards on 10 plays, with Hall kicking another 30-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 1:11 remaining in the third.
Detroit was forced to punt early in the fourth quarter, and Dallas took advantage, driving 80 yards on 11 plays. Voorhees ended the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes. Dallas converted another 2-point conversion to go up 28-21 with 7:39 left in regulation. Detroit quickly attempted to tie the game, but Diron Imboden intercepted Couch's long pass at the Dallas 6-yard line. The Desperados went three-and-out, but a short punt and a solid return by Dave Huntley, coupled with a personal foul on Dallas for piling on, put the ball on the Desperados' 18-yard line for the Drive. Six plays later, Couch hit Huntley for a 5-yard touchdown pass. But Cletis Frayer, who had earlier missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, would miss the extra point, and Detroit trailed 28-27 with 2:36 remaining in the game. The Drive kicked deep, hoping the defense would stop Dallas, and Detroit would get the ball back. After giving up a first down, Detroit did force Dallas to punt and the Drive were at their own 41 with 42 seconds left. Detroit managed to get to the Dallas 46 with 4 seconds left. Rather than attempt a 63-yard field goal, Detroit threw it deep and Sohn caught the pass at the 8, but could advance no farther, and the Desperados escaped with the win.
Dallas (4-2) gained 333 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 95 yards on 28 carries. Elson Gregson led the team with 59 yards on 13 carries. Voorhees was 23-for-32 passing for 257 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Shaffer caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a TD. Hawes caught 5 passes for 58 yards and a TD. The Desperados are on the road against the Albany Firebirds next week.
Detroit (4-2) gained 437 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 80 yards on 21 carries. Lovell Denson gained 31 yards on 6 carries to lead the team. Brolie ran for 25 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Couch went 29-for-45 passing for 376 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 37 yards. Sohn led the Drive with 7 receptions for 127 yards and a TD. Huntley caught 6 passes for 53 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 66 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
The first quarter started out slowly, with both offenses feeling out the opposition. Eventually, Detroit moved down the field, going 68 yards on 13 plays. Patch Brolie ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:16 left in the second quarter to put the Drive up 7-0.
On the subsequent Dallas drive, the Desperados moved the ball 50 yards on 8 plays, settling for a 46-yard field goal by Greg Hall to make it 7-3 with 10:34 left in the half. Detroit would go three-and-out, and Dallas got the ball at Detroit's 43-yard line. But after three plays netted only seven yards, Hall kicked his second field goal of the game, a 53-yarder, to close the gap to 7-6 with 7:29 left in the second quarter. Detroit struck back with an 11-play, 71-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass by Lou Couch to Vern Kelly with 3:39 remaining in the half to put the Drive up 14-6. Now, it was the Desperados' turn to strike back, as they embarked on a 9-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Heinie Voorhees hitting Clem Shaffer for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Dallas successfully made a 2-point conversion to tie the game with 52 seconds left in the half, and the game was tied at 14 going into halftime.
Detroit began the second half with Couch being intercepted by Otto Scholl at the Drive's 31-yard line. Eight plays and 18 yards later, Hall kicked a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Desperados up 17-14 with 11:29 remaining in the third. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 80 yards on 14 plays, the highlight of which was a fake field goal attempt that became an 18-yard pass from Indiana Thornley to Smokey Packer for a first down at the Desperados' 14-yard line. That set up a 14-yard touchdown pass by Couch to Ahmed Sohn on the next play to give Detroit a 21-17 lead with 6:26 left in the third. Dallas' next drive would go 57 yards on 10 plays, with Hall kicking another 30-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 1:11 remaining in the third.
Detroit was forced to punt early in the fourth quarter, and Dallas took advantage, driving 80 yards on 11 plays. Voorhees ended the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes. Dallas converted another 2-point conversion to go up 28-21 with 7:39 left in regulation. Detroit quickly attempted to tie the game, but Diron Imboden intercepted Couch's long pass at the Dallas 6-yard line. The Desperados went three-and-out, but a short punt and a solid return by Dave Huntley, coupled with a personal foul on Dallas for piling on, put the ball on the Desperados' 18-yard line for the Drive. Six plays later, Couch hit Huntley for a 5-yard touchdown pass. But Cletis Frayer, who had earlier missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, would miss the extra point, and Detroit trailed 28-27 with 2:36 remaining in the game. The Drive kicked deep, hoping the defense would stop Dallas, and Detroit would get the ball back. After giving up a first down, Detroit did force Dallas to punt and the Drive were at their own 41 with 42 seconds left. Detroit managed to get to the Dallas 46 with 4 seconds left. Rather than attempt a 63-yard field goal, Detroit threw it deep and Sohn caught the pass at the 8, but could advance no farther, and the Desperados escaped with the win.
Dallas (4-2) gained 333 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 95 yards on 28 carries. Elson Gregson led the team with 59 yards on 13 carries. Voorhees was 23-for-32 passing for 257 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Shaffer caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a TD. Hawes caught 5 passes for 58 yards and a TD. The Desperados are on the road against the Albany Firebirds next week.
Detroit (4-2) gained 437 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 80 yards on 21 carries. Lovell Denson gained 31 yards on 6 carries to lead the team. Brolie ran for 25 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Couch went 29-for-45 passing for 376 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 37 yards. Sohn led the Drive with 7 receptions for 127 yards and a TD. Huntley caught 6 passes for 53 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 66 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
AFL Week 5 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 4 | 1 | 0 | 121 | 105 |
| New York Dragons | 3 | 2 | 0 | 122 | 96 |
| Albany Firebirds | 3 | 2 | 0 | 99 | 111 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 2 | 3 | 0 | 104 | 110 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 3 | 2 | 0 | 108 | 94 |
| Georgia Force | 2 | 3 | 0 | 152 | 126 |
| Nashville Kats | 2 | 3 | 0 | 124 | 141 |
| Orlando Predators | 1 | 4 | 0 | 97 | 144 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 4 | 1 | 0 | 139 | 103 |
| Dallas Desperados | 3 | 2 | 0 | 127 | 115 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 3 | 2 | 0 | 173 | 113 |
| Chicago Rush | 1 | 4 | 0 | 117 | 147 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Colorado Crush | 3 | 2 | 0 | 115 | 109 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 3 | 2 | 0 | 124 | 110 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 2 | 3 | 0 | 106 | 116 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 1 | 4 | 0 | 80 | 168 |
Grand Rapids 20, Detroit 17
New York 31, Albany 3
Nashville 22, Tampa Bay 14
Georgia 39, Orlando 7
Dallas 20, Chicago 16
Iowa 20, Milwaukee 17 (OT)
Arizona 27, Los Angeles 17
Colorado 23, San Jose 10
WEEK 6 Games
Detroit (4-1) at Dallas (3-2)
Grand Rapids (2-3) at Chicago (1-4)
Albany (3-2) at Iowa (3-2)
New York (3-2) at Milwaukee (4-1)
Nashville (2-3) at Arizona (1-4)
Tampa Bay (3-2) at Los Angeles (2-3)
Georgia (2-3) at San Jose (3-2)
Orlando (1-4) at Colorado (3-2)
AFL: Crush Pick Six, Down Sabercats, 23-10
SAN JOSE-The Colorado Crush intercepted Timmy Carey six times en route to a 23-10 victory over the San Jose Sabercats in a Week 5 AFL game.
The pick parade started early as Curley Wentworth picked off a pass on San Jose's opening drive and returned it 20 yards to the Sabercats' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Howton Thom threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley and Colorado took a 7-0 lead with 12:55 to go in the first. San Jose moved down the field on their next drive, but Carey's arm betrayed them again, as Cal Zhugaibi intercepted him and returned it 21 yards to San Jose's 46. The Crush couldn't make anything out of it, however, as Earl Ginger missed a 37-yard field goal. The Sabercats went on a drive of their own, but Ethan Wycoff missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. The Crush tried to drive again, but Ginger missed another field goal, this one from 48 yards. Late in the quarter, Carey was intercepted again, this time by Upton Peace at the Colorado 34-yard line.
After Carey's third pick, Thom hit Regis Duck on a screen pass that gained 57 yards to the Sabercats' 9-yard line, which set up a 27-yard field goal by Ginger to go up 10-0 with 14:09 remaining in the second. San Jose moved down the field again, but Peace picked off Carey for the second time (and Carey's 4th of the game!) at the Crush 14-yard line. But the Sabercats' pass defense would strike back, as Russ Bird picked off an errant pass by Thom at the Crush 41-yard line. Eight plays later, Carey threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 5:55 left in the half. Colorado would take one play to strike back, however, as Valentine Millstone ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 17-7 with 5:33 left in the second. Both teams would punt on their next drive, and the Sabercats would then drive 48 yards on 6 plays. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal on the final play of the half to get San Jose within a touchdown at 17-10.
The third quarter opened with a San Jose punt, then Rod Gaines intercepted Thom and returned it 19 yards to the Sabercats' 44-yard line. The Sabercats moved the ball until Alan Sale fumbled and Wentworth recovered at the Crush 30-yard line. The Crush would punt to San Jose's 5-yard line. The Sabercats would drive to Colorado's 45 where Carey was sacked by Bruce Chambers and fumbled. Guy Handy recovered for the Crush. From there, the Crush drove 24 yards on 5 plays with Ginger kicking a 38-yard field goal with 14:32 remaining in the fourth to go up 20-10. During the drive, Thom was knocked out of the game and replaced by Ervin Castin. The injury will not keep Thom out of next week's game against Orlando, but he's not expected to start the game.
San Jose again moved the ball well on their ensuing drive, until Carey was intercepted for the fifth time. This time, Eric Adcock returned it 16 yards to the Sabercats 42-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 20-yard field goal with 4:30 to go in the game to make it 23-10 in favor of the Crush. Carey would throw his sixth interception, this one to Deron Putman to put an end to any serious comeback threat San Jose may have had.
Colorado (3-2) gained 375 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 130 rushing yards on 28 carries. Millstone tied a single-game record with 120 yards of 15 carries and a TD (sharing the mark with Elson Gregson of Dallas). Thom was 17-for-30 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Castin went 1-for-2 for 15 yards, and was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Millstone led the Crush with 3 catches for 40 yards. The Crush host the Orlando Predators next week.
San Jose (3-2) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 140 yards on 20 carries. Sale led the team with 103 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 23-for-40 passing for 257 yards, 1 TD and 6 INT. He was sacked 4 times, losing 34 yards. Stacy led the Sabercats with 7 catches for 93 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose hosts the Georgia Force.
The pick parade started early as Curley Wentworth picked off a pass on San Jose's opening drive and returned it 20 yards to the Sabercats' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Howton Thom threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley and Colorado took a 7-0 lead with 12:55 to go in the first. San Jose moved down the field on their next drive, but Carey's arm betrayed them again, as Cal Zhugaibi intercepted him and returned it 21 yards to San Jose's 46. The Crush couldn't make anything out of it, however, as Earl Ginger missed a 37-yard field goal. The Sabercats went on a drive of their own, but Ethan Wycoff missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. The Crush tried to drive again, but Ginger missed another field goal, this one from 48 yards. Late in the quarter, Carey was intercepted again, this time by Upton Peace at the Colorado 34-yard line.
After Carey's third pick, Thom hit Regis Duck on a screen pass that gained 57 yards to the Sabercats' 9-yard line, which set up a 27-yard field goal by Ginger to go up 10-0 with 14:09 remaining in the second. San Jose moved down the field again, but Peace picked off Carey for the second time (and Carey's 4th of the game!) at the Crush 14-yard line. But the Sabercats' pass defense would strike back, as Russ Bird picked off an errant pass by Thom at the Crush 41-yard line. Eight plays later, Carey threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 5:55 left in the half. Colorado would take one play to strike back, however, as Valentine Millstone ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 17-7 with 5:33 left in the second. Both teams would punt on their next drive, and the Sabercats would then drive 48 yards on 6 plays. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal on the final play of the half to get San Jose within a touchdown at 17-10.
The third quarter opened with a San Jose punt, then Rod Gaines intercepted Thom and returned it 19 yards to the Sabercats' 44-yard line. The Sabercats moved the ball until Alan Sale fumbled and Wentworth recovered at the Crush 30-yard line. The Crush would punt to San Jose's 5-yard line. The Sabercats would drive to Colorado's 45 where Carey was sacked by Bruce Chambers and fumbled. Guy Handy recovered for the Crush. From there, the Crush drove 24 yards on 5 plays with Ginger kicking a 38-yard field goal with 14:32 remaining in the fourth to go up 20-10. During the drive, Thom was knocked out of the game and replaced by Ervin Castin. The injury will not keep Thom out of next week's game against Orlando, but he's not expected to start the game.
San Jose again moved the ball well on their ensuing drive, until Carey was intercepted for the fifth time. This time, Eric Adcock returned it 16 yards to the Sabercats 42-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 20-yard field goal with 4:30 to go in the game to make it 23-10 in favor of the Crush. Carey would throw his sixth interception, this one to Deron Putman to put an end to any serious comeback threat San Jose may have had.
Colorado (3-2) gained 375 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 130 rushing yards on 28 carries. Millstone tied a single-game record with 120 yards of 15 carries and a TD (sharing the mark with Elson Gregson of Dallas). Thom was 17-for-30 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Castin went 1-for-2 for 15 yards, and was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Millstone led the Crush with 3 catches for 40 yards. The Crush host the Orlando Predators next week.
San Jose (3-2) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 140 yards on 20 carries. Sale led the team with 103 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 23-for-40 passing for 257 yards, 1 TD and 6 INT. He was sacked 4 times, losing 34 yards. Stacy led the Sabercats with 7 catches for 93 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose hosts the Georgia Force.
AFL: Rattlers Beat Avengers, 27-17
PHOENIX-In a week where the remaining undefeated teams suffered their first defeat, it seems appropriate that the remaining winless team finally found their way onto the "W" side of the ledger. The Arizona Rattlers scored two late touchdowns to notch their first win of the season over the Los Angeles Avengers, 27-17 in a Week 5 AFL game.
The game did not start out well for the Rattlers, as they were forced to punt on their first possession, and Igor Keough returned it 57 yards to the Arizona 22-yard line. But Arizona's defense stiffened, and after three plays, the Avengers had to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Carmon Grimes to put Los Angeles up 3-0 with 11:19 remaining in the first quarter. On the Rattlers' ensuing drive, they moved the ball 74 yards on 10 plays, finishing it with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Don Fawcett to Arvil Stinson to give Arizona a 7-3 lead with 5:55 left in the first. The Avengers would punt on their next drive, but recovered a fumble at the Rattlers' 16 late in the first. Grimes would attempt a 31-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Lloyd Barisch who scooped it up and returned it to the Avengers' 46-yard line.
Arizona couldn't make much out of the block, and Pancho Barrow would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. Los Angeles took over and drove 60 yards on 5 plays. Juan York finished off the drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Chip Kindrick with 10:23 remaining in the half to put the Avengers up 10-7. After the kickoff went out of bounds, the Rattlers would go 33 yards on 5 plays, ending the drive with a 49-yard field goal by Barrow to tie the game at 10 with 7:33 remaining in the half. Kirby Hudspeth returned the short kickoff to his own 40, and on the next play, York threw a 60-yard strike to Keifer Dance for an Avengers touchdown that put them up 17-10 with 7:09 remaining in the second. Will Meads fielded the ensuing kickoff for the Rattlers and returned it 63 yards to the Avengers 23-yard line. But after three plays netted -5 yards, Barrow would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers would punt, and Arizona found themselves on their own 6 with 3:23 to go in the half. But Fawcett would execute a 13-play, 86-yard drive that ended with Barrow connecting on a 25-yard field goal with 1 second left to make it 17-13 at the half.
The second half was a pretty sloppy affair. After Los Angeles punted, Arizona's Melvin Jones fumbled and Courtney Harrelson recovered for the Avengers at his own 49. York would have a pass intercepted by Whitey Teel of the Rattlers, who returned it to the Avengers' 43. After the teams traded punts, Fawcett attempted to drive the Rattlers downfield but was sacked by Vic Cowan and fumbled. Archie Umsted recovered for the Avengers at the Arizona 46. The teams would again trade punts as the third quarter ended.
The punt exchange continued into the fourth quarter, as neither offense seemed able to gain much headway. Midway through the quarter, Kindrick fumbled and Quincey Quasar recovered for the Rattlers and his own 49. The Rattlers were faced with a 4th-and-5 at the Avengers' 16 with 5:51 left in the game. Jones received a handoff and only gained four yards on the play, turning it over on downs. But Arizona got a break when Noland Delta interecpted a York pass at the Avengers' 19-yard line. Four plays later, Fawcett hit Stinson for a 1-yard touchdown pass, their second TD connection of the day, to go up 20-17 with 2:50 to go. Chris Harrell intercepted York on the first play of the Avengers' next drive at the 24-yard line. With that, the Rattlers would do something that they had not yet done all season, score a rushing touchdown. Pablo Cadwell did the honors, scoring from 6 yards out, to put Arizona up 27-17 with 1:52 remaining in the game.
Arizona (1-4) gained 362 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 154 yards rushing on 27 carries. Jones led the team with 78 yards rushing on 12 carries. Fawcett was 31-for-47 passing for 243 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 35 yards. Speedy Crowley led the Rattlers with 7 receptions for 39 yards. Stinson caught 3 passes for 17 yards and 2 TD. The Rattlers host the Nashville Kats next week.
Los Angeles (2-3) gained 237 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 96 yards rushing on 25 carries. York gained 44 yards on 5 carries to lead the team. Kindrick was held to 37 yards on 13 carries. Kindrick did lead the team with 7 receptions for 62 yards and a TD. York was 12-for-28 passing for 141 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. Next week, the Avengers host the Tampa Bay Storm.
The game did not start out well for the Rattlers, as they were forced to punt on their first possession, and Igor Keough returned it 57 yards to the Arizona 22-yard line. But Arizona's defense stiffened, and after three plays, the Avengers had to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Carmon Grimes to put Los Angeles up 3-0 with 11:19 remaining in the first quarter. On the Rattlers' ensuing drive, they moved the ball 74 yards on 10 plays, finishing it with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Don Fawcett to Arvil Stinson to give Arizona a 7-3 lead with 5:55 left in the first. The Avengers would punt on their next drive, but recovered a fumble at the Rattlers' 16 late in the first. Grimes would attempt a 31-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Lloyd Barisch who scooped it up and returned it to the Avengers' 46-yard line.
Arizona couldn't make much out of the block, and Pancho Barrow would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. Los Angeles took over and drove 60 yards on 5 plays. Juan York finished off the drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Chip Kindrick with 10:23 remaining in the half to put the Avengers up 10-7. After the kickoff went out of bounds, the Rattlers would go 33 yards on 5 plays, ending the drive with a 49-yard field goal by Barrow to tie the game at 10 with 7:33 remaining in the half. Kirby Hudspeth returned the short kickoff to his own 40, and on the next play, York threw a 60-yard strike to Keifer Dance for an Avengers touchdown that put them up 17-10 with 7:09 remaining in the second. Will Meads fielded the ensuing kickoff for the Rattlers and returned it 63 yards to the Avengers 23-yard line. But after three plays netted -5 yards, Barrow would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers would punt, and Arizona found themselves on their own 6 with 3:23 to go in the half. But Fawcett would execute a 13-play, 86-yard drive that ended with Barrow connecting on a 25-yard field goal with 1 second left to make it 17-13 at the half.
The second half was a pretty sloppy affair. After Los Angeles punted, Arizona's Melvin Jones fumbled and Courtney Harrelson recovered for the Avengers at his own 49. York would have a pass intercepted by Whitey Teel of the Rattlers, who returned it to the Avengers' 43. After the teams traded punts, Fawcett attempted to drive the Rattlers downfield but was sacked by Vic Cowan and fumbled. Archie Umsted recovered for the Avengers at the Arizona 46. The teams would again trade punts as the third quarter ended.
The punt exchange continued into the fourth quarter, as neither offense seemed able to gain much headway. Midway through the quarter, Kindrick fumbled and Quincey Quasar recovered for the Rattlers and his own 49. The Rattlers were faced with a 4th-and-5 at the Avengers' 16 with 5:51 left in the game. Jones received a handoff and only gained four yards on the play, turning it over on downs. But Arizona got a break when Noland Delta interecpted a York pass at the Avengers' 19-yard line. Four plays later, Fawcett hit Stinson for a 1-yard touchdown pass, their second TD connection of the day, to go up 20-17 with 2:50 to go. Chris Harrell intercepted York on the first play of the Avengers' next drive at the 24-yard line. With that, the Rattlers would do something that they had not yet done all season, score a rushing touchdown. Pablo Cadwell did the honors, scoring from 6 yards out, to put Arizona up 27-17 with 1:52 remaining in the game.
Arizona (1-4) gained 362 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 154 yards rushing on 27 carries. Jones led the team with 78 yards rushing on 12 carries. Fawcett was 31-for-47 passing for 243 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 35 yards. Speedy Crowley led the Rattlers with 7 receptions for 39 yards. Stinson caught 3 passes for 17 yards and 2 TD. The Rattlers host the Nashville Kats next week.
Los Angeles (2-3) gained 237 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 96 yards rushing on 25 carries. York gained 44 yards on 5 carries to lead the team. Kindrick was held to 37 yards on 13 carries. Kindrick did lead the team with 7 receptions for 62 yards and a TD. York was 12-for-28 passing for 141 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. Next week, the Avengers host the Tampa Bay Storm.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
AFL: Pop the Cork, Iowa Drops Milwaukee From Unbeatens, 20-17 in OT
DES MOINES, IA-The last undefeated team in the AFL fell by the wayside as the Iowa Barnstormers nipped their way past the Milwaukee Mustangs, 20-17 in overtime during a Week 5 game.
The first half was a slow, tough moving affair for both teams, as neither offense was able to sustain a drive into enemy territory. The first score didn't come until past the midway point of the second quarter, when C.C. Cage, who didn't catch a pass throughout the game, fielded a Jean Butler punt at his own 44, and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to put the Mustangs up 7-0 with 6:01 left in the half. Aside from that, the first half was pretty uneventful.
The third quarter began with Nigel McClain of the Mustangs fumbling at his own 36, and Emilio Shipp recovered for the Barnstormers. SB Rhoads would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt, however. The Barnstormers would catch another break, though, when Seth Waltrip intercepetd a JC George pass and return it 13 yards to the Mustangs' 19-yard line. On the next play, Ev Blansett hit Davlin Coggins for a 19-yard touchdown and Iowa tied the game at 7 with 8:21 to go in the third. Milwaukee responded with an 8-play, 40-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 34-yard field goal with 3:52 to go in the third to put the Mustangs back ahead, 10-7. Iowa fumbled the ensuing kickoff deep in their own territory, but penalties and a stifling defense pushed Milwaukee back 21 yards and forced the Mustangs to punt, it landed on the Barnstormers' 1-yard line.
The Barnstormers recovered from the bad field position and drove 71 yards on 12 plays. Rhoads ended the drive with a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 12:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, After the Mustangs went three-and-out, the Barnstormers took four plays to go 65 yards, gaining the last 48 on a Blansett bomb to Coggins for a touchdown to put Iowa up 17-10 with 9:19 left in the fourth. On the ensuing drive, Milwaukee would go 80 yards on 8 plays. George threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen with 5:43 left in regulation to tie the game at 17. Iowa seemed destined to drive for the winning score, but were forced to punt with 1:25 to go. The Mustangs' Dave Symons returned it 40 yards to the Iowa 46. George got the ball to the 32, and fired a pass into the end zone, but Richard Ponder intercepted it and the game went into overtime. Iowa got the ball to start the OT session, and moved it 42 yards on 5 plays, close enough for Rhoads to kick a 42-yard field goal to win the game, 20-17 with 11:51 left in overtime.
Iowa (3-2) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 102 yards on 27 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 48 yards on 15 carries. Blansett was 29-for-47 passing for 283 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 38 yards. Chesley Starnes caught 7 passes for 15 yards. Coggins caught 6 passes for 82 yards and 2 TD. Next week, the Barnstormers host the Albany Firebirds.
Milwaukee (4-1) gained 243 yards of total offense. The Mustangs gained 81 yards rushing on 20 carries. McClain led the team with 41 yards on 6 carries. George was 14-for-34 passing for 192 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 45 yards. Five of those sacks came from Nigel Tuck, setting a single-game record. Chester Brice caught 4 passes for 51 yards. Nelson Romine caught 4 passes for 46 yards. The Mustangs host the New York Dragons next week.
The first half was a slow, tough moving affair for both teams, as neither offense was able to sustain a drive into enemy territory. The first score didn't come until past the midway point of the second quarter, when C.C. Cage, who didn't catch a pass throughout the game, fielded a Jean Butler punt at his own 44, and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to put the Mustangs up 7-0 with 6:01 left in the half. Aside from that, the first half was pretty uneventful.
The third quarter began with Nigel McClain of the Mustangs fumbling at his own 36, and Emilio Shipp recovered for the Barnstormers. SB Rhoads would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt, however. The Barnstormers would catch another break, though, when Seth Waltrip intercepetd a JC George pass and return it 13 yards to the Mustangs' 19-yard line. On the next play, Ev Blansett hit Davlin Coggins for a 19-yard touchdown and Iowa tied the game at 7 with 8:21 to go in the third. Milwaukee responded with an 8-play, 40-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 34-yard field goal with 3:52 to go in the third to put the Mustangs back ahead, 10-7. Iowa fumbled the ensuing kickoff deep in their own territory, but penalties and a stifling defense pushed Milwaukee back 21 yards and forced the Mustangs to punt, it landed on the Barnstormers' 1-yard line.
The Barnstormers recovered from the bad field position and drove 71 yards on 12 plays. Rhoads ended the drive with a 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 12:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, After the Mustangs went three-and-out, the Barnstormers took four plays to go 65 yards, gaining the last 48 on a Blansett bomb to Coggins for a touchdown to put Iowa up 17-10 with 9:19 left in the fourth. On the ensuing drive, Milwaukee would go 80 yards on 8 plays. George threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen with 5:43 left in regulation to tie the game at 17. Iowa seemed destined to drive for the winning score, but were forced to punt with 1:25 to go. The Mustangs' Dave Symons returned it 40 yards to the Iowa 46. George got the ball to the 32, and fired a pass into the end zone, but Richard Ponder intercepted it and the game went into overtime. Iowa got the ball to start the OT session, and moved it 42 yards on 5 plays, close enough for Rhoads to kick a 42-yard field goal to win the game, 20-17 with 11:51 left in overtime.
Iowa (3-2) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 102 yards on 27 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 48 yards on 15 carries. Blansett was 29-for-47 passing for 283 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 38 yards. Chesley Starnes caught 7 passes for 15 yards. Coggins caught 6 passes for 82 yards and 2 TD. Next week, the Barnstormers host the Albany Firebirds.
Milwaukee (4-1) gained 243 yards of total offense. The Mustangs gained 81 yards rushing on 20 carries. McClain led the team with 41 yards on 6 carries. George was 14-for-34 passing for 192 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 45 yards. Five of those sacks came from Nigel Tuck, setting a single-game record. Chester Brice caught 4 passes for 51 yards. Nelson Romine caught 4 passes for 46 yards. The Mustangs host the New York Dragons next week.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
AFL: Down To The Wire, Dallas Beats Chicago 20-16
DALLAS-The Dallas Desperados held off a late surge by the Chicago Rush to emerge with a 20-16 victory in Week 5 of the AFL season.
Both teams traded punts to start the game. Chicago then went on a 7-play, 43-yard drive that ended with Dete Justen kicking a 48-yard field goal with 8:04 to go in the first to take a 3-0 lead. After both teams again traded punts, Dallas went on a 9-play, 54-yard drive that saw Elson Gregson run in from 3 yards out to give the Desperados a 7-3 lead with 1:03 remaining in the first.
The second quarter featured lots of punting. Golden Reinhart intercepted an Arman Drummond pass for the Desperados and returned it to his own 42. After that, the Desperados drove 47 yards on 10 plays. Greg Hall kicked a 28-yard field goal with 1:50 left in the half to put Dallas up 10-3. Chicago tried to drive for the tying score, but Indiana Forrester picked off the pass at the Dallas 24 and the half ended with Dallas in front.
Dallas began the second half with a punt. Chicago started from its own 39, and eventually were faced with a 4th-and-goal from the Desperados' 3-yards line with 9:57 to go in the third. Drummond's pass to Marty Margerum fell incomplete. On the next play, Heinie Voorhees was sacked in the end zone by MacArthur Fagan for a safety to get the Rush within 5 points at 10-5 with 9:41 remaining in the third. After fielding the safety kick, the Rush drove 58 yards on 7 plays, culminiating in Margerum catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Drummond. Chicago successfully made the two-point conversion to go up 13-10 with 6:09 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts as the third quarter drew to a close.
Keith Headrick returned the Dallas punt 28 yards to the Desperados' 27-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter. After three plays, Justen kicked a 46-yard field goal with 12:42 left in the game to put the Rush up 16-10. The Desperados responded with a 9-play, 67-yard drive. With Dallas facing a 4th-and-9 at the Chicago 21, Voorhees completed a touchdown pass to Gregson to put Dallas up 17-16 with 8:02 to go. Both teams traded punts, and then with 2:24 left, Chicago's Winn Burnett's punt attempt was blocked by Richie Garner who returned it 18 yards to the Rush 26. After three plays, Hall kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 20-16 with 1:10 remaining in the game. Chicago hurried down the field and faced a 4th-and-5 on the Dallas 9 with 4 seconds left, but Drummond was sacked by Theron Jaxon and Drummond fumbled the ball to end the game.
Dallas (3-2) gained 205 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 76 yards on 23 carries. Gregson led the team with 52 yards on 14 carries and a TD. He also led Dallas receivers with 5 catches for 47 yards and a TD. Voorhees was 16-for-31 passing for 152 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 23 yards. Next week, Dallas hosts the Detroit Drive.
Chicago (1-4) gained 343 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 126 yards rushing on 30 carries. Lonnie Clements led the Rush with 53 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 19-for-32 passing for 242 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Zach Allen caught 6 passes for 83 yards. Margerum had 6 catches for 64 yards and a TD. The Rush host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Both teams traded punts to start the game. Chicago then went on a 7-play, 43-yard drive that ended with Dete Justen kicking a 48-yard field goal with 8:04 to go in the first to take a 3-0 lead. After both teams again traded punts, Dallas went on a 9-play, 54-yard drive that saw Elson Gregson run in from 3 yards out to give the Desperados a 7-3 lead with 1:03 remaining in the first.
The second quarter featured lots of punting. Golden Reinhart intercepted an Arman Drummond pass for the Desperados and returned it to his own 42. After that, the Desperados drove 47 yards on 10 plays. Greg Hall kicked a 28-yard field goal with 1:50 left in the half to put Dallas up 10-3. Chicago tried to drive for the tying score, but Indiana Forrester picked off the pass at the Dallas 24 and the half ended with Dallas in front.
Dallas began the second half with a punt. Chicago started from its own 39, and eventually were faced with a 4th-and-goal from the Desperados' 3-yards line with 9:57 to go in the third. Drummond's pass to Marty Margerum fell incomplete. On the next play, Heinie Voorhees was sacked in the end zone by MacArthur Fagan for a safety to get the Rush within 5 points at 10-5 with 9:41 remaining in the third. After fielding the safety kick, the Rush drove 58 yards on 7 plays, culminiating in Margerum catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Drummond. Chicago successfully made the two-point conversion to go up 13-10 with 6:09 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts as the third quarter drew to a close.
Keith Headrick returned the Dallas punt 28 yards to the Desperados' 27-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter. After three plays, Justen kicked a 46-yard field goal with 12:42 left in the game to put the Rush up 16-10. The Desperados responded with a 9-play, 67-yard drive. With Dallas facing a 4th-and-9 at the Chicago 21, Voorhees completed a touchdown pass to Gregson to put Dallas up 17-16 with 8:02 to go. Both teams traded punts, and then with 2:24 left, Chicago's Winn Burnett's punt attempt was blocked by Richie Garner who returned it 18 yards to the Rush 26. After three plays, Hall kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 20-16 with 1:10 remaining in the game. Chicago hurried down the field and faced a 4th-and-5 on the Dallas 9 with 4 seconds left, but Drummond was sacked by Theron Jaxon and Drummond fumbled the ball to end the game.
Dallas (3-2) gained 205 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 76 yards on 23 carries. Gregson led the team with 52 yards on 14 carries and a TD. He also led Dallas receivers with 5 catches for 47 yards and a TD. Voorhees was 16-for-31 passing for 152 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 23 yards. Next week, Dallas hosts the Detroit Drive.
Chicago (1-4) gained 343 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 126 yards rushing on 30 carries. Lonnie Clements led the Rush with 53 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 19-for-32 passing for 242 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Zach Allen caught 6 passes for 83 yards. Margerum had 6 catches for 64 yards and a TD. The Rush host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
AFL: Georgia Pounds Orlando, 39-7
ATLANTA-Everything that could've gone wrong for the Orlando Predators did. Conversely, almost everything the Georgia Force did was right, as they clobbered Orlando 39-7 in Week 5 of the AFL season.
The Force began the game with a 7-play, 32-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 52-yard field goal with 10:43 left in the first to take a 3-0 lead. Orlando went three-and-out on their first drive, a harbinger of things to come. Even after Georgia's Prince David fumbled at the Orlando 22, and the ball was recovered by Eddy Guess of the Predators, Orlando's offense couldn't get out of its own way. DJ Haji was sacked by Conroy Spencer for a huge loss and fumbled. Pete Love recovered at the Predators 18-yard line. After three plays, Ahmad kicked a 32-yard field goal to put the Force up 6-0 with 5:36 remaining in the first. Orlando punted again, and appeared to catch a break when Silas Garris intercepted a Norm Damron pass and returned it to the Predators 43 late in the first quarter. But the Predators were again forced to punt early in the second quarter.
From there, Georgia enbarked on a 7-play, 62-yard drive. Damron ended it by scrambling for a touchdown from 5 yards out to take a 13-0 lead with 11:23 left in the half. Then the punters dominated play until late in the half. At that point, the floodgates opened and Georgia unleashed a tidal wave of points. Sputnik Havner recovered a Labe Felts fumble for Georgia at the Orlando 18-yard line at the two-minute warning. Three plays later, Damron hit Gevan Crafton for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:01 remaining in the half to make it 20-0. Haji's first pass of the ensuing Orlando drive was intercepted by Lin Byers and returned to the Predators' 15-yard line. Four plays later, Damron snuck it in from the 1, and the Force took a 27-0 lead with 18 seconds remaining. RW Warden returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards but fumbled, and Buster Teague recovered for the Force at the Orlando 38-yard line. After a defensive holding penalty, Ahmad kicked his third field goal, this one a 50-yarder to end the half with Georgia up 30-0.
Georgia punted early in the third quarter, and Warden returned the punt 60 yards to the Force 1-yard line. From there, D.J. Giles scored on a 1-yard run to make it 30-7 with 12:42 to go in the third, and Orlando seemed to start getting momentum. Momentum that lasted all of 15 seconds, as Bo Bull fielded the ensuing kickoff and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown. The extra point made it 37-7 with 12:27 left in the third quarter.
For all intents and purposes, the game was pretty much over at that point. Orlando pretty much had to pass on every down, and Georgia was content to run out the clock. Ahmad missed a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth, but the only score came when Havner sacked Haji in the end zone for a safety with 4:16 left in the game to make it 39-7.
Georgia (2-3) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Force gained 128 yards rushing on 44 carries. Walter Halley led Georgia with 72 yards on 15 carries. Damron gained 9 yards rushing on 9 carries and 2 TD. He was 15-for-25 passing for 164 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 8 yards. Raven Bannon was Georgia's leading receiver with 3 catches for 36 yards. Georgia travels to San Jose to face the Sabercats next week.
Orlando (1-4) gained 50 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 36 yards rushing on 12 carries. Giles was the leading "rusher" with 18 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Haji was 9-for-27 passing for 64 yards and 2 INT, and was sacked six times, losing 50 yards. If you take passer ratings seriously, Haji had an 11.5 rating for this game. Damron's rating was 76.1, if you're curious. Farren Smithson was Orlando's leading receiver, with 3 catches for 19 yards. Orlando also set a record with 16 penalties for 131 yards. The Predators are on the road next week against the Colorado Crush.
The Force began the game with a 7-play, 32-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 52-yard field goal with 10:43 left in the first to take a 3-0 lead. Orlando went three-and-out on their first drive, a harbinger of things to come. Even after Georgia's Prince David fumbled at the Orlando 22, and the ball was recovered by Eddy Guess of the Predators, Orlando's offense couldn't get out of its own way. DJ Haji was sacked by Conroy Spencer for a huge loss and fumbled. Pete Love recovered at the Predators 18-yard line. After three plays, Ahmad kicked a 32-yard field goal to put the Force up 6-0 with 5:36 remaining in the first. Orlando punted again, and appeared to catch a break when Silas Garris intercepted a Norm Damron pass and returned it to the Predators 43 late in the first quarter. But the Predators were again forced to punt early in the second quarter.
From there, Georgia enbarked on a 7-play, 62-yard drive. Damron ended it by scrambling for a touchdown from 5 yards out to take a 13-0 lead with 11:23 left in the half. Then the punters dominated play until late in the half. At that point, the floodgates opened and Georgia unleashed a tidal wave of points. Sputnik Havner recovered a Labe Felts fumble for Georgia at the Orlando 18-yard line at the two-minute warning. Three plays later, Damron hit Gevan Crafton for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:01 remaining in the half to make it 20-0. Haji's first pass of the ensuing Orlando drive was intercepted by Lin Byers and returned to the Predators' 15-yard line. Four plays later, Damron snuck it in from the 1, and the Force took a 27-0 lead with 18 seconds remaining. RW Warden returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards but fumbled, and Buster Teague recovered for the Force at the Orlando 38-yard line. After a defensive holding penalty, Ahmad kicked his third field goal, this one a 50-yarder to end the half with Georgia up 30-0.
Georgia punted early in the third quarter, and Warden returned the punt 60 yards to the Force 1-yard line. From there, D.J. Giles scored on a 1-yard run to make it 30-7 with 12:42 to go in the third, and Orlando seemed to start getting momentum. Momentum that lasted all of 15 seconds, as Bo Bull fielded the ensuing kickoff and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown. The extra point made it 37-7 with 12:27 left in the third quarter.
For all intents and purposes, the game was pretty much over at that point. Orlando pretty much had to pass on every down, and Georgia was content to run out the clock. Ahmad missed a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth, but the only score came when Havner sacked Haji in the end zone for a safety with 4:16 left in the game to make it 39-7.
Georgia (2-3) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Force gained 128 yards rushing on 44 carries. Walter Halley led Georgia with 72 yards on 15 carries. Damron gained 9 yards rushing on 9 carries and 2 TD. He was 15-for-25 passing for 164 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 8 yards. Raven Bannon was Georgia's leading receiver with 3 catches for 36 yards. Georgia travels to San Jose to face the Sabercats next week.
Orlando (1-4) gained 50 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 36 yards rushing on 12 carries. Giles was the leading "rusher" with 18 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Haji was 9-for-27 passing for 64 yards and 2 INT, and was sacked six times, losing 50 yards. If you take passer ratings seriously, Haji had an 11.5 rating for this game. Damron's rating was 76.1, if you're curious. Farren Smithson was Orlando's leading receiver, with 3 catches for 19 yards. Orlando also set a record with 16 penalties for 131 yards. The Predators are on the road next week against the Colorado Crush.
AFL: Kats Kick Past Storm, 22-14
NASHVILLE-Daniel Stevenson kicked five field goals and the Nashville Kats parlayed a ball-control offense to a 22-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm in a Week 5 AFL game.
The Kats started the game with a 15-play, 44-yard drive that ended with Stevenson kicking a 53-yard field goal with 9:08 left in the first to put Nashville up 3-0. Tampa Bay and Nashville then traded punts. Then on Tampa Bay's next possession, Orval Stanley was sacked by Lando Reynolds And fumbled. Reynolds then scooped up the fumble and returned it to the Storm 24-yard line. Three plays later, Stevenson added a 39-yard field goal to put the Kats up 6-0 with 1:55 remaining in the first.
Tampa Bay drove toward a potential score, but Johnny Quincey missed a 51-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. From there, Nashville sustained a 13-play, 55-yard drive, and Stevenson kicked his third field goal, a 21-yarder, to extend the Kats lead to 9-0 with 6:20 to go in the half. Montrose Gulley returned the ensuing kickoff 38 yards to the Nashville 46. After a 9-play, 23-yard drive, Quincey kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:42 left in the half to put the Storm on the board, trailing 9-3. Nashville punted on their next drive, and the Storm quickly drove into position for another score, but Quincey missed a 43-yard field goal on the last play of the half.
Nashville caught a break on the second half kickoff, and recovered it on the Storm 39-yard line. After a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Stevenson kicked a 38-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, to make it 12-3 Kats with 10:54 remaining in the third. Tampa Bay answered with an 11-play, 39-yard drive that ended with Quincey making a 41-yard field goal with 5:19 remaining in the third to get within 12-6. Nashville returned the ensuing kickoff 57 yards to the Tampa Bay 34. Seven plays later, Brewster Brickhouse hit Cobey Kingston for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:10 to go in the third to make it 19-6 in favor of the Kats.
Tampa Bay punted to end the third quarter. The teams then traded punts again, and the Kats were then able to move the ball 53 yards on 6 plays. Stevenson then kicked his fifth field goal of the game, from 32 yards out, to put Nashville up 22-6 with 9:12 left in the game. After both teams traded punts, Tampa Bay finally seemed to get their offense rolling with a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Stanley put the finishing touches on the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor. The two-point conversion was good, and The Storm were down 22-14 with 1:53 left. The Storm kicked the ball deep on the kickoff, hoping to stop the Kats and have some time to drive for the potential tie. But the Kats got a first down, and by the time they punted to the Tampa Bay 9 with 23 seconds left, the Storm had burned all their timeouts and couldn't move quick enough.
Nashville (2-3) gained 271 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 130 yards on 38 carries. Davis Weems led the team with 74 yards on 17 carries. Brickhouse went 17-for-24 passing for 141 yards and 1 TD, and was not sacked. Vittorio Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 7 catches for 43 yards. Isaiah Falk caught 5 passes for 44 yards. Kingston caught 3 passes for 27 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats are on the road against the Arizona Rattlers.
Tampa Bay (3-2) gained 277 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 32 yards rushing on 12 carries. Taylor led the Storm with 21 yards on 7 carries. He also caught 6 passes for 65 yards and a TD. Stanley went 25-for-37 passing for 280 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Foster Warhurst caught 6 passes for 94 yards. Vinnie Kirksey also caught 6 passes for 26 yards. The Storm travel to Los Angeles next week to face the Avengers.
The Kats started the game with a 15-play, 44-yard drive that ended with Stevenson kicking a 53-yard field goal with 9:08 left in the first to put Nashville up 3-0. Tampa Bay and Nashville then traded punts. Then on Tampa Bay's next possession, Orval Stanley was sacked by Lando Reynolds And fumbled. Reynolds then scooped up the fumble and returned it to the Storm 24-yard line. Three plays later, Stevenson added a 39-yard field goal to put the Kats up 6-0 with 1:55 remaining in the first.
Tampa Bay drove toward a potential score, but Johnny Quincey missed a 51-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. From there, Nashville sustained a 13-play, 55-yard drive, and Stevenson kicked his third field goal, a 21-yarder, to extend the Kats lead to 9-0 with 6:20 to go in the half. Montrose Gulley returned the ensuing kickoff 38 yards to the Nashville 46. After a 9-play, 23-yard drive, Quincey kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:42 left in the half to put the Storm on the board, trailing 9-3. Nashville punted on their next drive, and the Storm quickly drove into position for another score, but Quincey missed a 43-yard field goal on the last play of the half.
Nashville caught a break on the second half kickoff, and recovered it on the Storm 39-yard line. After a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Stevenson kicked a 38-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, to make it 12-3 Kats with 10:54 remaining in the third. Tampa Bay answered with an 11-play, 39-yard drive that ended with Quincey making a 41-yard field goal with 5:19 remaining in the third to get within 12-6. Nashville returned the ensuing kickoff 57 yards to the Tampa Bay 34. Seven plays later, Brewster Brickhouse hit Cobey Kingston for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:10 to go in the third to make it 19-6 in favor of the Kats.
Tampa Bay punted to end the third quarter. The teams then traded punts again, and the Kats were then able to move the ball 53 yards on 6 plays. Stevenson then kicked his fifth field goal of the game, from 32 yards out, to put Nashville up 22-6 with 9:12 left in the game. After both teams traded punts, Tampa Bay finally seemed to get their offense rolling with a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Stanley put the finishing touches on the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor. The two-point conversion was good, and The Storm were down 22-14 with 1:53 left. The Storm kicked the ball deep on the kickoff, hoping to stop the Kats and have some time to drive for the potential tie. But the Kats got a first down, and by the time they punted to the Tampa Bay 9 with 23 seconds left, the Storm had burned all their timeouts and couldn't move quick enough.
Nashville (2-3) gained 271 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 130 yards on 38 carries. Davis Weems led the team with 74 yards on 17 carries. Brickhouse went 17-for-24 passing for 141 yards and 1 TD, and was not sacked. Vittorio Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 7 catches for 43 yards. Isaiah Falk caught 5 passes for 44 yards. Kingston caught 3 passes for 27 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats are on the road against the Arizona Rattlers.
Tampa Bay (3-2) gained 277 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 32 yards rushing on 12 carries. Taylor led the Storm with 21 yards on 7 carries. He also caught 6 passes for 65 yards and a TD. Stanley went 25-for-37 passing for 280 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Foster Warhurst caught 6 passes for 94 yards. Vinnie Kirksey also caught 6 passes for 26 yards. The Storm travel to Los Angeles next week to face the Avengers.
Monday, September 5, 2016
AFL: Dragons Torch Firebirds, 31-3
ALBANY, NY-A two-pronged running attack and a little trickery helped the New York Dragons blow out their in-state rivals, the Albany Firebirds, 31-3 in a Week 5 AFL game.
The game started out slowly with both teams having to punt. The first break came when New York's Tyrell Tadwell placed a perfect coffin corner kick to Albany's 1-yard line. After the Firebirds went three-and-out, Hans Magnolia fielded a Flint Percell punt at the Albany 44, and returned it 13 yards to the 31. Four plays later, Burt Hamrick kicked a 42-yard field goal with 3:02 remaining in the first to put the Dragons up 3-0. The Firebirds attempted to answer on their next drive, but Sinbad Gargaro had a pass intercepted by Omar Wheeley at the Dragons' 27-yard line.
Following the interception, the Dragons used a ball-control offense to drive 73 yards on 13 plays. The coup de grace came when Melvin Betts threw a halfback option pass to quarterback Faron Emerson for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The extra point put the Dragons up 10-0 with 10:57 to go in the second quarter. The Firebirds appeared to be moving towards a score, but Scooter Colby fumbled at the Dragons' 33 and Granby DeBose recovered for New York. The Dragons then embarked on a 9-play, 67-yard drive, ending it with FB George Larron barreling in from the 2 to make it 17-0 with 3:37 to go in the half. Albany finally managed to hold onto the ball for a 12-play, 74-yard drive, but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Dom Wenning with 23 seconds left in the half to make it 17-3 in favor of New York at intermission.
The second half began with New York asserting themselves again with an 11-play, 71-yard drive that ended with HB Freddy Ashercraft streaking in for a 16-yard touchdown run to put New York up 24-3 with 10:08 remaining in the third. The Firebirds were pretty much forced to abandon their running game at that point, but couldn't really establish another scoring threat.
As the fourth quarter began, the Dragons moved the ball 75 yards on 9 plays. Emerson put an end to the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr with 12:20 remaining in the game to go up 31-3. The remainder of the game was uneventful as the Dragons basically went into clock-eating mode and Albany could not make any noise into scoring territory.
New York (3-2) gained 377 yards of total offense. The Dragons produced 191 rushing yards on 43 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 91 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Larron gained 76 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Emerson was 16-for-21 passing for 190 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 18 yards, and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass himself. Starr caught 4 passes for 57 yards and a TD. The Dragons visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Albany (3-2) gained 211 yards of total offense. The Firebirds rushing attack was nonexistent, gaining 9 yards on 12 carries. Abdul Fowler "led" the Firebirds with 6 yards on 2 carries. Gargaro was 21-for-35 passing for 209 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 21 yards. Calvin Pitts was Albany's leading receiver with 6 catches for 82 yards. Next week, the Firebirds travel to Iowa to play the Barnstormers.
The game started out slowly with both teams having to punt. The first break came when New York's Tyrell Tadwell placed a perfect coffin corner kick to Albany's 1-yard line. After the Firebirds went three-and-out, Hans Magnolia fielded a Flint Percell punt at the Albany 44, and returned it 13 yards to the 31. Four plays later, Burt Hamrick kicked a 42-yard field goal with 3:02 remaining in the first to put the Dragons up 3-0. The Firebirds attempted to answer on their next drive, but Sinbad Gargaro had a pass intercepted by Omar Wheeley at the Dragons' 27-yard line.
Following the interception, the Dragons used a ball-control offense to drive 73 yards on 13 plays. The coup de grace came when Melvin Betts threw a halfback option pass to quarterback Faron Emerson for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The extra point put the Dragons up 10-0 with 10:57 to go in the second quarter. The Firebirds appeared to be moving towards a score, but Scooter Colby fumbled at the Dragons' 33 and Granby DeBose recovered for New York. The Dragons then embarked on a 9-play, 67-yard drive, ending it with FB George Larron barreling in from the 2 to make it 17-0 with 3:37 to go in the half. Albany finally managed to hold onto the ball for a 12-play, 74-yard drive, but had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Dom Wenning with 23 seconds left in the half to make it 17-3 in favor of New York at intermission.
The second half began with New York asserting themselves again with an 11-play, 71-yard drive that ended with HB Freddy Ashercraft streaking in for a 16-yard touchdown run to put New York up 24-3 with 10:08 remaining in the third. The Firebirds were pretty much forced to abandon their running game at that point, but couldn't really establish another scoring threat.
As the fourth quarter began, the Dragons moved the ball 75 yards on 9 plays. Emerson put an end to the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr with 12:20 remaining in the game to go up 31-3. The remainder of the game was uneventful as the Dragons basically went into clock-eating mode and Albany could not make any noise into scoring territory.
New York (3-2) gained 377 yards of total offense. The Dragons produced 191 rushing yards on 43 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 91 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Larron gained 76 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Emerson was 16-for-21 passing for 190 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 18 yards, and caught a 14-yard touchdown pass himself. Starr caught 4 passes for 57 yards and a TD. The Dragons visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Albany (3-2) gained 211 yards of total offense. The Firebirds rushing attack was nonexistent, gaining 9 yards on 12 carries. Abdul Fowler "led" the Firebirds with 6 yards on 2 carries. Gargaro was 21-for-35 passing for 209 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 21 yards. Calvin Pitts was Albany's leading receiver with 6 catches for 82 yards. Next week, the Firebirds travel to Iowa to play the Barnstormers.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
AFL: Grand Rapids Edges Detroit, 20-17
DETROIT-Joe Foss caught the winning touchdown with 27 seconds left to give the Grand Rapids Rampage a 20-17 nail-biter victory over the Detroit Drive in Week 5 of the AFL season.
Detroit punted on the opening drive, and Grand Rapids would move the ball 37 yards on 10 plays. George Tibbs put the finishing touches on the drive with a 38-yard field goal to put the Rampage up 3-0 with 8:44 to go in the first quarter. The teams would trade punts to end the first quarter.
Punts would continue to dominate the early part of the second, until Cletis Frayer was able to kick a 54-yard field goal with 9:41 remaining in the half to tie the game at 3. The Rampage would answer with an 11-play, 80-yard drive, ending with WR Lester Gartman scoring on a reverse from the 1 to put Grand Rapids up 10-3 with 4:17 left in the second quarter. The half ended with that score.
The third quarter continued to be a defensive struggle. Tibbs missed a 51-yard field goal early in the quarter. Detroit punted, and Grand Rapids moved the ball again, but Tibbs missed a 53-yard field goal. After the miss, Detroit moved the ball 57 yards on 10 plays. Lou Couch ended the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly with 3 seconds remaining in the third to tie the game at 10.
The Rampage were moving the ball again in the fourth, but Curtis Wayne was intercepted by Jamie Whirley who returned it for the Drive to his own 26-yard line. Detroit was forced to punt, and Grand Rapids moved the ball 36 yards on 9 plays. Tibbs would kick a 41-yard field goal with 5:20 remaining to put the Rampage up 13-10. The Drive responded with an 8-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Couch hitting Ahmed Sohn for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 1:45 to go, and the Drive were up 17-13. But the Rampage struck back with a 7-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Wayne connecting with Foss for a 12-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds left to knock the Drive from the ranks of the undefeated.
Grand Rapids (2-3) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 83 yards rushing on 28 carries. Wayne was the leading rusher with 59 yards on 9 carries. He was 18-for-39 passing for 277 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT, and was sacked four times for 35 yards. Foss was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 91 yards and a TD. The Rampage are on the road against the Chicago Rush next week,
Detroit (4-1) gained 259 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 96 yards rushing on 26 carries. The rushing attack was balanced between Lovell Denson (7 car, 29 yds), Rocky Adams (7 car, 24 yds), Patch Brolie (8 car, 22 yds) and Couch (4 car, 21 yds). Couch went 18-for-31 passing for 182 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Sohn caught 4 passes for 47 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 3 passes for 48 yards and a TD. The Drive go to Dallas next week against the Desperados.
Detroit punted on the opening drive, and Grand Rapids would move the ball 37 yards on 10 plays. George Tibbs put the finishing touches on the drive with a 38-yard field goal to put the Rampage up 3-0 with 8:44 to go in the first quarter. The teams would trade punts to end the first quarter.
Punts would continue to dominate the early part of the second, until Cletis Frayer was able to kick a 54-yard field goal with 9:41 remaining in the half to tie the game at 3. The Rampage would answer with an 11-play, 80-yard drive, ending with WR Lester Gartman scoring on a reverse from the 1 to put Grand Rapids up 10-3 with 4:17 left in the second quarter. The half ended with that score.
The third quarter continued to be a defensive struggle. Tibbs missed a 51-yard field goal early in the quarter. Detroit punted, and Grand Rapids moved the ball again, but Tibbs missed a 53-yard field goal. After the miss, Detroit moved the ball 57 yards on 10 plays. Lou Couch ended the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly with 3 seconds remaining in the third to tie the game at 10.
The Rampage were moving the ball again in the fourth, but Curtis Wayne was intercepted by Jamie Whirley who returned it for the Drive to his own 26-yard line. Detroit was forced to punt, and Grand Rapids moved the ball 36 yards on 9 plays. Tibbs would kick a 41-yard field goal with 5:20 remaining to put the Rampage up 13-10. The Drive responded with an 8-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Couch hitting Ahmed Sohn for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 1:45 to go, and the Drive were up 17-13. But the Rampage struck back with a 7-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Wayne connecting with Foss for a 12-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds left to knock the Drive from the ranks of the undefeated.
Grand Rapids (2-3) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 83 yards rushing on 28 carries. Wayne was the leading rusher with 59 yards on 9 carries. He was 18-for-39 passing for 277 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT, and was sacked four times for 35 yards. Foss was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 91 yards and a TD. The Rampage are on the road against the Chicago Rush next week,
Detroit (4-1) gained 259 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 96 yards rushing on 26 carries. The rushing attack was balanced between Lovell Denson (7 car, 29 yds), Rocky Adams (7 car, 24 yds), Patch Brolie (8 car, 22 yds) and Couch (4 car, 21 yds). Couch went 18-for-31 passing for 182 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Sohn caught 4 passes for 47 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 3 passes for 48 yards and a TD. The Drive go to Dallas next week against the Desperados.
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