ATLANTA-The Milwaukee Mustangs intercepted Yannel Gansz four times en route to a 19-13 victory over the Georgia Force in a Week 4 AFL game.
The Mustangs struck on the first play of the game, as Rory Bane stepped in front of a Gansz pass to pick it off at the Force 36-yard line. Ten plays later, on a fourth-and-goal from the 1, Daye Symons scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. Rock Philbrook would miss the extra point, and Milwaukee led 6-0 with 10:04 remaining in the first quarter. Horace Vickerson would intercept Gansz on Georgia's next possession at the Force 42-yard line. But the teams would trade punts after that.
Following the Georgia punt, Milwaukee would drive 47 yards on 15 plays. Philbrook finished the drive off with a 27-yard field goal to put the Mustangs up 9-0 with 12:59 left in the second quarter. The Force would answer back with an 11-play, 48-yard drive. Wilbur Ahmad finished it off with a 27-yard field goal of his own to make it 9-3 with 7:57 remaining in the half. But Milwaukee would strike back with authority, ending a 7-play, 80-yard drive with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Bruce Baskerville to C.C. Cage making it 16-3 with 5 minutes left in the second quarter. Georgia would respond with a 14-play, 90-yard drive. Gansz took it in himself for a 15-yard touchdown run with 1:06 remaining in the half to make the score 16-10 at halftime.
The second half started with Milwaukee driving 48 yards on 7 plays. Philbrook would kick a 34-yard field goal to extend the lead to 19-10 with 10:13 remaining in the third quarter. Georgia drove into position to score, but Vickerson would put an end to the drive with an interception at the Mustangs' 9-yard line. The Mustangs went three-and-out, but Ahmad would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt.
After trading punts, Ward Hilton picked Baskerville off and ran it back 40 yards to the Milwaukee 41-yard line. The Force then drove 16 yards on 4 plays, and Ahmad connected on a 42-yard field goal to make it 19-13 with 13:38 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would trade punts until late in the fourth, when Travis Gargas picked Gansz off and took it back 12 yards to the Georgia 30-yard line. Philbrook would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt, but Georgia couldn't convert on fourth down in Milwaukee territory, and the Mustangs would run out the clock.
Milwaukee (3-1) gained 289 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 100 yards on 33 carries. Symons led the team with 43 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Baskerville was 22-of-35 passing for 200 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 11 yards. Cage led the receivers with 9 catches for 75 yards and a TD. The Mustangs host the Chicago Rush next week.
Georgia (2-2) gained 279 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 80 yards on 15 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 45 yards on 9 carries. Gansz was 23-of-39 passing for 209 yards and 4 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Raven Bannon led the receivers with 7 catches for 71 yards. Next week, the Force will visit the Nashville Kats.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
AFL: Colorado Remains Perfect, Beat Dragons 29-20
UNIONDALE, NY-Howton Thom threw three touchdown passes in helping the Colorado Crush remain the AFL's only undefeated team, beating the New York Dragons 29-20 in a Week 4 game.
New York opened the game with a punt, then Colorado would drive 62 yards on 10 plays. Thom finished the drive off with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell to take a 7-0 lead with 9:19 left in the first quarter. Hugh Strickland fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and Cal Zughaibi recovered for the Crush at the Dragons' 38-yard line. Five plays later, Thom hit Regis Duck for a 7-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 with 6:56 left in the first. New York would punt, but caught a break when Valentine Millstone fumbled and Vance Bicker recovered at the Colorado 14-yard line. After three plays netted nine yards, Jose Trust would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 1:33 remaining in the first quarter.
On the Crush's next drive, Earl Ginger would miss a 43-yard field goal attempt. The subsequent Dragons' drive would end with Trust missing a 48-yard attempt. Colorado would then move the ball 27 yards on 7 plays, with Ginger kicking a 52-yard field goal, extending their lead to 17-3 with 5:26 remaining in the second quarter. New York would then answer with a 7-play, 65-yard drive. George Larron ended the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run making it 17-10 with 1:52 left in the half.
The third quarter began with the Crush driving 40 yards on 10 plays. Ginger would kick a 47-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 11:29 to go in the third quarter. After trading punts, the Dragons would embark on an 8-play, 75-yard drive. Trust ended the drive kicking a 20-yard field goal to make it 20-13 with 3:10 remaining in the third.
Both teams traded punts into the fourth quarter, then Parker Kincaid intercepted Thom at the New York 46-yard line. Paden Caspar would then end the 6-play, 54-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 20 with 9:04 remaining in the fourth quarter. Colorado would punt the ball and Michael Chilton angled the kick out-of-bounds at the Dragons' 1-yard line. Faron Emerson would try to sneak the ball out of the end zone to get some breathing room, but was tackled in the end zone by Bruce Chambers for a safety to make it 22-20 with 7:03 to go in the game. The Crush then got the ball back on the safety kick and drove 70 yards on 6 plays. Thom would throw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Antony Croft to pull ahead 29-20 with 4:02 to go in the fourth quarter. Strickland would fumble again on the ensuing kickoff, and Vinnie Fishburn recovered for Colorado at the Dragons' 35-yard line. But two plays later, a Millstone fumble was recovered by Kincaid at the New York 33-yard line. The Dragons would be turned away on fourth down at the Crush 46-yard line just after the 2-minute warning. Following a Colorado punt, New York went from their own 20 to the Colorado 8-yard line with 16 seconds left. They sent Trust out to attempt a 25-yard field goal to get within a touchdown, but the kick was blocked by Zughaibi and Trust was tackled at the 14-yard line after fielding the ball.
Colorado (4-0) gained 349 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 103 yards on 28 carries. Aaron Yarnell led the team with 47 yards on 14 carries. Thom was 25-of-39 passing for 270 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 24 yards. Howell was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 64 yards and a TD. The Crush will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
New York (0-4) gained 336 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 98 yards on 29 carries. Larron led the team with 47 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Emerson was 14-of-31 passing for 246 yards, and was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 68 yards. The Dragons host the Detroit Drive next week.
New York opened the game with a punt, then Colorado would drive 62 yards on 10 plays. Thom finished the drive off with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell to take a 7-0 lead with 9:19 left in the first quarter. Hugh Strickland fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and Cal Zughaibi recovered for the Crush at the Dragons' 38-yard line. Five plays later, Thom hit Regis Duck for a 7-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 with 6:56 left in the first. New York would punt, but caught a break when Valentine Millstone fumbled and Vance Bicker recovered at the Colorado 14-yard line. After three plays netted nine yards, Jose Trust would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 1:33 remaining in the first quarter.
On the Crush's next drive, Earl Ginger would miss a 43-yard field goal attempt. The subsequent Dragons' drive would end with Trust missing a 48-yard attempt. Colorado would then move the ball 27 yards on 7 plays, with Ginger kicking a 52-yard field goal, extending their lead to 17-3 with 5:26 remaining in the second quarter. New York would then answer with a 7-play, 65-yard drive. George Larron ended the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run making it 17-10 with 1:52 left in the half.
The third quarter began with the Crush driving 40 yards on 10 plays. Ginger would kick a 47-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 11:29 to go in the third quarter. After trading punts, the Dragons would embark on an 8-play, 75-yard drive. Trust ended the drive kicking a 20-yard field goal to make it 20-13 with 3:10 remaining in the third.
Both teams traded punts into the fourth quarter, then Parker Kincaid intercepted Thom at the New York 46-yard line. Paden Caspar would then end the 6-play, 54-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 20 with 9:04 remaining in the fourth quarter. Colorado would punt the ball and Michael Chilton angled the kick out-of-bounds at the Dragons' 1-yard line. Faron Emerson would try to sneak the ball out of the end zone to get some breathing room, but was tackled in the end zone by Bruce Chambers for a safety to make it 22-20 with 7:03 to go in the game. The Crush then got the ball back on the safety kick and drove 70 yards on 6 plays. Thom would throw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Antony Croft to pull ahead 29-20 with 4:02 to go in the fourth quarter. Strickland would fumble again on the ensuing kickoff, and Vinnie Fishburn recovered for Colorado at the Dragons' 35-yard line. But two plays later, a Millstone fumble was recovered by Kincaid at the New York 33-yard line. The Dragons would be turned away on fourth down at the Crush 46-yard line just after the 2-minute warning. Following a Colorado punt, New York went from their own 20 to the Colorado 8-yard line with 16 seconds left. They sent Trust out to attempt a 25-yard field goal to get within a touchdown, but the kick was blocked by Zughaibi and Trust was tackled at the 14-yard line after fielding the ball.
Colorado (4-0) gained 349 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 103 yards on 28 carries. Aaron Yarnell led the team with 47 yards on 14 carries. Thom was 25-of-39 passing for 270 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 24 yards. Howell was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 64 yards and a TD. The Crush will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
New York (0-4) gained 336 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 98 yards on 29 carries. Larron led the team with 47 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Emerson was 14-of-31 passing for 246 yards, and was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 68 yards. The Dragons host the Detroit Drive next week.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
AFL: Avengers Defeat Firebirds, 24-17
ALBANY, NY-The Los Angeles Avengers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to prevail over the Albany Firebirds 24-17 in a Week 4 AFL game.
After the Firebirds punted to start the game, the Avengers would drive 26 yards on 5 plays. Carmon Grimes finished the drive with a 40-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 9:49 left in the first quarter. The teams traded punts through the remainder of the first quarter.
Albany would drive 45 yards on 6 plays, and would get on the board early in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal by Wally Dancer to tie the game at 3 with 14:07 remaining in the second quarter. After Los Angeles went three-and-out, the Firebirds went on the move again with a 9-play, 84-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro would throw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Abdul Fowler to give Albany a 10-6 lead with 7:21 remaining in the half. The Avengers would strike back with an 11-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown run by Chip Kindrick tying the game at 10 with 2:16 remaining in the second quarter.
The only score in the third quarter was on the opening kickoff, when Igor Keough fumbled on the return and Finley Noon ran it back 33 yards for a touchdown to give the Firebirds a 17-10 lead with 14:40 remaining in the third quarter. The rest of the quarter was dominated by punting.
The Avengers would drive 80 yards on 11 plays, and Willie Guess threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Chad Cushing to tie the game at 17 with 12:54 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Clem Wallen picked off Gargaro and streaked 29 yards for a touchdown to give Los Angeles a 24-17 lead with 7:18 left in the fourth quarter. Albany would be turned away on fourth down at the Avengers' 14-yard line with 3:09 left. Then the Avengers would punt with about a minute to go. Gargaro would throw a long bomb to the end zone with 11 seconds left, but Orrin Dyre picked it off and almost ran it back for a touchdown before time ran out.
Los Angeles (2-2) gained 250 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 105 yards on 31 carries. Kindrick led the team with 65 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Guess was 17-of-27 passing for 188 yards and a TD. He was sacked five times, losing 43 yards. Keifer Dance was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 53 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Albany (2-2) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 60 yards on 21 carries. Tico Ponder led the team with 32 yards on 8 carries. He also led with 6 receptions for 89 yards. Gargaro was 24-of-39 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 32 yards. The Firebirds will host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
After the Firebirds punted to start the game, the Avengers would drive 26 yards on 5 plays. Carmon Grimes finished the drive with a 40-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 9:49 left in the first quarter. The teams traded punts through the remainder of the first quarter.
Albany would drive 45 yards on 6 plays, and would get on the board early in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal by Wally Dancer to tie the game at 3 with 14:07 remaining in the second quarter. After Los Angeles went three-and-out, the Firebirds went on the move again with a 9-play, 84-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro would throw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Abdul Fowler to give Albany a 10-6 lead with 7:21 remaining in the half. The Avengers would strike back with an 11-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 7-yard touchdown run by Chip Kindrick tying the game at 10 with 2:16 remaining in the second quarter.
The only score in the third quarter was on the opening kickoff, when Igor Keough fumbled on the return and Finley Noon ran it back 33 yards for a touchdown to give the Firebirds a 17-10 lead with 14:40 remaining in the third quarter. The rest of the quarter was dominated by punting.
The Avengers would drive 80 yards on 11 plays, and Willie Guess threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Chad Cushing to tie the game at 17 with 12:54 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Clem Wallen picked off Gargaro and streaked 29 yards for a touchdown to give Los Angeles a 24-17 lead with 7:18 left in the fourth quarter. Albany would be turned away on fourth down at the Avengers' 14-yard line with 3:09 left. Then the Avengers would punt with about a minute to go. Gargaro would throw a long bomb to the end zone with 11 seconds left, but Orrin Dyre picked it off and almost ran it back for a touchdown before time ran out.
Los Angeles (2-2) gained 250 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 105 yards on 31 carries. Kindrick led the team with 65 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Guess was 17-of-27 passing for 188 yards and a TD. He was sacked five times, losing 43 yards. Keifer Dance was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 53 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Albany (2-2) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 60 yards on 21 carries. Tico Ponder led the team with 32 yards on 8 carries. He also led with 6 receptions for 89 yards. Gargaro was 24-of-39 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 32 yards. The Firebirds will host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Monday, August 28, 2017
AFL: Rattlers Upset Rampage, 30-22
GRAND RAPIDS-The Arizona Rattlers came into their game against the Grand Rapids Rampage as 17-point underdogs. But they were not deterred as they upset Grand Rapids 30-22 in a Week 4 AFL game.
The game did not start well for the Rattlers, as Melvin Jones fumbled on the first play of the game, and Merrill Fernandez took it back 18 yards to the Arizona 22-yard line. Four plays later, Herbert Shipley scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. George Tibbs missed the extra point, and the Rampage were ahead 6-0 with 13:19 to go in the first quarter. After trading punts, Arizona got rolling with a 3-play, 59-yard drive. Kadeem Raburn would throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Buck to take a 7-6 lead with 8:19 left in the first. Grand Rapids would punt again, downing the ball at the Rattlers' 6-yard line. On the next play, Jo Jo Spotts sacked Raburn in the end zone for a safety to give the Rampage an 8-7 lead with 2:19 remaining in the first quarter. Late in the first, Lloyd Barisch intercepted a Curtis Wayne pass and returned it 18 yards to the Grand Rapids 20-yard line. But Orville Brill would return the favor, picking off Raburn at the 10.
After a Rampage punt, Arizona would drive 55 yards on 10 plays. Stomp Navarro finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown run to give the Rattlers a 14-8 lead with 8:29 to go in the second quarter. Following another Grand Rapids punt, Raburn would get picked off by Flip Hartman at the Arizona 44-yard line. Unfortunately, Tibbs would miss a 34-yard field goal. The Rattlers would strike with a 7-play, 59-yard drive. Burt Hamrick finished it off with a 36-yard field goal on the final play of the half to make it 17-8 as the teams went into the locker room for halftime.
Arizona started the second half with a 5-play, 77-yard drive, finishing it off with a Raburn-to-Buck connection for an 8-yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 24-8 with 11:52 left in the third quarter. The Rampage would respond, driving 69 yards on 6 plays. Wayne put the exclamation point on the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Kinzer. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the score was 24-16 with 8:26 remaining in the third. The Rattlers would answer back with an 8-play, 42-yard drive. Hamrick ended the drive with a 32-yard field goal to make it 27-16 with 5:13 remaining in the third quarter. The teams traded punts, then Clift Gregory fumbled a catch for Grand Rapids, and Lorne Utnage recovered for Arizona at their own 39-yard line.
Hamrick would have a 52-yard field goal attempt partially blocked at the start of the fourth quarter, and the Rampage took advantage with an 8-play, 58-yard drive. Wayne completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Grand Rapids trailed 27-22 with 11:50 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would trade punts, then the Rattlers took three plays to go 21 yards, and Hamrick would kick a 47-yard field goal to make it 30-22 with 4:27 remaining in the fourth. The teams would trade punts one more time, then Grand Rapids got as close as the Rattlers' 44-yard line with 3 seconds left. But Wayne's long pass to the end zone fell incomplete.
Arizona (1-3) gained 417 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 130 yards on 31 carries. Jones led the team with 59 yards on 11 carries. He also led with 4 receptions for 52 yards. Raburn was 20-of-30 passing for 301 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. The Rattlers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Grand Rapids (3-1) gained 291 yards of total offense. The Rampage were held to 25 yards rushing on 19 carries. Shipley led the team with 20 yards on 5 carries and a TD. Wayne was 25-of-43 passing for 281 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 15 yards. Bud Tyrer led the receivers with 5 catches for 42 yards. The Rampage will visit the Albany Firebirds next week.
The game did not start well for the Rattlers, as Melvin Jones fumbled on the first play of the game, and Merrill Fernandez took it back 18 yards to the Arizona 22-yard line. Four plays later, Herbert Shipley scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. George Tibbs missed the extra point, and the Rampage were ahead 6-0 with 13:19 to go in the first quarter. After trading punts, Arizona got rolling with a 3-play, 59-yard drive. Kadeem Raburn would throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Buck to take a 7-6 lead with 8:19 left in the first. Grand Rapids would punt again, downing the ball at the Rattlers' 6-yard line. On the next play, Jo Jo Spotts sacked Raburn in the end zone for a safety to give the Rampage an 8-7 lead with 2:19 remaining in the first quarter. Late in the first, Lloyd Barisch intercepted a Curtis Wayne pass and returned it 18 yards to the Grand Rapids 20-yard line. But Orville Brill would return the favor, picking off Raburn at the 10.
After a Rampage punt, Arizona would drive 55 yards on 10 plays. Stomp Navarro finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown run to give the Rattlers a 14-8 lead with 8:29 to go in the second quarter. Following another Grand Rapids punt, Raburn would get picked off by Flip Hartman at the Arizona 44-yard line. Unfortunately, Tibbs would miss a 34-yard field goal. The Rattlers would strike with a 7-play, 59-yard drive. Burt Hamrick finished it off with a 36-yard field goal on the final play of the half to make it 17-8 as the teams went into the locker room for halftime.
Arizona started the second half with a 5-play, 77-yard drive, finishing it off with a Raburn-to-Buck connection for an 8-yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 24-8 with 11:52 left in the third quarter. The Rampage would respond, driving 69 yards on 6 plays. Wayne put the exclamation point on the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Kinzer. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the score was 24-16 with 8:26 remaining in the third. The Rattlers would answer back with an 8-play, 42-yard drive. Hamrick ended the drive with a 32-yard field goal to make it 27-16 with 5:13 remaining in the third quarter. The teams traded punts, then Clift Gregory fumbled a catch for Grand Rapids, and Lorne Utnage recovered for Arizona at their own 39-yard line.
Hamrick would have a 52-yard field goal attempt partially blocked at the start of the fourth quarter, and the Rampage took advantage with an 8-play, 58-yard drive. Wayne completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Grand Rapids trailed 27-22 with 11:50 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would trade punts, then the Rattlers took three plays to go 21 yards, and Hamrick would kick a 47-yard field goal to make it 30-22 with 4:27 remaining in the fourth. The teams would trade punts one more time, then Grand Rapids got as close as the Rattlers' 44-yard line with 3 seconds left. But Wayne's long pass to the end zone fell incomplete.
Arizona (1-3) gained 417 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 130 yards on 31 carries. Jones led the team with 59 yards on 11 carries. He also led with 4 receptions for 52 yards. Raburn was 20-of-30 passing for 301 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. The Rattlers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Grand Rapids (3-1) gained 291 yards of total offense. The Rampage were held to 25 yards rushing on 19 carries. Shipley led the team with 20 yards on 5 carries and a TD. Wayne was 25-of-43 passing for 281 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 15 yards. Bud Tyrer led the receivers with 5 catches for 42 yards. The Rampage will visit the Albany Firebirds next week.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
AFL: Sabercats Block Drive, 20-13
DETROIT-The San Jose Sabercats had contributions from their defense and special teams to prevail over the Detroit Drive 20-13 in Week 4 of the AFL season.
The first quarter was dominated by punts until late in the period when San Jose moved 54 yards on 9 plays. Andre Stanfill closed out the drive with a 3-yard quarterback keeper to give the Sabercats a 7-0 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
On Detroit's next possession, Lou Couch threw a long bomb that was picked off by Russ Bird, who returned it 59 yards to the Drive 27-yard line. On the next play, Stanfill fired a 27-yard touchdown pass to Claud Flack to put San Jose up 14-0 with 11:48 remaining in the second quarter. The Drive would respond moving the ball 85 yards on 12 plays. Couch finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie to make it 14-7 with 4:58 to go in the half. Following a Sabercats' punt, Detroit would drive 82 yards on 13 plays, and Cletis Frayer would connect on a 20-yard field goal with 9 seconds to go to make it 14-10 at halftime.
San Jose's initial possession of the second half was spoiled when T.T. Presley picked off Stanfill and returned it 15 yards to the Sabercats' 38-yard line. However, San Jose would force the Drive to punt, and the Sabercats would drive 82 yards on 12 plays. Ethan Wycoff finished it off with a 26-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 6:57 to go in the third quarter. A deep return by Renaldo Halter on the ensuing kickoff would help set Frayer up for a 40-yard field goal attempt. But Madison Gandy blocked the attempt and scooped it up for a 21-yard return to midfield. Wycoff would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt at the end of the third.
The teams traded turnovers on consecutive plays to start the fourth quarter. Artie Thom fumbled on his own 28-yard line, and Curry Jerris recovered for the Sabercats. But on the next play, Stanfill was picked off by Cord Biggs at the 6, and he ran it back 22 yards to the 28-yard line. The Drive were forced to punt at the San Jose 47, but Delbert Alonso's kick was blocked by Chuck Wleborn who ran it back 16 yards to the Detroit 31-yard line. Following the block, Wycoff would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. Following a Detroit punt, San Jose drove 55 yards on 13 plays, and Wycoff would connect on a 27-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 2:27 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive would respond going 55 yards on 7 plays. Frayer would kick a 24-yard field goal with 40 seconds to go to make it 20-13. Detroit would attempt an onside kick, but Hack McDonald fell on it for the Sabercats at the 44-yard line and San Jose would kill the clock.
San Jose (3-1) gained 311 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 138 yards on 29 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. He also led with 4 receptions for 45 yards. Stanfill was 14-of-36 passing for 197 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. The Sabercats will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Detroit (1-3) gained 343 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 117 yards on 26 carries. Thom led the team with 46 yards on 8 carries. Couch was 21-of-37 passing for 242 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 16-yard loss. Dave Huntley led the receivers with 6 catches for 101 yards. The Drive will visit the New York Dragons next week.
The first quarter was dominated by punts until late in the period when San Jose moved 54 yards on 9 plays. Andre Stanfill closed out the drive with a 3-yard quarterback keeper to give the Sabercats a 7-0 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
On Detroit's next possession, Lou Couch threw a long bomb that was picked off by Russ Bird, who returned it 59 yards to the Drive 27-yard line. On the next play, Stanfill fired a 27-yard touchdown pass to Claud Flack to put San Jose up 14-0 with 11:48 remaining in the second quarter. The Drive would respond moving the ball 85 yards on 12 plays. Couch finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie to make it 14-7 with 4:58 to go in the half. Following a Sabercats' punt, Detroit would drive 82 yards on 13 plays, and Cletis Frayer would connect on a 20-yard field goal with 9 seconds to go to make it 14-10 at halftime.
San Jose's initial possession of the second half was spoiled when T.T. Presley picked off Stanfill and returned it 15 yards to the Sabercats' 38-yard line. However, San Jose would force the Drive to punt, and the Sabercats would drive 82 yards on 12 plays. Ethan Wycoff finished it off with a 26-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 6:57 to go in the third quarter. A deep return by Renaldo Halter on the ensuing kickoff would help set Frayer up for a 40-yard field goal attempt. But Madison Gandy blocked the attempt and scooped it up for a 21-yard return to midfield. Wycoff would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt at the end of the third.
The teams traded turnovers on consecutive plays to start the fourth quarter. Artie Thom fumbled on his own 28-yard line, and Curry Jerris recovered for the Sabercats. But on the next play, Stanfill was picked off by Cord Biggs at the 6, and he ran it back 22 yards to the 28-yard line. The Drive were forced to punt at the San Jose 47, but Delbert Alonso's kick was blocked by Chuck Wleborn who ran it back 16 yards to the Detroit 31-yard line. Following the block, Wycoff would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. Following a Detroit punt, San Jose drove 55 yards on 13 plays, and Wycoff would connect on a 27-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 2:27 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive would respond going 55 yards on 7 plays. Frayer would kick a 24-yard field goal with 40 seconds to go to make it 20-13. Detroit would attempt an onside kick, but Hack McDonald fell on it for the Sabercats at the 44-yard line and San Jose would kill the clock.
San Jose (3-1) gained 311 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 138 yards on 29 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. He also led with 4 receptions for 45 yards. Stanfill was 14-of-36 passing for 197 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. The Sabercats will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Detroit (1-3) gained 343 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 117 yards on 26 carries. Thom led the team with 46 yards on 8 carries. Couch was 21-of-37 passing for 242 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 16-yard loss. Dave Huntley led the receivers with 6 catches for 101 yards. The Drive will visit the New York Dragons next week.
Friday, August 25, 2017
AFL Week 3 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 3 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 50 | 2-0 |
| Albany Firebirds | 2 | 1 | 0 | 61 | 54 | 2-0 |
| Detroit Drive | 1 | 2 | 0 | 60 | 54 | 1-1 |
| New York Dragons | 0 | 3 | 0 | 40 | 91 | 0-2 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 2 | 1 | 0 | 88 | 87 | 1-1 |
| Nashville Kats | 2 | 1 | 0 | 93 | 64 | 1-1 |
| Georgia Force | 2 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 66 | 1-1 |
| Orlando Predators | 0 | 3 | 0 | 75 | 103 | 0-2 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Chicago Rush | 2 | 1 | 0 | 92 | 82 | 1-0 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 2 | 1 | 0 | 83 | 51 | 1-0 |
| Dallas Desperados | 1 | 2 | 0 | 57 | 80 | 1-0 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 1 | 2 | 0 | 64 | 71 | 1-0 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Colorado Crush | 3 | 0 | 0 | 85 | 47 | 1-0 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 2 | 1 | 0 | 80 | 64 | 1-0 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 1 | 2 | 0 | 71 | 82 | 0-1 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 33 | 80 | 0-1 |
| Week 3 Scores (Home Team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| DETROIT 20, New York 9 | ||||||
| GRAND RAPIDS 24, Albany 16 | ||||||
| Nashville 26, GEORGIA 3 | ||||||
| TAMPA BAY 37, Orlando 32 | ||||||
| CHICAGO 24, Milwaukee 21 | ||||||
| DALLAS 20, Iowa 6 | ||||||
| San Jose 22, ARIZONA 16 (OT) | ||||||
| Colorado 27, LOS ANGELES 20 | ||||||
| Week 4 Games | ||||||
| San Jose (2-1) at Detroit (1-2) (Drive -1) | ||||||
| Arizona (0-3) at Grand Rapids (3-0) (Rampage -17) | ||||||
| Los Angeles (1-2) at Albany (2-1) (Firebirds -3) | ||||||
| Colorado (3-0) at New York (0-3) (Crush -10) | ||||||
| Milwaukee (2-1) at Georgia (2-1) (Mustangs -2) | ||||||
| Chicago (2-1) at Tampa Bay (2-1) (Storm -3) | ||||||
| Dallas (1-2) at Orlando (0-3) (Desperados -1) | ||||||
| Iowa (1-2) at Nashville (2-1) (Kats -10) | ||||||
AFL: Crush Hold Off Avengers, 27-20
LOS ANGELES-Howton Thom threw three touchdown passes, but the Colorado Crush had to withstand a fourth quarter rally to emerge with a 27-20 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers in Week 3 of the AFL season.
The game started for Colorado with Regis Duck fielding the kickoff and returning it 38 yards to the Los Angeles 45-yard line. After an 8-play, 38-yard drive, Earl Ginger kicked a 24-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:46 left in the first quarter.
The teams traded punts until early in the second quarter, when the Crush drove 76 yards on 11 plays. Thom ended the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell making it a 10-0 lead with 8:54 to go in the second quarter. After an Avengers three-and-out, Colorado went on a 7-play, 23-yard drive ending with Ginger kicking a 40-yard field goal to make it 13-0 with 3:55 left in the half.
After a Los Angeles punt to start the third quarter, the Crush went to work again with a 4-play, 56-yard drive. Thom would put an exclamation point on the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Gitch Wild to make it 20-0 with 11:40 left in the third quarter. But the Avengers would get on the board with the ensuing kickoff as Igor Keough fielded the kick at his own 4, and streaked 96 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-7 with 11:25 remaining in the third. Colorado drove into scoring range, but Ginger would miss a 53-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers then drove 31 yards on 5 plays, and Carmon Grimes would kick a 43-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 4:40 to go in the third quarter.
The Crush took the ball on their next drive, and moved the ball 72 yards on 12 plays. Thom opened the fourth quarter by tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Valentine Millstone, extending Colorado's lead to 27-10 with 14:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles would respond with a 12-play, 51-yard drive, ending with Grimes kicking a 31-yard field goal making it 27-13 with 10:57 remaining in the fourth. A long return by JC Holman on the ensuing kickoff went for naught as Ginger missed a 43-yard field goal for the Crush. An Avengers punt gave Colorado another chance to extend their lead, but Ginger missed a 52-yard attempt. Los Angeles then finished off a 5-play, 58-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Willie Guess to Ken Lavue making the score 27-20 with 1:42 to go. The Avengers were able to recover an onside kick, but Eric Adcock would pick off Guess and return it 37 yards to the Crush 38-yard line with 54 seconds left to keep Colorado undefeated.
Colorado (3-0) gained 353 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 97 yards on 35 carries. Millstone led the team with 39 yards on 15 carries. Thom was 22-of-29 passing for 271 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Howell was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 61 yards and a TD. Joe Foss caught 5 passes for 114 yards. The Crush visit the New York Dragons next week.
Los Angeles (1-2) gained 266 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 85 yards on 18 carries. Guess led the team with 45 yards on 4 carries. He was 16-of-33 passing for 203 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Keifer Dance led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. The Avengers visit the Albany Firebirds next week.
The game started for Colorado with Regis Duck fielding the kickoff and returning it 38 yards to the Los Angeles 45-yard line. After an 8-play, 38-yard drive, Earl Ginger kicked a 24-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:46 left in the first quarter.
The teams traded punts until early in the second quarter, when the Crush drove 76 yards on 11 plays. Thom ended the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell making it a 10-0 lead with 8:54 to go in the second quarter. After an Avengers three-and-out, Colorado went on a 7-play, 23-yard drive ending with Ginger kicking a 40-yard field goal to make it 13-0 with 3:55 left in the half.
After a Los Angeles punt to start the third quarter, the Crush went to work again with a 4-play, 56-yard drive. Thom would put an exclamation point on the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Gitch Wild to make it 20-0 with 11:40 left in the third quarter. But the Avengers would get on the board with the ensuing kickoff as Igor Keough fielded the kick at his own 4, and streaked 96 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-7 with 11:25 remaining in the third. Colorado drove into scoring range, but Ginger would miss a 53-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers then drove 31 yards on 5 plays, and Carmon Grimes would kick a 43-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 4:40 to go in the third quarter.
The Crush took the ball on their next drive, and moved the ball 72 yards on 12 plays. Thom opened the fourth quarter by tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Valentine Millstone, extending Colorado's lead to 27-10 with 14:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles would respond with a 12-play, 51-yard drive, ending with Grimes kicking a 31-yard field goal making it 27-13 with 10:57 remaining in the fourth. A long return by JC Holman on the ensuing kickoff went for naught as Ginger missed a 43-yard field goal for the Crush. An Avengers punt gave Colorado another chance to extend their lead, but Ginger missed a 52-yard attempt. Los Angeles then finished off a 5-play, 58-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Willie Guess to Ken Lavue making the score 27-20 with 1:42 to go. The Avengers were able to recover an onside kick, but Eric Adcock would pick off Guess and return it 37 yards to the Crush 38-yard line with 54 seconds left to keep Colorado undefeated.
Colorado (3-0) gained 353 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 97 yards on 35 carries. Millstone led the team with 39 yards on 15 carries. Thom was 22-of-29 passing for 271 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Howell was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 61 yards and a TD. Joe Foss caught 5 passes for 114 yards. The Crush visit the New York Dragons next week.
Los Angeles (1-2) gained 266 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 85 yards on 18 carries. Guess led the team with 45 yards on 4 carries. He was 16-of-33 passing for 203 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Keifer Dance led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. The Avengers visit the Albany Firebirds next week.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
AFL: Sabercats Defeat Rattlers in OT, 22-16
PHOENIX-Alan Sale caught the winning touchdown in overtime to lift the San Jose Sabercats to a 22-16 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in a Week 3 AFL game.
The first quarter was dominated by punting until San Jose fielded a punt in Arizona territory and drove 27 yards on 5 plays. Ethan Wycoff put an end to the drive with a 32-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After an Arizona punt, San Jose's Panco Rhymer had his punt blocked, and Lorne Untage returned it 9 yards for the Rattlers to the Sabercats' 35-yard line. However, Kadeem Raburn's pass on the following play was picked off by Montrose Whitfield at the 20-yard line. Three plays later, Andre Stanfill was strip-sacked by Anson Shipley and the ball was recovered by Whitey Teel at the 30. After seven plays netted 14 yards, Burt Hamrick would kick a 33-yard field goal to tie the game at 3 with 6:03 to go in the second quarter. The Sabercats then responded with a 14-play, 58-yard drive ending with a 26-yard field goal by Wycoff with 10 seconds to go in the half to take a 6-3 lead.
The Rattlers started the second half with an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Raburn finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Teal to take a 10-6 lead with 11:31 left in the third quarter. Teel would then intercept a Stanfill pass and return it 17 yards to the San Jose 47-yard line. Following a 6-play, 22-yard drive, Hamrick would kick a 42-yard field goal to take a 13-6 lead with 8:12 to go in the third. The Sabercats would respond with a 13-play, 70-yard drive. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 13-9 with 2:29 to go in the third quarter.
Arizona took the ball on their next drive, and moved 53 yards on 10 plays. Hamrick ended the drive with a 25-yard field goal to extend their lead to 16-9 with 13:17 left in the fourth quarter. After a San Jose punt, Raburn's pass was picked off by Gregory Taylor at the Rattlers' 19-yard line. Four plays later, Stanfill hit Teddy Stacy for a 6-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 16 with 8:05 to go in the fourth. The teams exchanged punts until the end of the period, and the game went into overtime.
At the start of the overtime, Stanfill was picked off by Chris Harrell at the Sabercats' 37-yard line. But two plays later, Raburn was intercepted by Mac Shockley who raced 47 yards to the Rattlers' 20-yard line. Four plays later, Stanfill connected with Sale for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 12:32 left in the overtime to take the 22-16 win.
San Jose (2-1) gained 355 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 100 yards on 34 carries. Sale led the team with 46 yards on 22 carries. He also caught five passes for 74 yards and a TD. Stanfill was 24-of-38 passing for 283 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Festus Blanks caught 5 passes for 75 yards. The Sabercats visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Arizona (0-3) gained 228 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 95 yards on 21 carries. Raburn led the team with 20 yards on 2 carries. He was 14-of-29 passing for 145 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for a 12-yard loss. Melvin Jones (18 yards), Griffin Buck (32 yards), Shelby Lerti (9 yards), Will Meads (22 yards), Crockett Rail (35 yards) and Arvil Stilson (19 yards) each caught 2 passes in the game. The Rattlers visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
The first quarter was dominated by punting until San Jose fielded a punt in Arizona territory and drove 27 yards on 5 plays. Ethan Wycoff put an end to the drive with a 32-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 35 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After an Arizona punt, San Jose's Panco Rhymer had his punt blocked, and Lorne Untage returned it 9 yards for the Rattlers to the Sabercats' 35-yard line. However, Kadeem Raburn's pass on the following play was picked off by Montrose Whitfield at the 20-yard line. Three plays later, Andre Stanfill was strip-sacked by Anson Shipley and the ball was recovered by Whitey Teel at the 30. After seven plays netted 14 yards, Burt Hamrick would kick a 33-yard field goal to tie the game at 3 with 6:03 to go in the second quarter. The Sabercats then responded with a 14-play, 58-yard drive ending with a 26-yard field goal by Wycoff with 10 seconds to go in the half to take a 6-3 lead.
The Rattlers started the second half with an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Raburn finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Teal to take a 10-6 lead with 11:31 left in the third quarter. Teel would then intercept a Stanfill pass and return it 17 yards to the San Jose 47-yard line. Following a 6-play, 22-yard drive, Hamrick would kick a 42-yard field goal to take a 13-6 lead with 8:12 to go in the third. The Sabercats would respond with a 13-play, 70-yard drive. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 13-9 with 2:29 to go in the third quarter.
Arizona took the ball on their next drive, and moved 53 yards on 10 plays. Hamrick ended the drive with a 25-yard field goal to extend their lead to 16-9 with 13:17 left in the fourth quarter. After a San Jose punt, Raburn's pass was picked off by Gregory Taylor at the Rattlers' 19-yard line. Four plays later, Stanfill hit Teddy Stacy for a 6-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 16 with 8:05 to go in the fourth. The teams exchanged punts until the end of the period, and the game went into overtime.
At the start of the overtime, Stanfill was picked off by Chris Harrell at the Sabercats' 37-yard line. But two plays later, Raburn was intercepted by Mac Shockley who raced 47 yards to the Rattlers' 20-yard line. Four plays later, Stanfill connected with Sale for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 12:32 left in the overtime to take the 22-16 win.
San Jose (2-1) gained 355 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 100 yards on 34 carries. Sale led the team with 46 yards on 22 carries. He also caught five passes for 74 yards and a TD. Stanfill was 24-of-38 passing for 283 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Festus Blanks caught 5 passes for 75 yards. The Sabercats visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Arizona (0-3) gained 228 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 95 yards on 21 carries. Raburn led the team with 20 yards on 2 carries. He was 14-of-29 passing for 145 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for a 12-yard loss. Melvin Jones (18 yards), Griffin Buck (32 yards), Shelby Lerti (9 yards), Will Meads (22 yards), Crockett Rail (35 yards) and Arvil Stilson (19 yards) each caught 2 passes in the game. The Rattlers visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
AFL: Dallas Defeats Iowa, 20-6
DALLAS-The Dallas Desperados defeated the Iowa Barnstormers in Week 3 of the AFL season by the final score of 20-6.
The game opened with the teams trading punts, then Dallas would drive 67 yards on 6 plays. Elson Gregson finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Desperados a 7-0 lead with 5:39 to go in the first quarter.
The exchange of punts continued into the second quarter when the Desperados would go on a 7-play, 28-yard drive ending with a 50-yard field goal by Greg Hall to take a 10-0 lead with 11:55 to go in the second quarter. The Barnstormers would finally get a drive going, only for Norm Damron's pass to get intercepted by Guy Dudson at the Dallas 12-yard line. The Desperados would punt, then Iowa would drive again, only for Dudson to thwart the opportunity again, recovering a Ryan Travers fumble at the Dallas 26-yard line. The Desperados would drive into scoring range, but Hall missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. Not much else of note happened in the second quarter.
Iowa finally got on the board at the start of the second half, driving 45 yards on 11 plays. SB Rhoads would end the drive with a 48-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 10:45 remaining in the third quarter. But Dallas would respond with a 12-play, 68-yard drive. Helmut Briley finished it in style with a 22-yard touchdown run to pull ahead 17-3 with 5:38 left in the third. The Barnstormers would punt, but J.J. Hawes fumbled on the return, and Jordan Vadino recovered for Iowa at the Iowa 42-yard line. The Barnstormers then drove 27 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Rhoads to make it 17-6 with 1:37 remaining in the third quarter.
Dallas attempted to put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter, but Hawes would fumble on a catch, and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the Iowa 22-yard line. The subsequent Iowa drive was then thwarted by a Travers fumble recovered by Diron Imboden at the Desperados 44-yard line. But on the next play, Heinie Voorhees was picked off by Farrell Companis who ran it back 13 yards to the Barnstormers' 35-yard line. Iowa would punt the ball away, then Dallas methodically drove 76 yards on 17 plays. Hall ended the drive with a 21-yard field goal to make it 20-6 with 4:14 to go in the fourth quarter.
Dallas (1-2) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 186 yards on 37 carries. Gregson led the team with 78 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Voorhees was 11-of-35 passing for 143 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing seven yards. Holt Leash (86 yards) and Clem Shaffer (6 yards) each caught 3 passes. Next week, the Desperados visit the Orlando Predators.
Iowa (1-2) gained 254 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 116 yards on 23 carries. Lars Witt led the team with 42 yards on 6 carries. Damron was 15-of-35 passing for 173 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 35 yards. Travers was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 71 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Nashville Kats next week.
The game opened with the teams trading punts, then Dallas would drive 67 yards on 6 plays. Elson Gregson finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Desperados a 7-0 lead with 5:39 to go in the first quarter.
The exchange of punts continued into the second quarter when the Desperados would go on a 7-play, 28-yard drive ending with a 50-yard field goal by Greg Hall to take a 10-0 lead with 11:55 to go in the second quarter. The Barnstormers would finally get a drive going, only for Norm Damron's pass to get intercepted by Guy Dudson at the Dallas 12-yard line. The Desperados would punt, then Iowa would drive again, only for Dudson to thwart the opportunity again, recovering a Ryan Travers fumble at the Dallas 26-yard line. The Desperados would drive into scoring range, but Hall missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. Not much else of note happened in the second quarter.
Iowa finally got on the board at the start of the second half, driving 45 yards on 11 plays. SB Rhoads would end the drive with a 48-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 10:45 remaining in the third quarter. But Dallas would respond with a 12-play, 68-yard drive. Helmut Briley finished it in style with a 22-yard touchdown run to pull ahead 17-3 with 5:38 left in the third. The Barnstormers would punt, but J.J. Hawes fumbled on the return, and Jordan Vadino recovered for Iowa at the Iowa 42-yard line. The Barnstormers then drove 27 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Rhoads to make it 17-6 with 1:37 remaining in the third quarter.
Dallas attempted to put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter, but Hawes would fumble on a catch, and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the Iowa 22-yard line. The subsequent Iowa drive was then thwarted by a Travers fumble recovered by Diron Imboden at the Desperados 44-yard line. But on the next play, Heinie Voorhees was picked off by Farrell Companis who ran it back 13 yards to the Barnstormers' 35-yard line. Iowa would punt the ball away, then Dallas methodically drove 76 yards on 17 plays. Hall ended the drive with a 21-yard field goal to make it 20-6 with 4:14 to go in the fourth quarter.
Dallas (1-2) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 186 yards on 37 carries. Gregson led the team with 78 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Voorhees was 11-of-35 passing for 143 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing seven yards. Holt Leash (86 yards) and Clem Shaffer (6 yards) each caught 3 passes. Next week, the Desperados visit the Orlando Predators.
Iowa (1-2) gained 254 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 116 yards on 23 carries. Lars Witt led the team with 42 yards on 6 carries. Damron was 15-of-35 passing for 173 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 35 yards. Travers was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 71 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Nashville Kats next week.
Monday, August 21, 2017
AFL: Rush Hold Off Mustangs, 24-21
ROSEMONT, IL-The Chicago Rush held on to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs 24-21 in a Week 3 AFL game.
There was no scoring for much of the first half. The teams traded punts until early in the second quarter, when the Mustangs seemed to catch a break. Rosey Rader sacked Hershel Kimbrell and caused a fumble that was recovered by Travis Gargas at the Rush 8-yard line. However, Rock Philbrook would miss a 21-yard field goal attempt. Chicago then went on a 20-play, 89-yard drive that included a 14-yard gain on a fake punt from Winn Burnett to Silvio Rancher. Finley Gentry would finally put an end to the near 9-minute drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to give the Rush a 7-0 lead with 2:09 to go in the half. Milwaukee tried to drive for a score, but Bruce Baskerville was intercepted by Loren Wilkerson at the Chicago 32-yard line, and the half came to an end.
At the second half kickoff, Buckley Ravens fumbled the Milwaukee Return and Corwin Lindstrom recovered for the Rush at the Mustangs' 31-yard line. Eight plays later, Rusty Robustito scored on a 5-yard reverse to extend Chicago's lead to 14-0 with 11:50 to go in the third quarter. Milwaukee would answer back with a 12-play, 68-yard drive. Manolo Gage would dive in from the 1 to make it 14-7 with 6:50 left in the third. Lonnie Clements fielded a short kickoff and returned it 59 yards to the Mustangs' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Gentry scored his second touchdown of the game from 8 yards out to make it 21-7 with 5:05 to go in the third quarter.
Milwaukee would respond with a 13-play, 76-yard drive. Like Chicago, the Mustangs also faked a kick of fourth down. Philbrook appeared to line up for a 53-yard field goal, but Mills King took the snap and ran five yards for a first down at the Rush 31-yard line. Eventually, Baskerville finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen to make it 21-14 with 14:09 to go in the fourth quarter. After Clements took another short Mustangs' kick into Milwaukee territory, the Rush ended a 6-play, 26-yard drive with a 40-yard field goal by Dete Justen making it 24-14 with 11:06 left in the fourth. Milwaukee tried to drive down the field, but Niko Simon would pick off Baskerville and returned it 14 yards to the Rush 15-yard line. Chicago drove toward a score to put Milwaukee away, but Justen missed a 30-yard field goal at the two-minute warning. Milwaukee would move 80 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville to Gage to make it 24-21 with 41 seconds left. The Mustangs attempted an onside kick, but Robustito fell on it at the Milwaukee 45-yard line and Chicago ran out the clock.
Chicago (2-1) gained 332 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 155 yards on 39 carries. Gentry led the team with 67 yards on 11 carries and 2 TD. Kimbrell was 20-of-28 passing for 183 yards and was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Kendall Falcinelli led the receivers with 6 catches for 57 yards. The Rush will visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Milwaukee (2-1) gained 328 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 58 yards on 20 carries. Gage led the team with 24 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Baskerville was 23-of-39 passing for 285 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 15-yard loss. C.C. Cage led the receivers with 11 catches for 150 yards. The Mustangs visit the Georgia Force next week.
There was no scoring for much of the first half. The teams traded punts until early in the second quarter, when the Mustangs seemed to catch a break. Rosey Rader sacked Hershel Kimbrell and caused a fumble that was recovered by Travis Gargas at the Rush 8-yard line. However, Rock Philbrook would miss a 21-yard field goal attempt. Chicago then went on a 20-play, 89-yard drive that included a 14-yard gain on a fake punt from Winn Burnett to Silvio Rancher. Finley Gentry would finally put an end to the near 9-minute drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to give the Rush a 7-0 lead with 2:09 to go in the half. Milwaukee tried to drive for a score, but Bruce Baskerville was intercepted by Loren Wilkerson at the Chicago 32-yard line, and the half came to an end.
At the second half kickoff, Buckley Ravens fumbled the Milwaukee Return and Corwin Lindstrom recovered for the Rush at the Mustangs' 31-yard line. Eight plays later, Rusty Robustito scored on a 5-yard reverse to extend Chicago's lead to 14-0 with 11:50 to go in the third quarter. Milwaukee would answer back with a 12-play, 68-yard drive. Manolo Gage would dive in from the 1 to make it 14-7 with 6:50 left in the third. Lonnie Clements fielded a short kickoff and returned it 59 yards to the Mustangs' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Gentry scored his second touchdown of the game from 8 yards out to make it 21-7 with 5:05 to go in the third quarter.
Milwaukee would respond with a 13-play, 76-yard drive. Like Chicago, the Mustangs also faked a kick of fourth down. Philbrook appeared to line up for a 53-yard field goal, but Mills King took the snap and ran five yards for a first down at the Rush 31-yard line. Eventually, Baskerville finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen to make it 21-14 with 14:09 to go in the fourth quarter. After Clements took another short Mustangs' kick into Milwaukee territory, the Rush ended a 6-play, 26-yard drive with a 40-yard field goal by Dete Justen making it 24-14 with 11:06 left in the fourth. Milwaukee tried to drive down the field, but Niko Simon would pick off Baskerville and returned it 14 yards to the Rush 15-yard line. Chicago drove toward a score to put Milwaukee away, but Justen missed a 30-yard field goal at the two-minute warning. Milwaukee would move 80 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville to Gage to make it 24-21 with 41 seconds left. The Mustangs attempted an onside kick, but Robustito fell on it at the Milwaukee 45-yard line and Chicago ran out the clock.
Chicago (2-1) gained 332 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 155 yards on 39 carries. Gentry led the team with 67 yards on 11 carries and 2 TD. Kimbrell was 20-of-28 passing for 183 yards and was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Kendall Falcinelli led the receivers with 6 catches for 57 yards. The Rush will visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Milwaukee (2-1) gained 328 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 58 yards on 20 carries. Gage led the team with 24 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Baskerville was 23-of-39 passing for 285 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 15-yard loss. C.C. Cage led the receivers with 11 catches for 150 yards. The Mustangs visit the Georgia Force next week.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
AFL: Tampa Bay Storms Back, Defeats Orlando 37-32
TAMPA-Burton Carmon caught three touchdown passes, including the game-winner with less than a minute to go, to help the Tampa Bay Storm defeat the Orlando Predators 37-32 in Week 3 of the AFL season.
Both teams traded punts to start the game, and the first score would come Darius Talie picked off Orval Stanley and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown. Abel White missed the extra point, and the Predators led 6-0 with 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
Following the interception, the Storm would drive 49 yards on 9 plays. Johnny Quincey put Tampa Bay on the board with a 35-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:50 to go in the second quarter. Orlando subsequently went on a 10-play, 71-yard drive. Woodrow Richardson threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Irving making it 13-3 with 10:23 left in the half. The Storm then answered with a 4-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Stanley throwing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Carmon to make it 13-10 with 8:06 to go in the second. The Predators then took 5 plays to go 72 yards, ending with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to Farren Smithson extending their lead to 20-10 with 5:45 remaining in the half. Tampa Bay tried to score again, but Quincey missed a 38-yard field goal attempt. After trading punts, White would miss a 51-yard field goal to end the half.
Orlando opened the second half with a punt, then Willie Zachary would fumble and Ham Sheets recovered for the Predators at the Orlando 44-yard line. Richardson would then be sacked by Charley Voorhees and fumbled. Blue Hanan scooped it up and ran 13 yards to the Predators' 42-yard line. But Quincey missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. Orlando then drove 47 yards on 6 plays, and White would kick a 25-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 7:22 left in the third quarter.
After trading punts, Tampa Bay would drive 69 yards on 8 plays. Stanley finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst making it 23-17 with 13:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, RW Warden fielded it at his own 11, and took off 89 yards for a touchdown. White would miss the extra point again, and the score was 29-17 with 13:03 left in the fourth. Allie Navarro would fumble on the Storm's ensuing return, and Al Morton recovered for the Predators at the Tampa Bay 27-yard line. The Predators looked to put the game out of reach, but Drake Cushing picked off Richardson and returned it 38 yards to the Storm 45-yard line. Stanley then ended a 4-play, 55-yard drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Carmon making the score 29-24 with 8:33 to go in the fourth quarter. Richardson fumbled on a scramble, and Tito Evers recovered for the Storm at the Orlando 33-yard line. Three plays later, Jefferson Taylor scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, and the Storm led 30-29 with 6:46 remaining in the fourth. The Predators answered with a 6-play, 48-yard drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal by White to take a 32-30 lead with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay answered back with a 7-play, 62-yard drive, and Stanley hit Carmon for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 58 seconds left to take a 37-32 lead. Orlando had one more shot to score a touchdown, but Navarro intercepted Richardson at the Tampa Bay 15-yard line with 32 seconds to go sealing the win.
Tampa Bay (2-1) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 90 yards on 30 carries. Zachary led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Stanley was 25-of-40 passing for 391 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Warhust was the leading receiver with 12 catches for 182 yards and a TD. Carmon caught 8 for 138 yards and 3 TD. The Storm host the Chicago Rush next week.
Orlando (0-3) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 46 yards on 13 carries. Richardson led the team with 35 yards on 3 carries. He was 25-of-44 passing for 317 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. RW Courier (92 yards) and Irving (54 yards, TD) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Predators will host the Dallas Desperados next week.
Both teams traded punts to start the game, and the first score would come Darius Talie picked off Orval Stanley and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown. Abel White missed the extra point, and the Predators led 6-0 with 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
Following the interception, the Storm would drive 49 yards on 9 plays. Johnny Quincey put Tampa Bay on the board with a 35-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:50 to go in the second quarter. Orlando subsequently went on a 10-play, 71-yard drive. Woodrow Richardson threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Irving making it 13-3 with 10:23 left in the half. The Storm then answered with a 4-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Stanley throwing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Carmon to make it 13-10 with 8:06 to go in the second. The Predators then took 5 plays to go 72 yards, ending with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to Farren Smithson extending their lead to 20-10 with 5:45 remaining in the half. Tampa Bay tried to score again, but Quincey missed a 38-yard field goal attempt. After trading punts, White would miss a 51-yard field goal to end the half.
Orlando opened the second half with a punt, then Willie Zachary would fumble and Ham Sheets recovered for the Predators at the Orlando 44-yard line. Richardson would then be sacked by Charley Voorhees and fumbled. Blue Hanan scooped it up and ran 13 yards to the Predators' 42-yard line. But Quincey missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. Orlando then drove 47 yards on 6 plays, and White would kick a 25-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 7:22 left in the third quarter.
After trading punts, Tampa Bay would drive 69 yards on 8 plays. Stanley finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst making it 23-17 with 13:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, RW Warden fielded it at his own 11, and took off 89 yards for a touchdown. White would miss the extra point again, and the score was 29-17 with 13:03 left in the fourth. Allie Navarro would fumble on the Storm's ensuing return, and Al Morton recovered for the Predators at the Tampa Bay 27-yard line. The Predators looked to put the game out of reach, but Drake Cushing picked off Richardson and returned it 38 yards to the Storm 45-yard line. Stanley then ended a 4-play, 55-yard drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Carmon making the score 29-24 with 8:33 to go in the fourth quarter. Richardson fumbled on a scramble, and Tito Evers recovered for the Storm at the Orlando 33-yard line. Three plays later, Jefferson Taylor scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt failed, and the Storm led 30-29 with 6:46 remaining in the fourth. The Predators answered with a 6-play, 48-yard drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal by White to take a 32-30 lead with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay answered back with a 7-play, 62-yard drive, and Stanley hit Carmon for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 58 seconds left to take a 37-32 lead. Orlando had one more shot to score a touchdown, but Navarro intercepted Richardson at the Tampa Bay 15-yard line with 32 seconds to go sealing the win.
Tampa Bay (2-1) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 90 yards on 30 carries. Zachary led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Stanley was 25-of-40 passing for 391 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Warhust was the leading receiver with 12 catches for 182 yards and a TD. Carmon caught 8 for 138 yards and 3 TD. The Storm host the Chicago Rush next week.
Orlando (0-3) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 46 yards on 13 carries. Richardson led the team with 35 yards on 3 carries. He was 25-of-44 passing for 317 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. RW Courier (92 yards) and Irving (54 yards, TD) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Predators will host the Dallas Desperados next week.
Saturday, August 19, 2017
AFL: Oliver Knows: Osler, Kats, Run Over Force 26-3
ATLANTA-Oliver Osler set a single-game AFL rushing yardage record as the Nashville Kats dominated the Georgia Force 26-3 during Week 3 of the AFL season.
Osler got the ball rolling on the first play of the game with a 51-yard gain. The run set up a touchdown pass three plays later as Curt Wardlaw hit Cobey Kingston for a 10-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead with 12:58 to go in the first quarter. Georgia would answer with a 6-play, 39-yard drive ending with Wilbur Ahmad drilling a 54-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 10:01 remaining in the first. But for the Force, that was about the extent of their offense. Nashville would go on a 15-play, 69-yard drive, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 29-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 2:24 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts going into the second quarter. Then the Kats would drive 40 yards on 8 plays, then Stevenson would kick another field goal, this one from 21 yards out, making it 13-3 with 10:11 to go in the second. After Ahmad missed a 52-yard field goal attempt, Wardlaw hit Alza Chipman for a 42-yard gain. Then after three incompletions, Stevenson would kick a 33-yard field goal to make it 16-3 with 4:12 remaining in the half. Late in the second, Gevan Crafton fumbled on a punt return, and Ray Barris recovered for Nashville at the Georgia 43-yard line. However, Stevenson would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt, and the score remained 16-3 at halftime.
Lincoln Bingham would intercept a Yannel Gansz pass in the opening of the third quarter, and return it 24 yards to the Force 15-yard line. But two plays later, Wardlaw was picked off in the end zone by Raymond Clements. The Force would punt, and Nashville drove into scoring position, but Stevenson would miss a 44-yard field goal attempt. The teams would trade punts until early in the fourth quarter, when the Kats drove 45 yards on 7 plays. Stevenson would end the drive with a 44-yard field goal to make it 19-3 with 8:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Lin Byers appeared to be sprinting for a potential touchdown when he fumbled and Henry Lockner recovered for the Kats at the Nashville 44-yard line. The Kats then wrapped up a 13-play, 56-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run by Osler to make it 26-3 with 3:13 left in the game.
Nashville (2-1) gained 515 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 232 yards on 39 carries. Osler led the team with a AFL Single-Game record 202 yards on 27 carries and a TD. Wardlaw was 19-of-37 passing for 291 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 8 yards. Kingston led the receivers with 4 catches for 54 yards and a TD. Chipman caught 3 passes for 101 yards. The Kats host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Georgia (2-1) gained 159 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 82 yards on 20 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 45 yards on 10 carries. Gansz was 11-of-26 passing for 92 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Raven Bannon was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 63 yards. The Force will host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Osler got the ball rolling on the first play of the game with a 51-yard gain. The run set up a touchdown pass three plays later as Curt Wardlaw hit Cobey Kingston for a 10-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead with 12:58 to go in the first quarter. Georgia would answer with a 6-play, 39-yard drive ending with Wilbur Ahmad drilling a 54-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 10:01 remaining in the first. But for the Force, that was about the extent of their offense. Nashville would go on a 15-play, 69-yard drive, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 29-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 2:24 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts going into the second quarter. Then the Kats would drive 40 yards on 8 plays, then Stevenson would kick another field goal, this one from 21 yards out, making it 13-3 with 10:11 to go in the second. After Ahmad missed a 52-yard field goal attempt, Wardlaw hit Alza Chipman for a 42-yard gain. Then after three incompletions, Stevenson would kick a 33-yard field goal to make it 16-3 with 4:12 remaining in the half. Late in the second, Gevan Crafton fumbled on a punt return, and Ray Barris recovered for Nashville at the Georgia 43-yard line. However, Stevenson would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt, and the score remained 16-3 at halftime.
Lincoln Bingham would intercept a Yannel Gansz pass in the opening of the third quarter, and return it 24 yards to the Force 15-yard line. But two plays later, Wardlaw was picked off in the end zone by Raymond Clements. The Force would punt, and Nashville drove into scoring position, but Stevenson would miss a 44-yard field goal attempt. The teams would trade punts until early in the fourth quarter, when the Kats drove 45 yards on 7 plays. Stevenson would end the drive with a 44-yard field goal to make it 19-3 with 8:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Lin Byers appeared to be sprinting for a potential touchdown when he fumbled and Henry Lockner recovered for the Kats at the Nashville 44-yard line. The Kats then wrapped up a 13-play, 56-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run by Osler to make it 26-3 with 3:13 left in the game.
Nashville (2-1) gained 515 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 232 yards on 39 carries. Osler led the team with a AFL Single-Game record 202 yards on 27 carries and a TD. Wardlaw was 19-of-37 passing for 291 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 8 yards. Kingston led the receivers with 4 catches for 54 yards and a TD. Chipman caught 3 passes for 101 yards. The Kats host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Georgia (2-1) gained 159 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 82 yards on 20 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 45 yards on 10 carries. Gansz was 11-of-26 passing for 92 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Raven Bannon was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 63 yards. The Force will host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Friday, August 18, 2017
AFL: Rampage Hang On Over Firebirds, 24-16
GRAND RAPIDS-The Grand Rapids Rampage held off a fourth quarter surge by the Albany Firebirds to emerge with a 24-16 victory in a Week 3 AFL game. The victory is Grand Rapids' sixth in a row, and thirteenth in their last fifteen games dating back to last season.
After the Firebirds went three-and-out, the Rampage took three plays to move 72 yards. Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Toby Harrell to take a 7-0 lead with 11:20 remaining in the first quarter. After another Albany punt, the Firebirds caught a break when Bobo Cushing fumbled and Austin Carle recovered at the Grand Rapids 26-yard line. After four plays netted six yards, Wally Dancer kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:10 remaining in the first. The Rampage would punt on their next drive, then towards the end of the first, Derwin Vardemen picked off a Sinbad Gargaro pass and streaked 47 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-3 with 1:07 left in the first quarter.
After the interception, Albany embarked on a long drive from their own 25 that took over seven minutes, only for Dancer to miss a 33-yard field goal attempt. Grand Rapids would then drive 77 yards on 14 plays, ending with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Clift Gregory to extend the lead to 21-3 with 2:49 left in the second quarter. The Firebirds would then respond with a 6-play, 35-yard drive, ending with a 50-yard field goal by Dancer with 50 seconds left in the half to make it 21-6.
Grand Rapids opened the second half with a 12-play, 63-yard drive that George Tibbs finished off with a 24-yard field goal to make it 24-6 with 8:45 remaining in the third quarter. The teams traded punts on their next respective possessions.
Albany would start their comeback attempt with a 13-play, 60-yard drive. Dancer ended the drive with a 42-yard field goal to make it 24-9 with 12:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Grand Rapids went into clock-killing mode and drove from their own 19 to the Firebirds' 16-yard line in a span of seven minutes. But Cushing would fumble again, and Forrest Kilman would recover for Albany. From there, the Firebirds moved 84 yards on 9 plays. Gargaro threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Long to cut the lead to 24-16 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth. The Firebirds attempted an onside kick, Harrell got his hands on it for the Rampage, but was nailed and fumbled. Hoss Jennings fell on the ball for Albany at his own 41-yard line. Gargaro attempted to throw for the potential tying score, but Orville Brill came up with the interception at the Grand Rapids 12-yard line with 41 seconds to go, and the Rampage secured first place in the Eastern Division by themselves.
Grand Rapids (3-0) gained 342 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 179 yards on 38 carries. Cushing led the team with 71 yards on 11 carries. Wayne was 12-of-18 passing for 163 yards and 2 TD. He was not sacked in the game. Wayne hit eight different receivers with Cushing (26 yards), Herbert Shipley (27 yards), Lester Gartman (29 yards) and Bud Tyrer (17 yards) each catching 2 passes. The Rampage will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Albany (2-1) gained 327 yards of total offense. The Firebirds gained only 28 yards rushing on 19 carries. Garland Davidson led with 15 yards on 4 carries. Gargaro was 28-of-44 passing for 308 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Teddy Harley was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 55 yards. The Firebirds host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
After the Firebirds went three-and-out, the Rampage took three plays to move 72 yards. Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Toby Harrell to take a 7-0 lead with 11:20 remaining in the first quarter. After another Albany punt, the Firebirds caught a break when Bobo Cushing fumbled and Austin Carle recovered at the Grand Rapids 26-yard line. After four plays netted six yards, Wally Dancer kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:10 remaining in the first. The Rampage would punt on their next drive, then towards the end of the first, Derwin Vardemen picked off a Sinbad Gargaro pass and streaked 47 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-3 with 1:07 left in the first quarter.
After the interception, Albany embarked on a long drive from their own 25 that took over seven minutes, only for Dancer to miss a 33-yard field goal attempt. Grand Rapids would then drive 77 yards on 14 plays, ending with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Clift Gregory to extend the lead to 21-3 with 2:49 left in the second quarter. The Firebirds would then respond with a 6-play, 35-yard drive, ending with a 50-yard field goal by Dancer with 50 seconds left in the half to make it 21-6.
Grand Rapids opened the second half with a 12-play, 63-yard drive that George Tibbs finished off with a 24-yard field goal to make it 24-6 with 8:45 remaining in the third quarter. The teams traded punts on their next respective possessions.
Albany would start their comeback attempt with a 13-play, 60-yard drive. Dancer ended the drive with a 42-yard field goal to make it 24-9 with 12:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Grand Rapids went into clock-killing mode and drove from their own 19 to the Firebirds' 16-yard line in a span of seven minutes. But Cushing would fumble again, and Forrest Kilman would recover for Albany. From there, the Firebirds moved 84 yards on 9 plays. Gargaro threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Long to cut the lead to 24-16 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth. The Firebirds attempted an onside kick, Harrell got his hands on it for the Rampage, but was nailed and fumbled. Hoss Jennings fell on the ball for Albany at his own 41-yard line. Gargaro attempted to throw for the potential tying score, but Orville Brill came up with the interception at the Grand Rapids 12-yard line with 41 seconds to go, and the Rampage secured first place in the Eastern Division by themselves.
Grand Rapids (3-0) gained 342 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 179 yards on 38 carries. Cushing led the team with 71 yards on 11 carries. Wayne was 12-of-18 passing for 163 yards and 2 TD. He was not sacked in the game. Wayne hit eight different receivers with Cushing (26 yards), Herbert Shipley (27 yards), Lester Gartman (29 yards) and Bud Tyrer (17 yards) each catching 2 passes. The Rampage will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Albany (2-1) gained 327 yards of total offense. The Firebirds gained only 28 yards rushing on 19 carries. Garland Davidson led with 15 yards on 4 carries. Gargaro was 28-of-44 passing for 308 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Teddy Harley was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 55 yards. The Firebirds host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
AFL: Drive Defeat Dragons, 20-9
DETROIT-The Detroit Drive defeated the New York Dragons 20-9 for their first victory of the season in a Week 3 AFL game.
After New York punted on their opening drive, Detroit drove 49 yards on 14 plays, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Cletis Frayer to take a 3-0 lead with 7:07 to go in the first quarter. The Dragons responded by going 18 yards on 5 plays, and scoring on a 53-yard field goal by Jose Trust to tie the game at 3 with 4:15 remaining in the first.
After trading punts, Faron Emerson was picked off by McKinley Beaumont who raced 23 yards to the Dragons' 30-yard line. But Frayer would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Dragons then drove 38 yards on 6 plays, ending with Trust kicking a 44-yard field goal to give New York a 6-3 lead with 8:28 left in the second quarter. The Drive would come storming back, going 80 yards on 8 plays. Lou Couch threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Lowell Winfrey to put Detroit ahead 10-6 with 3:54 left in the half. Omar Wheeley picked Couch off late in the half at the New York 40-yard line, but Trust missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. Frayer would then miss a 51-yard attempt of his own as the first half came to an end.
At the start of the second half, Stan Florin picked off Emerson in the end zone and streaked 52 yards on the return to the Drive 43-yard line. Detroit couldn't move the ball and punted, then New York drove 64 yards on 11 plays. Trust would end the drive with a 30-yard field goal to make it 10-9 with 6:05 to go in the third quarter. The Drive would responded traversing 70 yards on 10 plays. Couch finished it off by firing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie making it 17-9 with 36 seconds to go in the third.
The Dragons would be turned away on their next drive after a failed fourth down at the Drive 27-yard line. After a Detroit punt, Freddy Ashercraft fumbled after making a catch, and T.T. Presley recovered for the Drive at the Dragons' 29-yard line. Three plays would net four yards, and Frayer kicked a 42-yard field goal to make it 20-9 with 4:33 to go in the fourth quarter.
Detroit (1-2) gained 248 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 74 yards on 33 carries. Brolie led the team with 28 yards on 10 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 100 yards and a TD. Couch was 13-of-21 passing for 185 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. The Drive host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
New York (0-3) gained 328 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 143 yards on 30 carries. George Larron led the team with 63 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 21-of-37 passing for 190 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 5 yards. Ashercraft led the receivers with 5 catches for 44 yards. The Dragons host the Colorado Crush next week.
After New York punted on their opening drive, Detroit drove 49 yards on 14 plays, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Cletis Frayer to take a 3-0 lead with 7:07 to go in the first quarter. The Dragons responded by going 18 yards on 5 plays, and scoring on a 53-yard field goal by Jose Trust to tie the game at 3 with 4:15 remaining in the first.
After trading punts, Faron Emerson was picked off by McKinley Beaumont who raced 23 yards to the Dragons' 30-yard line. But Frayer would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. The Dragons then drove 38 yards on 6 plays, ending with Trust kicking a 44-yard field goal to give New York a 6-3 lead with 8:28 left in the second quarter. The Drive would come storming back, going 80 yards on 8 plays. Lou Couch threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Lowell Winfrey to put Detroit ahead 10-6 with 3:54 left in the half. Omar Wheeley picked Couch off late in the half at the New York 40-yard line, but Trust missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. Frayer would then miss a 51-yard attempt of his own as the first half came to an end.
At the start of the second half, Stan Florin picked off Emerson in the end zone and streaked 52 yards on the return to the Drive 43-yard line. Detroit couldn't move the ball and punted, then New York drove 64 yards on 11 plays. Trust would end the drive with a 30-yard field goal to make it 10-9 with 6:05 to go in the third quarter. The Drive would responded traversing 70 yards on 10 plays. Couch finished it off by firing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie making it 17-9 with 36 seconds to go in the third.
The Dragons would be turned away on their next drive after a failed fourth down at the Drive 27-yard line. After a Detroit punt, Freddy Ashercraft fumbled after making a catch, and T.T. Presley recovered for the Drive at the Dragons' 29-yard line. Three plays would net four yards, and Frayer kicked a 42-yard field goal to make it 20-9 with 4:33 to go in the fourth quarter.
Detroit (1-2) gained 248 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 74 yards on 33 carries. Brolie led the team with 28 yards on 10 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 100 yards and a TD. Couch was 13-of-21 passing for 185 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. The Drive host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
New York (0-3) gained 328 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 143 yards on 30 carries. George Larron led the team with 63 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 21-of-37 passing for 190 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 5 yards. Ashercraft led the receivers with 5 catches for 44 yards. The Dragons host the Colorado Crush next week.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
AFL Week 2 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Albany Firebirds | 2 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 30 | 2-0 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 2 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 34 | 1-0 |
| Detroit Drive | 0 | 2 | 0 | 40 | 45 | 0-1 |
| New York Dragons | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 71 | 0-2 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Georgia Force | 2 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 40 | 1-0 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 1 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 55 | 0-1 |
| Nashville Kats | 1 | 1 | 0 | 67 | 61 | 1-1 |
| Orlando Predators | 0 | 2 | 0 | 43 | 66 | 0-2 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 27 | 1-0 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 58 | 51 | 1-0 |
| Chicago Rush | 1 | 1 | 0 | 68 | 61 | 0-0 |
| Dallas Desperados | 0 | 2 | 0 | 37 | 74 | 0-0 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Colorado Crush | 2 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 27 | 1-0 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 1 | 1 | 0 | 58 | 48 | 1-0 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 55 | 0-0 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 58 | 0-0 |
| Week 2 Scores (Home team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| ALBANY 23, Detroit 20 | ||||||
| Grand Rapids 37, NEW YORK 10 | ||||||
| Georgia 25, ORLANDO 23 (OT) | ||||||
| Tampa Bay 31, NASHVILLE 30 | ||||||
| IOWA 41, Chicago 27 | ||||||
| MILWAUKEE 37, Dallas 7 | ||||||
| COLORADO 36, Arizona 7 | ||||||
| SAN JOSE 34, Los Angeles 17 | ||||||
| Week 3 Games | ||||||
| New York (0-2) at Detroit (0-2) (Drive -5) | ||||||
| Albany (2-0) at Grand Rapids (2-0) (Rampage -9) | ||||||
| Nashville (1-1) at Georgia (2-0) (Force -4) | ||||||
| Orlando (0-2) at Tampa Bay (1-1) (Storm -8) | ||||||
| Milwaukee (2-0) at Chicago (1-1) (Mustangs -4) | ||||||
| Iowa (1-1) at Dallas (0-2) (Barnstormers -7) | ||||||
| San Jose (1-1) at Arizona (0-2) (Sabercats -10) | ||||||
| Colorado (2-0) at Los Angeles (1-1) (Crush -5) | ||||||
AFL: Sabercats Beat Avengers, 34-17
SAN JOSE-The San Jose Sabercats fell behind early, but scored 31 straight points in pulling away from the Los Angeles Avengers 34-17 in Week 2 of the AFL season.
The Avengers got the ball rolling early with a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Igor Keough finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter. Andre Stanfill was picked off by Clem Wallen who returned it 9 yards to the San Jose 13-yard line. After three plays gained nine yards, Carmon Grimes kicked a 21-yard field goal to go up 10-0 with 6:59 remaining in the first. After Kirby Hudspeth returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards to the Avengers 49-yard line, San Jose went on a 5-play, 49-yard drive. Alan Sale caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to make it 10-7 with 4:09 to go in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, then the Sabercats would drive 53 yards on 10 plays. Sale ran in for a 3-yard touchdown run, and San Jose took a 14-10 lead with 8:49 left in the second quarter. Mac Shockley picked off Willie Guess at the Sabercats' 38-yard line, then had to punt. But Chip Kindrick fumbled on the return, and Scooter Colby recovered for San Jose at the Los Angeles 29-yard line. Seven plays later, Stanfill hit Turk Costigan for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-10 with 4:08 left in the half.
San Jose opened the second half with a 5-play, 57-yard drive. Hack McDonald caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to make it 28-10 with 12:45 remaining in the third quarter. Los Angeles punted, and the Sabercats would drive 41 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 50-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff making it 31-10 with 5:04 left in the third.
The teams traded punts into the fourth quarter, then Los Angeles was turned away on fourth down at the San Jose 34-yard line. After another exchange of punts, the Avengers faced a fourth-and-10 at their own 27-yard line. The snap to Nino Schwarz on a punt was bobbled, and his desperation pass to Keough fell incomplete. Wycoff would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt, then Los Angeles drove 69 yards on 8 plays, ending with Guess throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Devlin with 1:27 remaining in the fourth quarter making it 31-17. The Avengers' onside kicked failed, then the Sabercats drove seven yards on three plays. Wycoff then made a 53-yard field goal to make it 34-17 with 52 seconds to go.
San Jose (1-1) gained 305 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 137 yards on 33 carries. Sale led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Stanfill was 17-of-28 passing for 188 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 20 yards. Costigan led the receivers with 5 catches for 61 yards and a TD. The Sabercats visit the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Los Angeles (1-1) gained 283 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 66 yards on 17 carries. Kindrick led the team with 41 yards on 9 carries. Guess was 22-of-40 passing for 234 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Ken Lavue (52 yards) and Clovis Awtrey (45 yards) each caught 5 passes in the game. The Avengers host the Colorado Crush next week.
The Avengers got the ball rolling early with a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Igor Keough finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter. Andre Stanfill was picked off by Clem Wallen who returned it 9 yards to the San Jose 13-yard line. After three plays gained nine yards, Carmon Grimes kicked a 21-yard field goal to go up 10-0 with 6:59 remaining in the first. After Kirby Hudspeth returned the ensuing kickoff 40 yards to the Avengers 49-yard line, San Jose went on a 5-play, 49-yard drive. Alan Sale caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to make it 10-7 with 4:09 to go in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, then the Sabercats would drive 53 yards on 10 plays. Sale ran in for a 3-yard touchdown run, and San Jose took a 14-10 lead with 8:49 left in the second quarter. Mac Shockley picked off Willie Guess at the Sabercats' 38-yard line, then had to punt. But Chip Kindrick fumbled on the return, and Scooter Colby recovered for San Jose at the Los Angeles 29-yard line. Seven plays later, Stanfill hit Turk Costigan for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-10 with 4:08 left in the half.
San Jose opened the second half with a 5-play, 57-yard drive. Hack McDonald caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to make it 28-10 with 12:45 remaining in the third quarter. Los Angeles punted, and the Sabercats would drive 41 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 50-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff making it 31-10 with 5:04 left in the third.
The teams traded punts into the fourth quarter, then Los Angeles was turned away on fourth down at the San Jose 34-yard line. After another exchange of punts, the Avengers faced a fourth-and-10 at their own 27-yard line. The snap to Nino Schwarz on a punt was bobbled, and his desperation pass to Keough fell incomplete. Wycoff would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt, then Los Angeles drove 69 yards on 8 plays, ending with Guess throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Devlin with 1:27 remaining in the fourth quarter making it 31-17. The Avengers' onside kicked failed, then the Sabercats drove seven yards on three plays. Wycoff then made a 53-yard field goal to make it 34-17 with 52 seconds to go.
San Jose (1-1) gained 305 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 137 yards on 33 carries. Sale led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Stanfill was 17-of-28 passing for 188 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 20 yards. Costigan led the receivers with 5 catches for 61 yards and a TD. The Sabercats visit the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Los Angeles (1-1) gained 283 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 66 yards on 17 carries. Kindrick led the team with 41 yards on 9 carries. Guess was 22-of-40 passing for 234 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Ken Lavue (52 yards) and Clovis Awtrey (45 yards) each caught 5 passes in the game. The Avengers host the Colorado Crush next week.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
AFL: Colorado Crushes Arizona, 36-7
DENVER-Aaron Yarnell scored three rushing touchdowns in leading the Colorado Crush to a runaway 36-7 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in a Week 2 AFL game.
After trading punts to start the game, Colorado would drive 60 yards on 4 plays. Howton Thom put an exclamation point on the drive with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley to take a 7-0 lead with 8:42 remaining in the first quarter.
The exchange of punts continued until early in the second quarter, then Earl Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal attempt for the Crush. The Rattlers drove in an attempt to score, but Stan Dinn sacked Kadeem Raburn and forced a fumble that was recovered by Cecil Nathan at the Colorado 29-yard line. The Crush subsequently drove 71 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Valentine Millstone to make it 14-0 with 6:09 left in the half. Arizona punted and the Crush ran out the clock to end the first half.
The third quarter began with another punt exchange, then Colorado embarked on a 16-play, 88-yard drive that took nearly seven and-a-half minutes. Yarnell would finish it off with a 1-yard touchdown run, Ginger missed the extra point and the score was 20-0 with 50 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Montrose Gulley fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Leonardo Emery recovered for the Crush at the Rattlers' 34-yard line. Seven plays later, Yarnell would run in from the 5 and Ginger missed another extra point to make it 26-0 with 12:51 to go in the fourth quarter. Arizona went for it on fourth down in Colorado territory, but Raburn was picked off by Wallace Burden who returned it 36 yards to the Arizona 20-yard line. Yarnell scored on a 20-yard touchdown run on the next play to make it 33-0 with 9:50 left in the game. The Rattlers again went for it on fourth down at midfield, but the pass fell incomplete. After a five-play, 17-yard drive, Ginger would connect on a 50-yard field goal to go up 36-0 with 3:59 left in the game. Arizona finally got on the board following an 11-play, 70-yard drive when Raburn hit Arvil Stinson on a 3-yard touchdown pass with 54 seconds to go making it 36-7.
Colorado (2-0) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 127 yards on 33 carries. Yarnell led the team with 79 yards on 16 carries and 3 TD. Thom was 22-of-34 passing for 271 yards and 2 TD and was not sacked in the game. Tyler Howell led the receivers with 9 catches for 106 yards. The Crush visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Arizona (0-2) gained 276 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 71 yards on 19 carries. Raburn led the team with 34 yards on 4 carries. He was 22-of-39 passing for 221 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Melvin Jones (94 yards) and Shelby Lerti (47 yards) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Rattlers host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
After trading punts to start the game, Colorado would drive 60 yards on 4 plays. Howton Thom put an exclamation point on the drive with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley to take a 7-0 lead with 8:42 remaining in the first quarter.
The exchange of punts continued until early in the second quarter, then Earl Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal attempt for the Crush. The Rattlers drove in an attempt to score, but Stan Dinn sacked Kadeem Raburn and forced a fumble that was recovered by Cecil Nathan at the Colorado 29-yard line. The Crush subsequently drove 71 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Valentine Millstone to make it 14-0 with 6:09 left in the half. Arizona punted and the Crush ran out the clock to end the first half.
The third quarter began with another punt exchange, then Colorado embarked on a 16-play, 88-yard drive that took nearly seven and-a-half minutes. Yarnell would finish it off with a 1-yard touchdown run, Ginger missed the extra point and the score was 20-0 with 50 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Montrose Gulley fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Leonardo Emery recovered for the Crush at the Rattlers' 34-yard line. Seven plays later, Yarnell would run in from the 5 and Ginger missed another extra point to make it 26-0 with 12:51 to go in the fourth quarter. Arizona went for it on fourth down in Colorado territory, but Raburn was picked off by Wallace Burden who returned it 36 yards to the Arizona 20-yard line. Yarnell scored on a 20-yard touchdown run on the next play to make it 33-0 with 9:50 left in the game. The Rattlers again went for it on fourth down at midfield, but the pass fell incomplete. After a five-play, 17-yard drive, Ginger would connect on a 50-yard field goal to go up 36-0 with 3:59 left in the game. Arizona finally got on the board following an 11-play, 70-yard drive when Raburn hit Arvil Stinson on a 3-yard touchdown pass with 54 seconds to go making it 36-7.
Colorado (2-0) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 127 yards on 33 carries. Yarnell led the team with 79 yards on 16 carries and 3 TD. Thom was 22-of-34 passing for 271 yards and 2 TD and was not sacked in the game. Tyler Howell led the receivers with 9 catches for 106 yards. The Crush visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Arizona (0-2) gained 276 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 71 yards on 19 carries. Raburn led the team with 34 yards on 4 carries. He was 22-of-39 passing for 221 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Melvin Jones (94 yards) and Shelby Lerti (47 yards) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Rattlers host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Monday, August 14, 2017
AFL: Mustangs Destroy Desperados, 37-7
MILWAUKEE-The Milwaukee Mustangs performed in every aspect of the game in a 37-7 blowout of the Dallas Desperados in a Week 2 AFL game.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Dallas had a chance to score, but Rocky Brant picked off Heinie Voorhees in the end zone. The teams traded punts through the end of the first, then early in the second quarter, Clem Shaffer fumbled a Dexter Gaither punt, and Ray Bunting recovered for Milwaukee at the Dallas 29-yard line. However, Guy Dudson intercepted a Bruce Baskerville pass for the Desperados at his own 22-yard line. But Dallas' threat was thwarted by a Taco Chism interception at the Mustangs' 22-yard line. Four plays later, Dave Symons put an emphatic end to the drive with a 51-yard halfback option pass to Heinie Clausen to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead with 6:43 remaining in the second quarter. Dallas did not turn the ball over on their next drive, but Greg Hall would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. Milwaukee would then drive 51 yards on 9 plays, and Rock Philbrook kicked a 31-yard field goal with 59 seconds remaining in the half to take a 10-0 lead.
After the Desperados opened the second half with a punt, the Mustangs took four plays to travel 73 yards. A 59-yard gain on a C.C. Cage reception set up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville to Garrett Counts extending Milwaukee's lead to 17-0 with 11:45 to go in the third quarter. Yousef Checkers would pick Voorhees off at the Mustangs' 25-yard line, but Noland Delta returned the favor, picking Baskerville off and returning it 30 yards to the Milwaukee 6-yard line. On the next play, Voorhees connected with Elson Gregson for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-7 with 8:29 remaining in the third. Milwaukee answered with an 8-play, 55-yard drive, ending with a 38-yard field goal by Philbrook to make it 20-7 with 4:44 to go in the third quarter. After a Dallas three-and-out, Jean Butler's punt was blocked at the Desperados' 33-yard line. Five plays later, Counts scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Mustangs up 27-7 with 47 seconds remaining in the third.
Late in the third, Voorhees was picked off by Hayden Zeth who returned it 15 yards to the Dallas 30-yard line. After a 7-play, 18-yard drive, Philbrook drilled a 29-yard field goal to make it 30-7 with 12:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Desperados' next drive ended with a failed fourth down at the Mustangs' 18-yard line. Milwaukee then controlled the clock with a 12-play, 82-yard drive. Symons ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 37-7 with 4:09 to go in the game.
Milwaukee (2-0) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 129 yards on 31 carries. Symons led the team with 52 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Baskerville was 21-of-37 passing for 279 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Nelson Romine led the receivers with 7 catches for 96 yards. The Mustangs visit the Chicago Rush next week.
Dallas (0-2) gained 287 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 59 yards on 17 carries. Gregson led the team with 42 yards on 10 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 48 yards and a TD. Voorhees was 22-of-42 passing for 244 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. The Desperados host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Dallas had a chance to score, but Rocky Brant picked off Heinie Voorhees in the end zone. The teams traded punts through the end of the first, then early in the second quarter, Clem Shaffer fumbled a Dexter Gaither punt, and Ray Bunting recovered for Milwaukee at the Dallas 29-yard line. However, Guy Dudson intercepted a Bruce Baskerville pass for the Desperados at his own 22-yard line. But Dallas' threat was thwarted by a Taco Chism interception at the Mustangs' 22-yard line. Four plays later, Dave Symons put an emphatic end to the drive with a 51-yard halfback option pass to Heinie Clausen to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead with 6:43 remaining in the second quarter. Dallas did not turn the ball over on their next drive, but Greg Hall would miss a 45-yard field goal attempt. Milwaukee would then drive 51 yards on 9 plays, and Rock Philbrook kicked a 31-yard field goal with 59 seconds remaining in the half to take a 10-0 lead.
After the Desperados opened the second half with a punt, the Mustangs took four plays to travel 73 yards. A 59-yard gain on a C.C. Cage reception set up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville to Garrett Counts extending Milwaukee's lead to 17-0 with 11:45 to go in the third quarter. Yousef Checkers would pick Voorhees off at the Mustangs' 25-yard line, but Noland Delta returned the favor, picking Baskerville off and returning it 30 yards to the Milwaukee 6-yard line. On the next play, Voorhees connected with Elson Gregson for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-7 with 8:29 remaining in the third. Milwaukee answered with an 8-play, 55-yard drive, ending with a 38-yard field goal by Philbrook to make it 20-7 with 4:44 to go in the third quarter. After a Dallas three-and-out, Jean Butler's punt was blocked at the Desperados' 33-yard line. Five plays later, Counts scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Mustangs up 27-7 with 47 seconds remaining in the third.
Late in the third, Voorhees was picked off by Hayden Zeth who returned it 15 yards to the Dallas 30-yard line. After a 7-play, 18-yard drive, Philbrook drilled a 29-yard field goal to make it 30-7 with 12:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Desperados' next drive ended with a failed fourth down at the Mustangs' 18-yard line. Milwaukee then controlled the clock with a 12-play, 82-yard drive. Symons ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 37-7 with 4:09 to go in the game.
Milwaukee (2-0) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 129 yards on 31 carries. Symons led the team with 52 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Baskerville was 21-of-37 passing for 279 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Nelson Romine led the receivers with 7 catches for 96 yards. The Mustangs visit the Chicago Rush next week.
Dallas (0-2) gained 287 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 59 yards on 17 carries. Gregson led the team with 42 yards on 10 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 48 yards and a TD. Voorhees was 22-of-42 passing for 244 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. The Desperados host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
AFL: Barnstormers Fly By Rush, 41-27
DES MOINES, IA-Powell Ramos scored two second-half touchdowns to help the Iowa Barnstormers earn a 41-27 victory over the Chicago Rush in a Week 2 AFL game.
The Barnstormers opened the game with a 6-play, 60-yard drive. Ryan Travers finished it off with a 7-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 11:55 remaining in the first quarter. The Rush would respond with a 14-play, 78-yard drive. Dete Justen would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:45 remaining in the first. After a Barnstormers punt, Chicago would drive 44 yards on 5 plays. Hershel Kimbrell finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marty Margerum to give the Rush a 10-7 lead with 2:02 left in the first quarter. Another Iowa three-and-out led to Chicago striking again with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Kimbrell to Zach Allen pushing the score to 17-7 with 16 seconds left in the first.
The teams traded punts to start the second quarter, then Iowa went on an 8-play, 45-yard drive ending with a 42-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to make it 17-10 with 7:55 remaining in the second quarter. Chicago answered back with a 7-play, 70-yard drive. Lonnie Clements scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 24-10 with 3:50 to go in the half. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards to the Rush 19-yard line. After five plays netted 15 yards, Rhoads kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 24-13 with 1:20 remaining in the second quarter. Seth Waltrip picked Kimbrell off at the Chicago 9-yard line, and Lars Witt scored on a 9-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds remaining in the half to make the score 24-20 at the half.
The Rush opened the second half with a 7-play, 52-yard drive. Justen ended the drive with a 40-yard field goal to make it 27-20 with 11:16 to go in the third quarter. Norm Damron fumbled on a scramble and Shaun Donruss recovered for Chicago at the Barnstormers' 28-yard line. But Justen would miss a 32-yard field goal attempt, and Iowa drove 78 yards on 3 plays. Damron's 58-yard completion to Preston Covington set up an 18-yard touchdown run by Ramos to tie the game at 27 with 4:56 remaining in the third.
After the Rush punted, the Barnstormers moved 57 yards on 9 plays, and Damron tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins giving Iowa a 34-27 lead with 13:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Chicago punted, then Niko Simon intercepted Damron at the Barnstormers' 23-yard line. The Rush went for it on fourth-and-4 from the 17, but Kimbrell's pass to Allen fell incomplete. The Barnstormers drove hoping for a score to put the game out of reach, but Rhoads' 43-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Waltrip atoned for the missed opportunity by picking off Kimbrell and returning it 9 yards to the Chicago 23-yard line. Five plays later, Ramos plunged the dagger into Chicago's heart with a 5-yard touchdown run making it 41-27 with 1:13 left in the game. Waltrip picked Kimbrell off again to seal the deal.
Iowa (1-1) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 185 yards on 32 carries. Travers led the team with 69 yards on 11 carries and a TD. He also led with 5 catches for 46 yards. Damron was 16-of-25 passing for 214 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Chicago (1-1) gained 294 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 25 yards on 21 carries. Clements led the team with 14 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Kimbrell was 22-of-39 passing for 312 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 43 yards. Allen led the receivers with 10 catches for 164 yards and a TD. The Rush host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
The Barnstormers opened the game with a 6-play, 60-yard drive. Ryan Travers finished it off with a 7-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 11:55 remaining in the first quarter. The Rush would respond with a 14-play, 78-yard drive. Dete Justen would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:45 remaining in the first. After a Barnstormers punt, Chicago would drive 44 yards on 5 plays. Hershel Kimbrell finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marty Margerum to give the Rush a 10-7 lead with 2:02 left in the first quarter. Another Iowa three-and-out led to Chicago striking again with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Kimbrell to Zach Allen pushing the score to 17-7 with 16 seconds left in the first.
The teams traded punts to start the second quarter, then Iowa went on an 8-play, 45-yard drive ending with a 42-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to make it 17-10 with 7:55 remaining in the second quarter. Chicago answered back with a 7-play, 70-yard drive. Lonnie Clements scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 24-10 with 3:50 to go in the half. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards to the Rush 19-yard line. After five plays netted 15 yards, Rhoads kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 24-13 with 1:20 remaining in the second quarter. Seth Waltrip picked Kimbrell off at the Chicago 9-yard line, and Lars Witt scored on a 9-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds remaining in the half to make the score 24-20 at the half.
The Rush opened the second half with a 7-play, 52-yard drive. Justen ended the drive with a 40-yard field goal to make it 27-20 with 11:16 to go in the third quarter. Norm Damron fumbled on a scramble and Shaun Donruss recovered for Chicago at the Barnstormers' 28-yard line. But Justen would miss a 32-yard field goal attempt, and Iowa drove 78 yards on 3 plays. Damron's 58-yard completion to Preston Covington set up an 18-yard touchdown run by Ramos to tie the game at 27 with 4:56 remaining in the third.
After the Rush punted, the Barnstormers moved 57 yards on 9 plays, and Damron tossed a 1-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins giving Iowa a 34-27 lead with 13:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Chicago punted, then Niko Simon intercepted Damron at the Barnstormers' 23-yard line. The Rush went for it on fourth-and-4 from the 17, but Kimbrell's pass to Allen fell incomplete. The Barnstormers drove hoping for a score to put the game out of reach, but Rhoads' 43-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Waltrip atoned for the missed opportunity by picking off Kimbrell and returning it 9 yards to the Chicago 23-yard line. Five plays later, Ramos plunged the dagger into Chicago's heart with a 5-yard touchdown run making it 41-27 with 1:13 left in the game. Waltrip picked Kimbrell off again to seal the deal.
Iowa (1-1) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 185 yards on 32 carries. Travers led the team with 69 yards on 11 carries and a TD. He also led with 5 catches for 46 yards. Damron was 16-of-25 passing for 214 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Chicago (1-1) gained 294 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 25 yards on 21 carries. Clements led the team with 14 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Kimbrell was 22-of-39 passing for 312 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 43 yards. Allen led the receivers with 10 catches for 164 yards and a TD. The Rush host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Friday, August 11, 2017
AFL: Warhurst Lifts Storm Over Kats, 31-30
NASHVILLE-Foster Warhurst was a one-man scoring machine for the Tampa Bay Storm, with three second-half touchdowns, and also set a single-game AFL reception record in helping the Storm snap their ten-game winless streak in a 31-30 victory in Week 2 over the Nashville Kats.
Allie Navarro started the game for Tampa Bay by intercepting Curt Wardlaw at the Storm 34-yard line. Tampa Bay was forced to punt, but Lando Duckworth sacked Wardlaw and caused a fumble that was recovered by Jose Moore at the Nashville 39-yard line. After four plays gained 21 yards, Johnny Quincey connected on a 35-yard field goal to give the Storm a 3-0 lead with 9:02 remaining in the first quarter. The Kats would respond with a 14-play, 64-yard drive ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Oliver Osler to take a 7-3 lead with 4:23 to go in the first.
The Storm would answer by driving 72 yards on 10 plays. Orval Stanley would throw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Burton Carmon to help Tampa Bay retake the lead at 10-7 with 14:04 remaining in the second quarter. The Kats would go three-and-out, but Emmit Quasar fumbled the return and Isao Orlando recovered for Nashville at the Tampa Bay 31-yard line. Six plays later, Osler caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Wardlaw to give the Kats a 14-10 lead with 9:30 to go in the half. After Lincoln Bingham picked off Stanley at the Nashville 45-yard line, the Kats went on a 6-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Wardlaw to Alza Chipman making it 21-10 with 6:43 to go in the second quarter. Tampa Bay drove into scoring territory, but Quincey had a 32-yard field goal attempt partially blocked and missed. Wardlaw had a pass intercepted by Dazzle L. Singletary who took off 39 yards to the Kats' 21-yard line. Following a four-play, 17-yard drive, Quincey kicked a 21-yard field goal to close the gap to 21-13 with 1:06 left in the half. Blue Hanan picked off Wardlaw at the Storm 30-yard line to thwart Nashville's last scoring threat at the end of the half.
Tampa Bay started the second half with possession, but Quincey missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. A poor punt by Red Hull gave the Storm the ball at their own 48-yard line, then three plays later, Stanley hit Warhurst for a 42-yard bomb for a touchdown. The Storm tried to tie the game with a 2-point conversion, but failed and the score was 21-19 with 7:48 to go in the third quarter. The Kats punted, then Bingham picked off Stanley again at the Storm 41-yard line. After a 5-play, 35-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 24-19 with 2:41 left in the third.
After a Storm punt, Navarro would pick off Wardlaw again and return it 8 yards to the midfield stripe. Six plays later, Warhurst caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Stanley. The Storm missed another 2-point conversion, and the score was 25-24 with 11:38 left in the fourth quarter. A facemask penalty on Tampa Bay during Vince Caselli's return gave the Kats the ball at the Tampa Bay 43-yard line. Six plays later, Damien Holden scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, and the Kats missed a 2-point attempt making the score 30-25 with 8:57 to go in the fourth. The Storm were turned away on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line on their next drive. The Kats punted, and Tampa Bay found themselves at their own 27-yard line with 2:39 remaining. The Storm went 73 yards on 9 plays, and Stanley threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Warhurst with 41 seconds to go in the game. The 2-point conversion attempt failed again, and Tampa Bay led 31-30. The Kats could only get as close as the Storm 18-yard line before time ran out.
Tampa Bay (1-1) gained 452 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 91 yards on 23 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 63 yards on 12 carries. Stanley was 29-of-46 passing for 368 yards, 4 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Warhurst set a single-game AFL record with 14 catches. Those 14 catches netted 195 yards and 3 TD. The Storm host the Orlando Predators in the "War on I-4" next week.
Nashville (1-1) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 126 yards on 29 carries. Osler led the team with 64 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wardlaw was 16-of-34 passing for 243 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Cobey Kingston led the receivers with 4 catches for 91 yards. The Kats visit the Georgia Force next week.
Allie Navarro started the game for Tampa Bay by intercepting Curt Wardlaw at the Storm 34-yard line. Tampa Bay was forced to punt, but Lando Duckworth sacked Wardlaw and caused a fumble that was recovered by Jose Moore at the Nashville 39-yard line. After four plays gained 21 yards, Johnny Quincey connected on a 35-yard field goal to give the Storm a 3-0 lead with 9:02 remaining in the first quarter. The Kats would respond with a 14-play, 64-yard drive ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Oliver Osler to take a 7-3 lead with 4:23 to go in the first.
The Storm would answer by driving 72 yards on 10 plays. Orval Stanley would throw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Burton Carmon to help Tampa Bay retake the lead at 10-7 with 14:04 remaining in the second quarter. The Kats would go three-and-out, but Emmit Quasar fumbled the return and Isao Orlando recovered for Nashville at the Tampa Bay 31-yard line. Six plays later, Osler caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Wardlaw to give the Kats a 14-10 lead with 9:30 to go in the half. After Lincoln Bingham picked off Stanley at the Nashville 45-yard line, the Kats went on a 6-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Wardlaw to Alza Chipman making it 21-10 with 6:43 to go in the second quarter. Tampa Bay drove into scoring territory, but Quincey had a 32-yard field goal attempt partially blocked and missed. Wardlaw had a pass intercepted by Dazzle L. Singletary who took off 39 yards to the Kats' 21-yard line. Following a four-play, 17-yard drive, Quincey kicked a 21-yard field goal to close the gap to 21-13 with 1:06 left in the half. Blue Hanan picked off Wardlaw at the Storm 30-yard line to thwart Nashville's last scoring threat at the end of the half.
Tampa Bay started the second half with possession, but Quincey missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. A poor punt by Red Hull gave the Storm the ball at their own 48-yard line, then three plays later, Stanley hit Warhurst for a 42-yard bomb for a touchdown. The Storm tried to tie the game with a 2-point conversion, but failed and the score was 21-19 with 7:48 to go in the third quarter. The Kats punted, then Bingham picked off Stanley again at the Storm 41-yard line. After a 5-play, 35-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 24-19 with 2:41 left in the third.
After a Storm punt, Navarro would pick off Wardlaw again and return it 8 yards to the midfield stripe. Six plays later, Warhurst caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Stanley. The Storm missed another 2-point conversion, and the score was 25-24 with 11:38 left in the fourth quarter. A facemask penalty on Tampa Bay during Vince Caselli's return gave the Kats the ball at the Tampa Bay 43-yard line. Six plays later, Damien Holden scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, and the Kats missed a 2-point attempt making the score 30-25 with 8:57 to go in the fourth. The Storm were turned away on fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line on their next drive. The Kats punted, and Tampa Bay found themselves at their own 27-yard line with 2:39 remaining. The Storm went 73 yards on 9 plays, and Stanley threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Warhurst with 41 seconds to go in the game. The 2-point conversion attempt failed again, and Tampa Bay led 31-30. The Kats could only get as close as the Storm 18-yard line before time ran out.
Tampa Bay (1-1) gained 452 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 91 yards on 23 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 63 yards on 12 carries. Stanley was 29-of-46 passing for 368 yards, 4 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Warhurst set a single-game AFL record with 14 catches. Those 14 catches netted 195 yards and 3 TD. The Storm host the Orlando Predators in the "War on I-4" next week.
Nashville (1-1) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 126 yards on 29 carries. Osler led the team with 64 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wardlaw was 16-of-34 passing for 243 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 22 yards. Cobey Kingston led the receivers with 4 catches for 91 yards. The Kats visit the Georgia Force next week.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
AFL: Force Sack Predators in OT, 25-23
ORLANDO-The Georgia Force overcame a fourth-quarter comeback from the Orlando Predators and came up with a safety in overtime to win 25-23 in Week 2 of the AFL season.
Georgia began the game with a 4-play, 34-yard drive, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Wilbur Ahmad to give the Force a 3-0 lead with 12:14 to go in the first quarter. The Predators answered back, however, driving 75 yards on 3 plays. Woodrow Richardson fired a 53-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Irving to give Orlando a 7-3 lead with 10:36 remaining in the first. Georgia would punt on their next drive, then Richardson was picked off by Lin Byers at the Force 23-yard line. Then the teams would trade punts again, and Georgia would drive 45 yards on 7 plays. Yannel Gansz finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Quirt Skinner on the final play of the first quarter to take a 10-7 lead.
Orlando's next possession was thwarted by another Byers interception. Then, after a 5-play, 9-yard drive, Ahmad connected on a 50-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 10:20 remaining in the second quarter. Following a Predators punt, Gansz was intercepted by Darius Talie at the Orlando 23-yard line. The teams would again trade punts, then Orlando went on a 6-play, 42-yard drive in the final minute of the half, and Abel White kicked a 33-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to make it 13-10 at the half.
On the Predators' first possession of the second half, Billy Formon's punt was blocked by Tyrone Pickney who returned it 6 yards to the Orlando 6-yard line. Three plays later, Clem Foulks swept right on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Georgia a 20-10 lead with 12:19 remaining in the third quarter. Orlando would answer with an 8-play, 40-yard drive, ending with White kicking a 40-yard field goal to make it 20-13 with 8:28 to go in the third. The Predators tried to drive for another score after a Force punt, but White would miss a 49-yard field goal attempt.
After another Georgia punt, the Predators faced a fourth-and-1 at the Force 41-yard line. They went for it, but Richardson's pass to Caleb Doering fell incomplete. The Force went on an 8-play, 24-yard drive, ending with a 52-yard field goal by Ahmad to give Georgia a 23-13 lead with 8:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. Orlando would punt, but Ervin Wheeler's fumble on the return was recovered by the Predators' Nate Devron at the Georgia 45-yard line. Seven plays later, Richardson hit Isaiah O'Connell for a 14-yard touchdown pass to make it 23-20 with 4:18 remaining in the fourth. The Force went three-and-out, and Orlando drove 58 yards on 10 plays. White successfully connected on a 26-yard field goal with 26 seconds to go to tie the game at 23, and send it to overtime.
Georgia won the toss to start overtime, but couldn't get into scoring range. Nelson Wynn angled the punt, and it landed out of bounds at the Orlando 4-yard line. Three plays later, on a third-and-5 from the Predators' 9-yard line, Richardson would be sacked in the end zone by Pete Love with 11:01 remaining in overtime for the rare walk-off safety.
Georgia (2-0) gained 277 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 127 yards on 34 carries. Foulks led the team with 56 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Gansz was 15-of-25 passing for 173 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Tinker Trice was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 77 yards. The Force host the Nashville Kats next week.
Orlando (0-2) gained 381 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 102 yards on 24 carries. Stewart Lamons led the team with 35 yards on 6 carries. Richardson was 23-of-47 passing for 312 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Farren Smithson (63 yards) and RW Courier (53 yards) each caught 4 passes in the game. The Predators visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week in another "War on I-4".
Georgia began the game with a 4-play, 34-yard drive, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Wilbur Ahmad to give the Force a 3-0 lead with 12:14 to go in the first quarter. The Predators answered back, however, driving 75 yards on 3 plays. Woodrow Richardson fired a 53-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Irving to give Orlando a 7-3 lead with 10:36 remaining in the first. Georgia would punt on their next drive, then Richardson was picked off by Lin Byers at the Force 23-yard line. Then the teams would trade punts again, and Georgia would drive 45 yards on 7 plays. Yannel Gansz finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Quirt Skinner on the final play of the first quarter to take a 10-7 lead.
Orlando's next possession was thwarted by another Byers interception. Then, after a 5-play, 9-yard drive, Ahmad connected on a 50-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 10:20 remaining in the second quarter. Following a Predators punt, Gansz was intercepted by Darius Talie at the Orlando 23-yard line. The teams would again trade punts, then Orlando went on a 6-play, 42-yard drive in the final minute of the half, and Abel White kicked a 33-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to make it 13-10 at the half.
On the Predators' first possession of the second half, Billy Formon's punt was blocked by Tyrone Pickney who returned it 6 yards to the Orlando 6-yard line. Three plays later, Clem Foulks swept right on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Georgia a 20-10 lead with 12:19 remaining in the third quarter. Orlando would answer with an 8-play, 40-yard drive, ending with White kicking a 40-yard field goal to make it 20-13 with 8:28 to go in the third. The Predators tried to drive for another score after a Force punt, but White would miss a 49-yard field goal attempt.
After another Georgia punt, the Predators faced a fourth-and-1 at the Force 41-yard line. They went for it, but Richardson's pass to Caleb Doering fell incomplete. The Force went on an 8-play, 24-yard drive, ending with a 52-yard field goal by Ahmad to give Georgia a 23-13 lead with 8:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. Orlando would punt, but Ervin Wheeler's fumble on the return was recovered by the Predators' Nate Devron at the Georgia 45-yard line. Seven plays later, Richardson hit Isaiah O'Connell for a 14-yard touchdown pass to make it 23-20 with 4:18 remaining in the fourth. The Force went three-and-out, and Orlando drove 58 yards on 10 plays. White successfully connected on a 26-yard field goal with 26 seconds to go to tie the game at 23, and send it to overtime.
Georgia won the toss to start overtime, but couldn't get into scoring range. Nelson Wynn angled the punt, and it landed out of bounds at the Orlando 4-yard line. Three plays later, on a third-and-5 from the Predators' 9-yard line, Richardson would be sacked in the end zone by Pete Love with 11:01 remaining in overtime for the rare walk-off safety.
Georgia (2-0) gained 277 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 127 yards on 34 carries. Foulks led the team with 56 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Gansz was 15-of-25 passing for 173 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Tinker Trice was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 77 yards. The Force host the Nashville Kats next week.
Orlando (0-2) gained 381 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 102 yards on 24 carries. Stewart Lamons led the team with 35 yards on 6 carries. Richardson was 23-of-47 passing for 312 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Farren Smithson (63 yards) and RW Courier (53 yards) each caught 4 passes in the game. The Predators visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week in another "War on I-4".
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
AFL: Rampage Destroy Dragons, 37-10
UNIONDALE, NY-The Grand Rapids Rampage controlled the ball for nearly 42 minutes, and tripled the New York Dragons' offensive yardage in a 37-10 blowout in an AFL Week 2 game.
After the Dragons punted to start the game, the Rampage traversed 59 yards on 11 plays, and George Tibbs kicked a 44-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 3-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. After another New York punt, the Rampage went on a 4-play, 19-yard drive and Tibbs nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:40 to go in the first to extend the lead to 6-0.
After Bobby Harpole recovered a George Larron fumble at the Dragons' 40-yard line, the Rampage would wrap up a 6-play, 17-yard drive with another Tibbs field goal, this one from 40 yards out, to make it 9-0 with 13:33 left in the second quarter. After another New York punt, Grand Rapids started to flex some offensive muscle as they wrapped up a 4-play, 62-yard touchdown drive with a 60-yard bomb from Curtis Wayne to Toby Harrell to make it 16-0 with 10:02 left in the half. After another three-and-out by the Dragons, the Rampage drove 44 yards on 8 plays. Wayne ended the drive on a 15-yard quarterback keeper, and Grand Rapids went up 23-0 with 4:55 left in the second. The Dragons attempted a fake punt, but Tyrell Tadwell's pass to Max Getson fell incomplete, and Grand Rapids took over again in New York territory. But Tibbs missed a 27-yard field goal attempt near the end of the half.
As the third quarter began, the Rampage were on the move again with a 5-play, 72-yard drive. Wayne completed the drive with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman and the score was 30-0 with 12:05 remaining in the third quarter. The teams would trade punts, then Tibbs would line up for a 51-yard field goal attempt. However, Hugh Strickland knifed through the line and blocked the kick, and returned it 27 yards to the Grand Rapids 27-yard line. But the Dragons would lose seven yards on the next three plays and settled for a 51-yard field goal by Jose Trust to make it 30-3 with 6:23 to go in the third.
Grand Rapids recovered from that act of generosity, and went on a 14-play, 82-yard drive. At the start of the fourth quarter, Wayne put the capper on the drive with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Tamlin Wagener to make it 37-3 with 14:51 to go in the fourth quarter. On New York's next drive, they got as close as the Rampage 40-yard line, but failed to convert on fourth down. The Rampage would punt, but the Dragons were victimized by a Faron Emerson interception thrown to Derwin Vardeman at the Grand Rapids 17-yard line. Grand Rapids would punt again, and New York finally put together a 4-play, 37-yard touchdown drive, ending with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Emerson to Chase Hamil making it 37-10 with 2:45 to go in the game. An onside kick failed, and the Rampage were content to run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (2-0) gained 445 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 177 yards on 46 carries. Harrell led the team with 81 yards on 19 carries. Wayne was 20-of-29 passing for 285 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Clift Gregory was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Rampage host the Albany Firebirds next week.
New York (0-2) gained 143 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for just 14 yards on only 10 carries. Freddy Ashercraft (5 carries) and Larron (3 carries) each gained 7 yards. Emerson was 16-of-36 passing for 142 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Hamil (52 yards, TD), Larron (22 yards) and Ardell Ashmore (12 yards) each caught 3 passes in the game. The Dragons visit the Detroit Drive next week.
After the Dragons punted to start the game, the Rampage traversed 59 yards on 11 plays, and George Tibbs kicked a 44-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 3-0 lead with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. After another New York punt, the Rampage went on a 4-play, 19-yard drive and Tibbs nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:40 to go in the first to extend the lead to 6-0.
After Bobby Harpole recovered a George Larron fumble at the Dragons' 40-yard line, the Rampage would wrap up a 6-play, 17-yard drive with another Tibbs field goal, this one from 40 yards out, to make it 9-0 with 13:33 left in the second quarter. After another New York punt, Grand Rapids started to flex some offensive muscle as they wrapped up a 4-play, 62-yard touchdown drive with a 60-yard bomb from Curtis Wayne to Toby Harrell to make it 16-0 with 10:02 left in the half. After another three-and-out by the Dragons, the Rampage drove 44 yards on 8 plays. Wayne ended the drive on a 15-yard quarterback keeper, and Grand Rapids went up 23-0 with 4:55 left in the second. The Dragons attempted a fake punt, but Tyrell Tadwell's pass to Max Getson fell incomplete, and Grand Rapids took over again in New York territory. But Tibbs missed a 27-yard field goal attempt near the end of the half.
As the third quarter began, the Rampage were on the move again with a 5-play, 72-yard drive. Wayne completed the drive with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman and the score was 30-0 with 12:05 remaining in the third quarter. The teams would trade punts, then Tibbs would line up for a 51-yard field goal attempt. However, Hugh Strickland knifed through the line and blocked the kick, and returned it 27 yards to the Grand Rapids 27-yard line. But the Dragons would lose seven yards on the next three plays and settled for a 51-yard field goal by Jose Trust to make it 30-3 with 6:23 to go in the third.
Grand Rapids recovered from that act of generosity, and went on a 14-play, 82-yard drive. At the start of the fourth quarter, Wayne put the capper on the drive with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Tamlin Wagener to make it 37-3 with 14:51 to go in the fourth quarter. On New York's next drive, they got as close as the Rampage 40-yard line, but failed to convert on fourth down. The Rampage would punt, but the Dragons were victimized by a Faron Emerson interception thrown to Derwin Vardeman at the Grand Rapids 17-yard line. Grand Rapids would punt again, and New York finally put together a 4-play, 37-yard touchdown drive, ending with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Emerson to Chase Hamil making it 37-10 with 2:45 to go in the game. An onside kick failed, and the Rampage were content to run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (2-0) gained 445 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 177 yards on 46 carries. Harrell led the team with 81 yards on 19 carries. Wayne was 20-of-29 passing for 285 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Clift Gregory was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Rampage host the Albany Firebirds next week.
New York (0-2) gained 143 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for just 14 yards on only 10 carries. Freddy Ashercraft (5 carries) and Larron (3 carries) each gained 7 yards. Emerson was 16-of-36 passing for 142 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Hamil (52 yards, TD), Larron (22 yards) and Ardell Ashmore (12 yards) each caught 3 passes in the game. The Dragons visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Friday, August 4, 2017
AFL: Championship Hangover? Firebirds Defeat Drive, 23-20
ALBANY, NY-The Albany Firebirds held on the ball and controlled the clock in defeating the Detroit Drive 23-20 in Week 2 of the AFL season.
The Firebirds began the game with a 13-play, 65-yard drive, ending with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Sinbad Gargaro to Garry Farr to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 9:46 left in the first quarter. Renaldo Halter fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Travis Edgar fell on it for the Firebirds at the Detroit 37-yard line. Wally Dancer would miss a 56-yard field goal attempt, then the Drive moved 37 yards on 5 plays. Cletis Frayer finished it off with a 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:05 to go in the first.
The teams traded punts late in the first, then at the start of the second, Gargaro was intercepted by Stan Florin who returned it 15 yards to the Drive 22-yard line. They exchanged punts again, then Detroit drove 55 yards on 7 plays. Frayer kicked another field goal, this one from 39 yards out, to make it 7-6 with 6:43 to go in the half. The teams traded punts one more time before the halftime gun.
After forcing Detroit to punt again to start the third quarter, Albany went on a 12-play, 44-yard drive. The Firebirds lined up for a 19-yard field goal attempt, but it turned into a fake, as backup QB Kirk Redden ran in for a 2-yard touchdown to extend Albany's lead to 14-6 with 8:20 left in the third quarter. Lou Couch would be picked off by Wayne Davison at the Albany 26-yard line. The Firebirds tried to drive for a score, but Dancer missed a 43-yard field goal attempt.
Detroit's next possession appeared primed for a touchdown, but Austin Carle would pick Couch off in the end zone. However, on the next play, Florin picked off Gargaro and ran 27 yards for a touchdown. The Drive missed the 2-point conversion and the score was 14-12 with 11:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds recovered from that mistake and drove 67 yards on 10 plays. Gargaro finished it off with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Long. Albany missed their 2-point attempt, and the score was 20-12 with 6:58 to go in the fourth. On the ensuing Drive possession, Couch was picked off again, this time by Pepe Kell at the Detroit 23-yard line. After three plays netted five yards, Dancer booted a 35-yard field goal to make it 23-12 with 4:28 left in the game. The Drive offense would finally answer with a 5-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Couch to Patch Brolie. Detroit successfully converted for two, and the Drive trailed 23-20 with 2:39 left in the fourth quarter. But Albany would run the ball and kill the clock to secure the win.
Albany (2-0) gained 315 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Tico Ponder led the team with 61 yards on 16 carries. He also led with 6 receptions for 59 yards. Gargaro was 19-of-37 passing for 206 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 33 yards. The Firebirds visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Detroit (0-2) gained 279 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 36 yards on 18 carries. Brolie led the team with 23 yards on 5 carries. He also led with 7 receptions for 64 yards and a TD. Couch went 17-of-27 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. The Drive will host the New York Dragons next week.
The Firebirds began the game with a 13-play, 65-yard drive, ending with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Sinbad Gargaro to Garry Farr to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 9:46 left in the first quarter. Renaldo Halter fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Travis Edgar fell on it for the Firebirds at the Detroit 37-yard line. Wally Dancer would miss a 56-yard field goal attempt, then the Drive moved 37 yards on 5 plays. Cletis Frayer finished it off with a 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 6:05 to go in the first.
The teams traded punts late in the first, then at the start of the second, Gargaro was intercepted by Stan Florin who returned it 15 yards to the Drive 22-yard line. They exchanged punts again, then Detroit drove 55 yards on 7 plays. Frayer kicked another field goal, this one from 39 yards out, to make it 7-6 with 6:43 to go in the half. The teams traded punts one more time before the halftime gun.
After forcing Detroit to punt again to start the third quarter, Albany went on a 12-play, 44-yard drive. The Firebirds lined up for a 19-yard field goal attempt, but it turned into a fake, as backup QB Kirk Redden ran in for a 2-yard touchdown to extend Albany's lead to 14-6 with 8:20 left in the third quarter. Lou Couch would be picked off by Wayne Davison at the Albany 26-yard line. The Firebirds tried to drive for a score, but Dancer missed a 43-yard field goal attempt.
Detroit's next possession appeared primed for a touchdown, but Austin Carle would pick Couch off in the end zone. However, on the next play, Florin picked off Gargaro and ran 27 yards for a touchdown. The Drive missed the 2-point conversion and the score was 14-12 with 11:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds recovered from that mistake and drove 67 yards on 10 plays. Gargaro finished it off with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Long. Albany missed their 2-point attempt, and the score was 20-12 with 6:58 to go in the fourth. On the ensuing Drive possession, Couch was picked off again, this time by Pepe Kell at the Detroit 23-yard line. After three plays netted five yards, Dancer booted a 35-yard field goal to make it 23-12 with 4:28 left in the game. The Drive offense would finally answer with a 5-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Couch to Patch Brolie. Detroit successfully converted for two, and the Drive trailed 23-20 with 2:39 left in the fourth quarter. But Albany would run the ball and kill the clock to secure the win.
Albany (2-0) gained 315 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Tico Ponder led the team with 61 yards on 16 carries. He also led with 6 receptions for 59 yards. Gargaro was 19-of-37 passing for 206 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 33 yards. The Firebirds visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Detroit (0-2) gained 279 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 36 yards on 18 carries. Brolie led the team with 23 yards on 5 carries. He also led with 7 receptions for 64 yards and a TD. Couch went 17-of-27 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. The Drive will host the New York Dragons next week.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
AFL Week 1 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Albany Firebirds | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 10 | 1-0 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 1 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 24 | 1-0 |
| Detroit Drive | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 22 | 0-1 |
| New York Dragons | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 34 | 0-1 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Georgia Force | 1 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 17 | 1-0 |
| Nashville Kats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 30 | 1-0 |
| Orlando Predators | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 41 | 0-1 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 25 | 0-1 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Chicago Rush | 1 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 20 | 0-0 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 20 | 0-0 |
| Dallas Desperados | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 37 | 0-0 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 24 | 0-0 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Colorado Crush | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 20 | 0-0 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 21 | 0-0 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 22 | 0-0 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 31 | 0-0 |
| Week 1 Scores (Home teams in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| Colorado 22, DETROIT 20 | ||||||
| GRAND RAPIDS 31, San Jose 24 | ||||||
| ALBANY 22, Arizona 10 | ||||||
| Los Angeles 34, NEW YORK 21 | ||||||
| GEORGIA 24, Iowa 17 | ||||||
| Milwaukee 25, TAMPA BAY 20 | ||||||
| Chicago 41, ORLANDO 20 | ||||||
| NASHVILLE 37, Dallas 30 | ||||||
| Week 2 Games | ||||||
| Detroit (0-1) at Albany (1-0) (Firebirds -9) | ||||||
| Grand Rapids (1-0) at New York (0-1) (Rampage -7) | ||||||
| Georgia (1-0) at Orlando (0-1) (Force -5) | ||||||
| Tampa Bay (0-1) at Nashville (1-0) (Kats -12) | ||||||
| Chicago (1-0) at Iowa (0-1) (Rush -12) | ||||||
| Dallas (0-1) at Milwaukee (1-0) (Mustangs -5) | ||||||
| Arizona (0-1) at Colorado (1-0) (Crush -12) | ||||||
| Los Angeles (1-0) at San Jose (0-1) (Avengers -7) | ||||||
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