NASHVILLE-The Nashville Kats held off a valiant effort by the Orlando Predators in a 37-28 win dutring Week 13 of the AFL season.
RW Warden fumbled the opening kickoff for the Predators, and Jose Killian recovered for the Kats at the Orlando 23-yard line. Five plays later, Curt Wardlaw threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Damien Holden giving Nashville a 7-0 lead with 12:06 left in the first quarter. Following a Predators' punt, the Kats took two plays to strike again. Wardlaw fired an 85-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Falk extending the lead to 14-0 with 7:58 left in the first. Orlando would answer back, driving 85 yards on 9 plays. Woodrow Richardson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah O'Connell making it 14-7 with 4:11 to go in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter. Then, Richardson was picked off by Lincoln Bingham and he ran it back 19 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-7 with 14:22 to go in the second quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Warden found a seam and raced 89 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-14 with 14:05 left in the half. Nashville's next possession was thwarted when Wardlaw was intercepted by Artie Damon at the Orlando 46-yard line. The Predators could not take advantage, however, as Richardson was stripped of the ball by RW Burns and Jaureen Karnes recovered for the Kats at the Nashville 21-yard line. The teams would trade punts, then Nashville looked to add to their lead. But Daniel Stevenson's 32-yard field goal attempt was partially blocked. Orlando consequently drove 52 yards on 7 plays, ending with Abel White kicking a 43-yard field goal to make it 21-17 with 30 seconds to go in the second quarter. Oliver Osler would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and Eddy Guess fell on it for the Predators at the Kats' 31-yard line. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by White with 4 seconds remaining to make it 21-20 at halftime.
Nashville opened the second half by driving 77 yards on 6 plays. Wardlaw finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Alza Chipman to make it 28-20 with 11:26 left in the third quarter. After an Orlando punt, the Kats were stymied on three plays starting from the Predators' 37-yard line. But still, Stevenson was able to connect on a 54-yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-20 with 8:24 left in the third. The Predators would answer with a 6-play, 67-yard drive. Richardson would throw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Stewart Lamons, and a successful 2-Point Conversion made it 31-28 with 5:23 to go in the third quarter. Nashville would answer with a 7-play, 48-yard drive, and Stevenson would kick a 43-yard field goal to make it 34-28 with 1:42 remaining in the third.
Orlando looked to take the lead on their next drive, but D.J. Giles fumbled the ball, and Lando Reynolds reutrned it 21 yards to the Nashville 32-yard line.The Kats punted the ball away, and the Predators again looked to find the end zone. But this time, Caleb Doering lost the ball and Tamlin Lake recovered for the Kats at the Nashville 35-yard line. The Kats looked to put it out of reach, but Darius Talie intercepted Wardlaw and ran it back 26 yards to the Predators' 43-yard line. Orlando was turned away on fourth down in Nashville territory, and then the Kats drove 30 yards on 7 plays, ending with Stevenson kicking a 44-yard field goal to make it 37-28 with 1:42 remaining in the game. Bingham picked off Richardson to snuff out Orlando's last attempt to score.
Nashville (8-5) gained 428 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 175 yards on 34 carries. Osler led the team with 133 yards on 23 carries. He also caught 3 passes for 60 yards. Osler also broke the AFL single-season rushing record set by San Jose's Alan Sale last season (1,066 yards after 13 games). Wardlaw was 15-of-29 passing for 270 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Vittorio Swane caught 3 passes for 41 yards. The Kats visit the Chicago Rush next week.
Orlando (2-11) gained 368 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 62 yards on 19 carries. Richardson led the team with 26 yards on 3 carries. He was 24-of-36 passing for 347 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked seven times, losing 41 yards. Doering led with 5 receptions for 46 yards. Leonard Irving caught 4 passes for 100 yards. The Predators visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
AFL: Storm Beat Force, 30-10
TAMPA-The Tampa Bay Storm pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Georgia Force 30-10 in a Week 13 AFL game.
After trading punts to start the game, Tampa Bay would go on a 7-play 48-yard drive. Jefferson Taylor would throw a 12-yard touchdown pass on a halfback option to Burton Carmon giving the Storm a 7-0 lead with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would again trade punts into the second quarter, then Tampa Bay drove 25 yards on 6 plays. Johnny Quincey kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 9:31 to go in the second quarter. The exchange of punts continued until Emmit Quasar fumbled and Bo Bull recovered for the Force at the Storm 28-yard line. Georgia lost a yard on four plays, and Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 1:47 to go in the half.
The Storm looked to score a touchdown at the start of the second half, but Ward Hilton picked off an Orval Stanley at the Force 8-yard line. But on the ensuing Georgia drive, Yannel Gansz was picked off by Allie Navarro who streaked 39 yards to the Georgia 5-yard line. Three plays later, Willie Zachary scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-3 with 11:14 left in the third quarter. The Force answered with a 9-play, 82-yard drive. Prince David scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-10 with 5:54 to go in the third.
Tampa Bay answered with a 13-play, 51-yard drive ending with Quincey connecting on a 25-yard field goal to take a 20-10 lead with 14:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia three-and-out, the Storm drove 43 yards on 8 plays, and Quincey connected on another 25-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 9:15 to go in the fourth. The teams would trade punts, then in the final minute, Gansz's pass was intercepted by Drake Cushing who ran it back 34 yards for a pick-six to make it 30-10 with 46 seconds to go in the game.
Tampa Bay (8-5) gained 344 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 154 yards on 41 carries. Taylor led the team with 64 yards on 18 carries. Stanley was 14-of-28 passing for 188 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Carmon was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Next week, the Storm will visit the Iowa Barnstormers.
Georgia (7-6) gained 207 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 61 yards on 18 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 29 yards on 7 carries. Gansz was 15-of-31 passing for 173 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 27 yards. Tinker Trice was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Force will visit the Dallas Desperados.
After trading punts to start the game, Tampa Bay would go on a 7-play 48-yard drive. Jefferson Taylor would throw a 12-yard touchdown pass on a halfback option to Burton Carmon giving the Storm a 7-0 lead with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would again trade punts into the second quarter, then Tampa Bay drove 25 yards on 6 plays. Johnny Quincey kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 9:31 to go in the second quarter. The exchange of punts continued until Emmit Quasar fumbled and Bo Bull recovered for the Force at the Storm 28-yard line. Georgia lost a yard on four plays, and Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 1:47 to go in the half.
The Storm looked to score a touchdown at the start of the second half, but Ward Hilton picked off an Orval Stanley at the Force 8-yard line. But on the ensuing Georgia drive, Yannel Gansz was picked off by Allie Navarro who streaked 39 yards to the Georgia 5-yard line. Three plays later, Willie Zachary scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-3 with 11:14 left in the third quarter. The Force answered with a 9-play, 82-yard drive. Prince David scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-10 with 5:54 to go in the third.
Tampa Bay answered with a 13-play, 51-yard drive ending with Quincey connecting on a 25-yard field goal to take a 20-10 lead with 14:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia three-and-out, the Storm drove 43 yards on 8 plays, and Quincey connected on another 25-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 9:15 to go in the fourth. The teams would trade punts, then in the final minute, Gansz's pass was intercepted by Drake Cushing who ran it back 34 yards for a pick-six to make it 30-10 with 46 seconds to go in the game.
Tampa Bay (8-5) gained 344 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 154 yards on 41 carries. Taylor led the team with 64 yards on 18 carries. Stanley was 14-of-28 passing for 188 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Carmon was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Next week, the Storm will visit the Iowa Barnstormers.
Georgia (7-6) gained 207 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 61 yards on 18 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 29 yards on 7 carries. Gansz was 15-of-31 passing for 173 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 27 yards. Tinker Trice was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Force will visit the Dallas Desperados.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
AFL: Dragons Edge Firebirds, 30-28
UNIONDALE, NY-The New York Dragons took the lead in the last two minutes, and held off the Albany Firebirds 30-28 in Week 13 of the AFL season. As a result, the Grand Rapids Rampage are one win away from wrapping up the AFL Eastern Division.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then Albany got the first break when Butler Stonewall recovered a Faron Emerson fumble at the New York 11-yard line. After three plays netted eight yards, Wally Dancer kicked a 20-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:18 left in the first quarter. The Dragons would respond with a 7-play, 68-yard drive. George Larron would score on a 6-yard touchdown run to give New York a 7-3 lead with 3:13 left in the first.
After the Firebirds punted at the end of the first quarter, the Dragons were on the move again, driving 70 yards on 7 plays. Jose Trust ended the drive with a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 10:53 to go in the second quarter. Albany punted on their next drive, and New York looked to extend their lead, but Trust missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. Following the miss, the Firebirds drove 57 yards on 10 plays. Dancer kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 7-6 with 1:54 remaining in the half. Melvin Betts fumbled the ensuing kickoff for the Dragons, and Travis Edgar recovered for Albany at the New York 34-yard line. Three plays later, Sinbad Gargaro hit Tico Ponder for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 47 seconds to go giving the Firebirds a 13-10 halftime lead.
Albany punted to open the second half, then New York went on a 7-play, 59-yard drive. Emerson threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr reclaiming the lead for the Dragons at 17-13 with 10:40 left in the third quarter. After another Firebirds' punt, the Dragons moved 43 yards on 9 plays. Freddy Ashercraft finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 24-13 with 4:27 to go in the third. Albany struck back with a 7-play, 53-yard drive, ending it with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gargaro to Anthony Long. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the Firebirds trailed 24-21 with 1:23 left in the third quarter.
The Dragons would punt, then Gargaro would get picked off by Omar Wheeley who ran it back 39 yards to the New York 45-yard line. Following a 10-play, 47-yard drive, Trust kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 27-21 with 8:34 left in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would take four plays to travel 69 yards, the final 43 coming on a Ponder touchdown run to give Albany a 28-27 lead with 6:58 remaining in the fourth. The teams traded punts, and the Dragons were fortunate to start at midfield. After a four-play, 15-yard drive, Trust drilled a 52-yard field goal to give New York a 30-28 lead with 1:37 remaining in the game. The Firebirds couldn't convert a fourth down, and the Dragons ran out the clock.
New York (3-10) gained 388 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 144 yards on 36 carries. Larron led the team with 67 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Emerson was 19-of-29 passing for 259 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Chase Hamil was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 74 yards. Next week, the Dragons visit the Arizona Rattlers.
Albany (6-7) gained 331 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 123 yards on 20 carries. Ponder led the team with 55 yards on 7 carries and a TD. He also led with 8 receptions for 74 yards and a TD. Gargaro was 22-of-37 passing for 208 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Next week, the Firebirds visit the San Jose Sabercats.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then Albany got the first break when Butler Stonewall recovered a Faron Emerson fumble at the New York 11-yard line. After three plays netted eight yards, Wally Dancer kicked a 20-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:18 left in the first quarter. The Dragons would respond with a 7-play, 68-yard drive. George Larron would score on a 6-yard touchdown run to give New York a 7-3 lead with 3:13 left in the first.
After the Firebirds punted at the end of the first quarter, the Dragons were on the move again, driving 70 yards on 7 plays. Jose Trust ended the drive with a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 10:53 to go in the second quarter. Albany punted on their next drive, and New York looked to extend their lead, but Trust missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. Following the miss, the Firebirds drove 57 yards on 10 plays. Dancer kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 7-6 with 1:54 remaining in the half. Melvin Betts fumbled the ensuing kickoff for the Dragons, and Travis Edgar recovered for Albany at the New York 34-yard line. Three plays later, Sinbad Gargaro hit Tico Ponder for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 47 seconds to go giving the Firebirds a 13-10 halftime lead.
Albany punted to open the second half, then New York went on a 7-play, 59-yard drive. Emerson threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr reclaiming the lead for the Dragons at 17-13 with 10:40 left in the third quarter. After another Firebirds' punt, the Dragons moved 43 yards on 9 plays. Freddy Ashercraft finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 24-13 with 4:27 to go in the third. Albany struck back with a 7-play, 53-yard drive, ending it with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gargaro to Anthony Long. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the Firebirds trailed 24-21 with 1:23 left in the third quarter.
The Dragons would punt, then Gargaro would get picked off by Omar Wheeley who ran it back 39 yards to the New York 45-yard line. Following a 10-play, 47-yard drive, Trust kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 27-21 with 8:34 left in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would take four plays to travel 69 yards, the final 43 coming on a Ponder touchdown run to give Albany a 28-27 lead with 6:58 remaining in the fourth. The teams traded punts, and the Dragons were fortunate to start at midfield. After a four-play, 15-yard drive, Trust drilled a 52-yard field goal to give New York a 30-28 lead with 1:37 remaining in the game. The Firebirds couldn't convert a fourth down, and the Dragons ran out the clock.
New York (3-10) gained 388 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 144 yards on 36 carries. Larron led the team with 67 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Emerson was 19-of-29 passing for 259 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Chase Hamil was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 74 yards. Next week, the Dragons visit the Arizona Rattlers.
Albany (6-7) gained 331 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 123 yards on 20 carries. Ponder led the team with 55 yards on 7 carries and a TD. He also led with 8 receptions for 74 yards and a TD. Gargaro was 22-of-37 passing for 208 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Next week, the Firebirds visit the San Jose Sabercats.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
AFL: Grand Rapids Knocks Out Detroit, 27-19
GRAND RAPIDS-The Grand Rapids Rampage defeated the Detroit Drive to knock them out of contention of the AFL Eastern Division with a 27-19 victory in Week 13.
The first quarter did not feature any scoring. The teams traded punts on their first possession, then Detroit looked to get on the board. But Cletis Frayer's 43-yard field goal attempt sailed wide. After a Grand Rapids punt, the Rampage would get the ball back when Ves Gaskins picked off Lou Couch early in the second quarter and returned it 31 yards to the Drive 13-yard line. Three plays later, Toby Harrell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 7-0 lead with 12:46 to go in the second quarter.
After Gaskins picked Couch off again at the Rampage 45-yard line, they went on an 8-play, 45-yard drive. George Tibbs ended the march with a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:15 remaining in the half. The Drive turned the ball over again, as Couch was sacked by Marvin Tyles who stripped the ball away at the Grand Rapids 48-yard line. Herbert Shipley finished off the subsequent 9-play, 52-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to take a 17-0 lead with 1:18 to go in the second quarter. Detroit finally got on the scoreboard after marching 50 yards on 5 plays. Frayer would kick a 47-yard field goal with 2 seconds left, and the Drive trailed 17-3 at halftime.
Grand Rapids punted on their first possession of the second half, then the Drive moved 62 yards on 14 plays. Frayer ended it with a 23-yard field goal making the score 17-6 with 6:35 left in the third quarter. The Rampage punted again, then Detroit drove 71 yards on 8 plays. Couch hit Ahmed Sohn for an 18-yard touchdown pass, but the 2-Point Conversion failed, and the Drive trailed 17-12 with 23 seconds left in the third.
The Rampage would respond on their next possession, driving 67 yards on 9 plays. Curtis Wayne finished it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Kinzer making it 24-12 with 10:16 to go in the fourth quarter. Following a Detroit punt, Grand Rapids moved 34 yards on 12 plays. Tibbs would kick a 43-yard field goal extending the lead to 27-12 with 4:07 to go in the fourth. The Drive quickly moved for a score, going 63 yards on 6 plays. Couch would hit Dave Huntley for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 27-19 with 2:16 remaining in the game. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Detroit had one more chance to score, but were turned away on fourth down at midfield.
Grand Rapids (8-5) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 103 yards on 36 carries. Harrell led the team with 61 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Wayne was 13-of-18 passing for 149 yards and a TD. He was not sacked in the game. Nikolai Vilmer was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 49 yards. The Rampage visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Detroit (5-8) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 106 yards on 28 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 33 yards on 8 carries. Couch was 21-of-33 passing for 298 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Sohn led the receivers with 9 catches for 130 yards and a TD. Next week, the Drive visit the Los Angeles Avengers.
The first quarter did not feature any scoring. The teams traded punts on their first possession, then Detroit looked to get on the board. But Cletis Frayer's 43-yard field goal attempt sailed wide. After a Grand Rapids punt, the Rampage would get the ball back when Ves Gaskins picked off Lou Couch early in the second quarter and returned it 31 yards to the Drive 13-yard line. Three plays later, Toby Harrell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 7-0 lead with 12:46 to go in the second quarter.
After Gaskins picked Couch off again at the Rampage 45-yard line, they went on an 8-play, 45-yard drive. George Tibbs ended the march with a 27-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:15 remaining in the half. The Drive turned the ball over again, as Couch was sacked by Marvin Tyles who stripped the ball away at the Grand Rapids 48-yard line. Herbert Shipley finished off the subsequent 9-play, 52-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to take a 17-0 lead with 1:18 to go in the second quarter. Detroit finally got on the scoreboard after marching 50 yards on 5 plays. Frayer would kick a 47-yard field goal with 2 seconds left, and the Drive trailed 17-3 at halftime.
Grand Rapids punted on their first possession of the second half, then the Drive moved 62 yards on 14 plays. Frayer ended it with a 23-yard field goal making the score 17-6 with 6:35 left in the third quarter. The Rampage punted again, then Detroit drove 71 yards on 8 plays. Couch hit Ahmed Sohn for an 18-yard touchdown pass, but the 2-Point Conversion failed, and the Drive trailed 17-12 with 23 seconds left in the third.
The Rampage would respond on their next possession, driving 67 yards on 9 plays. Curtis Wayne finished it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Kinzer making it 24-12 with 10:16 to go in the fourth quarter. Following a Detroit punt, Grand Rapids moved 34 yards on 12 plays. Tibbs would kick a 43-yard field goal extending the lead to 27-12 with 4:07 to go in the fourth. The Drive quickly moved for a score, going 63 yards on 6 plays. Couch would hit Dave Huntley for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 27-19 with 2:16 remaining in the game. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Detroit had one more chance to score, but were turned away on fourth down at midfield.
Grand Rapids (8-5) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 103 yards on 36 carries. Harrell led the team with 61 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Wayne was 13-of-18 passing for 149 yards and a TD. He was not sacked in the game. Nikolai Vilmer was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 49 yards. The Rampage visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Detroit (5-8) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 106 yards on 28 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 33 yards on 8 carries. Couch was 21-of-33 passing for 298 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Sohn led the receivers with 9 catches for 130 yards and a TD. Next week, the Drive visit the Los Angeles Avengers.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
AFL Week 12 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 7 | 5 | 0 | 284 | 241 | 4-2 |
| Albany Firebirds | 6 | 6 | 0 | 256 | 261 | 4-3 |
| Detroit Drive | 5 | 7 | 0 | 258 | 247 | 3-4 |
| New York Dragons | 2 | 10 | 0 | 213 | 325 | 1-5 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Nashville Kats | 7 | 5 | 0 | 297 | 250 | 3-3 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 7 | 5 | 0 | 262 | 296 | 3-3 |
| Georgia Force | 7 | 5 | 0 | 246 | 267 | 3-4 |
| Orlando Predators | 2 | 10 | 0 | 258 | 325 | 2-5 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 7 | 5 | 0 | 344 | 272 | 3-2 |
| Chicago Rush | 7 | 5 | 0 | 288 | 293 | 3-3 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 6 | 6 | 0 | 275 | 269 | 1-4 |
| Dallas Desperados | 6 | 6 | 0 | 286 | 298 | 4-1 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| San Jose Sabercats | 8 | 4 | 0 | 317 | 250 | 3-2 |
| Colorado Crush | 7 | 5 | 0 | 300 | 302 | 3-3 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 272 | 260 | 1-4 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 266 | 268 | 3-3 |
| Week 12 Scores (Home Team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| ORLANDO 28, Detroit 3 | ||||||
| Grand Rapids 20, NASHVILLE 17 | ||||||
| GEORGIA 16, Albany 7 | ||||||
| TAMPA BAY 31, New York 30 | ||||||
| COLORADO 34, Chicago 24 | ||||||
| SAN JOSE 38, Dallas 9 | ||||||
| ARIZONA 28, Iowa 18 | ||||||
| Milwaukee 23, LOS ANGELES 18 | ||||||
| Week 13 Games | ||||||
| Detroit (5-7) at Grand Rapids (7-5) (Rampage -9) | ||||||
| Albany (6-6) at New York (2-10) (Firebirds -5) | ||||||
| Georgia (7-5) at Tampa Bay (7-5) (Storm -6) | ||||||
| Orlando (2-10) at Nashville (7-5) (Kats -4) | ||||||
| Chicago (7-5) at Dallas (6-6) (Desperados -2) | ||||||
| Iowa (7-5) at Milwaukee (6-6) (Mustangs -2) | ||||||
| Arizona (6-6) at Los Angeles (6-6) (Rattlers -1) | ||||||
| Colorado (7-5) at San Jose (8-4) (Sabercats -7) | ||||||
Playoff Picture
National Conference
Nashville at Grand Rapids
American Conference
Iowa at San Jose
AFL: Mustangs Hold On, Beat Avengers 23-18
LOS ANGELES-Garrett Counts scored a pair of touchdowns, and the Milwaukee Mustangs kept the Los Angeles Avengers from scoring late in a 23-18 victory in a Week 12 game.
The Mustangs would punt to open the game, then the Avengers drove 55 yards on 9 plays. Willie Guess finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chip Kindrick to take a 7-0 lead with 9:06 to go in the first quarter. Milwaukee punted again, then a Kindrick fumble was recovered by Yousef Checkers at the Los Angeles 25-yard line. Three plays later, Bruce Baskerville threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Romine tying the game at 7 with 3:18 to go in the first.
The Avengers would punt on their next drive, and down it at the Mustangs 2-yard line. On the very next play, Carlisle June would sack Baskerville in the end zone for a safety giving Los Angeles a 9-7 lead with 14:36 left in the second quarter. On LA's ensuing possession after the safety kick, a bad snap on a fourth down punt forced Nino Schwarz to throw a hurried pass to Caleb Jessen that fell incomplete, giving Milwaukee the ball at the Avengers' 29-yard line. Five plays later, Counts hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville and the Mustangs were up 14-9 with 10:33 left in the half. The Avengers would then march 80 yards on 17 plays, and Kindrick would score on a 7-yard touchdown run with 3:05 left. The extra point was no good, and the teams went into halftime with Los Angeles leading 15-14.
The third quarter was a defensive struggle. Both teams punted to open the half, then the Avengers threatened to get on the board, but Carmon Grimes missed a 53-yard field goal. Following the miss, the Mustangs drove 36 yards on 9 plays. Rock Philbrook connected on a 38-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining in the third to take a 17-15 lead.
Both teams traded punts early in the fourth quarter, then the Avengers would go on a 6-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Grimes kicking a 45-yard field goal to retake the lead, 18-17 with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts again, the Mustangs embarked on an 11-play, 62-yard drive. Counts put the cap on the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Milwaukee couldn't convert for two, and the score was 23-18 with 2:10 left in the game. Los Angeles started the ensuing possession at their own 36-yard line and ultimately faced a fourth-and-2 at the Milwaukee 20-yard line with 59 seconds left. Guess was forced out of the pocket and was stopped a yard short at the 19 and the Mustangs ran out the clock.
Milwaukee (6-6) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 64 yards on 26 carries. Manolo Gage led the team with 39 yards on 9 carries. Baskerville was 21-of-30 passing for 197 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Romine was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 62 yards and a TD. The Mustangs host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Los Angeles (6-6) gained 296 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 118 yards on 27 carries. Kindrick led the team with 52 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Guess was 24-of-34 passing for 197 yards and a TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Keifer Dance was the leading receiver with 10 catches for 95 yards. The Avengers host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
The Mustangs would punt to open the game, then the Avengers drove 55 yards on 9 plays. Willie Guess finished it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chip Kindrick to take a 7-0 lead with 9:06 to go in the first quarter. Milwaukee punted again, then a Kindrick fumble was recovered by Yousef Checkers at the Los Angeles 25-yard line. Three plays later, Bruce Baskerville threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Romine tying the game at 7 with 3:18 to go in the first.
The Avengers would punt on their next drive, and down it at the Mustangs 2-yard line. On the very next play, Carlisle June would sack Baskerville in the end zone for a safety giving Los Angeles a 9-7 lead with 14:36 left in the second quarter. On LA's ensuing possession after the safety kick, a bad snap on a fourth down punt forced Nino Schwarz to throw a hurried pass to Caleb Jessen that fell incomplete, giving Milwaukee the ball at the Avengers' 29-yard line. Five plays later, Counts hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Baskerville and the Mustangs were up 14-9 with 10:33 left in the half. The Avengers would then march 80 yards on 17 plays, and Kindrick would score on a 7-yard touchdown run with 3:05 left. The extra point was no good, and the teams went into halftime with Los Angeles leading 15-14.
The third quarter was a defensive struggle. Both teams punted to open the half, then the Avengers threatened to get on the board, but Carmon Grimes missed a 53-yard field goal. Following the miss, the Mustangs drove 36 yards on 9 plays. Rock Philbrook connected on a 38-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining in the third to take a 17-15 lead.
Both teams traded punts early in the fourth quarter, then the Avengers would go on a 6-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Grimes kicking a 45-yard field goal to retake the lead, 18-17 with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts again, the Mustangs embarked on an 11-play, 62-yard drive. Counts put the cap on the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Milwaukee couldn't convert for two, and the score was 23-18 with 2:10 left in the game. Los Angeles started the ensuing possession at their own 36-yard line and ultimately faced a fourth-and-2 at the Milwaukee 20-yard line with 59 seconds left. Guess was forced out of the pocket and was stopped a yard short at the 19 and the Mustangs ran out the clock.
Milwaukee (6-6) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 64 yards on 26 carries. Manolo Gage led the team with 39 yards on 9 carries. Baskerville was 21-of-30 passing for 197 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Romine was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 62 yards and a TD. The Mustangs host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Los Angeles (6-6) gained 296 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 118 yards on 27 carries. Kindrick led the team with 52 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Guess was 24-of-34 passing for 197 yards and a TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Keifer Dance was the leading receiver with 10 catches for 95 yards. The Avengers host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Monday, November 20, 2017
AFL: Rattlers Beat Barnstormers, 28-18
PHOENIX-The Arizona Rattlers continued to try to keep pace in the AFL Western Division with a 28-18 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in a Week 12 game.
Montrose Gulley fielded the opening kickoff for the Rattlers and returned it 61 yards to the Barnstormers' 37-yard line. Kadeem Raburn hit Shelby Lerti on a flag pattern, but the ball was jarred loose, and Seth Waltrip fell on it at his own 2-yard line. Iowa then drove 91 yards on 15 plays, ultimately settling for a 24-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to take a 3-0 lead with 6:19 to go in the first quarter. Arizona answered with a 9-play, 63-yard drive. Stomp Navarro finished off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to take a 7-3 lead with 2:09 remaining in the first. Davlin Coggins returned the ensuing kickoff into Rattlers' territory, and the Barnstormers drove 46 yards on 4 plays. Norm Damron threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Weldon Taber on the final play of the first quarter to give Iowa a 10-7 lead.
On 3rd-and-9 from the Arizona 10, Nigel Tuck would burst through the line and sack Raburn in the end zone for a safety to extend Iowa's lead to 12-7 with 13:28 to go in the second quarter. Corben Marvell returned the ensuing safety kick 62 yards to the Rattlers' 24-yard line. After netting 13 yards on 8 plays, Rhoads kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 15-7 with 10:21 to go in the half. Raburn would fumble a snap on Arizona's next drive, and Leif Whitten recovered for the Barnstormers at the Iowa 42-yard line. Two plays later, Damron would mishandle a snap, and Madison Prunty recovered for the Rattlers at the Arizona 41-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Burt Hamrick kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 15-10 with 1:55 to go in the second quarter. The Rattlers' defense struck when Abdul Hanna picked off Damron and returned it 16 yards to the Barnstormers' 37-yard line. Arizona gained 19 yards on 2 plays, and Hamrick kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 15-13 at the half.
The Rattlers opened the second half getting the ball at their own 25, and marching 75 yards on 7 plays. The final 46 yards came on a touchdown run from Melvin Jones to give Arizona a 20-15 lead with 11:21 remaining in the third quarter. The Barnstormers punted on their next drive, then Raburn was picked off by Farrell Companis who took it back 11 yards to the Rattlers' 26-yard line. But on the next play, Ryan Travers fumbled the ball and Claud Fagan recovered at the line of scrimmage. Arizona would punt, and the Barnstormers drove 31 yards on 10 plays. Rhoads would kick a 43-yard field goal to make it 20-18 with 8 seconds to go in the third.
Arizona began the fourth quarter with a 7-play, 53-yard drive that ended with Raburn hitting Jones for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the Rattlers led 28-18 with 11:20 left in the fourth quarter. The teams traded punts, and Iowa was turned away on fourth down with under two minutes to go to give Arizona their fourth straight win.
Arizona (6-6) gained 327 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 186 yards on 34 carries. Jones led the team with 65 yards on 4 carries and a TD. Raburn was 14-of-20 passing for 161 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 20 yards. Aaron Sidney was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 48 yards. Next week, the Rattlers visit the Los Angeles Avengers.
Iowa (7-5) gained 321 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 68 yards on 22 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 38 yards on 9 carries. Damron was 28-of-37 passing for 277 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Travers was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 44 yards. The Barnstormers will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Montrose Gulley fielded the opening kickoff for the Rattlers and returned it 61 yards to the Barnstormers' 37-yard line. Kadeem Raburn hit Shelby Lerti on a flag pattern, but the ball was jarred loose, and Seth Waltrip fell on it at his own 2-yard line. Iowa then drove 91 yards on 15 plays, ultimately settling for a 24-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to take a 3-0 lead with 6:19 to go in the first quarter. Arizona answered with a 9-play, 63-yard drive. Stomp Navarro finished off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to take a 7-3 lead with 2:09 remaining in the first. Davlin Coggins returned the ensuing kickoff into Rattlers' territory, and the Barnstormers drove 46 yards on 4 plays. Norm Damron threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Weldon Taber on the final play of the first quarter to give Iowa a 10-7 lead.
On 3rd-and-9 from the Arizona 10, Nigel Tuck would burst through the line and sack Raburn in the end zone for a safety to extend Iowa's lead to 12-7 with 13:28 to go in the second quarter. Corben Marvell returned the ensuing safety kick 62 yards to the Rattlers' 24-yard line. After netting 13 yards on 8 plays, Rhoads kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 15-7 with 10:21 to go in the half. Raburn would fumble a snap on Arizona's next drive, and Leif Whitten recovered for the Barnstormers at the Iowa 42-yard line. Two plays later, Damron would mishandle a snap, and Madison Prunty recovered for the Rattlers at the Arizona 41-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Burt Hamrick kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 15-10 with 1:55 to go in the second quarter. The Rattlers' defense struck when Abdul Hanna picked off Damron and returned it 16 yards to the Barnstormers' 37-yard line. Arizona gained 19 yards on 2 plays, and Hamrick kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 15-13 at the half.
The Rattlers opened the second half getting the ball at their own 25, and marching 75 yards on 7 plays. The final 46 yards came on a touchdown run from Melvin Jones to give Arizona a 20-15 lead with 11:21 remaining in the third quarter. The Barnstormers punted on their next drive, then Raburn was picked off by Farrell Companis who took it back 11 yards to the Rattlers' 26-yard line. But on the next play, Ryan Travers fumbled the ball and Claud Fagan recovered at the line of scrimmage. Arizona would punt, and the Barnstormers drove 31 yards on 10 plays. Rhoads would kick a 43-yard field goal to make it 20-18 with 8 seconds to go in the third.
Arizona began the fourth quarter with a 7-play, 53-yard drive that ended with Raburn hitting Jones for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the Rattlers led 28-18 with 11:20 left in the fourth quarter. The teams traded punts, and Iowa was turned away on fourth down with under two minutes to go to give Arizona their fourth straight win.
Arizona (6-6) gained 327 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 186 yards on 34 carries. Jones led the team with 65 yards on 4 carries and a TD. Raburn was 14-of-20 passing for 161 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 20 yards. Aaron Sidney was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 48 yards. Next week, the Rattlers visit the Los Angeles Avengers.
Iowa (7-5) gained 321 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 68 yards on 22 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 38 yards on 9 carries. Damron was 28-of-37 passing for 277 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Travers was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 44 yards. The Barnstormers will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
AFL: Sabercats Pound Desperados, 38-9
SAN JOSE-Alan Sale and Scooter Colby each scored a pair of touchdowns in helping the San Jose Sabercats destroy the Dallas Desperados in a Week 12 AFL game by the score of 38-9.
After trading punts to start the game, San Jose got the first break when Erwin Sonn picked off Heinie Voorhees and returned it 67 yards to the Dallas 18-yard line. Three plays later, Sale scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 7-3 lead with 6:44 remaining in the first quarter. Sonn would pick off Voorhees again at the San Jose 41-yard line, but Sale fumbled and Noland Delta recovered for the Desperados at their own 47-yard line. After five plays gained 39 yards, Greg Hall would kick a 31-yard field goal making it 7-3 with 3:04 remaining in the first.
Diron Imboden intercepted a Timmy Carey at the Dallas 28-yard line, but the Desperados went three-and-out. San Jose then went on a 10-play, 35-yard drive and Ethan Wycoff ended it with a 46-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 9:30 left in the second quarter. After trading punts, Voorhees was again victimized by the San Jose defense, as Russ Bird returned the interception 40 yards to the Dallas 34-yard line. Six plays later, Carey hit Colby for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-3 with 1:41 to go in the half.
Things went from bad to worse for the Desperados in the second half, as Hack McDonald fielded the opening kickoff and ran it back 84 yards for a touchdown to make it 24-3 with 14:43 remaining in the third quarter. Dallas answered with a 9-play, 71-yard drive. Voorhees ended it with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Helmut Briley. However, Hall missed the extra point, and the score was 24-9 with 9:25 left in the third. San Jose answered with an 11-play, 58-yard drive. Colby ran in from the 2 for a touchdown and extended the Sabercats' lead to 31-9 with 2:52 to go in the third quarter.
The teams traded punts, and the Desperados again turned the ball over. Clem Shaffer fumbled on a punt return, and Kermit Blue fell on it at the San Jose 48-yard line. Sale subsequently ended a 13-play, 52-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 38-9 with 6:24 to go in the fourth quarter. Whitey Goldberry returned the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to the San Jose 28-yard line, but Dallas were turned back on fourth down at the 11-yard line, and the Sabercats ran out the clock.
San Jose (8-4) gained 298 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 190 yards on 39 carries. Sale led the team with 153 yards on 29 carries and 2 TD. Carey started the game at QB and went 10-of-19 for 62 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Andre Stanfill came in at the second half, and went 6-of-10 for 55 yards. Teddy Stacy (24 yards), Colby (23 yards, TD) and Turk Costigan (16 yards) each caught three passes in the game. Next week, the Sabercats will host the Colorado Crush.
Dallas (6-6) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 35 yards on 14 carries. Voorhees led the team with 12 yards on 5 carries. He was 22-of-40 passing for 250 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 32 yards. Shaffer was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 83 yards. Next week, the Desperados host the Chicago Rush.
After trading punts to start the game, San Jose got the first break when Erwin Sonn picked off Heinie Voorhees and returned it 67 yards to the Dallas 18-yard line. Three plays later, Sale scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 7-3 lead with 6:44 remaining in the first quarter. Sonn would pick off Voorhees again at the San Jose 41-yard line, but Sale fumbled and Noland Delta recovered for the Desperados at their own 47-yard line. After five plays gained 39 yards, Greg Hall would kick a 31-yard field goal making it 7-3 with 3:04 remaining in the first.
Diron Imboden intercepted a Timmy Carey at the Dallas 28-yard line, but the Desperados went three-and-out. San Jose then went on a 10-play, 35-yard drive and Ethan Wycoff ended it with a 46-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 9:30 left in the second quarter. After trading punts, Voorhees was again victimized by the San Jose defense, as Russ Bird returned the interception 40 yards to the Dallas 34-yard line. Six plays later, Carey hit Colby for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-3 with 1:41 to go in the half.
Things went from bad to worse for the Desperados in the second half, as Hack McDonald fielded the opening kickoff and ran it back 84 yards for a touchdown to make it 24-3 with 14:43 remaining in the third quarter. Dallas answered with a 9-play, 71-yard drive. Voorhees ended it with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Helmut Briley. However, Hall missed the extra point, and the score was 24-9 with 9:25 left in the third. San Jose answered with an 11-play, 58-yard drive. Colby ran in from the 2 for a touchdown and extended the Sabercats' lead to 31-9 with 2:52 to go in the third quarter.
The teams traded punts, and the Desperados again turned the ball over. Clem Shaffer fumbled on a punt return, and Kermit Blue fell on it at the San Jose 48-yard line. Sale subsequently ended a 13-play, 52-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 38-9 with 6:24 to go in the fourth quarter. Whitey Goldberry returned the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to the San Jose 28-yard line, but Dallas were turned back on fourth down at the 11-yard line, and the Sabercats ran out the clock.
San Jose (8-4) gained 298 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 190 yards on 39 carries. Sale led the team with 153 yards on 29 carries and 2 TD. Carey started the game at QB and went 10-of-19 for 62 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Andre Stanfill came in at the second half, and went 6-of-10 for 55 yards. Teddy Stacy (24 yards), Colby (23 yards, TD) and Turk Costigan (16 yards) each caught three passes in the game. Next week, the Sabercats will host the Colorado Crush.
Dallas (6-6) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 35 yards on 14 carries. Voorhees led the team with 12 yards on 5 carries. He was 22-of-40 passing for 250 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 32 yards. Shaffer was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 83 yards. Next week, the Desperados host the Chicago Rush.
Friday, November 17, 2017
AFL: Colorado Tops Chicago, 34-24
DENVER-The Colorado Crush prevailed over the Chicago Rush in a 34-24 victory in Week 12 of the AFL season.
Colorado started the game with possession, and drove 29 yards in 5 plays. Earl Ginger kicked a 47-yard field goal to give the Crush a 3-0 lead with 11:36 left in the first quarter. Keith Headrick returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to the Colorado 35-yard line. But the Rush were turned away when Eric Adcock picked off Hershel Kimbrell at the 6-yard line. The teams traded punts, then Colorado's scoring threat was extinguished when Howton Thom fumbled and Reb Avis recovered for Chicago at their own 34-yard line. Kimbrell finished off a 6-play, 66-yard drive throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kale Colby giving the Rush a 7-3 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
JC Holman fielded the ensuing kickoff for the Crush, and returned it 40 yards before fumbling. Wyatt Coyle recovered for the Rush at the Colorado 45-yard line. Chicago looked to add to their lead, but Dete Justen missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. Thom would then end a 6-play, 57-yard drive by connecting with Peter Links for a 25-yard touchdown pass to take a 10-7 lead with 10:55 remaining in the second quarter. The Rush would respond with an 8-play, 78-yard drive. Kimbrell fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli giving Chicago a 14-10 lead with 6:05 remaining in the half. The teams would trade punts, then a fumbled snap by Thom was recovered by Wallace Fetters at the Rush 36-yard line. But Chicago was forced to punt, and Colorado's final possession of the half ended with Ginger missing a 24-yard field goal attempt just before halftime.
The teams traded punts to open the second half, each pinning the other deep in their own territory. Kimbrell was again picked off by Adcock at the Chicago 16-yard line. Four plays later, Thom would throw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss helping Colorado retake the lead at 17-14 with 6:52 to go in the third quarter. Kimbrell was again picked off as Stan Dinn returned the ball 23 yards to the Rush 23-yard line. Four plays later, Aaron Yarnell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 24-14 with 3:40 left in the third.
Chicago would recover from the unintended generosity driving 37 yards on 12 plays. Justen connected on a 53-yard field goal at the start of the fourth quarter to make it 24-17 with 14:52 to go. Again, the teams traded punts, then MacArthur Fagan strip-sacked Thom and Harlan Fears recovered for the Rush at the Crush 16-yard line. Headrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown run five plays later to tie the game at 24 with 8:23 to go in the fourth. But Colorado would answer with a 15-play, 73-yard drive. Thom ended the march with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell, giving the Crush a 31-24 lead with 1:49 to go in the fourth quarter. Dinn would pick off Kimbrell again, and return it 44 yards to the Chicago 28-yard line. Ginger ended a 4-play, 22-yard drive with a 23-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go for a 34-24 lead.
Colorado (7-5) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 81 yards on 28 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Thom was 29-of-41 passing for 311 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Howell led the receivers with 8 catches for 75 yards and a TD. Next week, the Crush visit the San Jose Sabercats.
Chicago (7-5) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 54 yards on 22 carries. Finley Gentry led the team with 49 yards on 11 carries. Kimbrell was 19-of-37 passing for 218 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Colby was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 46 yards and a TD. The Rush visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Colorado started the game with possession, and drove 29 yards in 5 plays. Earl Ginger kicked a 47-yard field goal to give the Crush a 3-0 lead with 11:36 left in the first quarter. Keith Headrick returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to the Colorado 35-yard line. But the Rush were turned away when Eric Adcock picked off Hershel Kimbrell at the 6-yard line. The teams traded punts, then Colorado's scoring threat was extinguished when Howton Thom fumbled and Reb Avis recovered for Chicago at their own 34-yard line. Kimbrell finished off a 6-play, 66-yard drive throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kale Colby giving the Rush a 7-3 lead on the final play of the first quarter.
JC Holman fielded the ensuing kickoff for the Crush, and returned it 40 yards before fumbling. Wyatt Coyle recovered for the Rush at the Colorado 45-yard line. Chicago looked to add to their lead, but Dete Justen missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. Thom would then end a 6-play, 57-yard drive by connecting with Peter Links for a 25-yard touchdown pass to take a 10-7 lead with 10:55 remaining in the second quarter. The Rush would respond with an 8-play, 78-yard drive. Kimbrell fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli giving Chicago a 14-10 lead with 6:05 remaining in the half. The teams would trade punts, then a fumbled snap by Thom was recovered by Wallace Fetters at the Rush 36-yard line. But Chicago was forced to punt, and Colorado's final possession of the half ended with Ginger missing a 24-yard field goal attempt just before halftime.
The teams traded punts to open the second half, each pinning the other deep in their own territory. Kimbrell was again picked off by Adcock at the Chicago 16-yard line. Four plays later, Thom would throw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss helping Colorado retake the lead at 17-14 with 6:52 to go in the third quarter. Kimbrell was again picked off as Stan Dinn returned the ball 23 yards to the Rush 23-yard line. Four plays later, Aaron Yarnell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 24-14 with 3:40 left in the third.
Chicago would recover from the unintended generosity driving 37 yards on 12 plays. Justen connected on a 53-yard field goal at the start of the fourth quarter to make it 24-17 with 14:52 to go. Again, the teams traded punts, then MacArthur Fagan strip-sacked Thom and Harlan Fears recovered for the Rush at the Crush 16-yard line. Headrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown run five plays later to tie the game at 24 with 8:23 to go in the fourth. But Colorado would answer with a 15-play, 73-yard drive. Thom ended the march with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Howell, giving the Crush a 31-24 lead with 1:49 to go in the fourth quarter. Dinn would pick off Kimbrell again, and return it 44 yards to the Chicago 28-yard line. Ginger ended a 4-play, 22-yard drive with a 23-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go for a 34-24 lead.
Colorado (7-5) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 81 yards on 28 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Thom was 29-of-41 passing for 311 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Howell led the receivers with 8 catches for 75 yards and a TD. Next week, the Crush visit the San Jose Sabercats.
Chicago (7-5) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 54 yards on 22 carries. Finley Gentry led the team with 49 yards on 11 carries. Kimbrell was 19-of-37 passing for 218 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Colby was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 46 yards and a TD. The Rush visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
AFL: Storm Edge Dragons, 31-30
TAMPA-Willie Zachary scored the winning touchdown with over a minute left to snap the Tampa Bay Storm's three-game losing streak with a 31-30 win over the New York Dragons in a Week 12 AFL game.
The Storm began the game with a 9-play, 53-yard drive ending with a 49-yard field goal by Johnny Quincey to take a 3-0 lead with 10:12 left in the first quarter. The Dragons would respond with a 7-play, 70-yard drive. Freddy Ashercraft ended the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run giving New York a 7-3 lead with 6:34 to go in the first. Tampa Bay would punt on their next drive, and the Dragons drove 48 yards on 8 plays. Faron Emerson would throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ashercraft to make it 14-3 with 1:17 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, then New York would go on a 5-play, 54-yard drive. The drive ended with a 33-yard field goal by Jose Trust to take a 17-3 lead with 5:55 remaining in the second quarter. Tampa Bay would strike back with a 5-play, 65-yard drive. Orval Stanley would throw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Burton Carmon making it 17-10 with 4:25 left in the half. After a Dragons punt, the Storm drove 52 yards on 8 plays. Quincey would kick a 25-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go to make it 17-13 at the half.
New York took four plays to travel 79 yards at the start of the second half. The final 40 came on a touchdown pass from Emerson to Ardell Ashmore extending the Dragons' lead to 24-13 with 13:10 to go in the third quarter. Tampa Bay answered with a 6-play, 28-yard drive that ended with Quincey kicking a 54-yard field goal to make it 24-16 with 9:51 to go in the third. The Dragons' next drive was thwarted when Emerson was picked off by Dazzle L. Singletary who raced it back 51 yards to the New York 34-yard line. Five plays later, Stanley hit Labe Jay for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Storm would successfully convert for 2 to tie the game at 24 with 5:30 to go in the third quarter.
The Dragons would answer back with a 16-play, 66-yard drive ending with Trust connecting on a 29-yard field goal to retake the lead 27-24 with 12:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. After the Storm punted, New York marched downfield again. Trust would end the 9-play, 58-yard drive with a 31-yard field goal to make it 30-24 with 4:39 to go in the fourth. Tampa Bay would then try to drive for a touchdown, but Vance Bicker picked off Stanley at the Dragons' 46-yard line. However, on the next play, Paden Caspar fumbled for New York and Singletary recovered for the Storm at their own 48-yard line. Three plays later, Stanley threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Zachary, and the extra point gave Tampa Bay the 31-30 lead with 1:16 to go in the fourth quarter. Drake Cushing would pick off Emerson and return it 16 yards to the New York 17-yard line to salt the game away.
Tampa Bay (7-5) gained 359 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 100 yards on 24 carries. Zachary led the team with 63 yards on 13 carries. Stanley was 22-of-31 passing for 259 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Carmon was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 69 yards and a TD. Next week. the Storm will host the Georgia Force.
New York (2-10) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 101 yards on 28 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 31 yards on 10 carries and a TD. Emerson was 24-of-29 passing for 306 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 94 yards. The Dragons host the Albany Firebirds next week.
The Storm began the game with a 9-play, 53-yard drive ending with a 49-yard field goal by Johnny Quincey to take a 3-0 lead with 10:12 left in the first quarter. The Dragons would respond with a 7-play, 70-yard drive. Freddy Ashercraft ended the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run giving New York a 7-3 lead with 6:34 to go in the first. Tampa Bay would punt on their next drive, and the Dragons drove 48 yards on 8 plays. Faron Emerson would throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ashercraft to make it 14-3 with 1:17 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, then New York would go on a 5-play, 54-yard drive. The drive ended with a 33-yard field goal by Jose Trust to take a 17-3 lead with 5:55 remaining in the second quarter. Tampa Bay would strike back with a 5-play, 65-yard drive. Orval Stanley would throw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Burton Carmon making it 17-10 with 4:25 left in the half. After a Dragons punt, the Storm drove 52 yards on 8 plays. Quincey would kick a 25-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go to make it 17-13 at the half.
New York took four plays to travel 79 yards at the start of the second half. The final 40 came on a touchdown pass from Emerson to Ardell Ashmore extending the Dragons' lead to 24-13 with 13:10 to go in the third quarter. Tampa Bay answered with a 6-play, 28-yard drive that ended with Quincey kicking a 54-yard field goal to make it 24-16 with 9:51 to go in the third. The Dragons' next drive was thwarted when Emerson was picked off by Dazzle L. Singletary who raced it back 51 yards to the New York 34-yard line. Five plays later, Stanley hit Labe Jay for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Storm would successfully convert for 2 to tie the game at 24 with 5:30 to go in the third quarter.
The Dragons would answer back with a 16-play, 66-yard drive ending with Trust connecting on a 29-yard field goal to retake the lead 27-24 with 12:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. After the Storm punted, New York marched downfield again. Trust would end the 9-play, 58-yard drive with a 31-yard field goal to make it 30-24 with 4:39 to go in the fourth. Tampa Bay would then try to drive for a touchdown, but Vance Bicker picked off Stanley at the Dragons' 46-yard line. However, on the next play, Paden Caspar fumbled for New York and Singletary recovered for the Storm at their own 48-yard line. Three plays later, Stanley threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Zachary, and the extra point gave Tampa Bay the 31-30 lead with 1:16 to go in the fourth quarter. Drake Cushing would pick off Emerson and return it 16 yards to the New York 17-yard line to salt the game away.
Tampa Bay (7-5) gained 359 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 100 yards on 24 carries. Zachary led the team with 63 yards on 13 carries. Stanley was 22-of-31 passing for 259 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Carmon was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 69 yards and a TD. Next week. the Storm will host the Georgia Force.
New York (2-10) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 101 yards on 28 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 31 yards on 10 carries and a TD. Emerson was 24-of-29 passing for 306 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 94 yards. The Dragons host the Albany Firebirds next week.
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
AFL: Georgia Beats Albany, 16-7
ATLANTA-The Georgia Force managed to defeat the Albany Firebirds 16-7 in a Week 12 AFL game.
Georgia started with possession, but Gevan Crafton had the ball jarred loose and Oliver Mobile recovered for the Firebirds at midfield. Albany looked to score, but Wally Dancer missed a 45-yard field goal. The Force's next drive was thwarted as Butler Stonewall picked off Yannel Gansz at the Firebirds' 25-yard line. After trading punts, Albany had another chance to score, but Ward Hilton intercepted a Sinbad Gargaro pass at the Georgia 11-yard line. The Force would punt, then the Firebirds only took one play to score. The play was a 50-yard touchdown pass from Gargaro to Anthony Long to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 2:23 left in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts, and on the Firebirds' kick, Crafton again fumbled. Brian Kirk scooped it up and ran 4 yards to the Albany 49-yard line. Unfortunately for the Firebirds, Dancer would miss another 45-yard field goal attempt. Georgia would punt, and then the Force short-circuited another Albany scoring threat. Raymond Clements would intercept a Gargaro pass at the Georgia 10-yard line. The Force then went on a 13-play, 84-yard drive, ending with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 23-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining to make it 7-3 at the half.
There was no scoring in the third quarter. Albany would punt to start, then Ahmad would miss a 49-yard field goal attempt. Another punt by the Firebirds brought on another field goal attempt by Ahmad, and he would miss from 44 yards out late in the quarter. Abdul Fowler would fumble on the handoff, and Sputnik Havner recovered for the Force at the Albany 37-yard line.
After the turnover, Georgia drove 37 yards on 9 plays. Gansz finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Clem Foulks giving the Force a 10-7 lead with 11:49 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would trade punts, and this time Albany muffed a return. Jerreld Richmond lost the handle, and Heath Gairhan recovered for the Force at the Georgia 49-yard line. Ahmad ended a 7-play, 41-yard drive with a 27-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 4:37 left in the fourth. Elson Saxon fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Conroy Spencer returned it 11 yards for Georgia to the Albany 14-yard line. After three plays, Ahmad kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 16-7 with 3:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Georgia (7-5) gained 345 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 131 yards on 37 carries. Foulks led the team with 87 yards on 23 carries. Gansz was 27-of-38 passing for 241 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 27 yards. Tinker Trice (52 yards) and Raven Bannon (41 yards) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Force visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Albany (6-6) gained 189 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 74 yards on 17 carries. Garland Davidson led the team with 56 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro was 13-of-30 passing for 165 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 50 yards. Tico Ponder led the receivers with 5 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds visit the New York Dragons.
Georgia started with possession, but Gevan Crafton had the ball jarred loose and Oliver Mobile recovered for the Firebirds at midfield. Albany looked to score, but Wally Dancer missed a 45-yard field goal. The Force's next drive was thwarted as Butler Stonewall picked off Yannel Gansz at the Firebirds' 25-yard line. After trading punts, Albany had another chance to score, but Ward Hilton intercepted a Sinbad Gargaro pass at the Georgia 11-yard line. The Force would punt, then the Firebirds only took one play to score. The play was a 50-yard touchdown pass from Gargaro to Anthony Long to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 2:23 left in the first quarter.
The teams would trade punts, and on the Firebirds' kick, Crafton again fumbled. Brian Kirk scooped it up and ran 4 yards to the Albany 49-yard line. Unfortunately for the Firebirds, Dancer would miss another 45-yard field goal attempt. Georgia would punt, and then the Force short-circuited another Albany scoring threat. Raymond Clements would intercept a Gargaro pass at the Georgia 10-yard line. The Force then went on a 13-play, 84-yard drive, ending with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 23-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining to make it 7-3 at the half.
There was no scoring in the third quarter. Albany would punt to start, then Ahmad would miss a 49-yard field goal attempt. Another punt by the Firebirds brought on another field goal attempt by Ahmad, and he would miss from 44 yards out late in the quarter. Abdul Fowler would fumble on the handoff, and Sputnik Havner recovered for the Force at the Albany 37-yard line.
After the turnover, Georgia drove 37 yards on 9 plays. Gansz finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Clem Foulks giving the Force a 10-7 lead with 11:49 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would trade punts, and this time Albany muffed a return. Jerreld Richmond lost the handle, and Heath Gairhan recovered for the Force at the Georgia 49-yard line. Ahmad ended a 7-play, 41-yard drive with a 27-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 4:37 left in the fourth. Elson Saxon fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Conroy Spencer returned it 11 yards for Georgia to the Albany 14-yard line. After three plays, Ahmad kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 16-7 with 3:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Georgia (7-5) gained 345 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 131 yards on 37 carries. Foulks led the team with 87 yards on 23 carries. Gansz was 27-of-38 passing for 241 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 27 yards. Tinker Trice (52 yards) and Raven Bannon (41 yards) each caught 6 passes in the game. The Force visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Albany (6-6) gained 189 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 74 yards on 17 carries. Garland Davidson led the team with 56 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro was 13-of-30 passing for 165 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 50 yards. Tico Ponder led the receivers with 5 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds visit the New York Dragons.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
AFL: Rampage Edge Kats, 20-17
NASHVILLE-George Tibbs kicked a 53-yard field goal with a little over a minute left to help the Grand Rapids Rampage prevail over the Nashville Kats 20-17 in Week 12 of the AFL season.
The teams would trade punts to start the game, then the Rampage drove 36 yards on 5 plays. Tibbs would kick a 34-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 3-0 lead with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter. Nashville would answer with an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Curt Wardlaw finished the drive with a 10-yard quarterback keeper to give the Kats a 7-3 lead with 4:37 left in the first.
After a Rampage punt, Nashville's next scoring threat was thwarted when an Oliver Osler fumble was recovered by Merrill Fernandez at the Grand Rapids 29-yard line. After a 10-play, 65-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 7-6 with 7:36 left in the second quarter. Nashville would punt, then the Rampage were thwarted late in the half when Danny McKenzie picked off Curtis Wayne at the Kats' 11-yard line. The Kats ran out the clock to end the half.
Nashville opened the second half with a 10-play, 49-yard drive. Wardlaw would finish it off with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane to make it 14-6 with 9:58 remaining in the third quarter. Following a Grand Rapids punt, the Kats drove 16 yards on 6 plays, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 51-yard field goal to make it 17-6 with 5:21 to go in the third.
The Rampage would answer with a 10-play, 69-yard drive ending with Tibbs connecting on a 30-yard field goal to make it 17-9 with 14:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Orville Brill picked off Wardlaw at the Nashville 32-yard line. Four plays later, facing a fourth-and-2, Bobo Cushing received the handoff and took off for a 24-yard touchdown run. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the game was tied at 17 with 7:44 to go in the fourth. After the Kats punted, the Rampage would drive 38 yards on 12 plays, and Tibbs drilled the 53-yard game winner with 1:01 left in the game to make it 20-17.
Grand Rapids (7-5) gained 339 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 83 yards on 30 carries. Cushing led the team with 38 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Wayne was 22-of-31 passing for 257 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 1-yard loss. Thomas Kinzer led the receivers with 5 catches for 49 yards. The Rampage host the Detroit Drive next week.
Nashville (7-5) gained 264 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 93 yards on 24 carries. Osler led the team with 46 yards on 14 carries. Wardlaw was 19-of-32 passing for 212 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 41 yards. Swane led the receivers with 5 catches for 73 yards and a TD. The Kats host the Orlando Predators next week.
The teams would trade punts to start the game, then the Rampage drove 36 yards on 5 plays. Tibbs would kick a 34-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 3-0 lead with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter. Nashville would answer with an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Curt Wardlaw finished the drive with a 10-yard quarterback keeper to give the Kats a 7-3 lead with 4:37 left in the first.
After a Rampage punt, Nashville's next scoring threat was thwarted when an Oliver Osler fumble was recovered by Merrill Fernandez at the Grand Rapids 29-yard line. After a 10-play, 65-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 7-6 with 7:36 left in the second quarter. Nashville would punt, then the Rampage were thwarted late in the half when Danny McKenzie picked off Curtis Wayne at the Kats' 11-yard line. The Kats ran out the clock to end the half.
Nashville opened the second half with a 10-play, 49-yard drive. Wardlaw would finish it off with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane to make it 14-6 with 9:58 remaining in the third quarter. Following a Grand Rapids punt, the Kats drove 16 yards on 6 plays, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 51-yard field goal to make it 17-6 with 5:21 to go in the third.
The Rampage would answer with a 10-play, 69-yard drive ending with Tibbs connecting on a 30-yard field goal to make it 17-9 with 14:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Orville Brill picked off Wardlaw at the Nashville 32-yard line. Four plays later, facing a fourth-and-2, Bobo Cushing received the handoff and took off for a 24-yard touchdown run. The 2-Point Conversion was good, and the game was tied at 17 with 7:44 to go in the fourth. After the Kats punted, the Rampage would drive 38 yards on 12 plays, and Tibbs drilled the 53-yard game winner with 1:01 left in the game to make it 20-17.
Grand Rapids (7-5) gained 339 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 83 yards on 30 carries. Cushing led the team with 38 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Wayne was 22-of-31 passing for 257 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 1-yard loss. Thomas Kinzer led the receivers with 5 catches for 49 yards. The Rampage host the Detroit Drive next week.
Nashville (7-5) gained 264 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 93 yards on 24 carries. Osler led the team with 46 yards on 14 carries. Wardlaw was 19-of-32 passing for 212 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 41 yards. Swane led the receivers with 5 catches for 73 yards and a TD. The Kats host the Orlando Predators next week.
Monday, November 13, 2017
AFL: Predators Destroy Drive, 28-3
ORLANDO-The Orlando Predators have nothing to play for but employment for next season at this point. Having said that, the Predators laid all kinds of pain, blues and agony on the Detroit Drive in a 28-3 blowout in a Week 12 AFL game.
The game started with Patch Brolie returning a short kickoff 30 yards to the Orlando 45-yard line. But the scoring chance went for naught as Cletis Frayer missed a 40-yard field goal. The teams would trade punts through most of the first quarter, then the Predators ended a 7-play, 58-yard drive with Caleb Doering throwing a 51-yard option pass to D.J. Giles on the first play of the second quarter to give Orlando a 7-0 lead.
After the Drive were forced to punt, the Predators struck again. Woodrow Richardson ended a 3-play, 69-yard drive firing a 63-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah O'Connell making it 14-0 with 12:58 remaining in the half. Detroit would punt, and then seemed primed to break through when T.T. Presley picked off Richardson and returned it 56 yards to the Drive 47-yard line. But a holding penalty short-circuited the drive and Detroit punted. Orlando would punt, then Detroit attempted to march for a score before the half, but Frayer missed a 45-yard field goal and the Drive were shut out for the half.
The Predators punted to open the second half, then Detroit drove 69 yards on 16 plays. Frayer would finally connect on a 28-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. Orlando punted on their next drive, then Lou Couch would be picked off by Denver Frakes at the beginning of the fourth quarter on the Drive 30-yard line.
Abel White would miss a 47-yard field goal attempt that was partially deflected by Jamie Whirley. But Couch would get picked off again, this time by Darius Talie who took it back 37 yards to the Detroit 8-yard line. The Predators would lose 2 yards on three plays, but White would connect on a 28-yard field goal to make it 17-3 with 12:05 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive punted on their next possession, and Orlando marched 94 yards on 12 plays. Stewart Lamons ran in for a 4-yard toucchdown. White missed the extra point, and the score was 23-3 with 4:26 to go in the fourth. Detroit's next possession came to an inglorious end when Couch was sacked in the end zone by Orlan Capaletti for a safety to make it 25-3 with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. Following the safety kick, the Predators drove 30 yards on 7 plays, and White kicked a 50-yard field goal with 1:15 remaining to make it 28-3.
Orlando (2-10) gained 408 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 115 yards on 28 carries. Giles led the team with 46 yards on 12 carries. Richardson was 20-of-32 passing for 258 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 27 yards. Farren Smithson was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 56 yards. Next week, the Predators visit the Nashville Kats.
Detroit (5-7) gained 138 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 118 yards on 30 carries. Artie Thom led the team with 57 yards on 11 carries. Couch was 11-of-27 passing for 99 yards and 2 INT (a passer rating of 20.4). He was sacked eight times, losing 79 yards. Vern Kelly led the team with 5 catches for 34 yards. Next week, the Drive visit the Grand Rapids Rampage.
The game started with Patch Brolie returning a short kickoff 30 yards to the Orlando 45-yard line. But the scoring chance went for naught as Cletis Frayer missed a 40-yard field goal. The teams would trade punts through most of the first quarter, then the Predators ended a 7-play, 58-yard drive with Caleb Doering throwing a 51-yard option pass to D.J. Giles on the first play of the second quarter to give Orlando a 7-0 lead.
After the Drive were forced to punt, the Predators struck again. Woodrow Richardson ended a 3-play, 69-yard drive firing a 63-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah O'Connell making it 14-0 with 12:58 remaining in the half. Detroit would punt, and then seemed primed to break through when T.T. Presley picked off Richardson and returned it 56 yards to the Drive 47-yard line. But a holding penalty short-circuited the drive and Detroit punted. Orlando would punt, then Detroit attempted to march for a score before the half, but Frayer missed a 45-yard field goal and the Drive were shut out for the half.
The Predators punted to open the second half, then Detroit drove 69 yards on 16 plays. Frayer would finally connect on a 28-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. Orlando punted on their next drive, then Lou Couch would be picked off by Denver Frakes at the beginning of the fourth quarter on the Drive 30-yard line.
Abel White would miss a 47-yard field goal attempt that was partially deflected by Jamie Whirley. But Couch would get picked off again, this time by Darius Talie who took it back 37 yards to the Detroit 8-yard line. The Predators would lose 2 yards on three plays, but White would connect on a 28-yard field goal to make it 17-3 with 12:05 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive punted on their next possession, and Orlando marched 94 yards on 12 plays. Stewart Lamons ran in for a 4-yard toucchdown. White missed the extra point, and the score was 23-3 with 4:26 to go in the fourth. Detroit's next possession came to an inglorious end when Couch was sacked in the end zone by Orlan Capaletti for a safety to make it 25-3 with 3:57 left in the fourth quarter. Following the safety kick, the Predators drove 30 yards on 7 plays, and White kicked a 50-yard field goal with 1:15 remaining to make it 28-3.
Orlando (2-10) gained 408 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 115 yards on 28 carries. Giles led the team with 46 yards on 12 carries. Richardson was 20-of-32 passing for 258 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 27 yards. Farren Smithson was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 56 yards. Next week, the Predators visit the Nashville Kats.
Detroit (5-7) gained 138 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 118 yards on 30 carries. Artie Thom led the team with 57 yards on 11 carries. Couch was 11-of-27 passing for 99 yards and 2 INT (a passer rating of 20.4). He was sacked eight times, losing 79 yards. Vern Kelly led the team with 5 catches for 34 yards. Next week, the Drive visit the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
AFL Week 11 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 6 | 5 | 0 | 264 | 224 | 4-2 |
| Albany Firebirds | 6 | 5 | 0 | 249 | 245 | 4-3 |
| Detroit Drive | 5 | 6 | 0 | 255 | 219 | 3-4 |
| New York Dragons | 2 | 9 | 0 | 183 | 294 | 1-5 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Nashville Kats | 7 | 4 | 0 | 280 | 230 | 3-2 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 6 | 5 | 0 | 233 | 266 | 2-3 |
| Georgia Force | 6 | 5 | 0 | 230 | 260 | 2-4 |
| Orlando Predators | 1 | 10 | 0 | 230 | 322 | 1-5 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 7 | 4 | 0 | 326 | 244 | 3-2 |
| Chicago Rush | 7 | 4 | 0 | 264 | 259 | 3-3 |
| Dallas Desperados | 6 | 5 | 0 | 277 | 260 | 4-1 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 5 | 6 | 0 | 252 | 251 | 1-4 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| San Jose Sabercats | 7 | 4 | 0 | 279 | 241 | 2-2 |
| Colorado Crush | 6 | 5 | 0 | 266 | 278 | 2-3 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 6 | 5 | 0 | 254 | 237 | 1-3 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 5 | 6 | 0 | 238 | 250 | 2-3 |
| Week 11 Scores (Home Team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| Albany 22, DETROIT 13 | ||||||
| GRAND RAPIDS 22, New York 7 | ||||||
| GEORGIA 26, Orlando 18 | ||||||
| Nashville 41, TAMPA BAY 14 | ||||||
| Iowa 48, CHICAGO 30 | ||||||
| Milwaukee 36, DALLAS 20 | ||||||
| ARIZONA 44, Colorado 20 | ||||||
| San Jose 15, LOS ANGELES 12 | ||||||
| Week 12 Games | ||||||
| Detroit (5-6) at Orlando (1-10) (Drive -5) | ||||||
| Grand Rapids (6-5) at Nashville (7-4) (Kats -6) | ||||||
| Albany (6-5) at Georgia (6-5) (Force -5) | ||||||
| New York (2-9) at Tampa Bay (6-5) (Storm -7) | ||||||
| Chicago (7-4) at Colorado (6-5) (Crush -1) | ||||||
| Dallas (6-5) at San Jose (7-4) (Sabercats -7) | ||||||
| Iowa (7-4) at Arizona (5-6) (Pick 'em) | ||||||
| Milwaukee (5-6) at Los Angeles (6-5) (Mustangs -1) | ||||||
At this point, I feel I can safely look at the potential Playoff Picture.
National Conference Playoff (Eastern vs. Southern)
Grand Rapids at Nashville
American Conference Playoff (Central vs. Western)
Iowa at San Jose
AFL: Sabercats Edge Avengers, 15-12
LOS ANGELES-In a game dominated by defense and kicking, the San Jose Sabercats scored the game's lone touchdown and prevailed over the Los Angeles Avengers 15-12 in a Week 11 AFL game. And by virtue of the result, the Sabercats take sole possession of first place in the AFL Western Division.
The Avengers started with the ball and moved 61 yards on 6 plays. The drive stalled, and Carmon Grimes kicked a 36-yard field goal to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead with 11:36 to go in the first quarter. The Sabercats would punt, and then the Avengers started moving again with a 12-play, 58-yard drive. But again, San Jose would stiffen and Grimes kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 2:51 to go in the first.
The Sabercats would get their own drive going, moving 41 yards on 11 plays. Ethan Wycoff ended the drive with a 35-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:32 left in the second quarter. The Avengers answered with a 10-play, 48-yard drive that ended with Grimes connecting on a 37-yard field goal to take a 9-3 lead with 8:40 remaining in the half. San Jose's next drive ended with Wycoff missing a 49-yard field goal attempt. On the next play, Willie Guess fired a 56-yard pass to Alfie Tharp giving Los Angeles a first down at the San Jose 5-yard line. But two plays later, Guess was sacked by Curry Jerris and fumbled the ball. Mac Shockley recovered for the Sabercats at his own 12-yard line. San Jose would ultimately punt, but a pass by Guess was picked off by Bo Dicus at the Avengers' 49-yard line with 30 seconds left. Two plays netted 26 yards, and Wycoff kicked a 40-yard field goal with 1 second left to make it 9-6 at halftime.
There was no scoring in the third quarter, as both teams traded punts for field position. The Sabercats had their ball at their own 3 midway through the third, and looked to at least tie the game, but Wycoff would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers would punt, and San Jose started their next drive from their own 13. This time, the Sabercats found their way to the end zone, ending a 4-play, 87-yard drive with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Timmy Carey to Scooter Colby on the first play of the fourth quarter. Wycoff missed the extra point, and San Jose led 12-9 with 14:48 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles would answer back driving 42 yards on 8 plays. But again, the Sabercats tightened up, and the Avengers settled for a 38-yard field goal by Grimes that tied the game at 12 with 10:01 remaining in the fourth. San Jose punted, and Shockley would prematurely end another Los Angeles drive with an interception that he returned 34 yards to the Avengers' 38-yard line. After netting 13 yards on 6 plays, Wycoff kicked a 42-yard field goal to take a 15-12 lead with 3:10 to go in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles couldn't muster another scoring drive, and San Jose would run out the clock.
San Jose (7-4) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 129 yards on 28 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 86 yards on 14 carries. Andre Stanfill was 14-of-24 passing for 94 yards and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Carey was 8-of-17 for 115 yards and 1 TD. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Colby was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Next week, the Sabercats will host the Dallas Desperados.
Los Angeles (6-5) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 132 yards on 28 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 61 yards on 13 carries. Guess was 15-of-27 passing for 215 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Kindrick (63 yards) and Tharp (91 yards) each caught 4 passes in the game. Next week, the Avengers host the Milwaukee Mustangs.
The Avengers started with the ball and moved 61 yards on 6 plays. The drive stalled, and Carmon Grimes kicked a 36-yard field goal to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead with 11:36 to go in the first quarter. The Sabercats would punt, and then the Avengers started moving again with a 12-play, 58-yard drive. But again, San Jose would stiffen and Grimes kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 2:51 to go in the first.
The Sabercats would get their own drive going, moving 41 yards on 11 plays. Ethan Wycoff ended the drive with a 35-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:32 left in the second quarter. The Avengers answered with a 10-play, 48-yard drive that ended with Grimes connecting on a 37-yard field goal to take a 9-3 lead with 8:40 remaining in the half. San Jose's next drive ended with Wycoff missing a 49-yard field goal attempt. On the next play, Willie Guess fired a 56-yard pass to Alfie Tharp giving Los Angeles a first down at the San Jose 5-yard line. But two plays later, Guess was sacked by Curry Jerris and fumbled the ball. Mac Shockley recovered for the Sabercats at his own 12-yard line. San Jose would ultimately punt, but a pass by Guess was picked off by Bo Dicus at the Avengers' 49-yard line with 30 seconds left. Two plays netted 26 yards, and Wycoff kicked a 40-yard field goal with 1 second left to make it 9-6 at halftime.
There was no scoring in the third quarter, as both teams traded punts for field position. The Sabercats had their ball at their own 3 midway through the third, and looked to at least tie the game, but Wycoff would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The Avengers would punt, and San Jose started their next drive from their own 13. This time, the Sabercats found their way to the end zone, ending a 4-play, 87-yard drive with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Timmy Carey to Scooter Colby on the first play of the fourth quarter. Wycoff missed the extra point, and San Jose led 12-9 with 14:48 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles would answer back driving 42 yards on 8 plays. But again, the Sabercats tightened up, and the Avengers settled for a 38-yard field goal by Grimes that tied the game at 12 with 10:01 remaining in the fourth. San Jose punted, and Shockley would prematurely end another Los Angeles drive with an interception that he returned 34 yards to the Avengers' 38-yard line. After netting 13 yards on 6 plays, Wycoff kicked a 42-yard field goal to take a 15-12 lead with 3:10 to go in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles couldn't muster another scoring drive, and San Jose would run out the clock.
San Jose (7-4) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 129 yards on 28 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 86 yards on 14 carries. Andre Stanfill was 14-of-24 passing for 94 yards and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Carey was 8-of-17 for 115 yards and 1 TD. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Colby was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 74 yards and a TD. Next week, the Sabercats will host the Dallas Desperados.
Los Angeles (6-5) gained 347 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 132 yards on 28 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 61 yards on 13 carries. Guess was 15-of-27 passing for 215 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Kindrick (63 yards) and Tharp (91 yards) each caught 4 passes in the game. Next week, the Avengers host the Milwaukee Mustangs.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
AFL: Rattlers Blow Out Crush, 44-20
PHOENIX-The Arizona Rattlers blew the game wide open in the second half and defeated the Colorado Crush 44-20 in a Week 11 AFL game.
The Crush started with the ball and drove towards a score, but Earl Ginger missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. On the Rattlers' first possession, Braxton Teal fumbled the ball and Stan Dinn recovered for Colorado at the Crush 41-yard line. The Crush again looked poised to score, but Howton Thom was picked off by Hudson Riggs in the end zone. The Rattlers would punt the ball away, then Lloyd Barisch intercepted Thom and ran it back 33 yards for a touchdown to give Arizona a 7-0 lead with 2:15 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cursh would punt on their next drive, then the Rattlers drove 71 yards on 10 plays. Kadeem Raburn finished it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Sidney making it 14-0 with 10:27 left in the second quarter. On the next Colorado play, Whitey Teel sacked and stripped the ball away from Thom at the Crush 23-yard line. But Burt Hamrick's 28-yard field goal attempt was partially blocked and fell short. After trading punts, Colorado finally got on the board after a 6-play, 47-yard drive. Thom threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss, but Ginger missed the extra point, and the Crush trailed 14-6 with 1:06 left in the half.
Arizona opened the second half with possession, and started to pull away. The Rattlers ended a 5-play, 44-yard drive with a 33-yard field goal by Hamrick to take a 17-6 lead with 13:12 left in the third quarter. Colorado was forced to punt, and Otto Pugh returned the kick 31 yards to the Crush 45-yard line. Five plays later, Melvin Jones scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 24-6 with 9:18 remaining in the third. The Crush took two plays to respond, as Thom fired a 75-yard bomb to Gitch Wild for a touchdown. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Colorado trailed 24-12 with 8:15 remaining in the third quarter. Arizona then went on an 8-play, 35-yard drive that ended with a 49-yard field goal by Hamrick that made it 27-12 with 5:11 left in the third.
Colorado's next drive ended with a punt that Pugh returned 29 yards to the Arizona 49-yard line. Teal then ended the 6-play, 51-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run extending the Rattlers' lead to 34-12 with 13:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. After the Crush turned it over on downs, Arizona went 38 yards on 4 plays. Hamrick would kick a 46-yard field goal to make it 37-12 with 7:41 left in the fourth. Colorado would answer with a 6-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Thom hooking up with Wild for a 36-yard touchdown pass. The Crush got the 2-Point Conversion and trailed 37-20 with 5:12 to go in the fourth quarter. An onside kick failed, and the Rattlers went on a 7-play, 46-yard drive. Stomp Navarro finished it with a 6-yard touchdown run to make it 44-20 with 1:16 to go in the game.
Arizona (5-6) gained 400 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 169 yards on 32 carries. Navarro led the team with 60 yards on 6 carries. Raburn was 17-of-33 passing for 227 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Jones (48 yards) and Sidney (19 yards, TD) each caught 4 passes in the game. Next week, the Rattlers will host the Iowa Barnstormers.
Colorado (6-5) gained 408 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 56 yards on 18 carries. Aaron Yarnell led the team with 26 yards on 8 carries. Thom was 24-of-46 passing for 383 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 31 yards. Wild was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 189 yards and 2 TD. Next week, the Crush host the Chicago Rush.
The Crush started with the ball and drove towards a score, but Earl Ginger missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. On the Rattlers' first possession, Braxton Teal fumbled the ball and Stan Dinn recovered for Colorado at the Crush 41-yard line. The Crush again looked poised to score, but Howton Thom was picked off by Hudson Riggs in the end zone. The Rattlers would punt the ball away, then Lloyd Barisch intercepted Thom and ran it back 33 yards for a touchdown to give Arizona a 7-0 lead with 2:15 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cursh would punt on their next drive, then the Rattlers drove 71 yards on 10 plays. Kadeem Raburn finished it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Sidney making it 14-0 with 10:27 left in the second quarter. On the next Colorado play, Whitey Teel sacked and stripped the ball away from Thom at the Crush 23-yard line. But Burt Hamrick's 28-yard field goal attempt was partially blocked and fell short. After trading punts, Colorado finally got on the board after a 6-play, 47-yard drive. Thom threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss, but Ginger missed the extra point, and the Crush trailed 14-6 with 1:06 left in the half.
Arizona opened the second half with possession, and started to pull away. The Rattlers ended a 5-play, 44-yard drive with a 33-yard field goal by Hamrick to take a 17-6 lead with 13:12 left in the third quarter. Colorado was forced to punt, and Otto Pugh returned the kick 31 yards to the Crush 45-yard line. Five plays later, Melvin Jones scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 24-6 with 9:18 remaining in the third. The Crush took two plays to respond, as Thom fired a 75-yard bomb to Gitch Wild for a touchdown. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Colorado trailed 24-12 with 8:15 remaining in the third quarter. Arizona then went on an 8-play, 35-yard drive that ended with a 49-yard field goal by Hamrick that made it 27-12 with 5:11 left in the third.
Colorado's next drive ended with a punt that Pugh returned 29 yards to the Arizona 49-yard line. Teal then ended the 6-play, 51-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run extending the Rattlers' lead to 34-12 with 13:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. After the Crush turned it over on downs, Arizona went 38 yards on 4 plays. Hamrick would kick a 46-yard field goal to make it 37-12 with 7:41 left in the fourth. Colorado would answer with a 6-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Thom hooking up with Wild for a 36-yard touchdown pass. The Crush got the 2-Point Conversion and trailed 37-20 with 5:12 to go in the fourth quarter. An onside kick failed, and the Rattlers went on a 7-play, 46-yard drive. Stomp Navarro finished it with a 6-yard touchdown run to make it 44-20 with 1:16 to go in the game.
Arizona (5-6) gained 400 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 169 yards on 32 carries. Navarro led the team with 60 yards on 6 carries. Raburn was 17-of-33 passing for 227 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Jones (48 yards) and Sidney (19 yards, TD) each caught 4 passes in the game. Next week, the Rattlers will host the Iowa Barnstormers.
Colorado (6-5) gained 408 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 56 yards on 18 carries. Aaron Yarnell led the team with 26 yards on 8 carries. Thom was 24-of-46 passing for 383 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 31 yards. Wild was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 189 yards and 2 TD. Next week, the Crush host the Chicago Rush.
Friday, November 10, 2017
AFL: Mustangs Stun Desperados, 36-20
DALLAS-The Milwaukee Mustangs broke the Dallas Desperados' 12-game regular season home winning streak with a 36-20 win in a Week 11 AFL game.
After the Mustangs opened the game with a punt, Rocky Brant would pick off Heinie Voorhees at the Desperados' 39-yard line. Three plays later, Bruce Baskerville threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen to give Milwaukee a 7-0 lead with 10:26 remaining in the first quarter. Dallas would respond with an 8-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Voorhees throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Horace Evers tying the game at 7 with 6:09 left in the first. The Mustangs would punt, and Voorhees would suffer an injury that knocked him out of the game. Herb Manley came in to replace Voorhees.
An exchange of punts continued into the second quarter. Then the Mustangs traveled 51 yards on 6 plays, and Rock Philbrook kicked a 53-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead with 10:07 remaining in the second. The Desperados punted, then Baskerville was picked off by Guy Dudson who returned it 34 yards to the Milwaukee 40-yard line. But Dallas went three-and-out, and there was no further offensive threat through the halftime break.
After trading punts to open the second half, the Mustangs started to pull away. After an unnecessary roughness call tacked 15 yards to a 23-yard punt return by Rory Bane, Milwaukee got the ball on the Dallas 26-yard line. Five plays later, Garrett Counts scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 17-7 with 9:32 left in the third quarter. The teams traded punts, and Dexter Gaither pinned the Desperados back on their own 2-yard line. James Lang would tackle Elson Gregson in the end zone for a safety making it 19-7 with 5:15 left in the third. After a Milwaukee punt, Manley threw an interception that Travis Gargas returned 25 yards to the Dallas 24-yard line. On the next play, Baskerville fired a 24-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage to extend the lead to 26-7 with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter. Manley would get picked off again, as Horace Vickerson came up with at the Desperados' 17-yard line. Two plays later, Baskerville threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Weldon Elmore, and the Mustangs were up 33-7 at the end of the third quarter.
Dallas would finally answer with a 9-play, 72-yard drive. Manley threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ricardo Bede to make it 33-14 with 10:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee recovered the onside kick, but Philbrook would miss a 42-yard field goal attempt. Taco Chism then picked Manley off at the Desperados' 18-yard line. A fake field goal touchdown by Mills King to Tolbert Lechi covering 11 yards was called back on a holding penalty. So the Mustangs settled for a 38-yard field goal by Philbrook to make it 36-14 with 6:20 remaining in the fourth. Dallas would score on a 13-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Manley throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Clem Shaffer. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and the score was 36-20 with 1:50 remaining. Milwaukee again recovered the onside kick, and ran out the clock.
Milwaukee (5-6) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 137 yards on 35 carries. Manolo Gage led the team with 76 yards on 10 carries. Baskerville was 17-of-28 passing for 198 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Clausen was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 70 yards and a TD. The Mustangs visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Dallas (6-5) gained 236 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 54 yards on 17 carries. Gregson led the team with 21 yards on 10 carries. He also led the receivers with 4 catches for 27 yards. Voorhees was 4-of-9 passing for 41 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Manley was 14-of-32 for 191 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 45 yards. Next week, the Desperados visit the San Jose Sabercats.
After the Mustangs opened the game with a punt, Rocky Brant would pick off Heinie Voorhees at the Desperados' 39-yard line. Three plays later, Bruce Baskerville threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Heinie Clausen to give Milwaukee a 7-0 lead with 10:26 remaining in the first quarter. Dallas would respond with an 8-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Voorhees throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Horace Evers tying the game at 7 with 6:09 left in the first. The Mustangs would punt, and Voorhees would suffer an injury that knocked him out of the game. Herb Manley came in to replace Voorhees.
An exchange of punts continued into the second quarter. Then the Mustangs traveled 51 yards on 6 plays, and Rock Philbrook kicked a 53-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead with 10:07 remaining in the second. The Desperados punted, then Baskerville was picked off by Guy Dudson who returned it 34 yards to the Milwaukee 40-yard line. But Dallas went three-and-out, and there was no further offensive threat through the halftime break.
After trading punts to open the second half, the Mustangs started to pull away. After an unnecessary roughness call tacked 15 yards to a 23-yard punt return by Rory Bane, Milwaukee got the ball on the Dallas 26-yard line. Five plays later, Garrett Counts scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 17-7 with 9:32 left in the third quarter. The teams traded punts, and Dexter Gaither pinned the Desperados back on their own 2-yard line. James Lang would tackle Elson Gregson in the end zone for a safety making it 19-7 with 5:15 left in the third. After a Milwaukee punt, Manley threw an interception that Travis Gargas returned 25 yards to the Dallas 24-yard line. On the next play, Baskerville fired a 24-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage to extend the lead to 26-7 with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter. Manley would get picked off again, as Horace Vickerson came up with at the Desperados' 17-yard line. Two plays later, Baskerville threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Weldon Elmore, and the Mustangs were up 33-7 at the end of the third quarter.
Dallas would finally answer with a 9-play, 72-yard drive. Manley threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ricardo Bede to make it 33-14 with 10:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee recovered the onside kick, but Philbrook would miss a 42-yard field goal attempt. Taco Chism then picked Manley off at the Desperados' 18-yard line. A fake field goal touchdown by Mills King to Tolbert Lechi covering 11 yards was called back on a holding penalty. So the Mustangs settled for a 38-yard field goal by Philbrook to make it 36-14 with 6:20 remaining in the fourth. Dallas would score on a 13-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Manley throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Clem Shaffer. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and the score was 36-20 with 1:50 remaining. Milwaukee again recovered the onside kick, and ran out the clock.
Milwaukee (5-6) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 137 yards on 35 carries. Manolo Gage led the team with 76 yards on 10 carries. Baskerville was 17-of-28 passing for 198 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Clausen was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 70 yards and a TD. The Mustangs visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Dallas (6-5) gained 236 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 54 yards on 17 carries. Gregson led the team with 21 yards on 10 carries. He also led the receivers with 4 catches for 27 yards. Voorhees was 4-of-9 passing for 41 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Manley was 14-of-32 for 191 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 45 yards. Next week, the Desperados visit the San Jose Sabercats.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
AFL: Iowa Sweeps Chicago, 48-30
ROSEMONT, IL-The Iowa Barnstormers claimed the season tie-breaker over the Chicago Rush with a 48-30 victory in Week 11 of the AFL season and are now tied with the Rush for first place in the AFL Central Division.
The fireworks started early, as Zach Allen fielded the opening kickoff, and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown giving the Rush a 7-0 lead 16 seconds into the game. The Barnstormers would answer back going on an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Norm Damron finished the drive with a 30-yard strike to Chesley Miller for a touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 11:39 left in the first. After a Chicago punt, Iowa would march 83 yards on 10 plays, ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Lars Witt to take a 14-7 lead with 4:38 left in the first quarter. The Rush came back, taking two plays to score. Hershel Kimbrell fired a 70-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli tying the game at 14 with 4:05 left in the first.
The Barnstormers would score again, driving 56 yards on 10 plays. Powell Ramos scored on a 2-yard run to make it 21-14 with 14:02 left in the second quarter. The defenses settled down for a bit after that, as the teams traded punts until late in the quarter. The Rush would take the ball and drive 26 yards on 10 plays, and Dete Justen kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 21-17 with 4:25 left in the half. Iowa then drove 51 yards on 12 plays, ending with SB Rhoads kicking a 52-yard field goal with 27 seconds remaining to give the Barnstormers a 24-17 halftime lead.
Early in the second half, Arman Wilcox mishandled a snap on a punt for the Barnstormers and was forced to fall on it at his own 6-yard line. The Rush could only manage three yards on three plays and settled for a 20-yard field goal by Justen to make it 24-20 with 12:06 remaining in the third quarter. On Iowa's next possession, Damron was picked off by Spike Abel at the Barnstormers' 35-yard line. Again, the Rush couldn't make movement on their drive, and settled for a 52-yard field goal by Justen to make it 24-23 with 10:31 remaining in the third. The Barnstormers would answer back with a 9-play, 52-yard drive that ended with Ryan Travers scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 31-23 with 6:14 to go in the third quarter. After a Chicago punt, Iowa would march downfield again, going 56 yards on 6 plays. Damron would hit Travers for a 22-yard touchdown pass to take a 38-23 lead with 1:43 left in the third.
The Rush would answer that drive by going 84 yards on 11 plays. Kimbrell finished the drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kale Colby that made it 38-30 with 12:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Barnstormers would punt on their next drive, then Chicago's next drive was thwarted when Jim Dant picked off Kimbrell and return it 15 yards to the Rush 35-yard line. After going 31 yards on 7 plays, Rhoads kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 41-30 with 3:45 to go in the fourth quarter. Chicago punted on their next possession, and a 53-yard run by Weldon Taber set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Ramos to make it 48-30 with 1:32 remaining.
Iowa (7-4) gained 456 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 194 yards on 45 carries. Ramos led the team with 76 yards on 20 carries and 2 TD. Damron was 21-of-32 passing for 272 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Travers led the receivers with 5 catches for 62 yards and a TD. The Barnstormers visit the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Chicago (7-4) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 45 yards on 13 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 25 yards on 5 carries. Kimbrell was 16-of-33 passing for 239 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Marty Margerum led the receivers with 5 catches for 32 yards. Next week, the Rush will visit the Colorado Crush.
The fireworks started early, as Zach Allen fielded the opening kickoff, and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown giving the Rush a 7-0 lead 16 seconds into the game. The Barnstormers would answer back going on an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Norm Damron finished the drive with a 30-yard strike to Chesley Miller for a touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 11:39 left in the first. After a Chicago punt, Iowa would march 83 yards on 10 plays, ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Lars Witt to take a 14-7 lead with 4:38 left in the first quarter. The Rush came back, taking two plays to score. Hershel Kimbrell fired a 70-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli tying the game at 14 with 4:05 left in the first.
The Barnstormers would score again, driving 56 yards on 10 plays. Powell Ramos scored on a 2-yard run to make it 21-14 with 14:02 left in the second quarter. The defenses settled down for a bit after that, as the teams traded punts until late in the quarter. The Rush would take the ball and drive 26 yards on 10 plays, and Dete Justen kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 21-17 with 4:25 left in the half. Iowa then drove 51 yards on 12 plays, ending with SB Rhoads kicking a 52-yard field goal with 27 seconds remaining to give the Barnstormers a 24-17 halftime lead.
Early in the second half, Arman Wilcox mishandled a snap on a punt for the Barnstormers and was forced to fall on it at his own 6-yard line. The Rush could only manage three yards on three plays and settled for a 20-yard field goal by Justen to make it 24-20 with 12:06 remaining in the third quarter. On Iowa's next possession, Damron was picked off by Spike Abel at the Barnstormers' 35-yard line. Again, the Rush couldn't make movement on their drive, and settled for a 52-yard field goal by Justen to make it 24-23 with 10:31 remaining in the third. The Barnstormers would answer back with a 9-play, 52-yard drive that ended with Ryan Travers scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 31-23 with 6:14 to go in the third quarter. After a Chicago punt, Iowa would march downfield again, going 56 yards on 6 plays. Damron would hit Travers for a 22-yard touchdown pass to take a 38-23 lead with 1:43 left in the third.
The Rush would answer that drive by going 84 yards on 11 plays. Kimbrell finished the drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Kale Colby that made it 38-30 with 12:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Barnstormers would punt on their next drive, then Chicago's next drive was thwarted when Jim Dant picked off Kimbrell and return it 15 yards to the Rush 35-yard line. After going 31 yards on 7 plays, Rhoads kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 41-30 with 3:45 to go in the fourth quarter. Chicago punted on their next possession, and a 53-yard run by Weldon Taber set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Ramos to make it 48-30 with 1:32 remaining.
Iowa (7-4) gained 456 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 194 yards on 45 carries. Ramos led the team with 76 yards on 20 carries and 2 TD. Damron was 21-of-32 passing for 272 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Travers led the receivers with 5 catches for 62 yards and a TD. The Barnstormers visit the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Chicago (7-4) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 45 yards on 13 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 25 yards on 5 carries. Kimbrell was 16-of-33 passing for 239 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Marty Margerum led the receivers with 5 catches for 32 yards. Next week, the Rush will visit the Colorado Crush.
Monday, November 6, 2017
AFL: Kats Destroy Strom, 41-14
TAMPA-Curt Wardlaw fired four touchdown passes in leading the Nashville Kats to a 41-14 blowout over the Tampa Bay Storm in a Week 11 AFL game.
There was no scoring in the first quarter, as the teams traded punts and field position. Early in the second quarter, Nashville finally got on the board following a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Wardlaw finished the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Angus Shibest to give the Kats a 7-0 lead with 11:27 left in the second quarter. The Storm went three-and-out, and Oliver Osler returned the punt 58 yards to the Tampa Bay 16-yard line. Three plays later, Wardlaw threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Damien Holden to make it 14-0 with 9:15 to go in the half. Tampa Bay would answer with a 7-play, 46-yard drive, and Johnny Quincey kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 5:40 to go in the second quarter. Nashville punted, and the Storm drove 44 yards on 7 plays. Quincey connected on a 38-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 1:03 left in the half. But Osler would strike again, this time with a 40-yard kick return to the Kats' 49-yard line. After four plays gained 32 yards, Daniel Stevenson would kick a 36-yard field goal with 2 seconds left to give Nashville a 17-6 halftime lead.
The Storm punted to open the second half. Lando Duckworth would sack Wardlaw and cause a fumble. Charley Voorhees recovered for Tampa Bay at the Nashville 30-yard line. But Quincey would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. The teams traded punts, then the Kats would march 48 yards on 6 plays. Warldaw would throw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane making it 24-6 with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter.
Tampa Bay attempted to drive for a touchdown, but Wil Fears would pick off Orval Stanley at the Nashville 30-yard line. But Reed Fuller would answer with a pick of his own and return it 16 yards to the Kats' 33-yard line. Seven plays later, Stanley threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor and a successful two-point conversion made it 24-14 with 12:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a Nashville punt went out of bounds at the Tampa Bay 8-yard line, Jose Killian sacked Stanley and forced a fumble. Tamlin Lake fell on the ball for a touchdown to make it 31-14 with 10:24 left in the fourth. The Storm attempted to score, but Quincey's 43-yard field goal attempt was no good. The Kats would then drive 56 yards on 9 plays, and Stevenson kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 34-14 with 2:14 left in the game. Fears would strip the ball from Stanley and recover at the Tampa Bay 20-yard line. Three plays later, Wardlaw threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Shibest to make it 41-14 with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter.
Nashville (7-4) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 184 yards on 30 carries. Osler led the team with 119 yards on 18 carries. Wardlaw was 15-of-27 passing for 174 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 23 yards. Swane was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 69 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats will host the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Tampa Bay (6-5) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 77 yards on 21 carries. Willie Zachary led the team with 36 yards on 8 carries. Stanley was 25-of-42 passing for 256 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 33 yards. Foster Warhurst was the leading receiver with 10 catches for 111 yards, putting him over 1,000 yards for the season (1,013 on 85 receptions). The Storm host the New York Dragons next week.
There was no scoring in the first quarter, as the teams traded punts and field position. Early in the second quarter, Nashville finally got on the board following a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Wardlaw finished the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Angus Shibest to give the Kats a 7-0 lead with 11:27 left in the second quarter. The Storm went three-and-out, and Oliver Osler returned the punt 58 yards to the Tampa Bay 16-yard line. Three plays later, Wardlaw threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Damien Holden to make it 14-0 with 9:15 to go in the half. Tampa Bay would answer with a 7-play, 46-yard drive, and Johnny Quincey kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 14-3 with 5:40 to go in the second quarter. Nashville punted, and the Storm drove 44 yards on 7 plays. Quincey connected on a 38-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 1:03 left in the half. But Osler would strike again, this time with a 40-yard kick return to the Kats' 49-yard line. After four plays gained 32 yards, Daniel Stevenson would kick a 36-yard field goal with 2 seconds left to give Nashville a 17-6 halftime lead.
The Storm punted to open the second half. Lando Duckworth would sack Wardlaw and cause a fumble. Charley Voorhees recovered for Tampa Bay at the Nashville 30-yard line. But Quincey would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. The teams traded punts, then the Kats would march 48 yards on 6 plays. Warldaw would throw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane making it 24-6 with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter.
Tampa Bay attempted to drive for a touchdown, but Wil Fears would pick off Orval Stanley at the Nashville 30-yard line. But Reed Fuller would answer with a pick of his own and return it 16 yards to the Kats' 33-yard line. Seven plays later, Stanley threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor and a successful two-point conversion made it 24-14 with 12:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a Nashville punt went out of bounds at the Tampa Bay 8-yard line, Jose Killian sacked Stanley and forced a fumble. Tamlin Lake fell on the ball for a touchdown to make it 31-14 with 10:24 left in the fourth. The Storm attempted to score, but Quincey's 43-yard field goal attempt was no good. The Kats would then drive 56 yards on 9 plays, and Stevenson kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 34-14 with 2:14 left in the game. Fears would strip the ball from Stanley and recover at the Tampa Bay 20-yard line. Three plays later, Wardlaw threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Shibest to make it 41-14 with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter.
Nashville (7-4) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 184 yards on 30 carries. Osler led the team with 119 yards on 18 carries. Wardlaw was 15-of-27 passing for 174 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 23 yards. Swane was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 69 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats will host the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Tampa Bay (6-5) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 77 yards on 21 carries. Willie Zachary led the team with 36 yards on 8 carries. Stanley was 25-of-42 passing for 256 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 33 yards. Foster Warhurst was the leading receiver with 10 catches for 111 yards, putting him over 1,000 yards for the season (1,013 on 85 receptions). The Storm host the New York Dragons next week.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
AFL: Georgia Holds Off Orlando, 26-18
ATLANTA-The Georgia Force withstood a fourth-quarter comeback attempt to defeat the Orlando Predators 26-18 in a Week 11 AFL game and officially eliminate the Predators from the AFL Southern Division race.
Orlando began the game with possession, and drove into position for Abel White to attempt a 52-yard field goal. But his kick was blocked by Wesley Evins who recovered it at the Georgia 48-yard line. Three plays later, Augustus Bahr, acquired from Iowa last offseason in the Norm Damron trade, fired a 62-yard touchdown pass to Tinker Trice giving the Force a 7-0 lead with 10:10 to go in the first quarter.
After trading punts, the Predators got moving with a 10-play, 75-yard drive. White opened the second quarter with a 36-yard field goal to make it 7-3. Georgia would respond, marching 78 yards on 16 plays. Bahr would throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to give the Force a 14-3 lead with 7:49 remaining in the half. The teams traded punts again, then Tyrone Pickney would sack Woodrow Richardson and cause a fumble. Pete Love recovered for Georgia at his own 41-yard line. Nine plays later, Bahr would run in on a 10-yard scramble for a touchdown to make it 21-3 with 12 seconds left in the half.
Georgia would punt to open the second half, and Orlando looked to get on the board, but White's 33-yard field goal attempt went wide. Yannel Gansz came in at the start of the half replacing Bahr, and he directed an 8-play, 43-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 51-yard field goal to make it 24-3 with 4:48 to go in the third quarter. On the Predators' next possession, Richardson was chased hither and yon 22 yards back of the line of scrimmage. Horatio Chipman ultimately corralled Richardson in the end zone for a safety to make it 26-3 with 3:45 to go in the third. After Clem Foulks fumbled on a handoff and Ham Sheets recovered for Orlando at the Force 40-yard line, Richardson took three plays to finally find the end zone, hitting Gene Crosby for a 2-yard touchdown pass to make it 26-10 with 1:13 to go in the third quarter.
The Force punted early in the fourth quarter. Richardson tried to drive for a score, but Alfred Pinkston short-circuited the drive with an interception at the Georgia 44-yard line. But Gansz would be stripped of the ball by Morris Buck and Artie Damon recovered for the Predators at the Force 33-yard line. Six plays later, Richardson hit Isaiah O'Connell for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Orlando successfully converted for two, and trailed 26-18 with 8:53 remaining in the fourth quarter. After Bo Bull returned the ensuing kickoff 58 yards to the Preadtors' 29-yard line, he fumbled on the next play, and Sheets recovered at the 27. The Predators would get turned away on fourth down at the Georgia 35-yard line. The Force would punt, and Orlando was at their own 20-yard line with 1:04 left. Richardson managed to reach the Georgia 44-yard line with 2 seconds to go, but his pass to O'Connell was ultimately short of the end zone on the last play.
Georgia (6-5) gained 293 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 115 yards on 34 carries. Bull led the team with 43 yards on 13 carries. Bahr was 9-of-15 passing for 126 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Gansz went 7-of-11 for 68 yards and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Bannon led the receivers with 6 catches for 39 yards and a TD. Trice caught 5 passes for 127 yards and a TD. The Force host the Albany Firebirds next week.
Orlando (1-10) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 72 yards on 16 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 25 yards on 5 carries. Richardson was 29-of-48 passing for 331 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 46 yards. O'Connell led the receivers with 6 catches for 64 yards and a TD. Crsoby caught 5 passes for 91 yards and a TD. Next week, the Predators will host the Detroit Drive.
Orlando began the game with possession, and drove into position for Abel White to attempt a 52-yard field goal. But his kick was blocked by Wesley Evins who recovered it at the Georgia 48-yard line. Three plays later, Augustus Bahr, acquired from Iowa last offseason in the Norm Damron trade, fired a 62-yard touchdown pass to Tinker Trice giving the Force a 7-0 lead with 10:10 to go in the first quarter.
After trading punts, the Predators got moving with a 10-play, 75-yard drive. White opened the second quarter with a 36-yard field goal to make it 7-3. Georgia would respond, marching 78 yards on 16 plays. Bahr would throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to give the Force a 14-3 lead with 7:49 remaining in the half. The teams traded punts again, then Tyrone Pickney would sack Woodrow Richardson and cause a fumble. Pete Love recovered for Georgia at his own 41-yard line. Nine plays later, Bahr would run in on a 10-yard scramble for a touchdown to make it 21-3 with 12 seconds left in the half.
Georgia would punt to open the second half, and Orlando looked to get on the board, but White's 33-yard field goal attempt went wide. Yannel Gansz came in at the start of the half replacing Bahr, and he directed an 8-play, 43-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 51-yard field goal to make it 24-3 with 4:48 to go in the third quarter. On the Predators' next possession, Richardson was chased hither and yon 22 yards back of the line of scrimmage. Horatio Chipman ultimately corralled Richardson in the end zone for a safety to make it 26-3 with 3:45 to go in the third. After Clem Foulks fumbled on a handoff and Ham Sheets recovered for Orlando at the Force 40-yard line, Richardson took three plays to finally find the end zone, hitting Gene Crosby for a 2-yard touchdown pass to make it 26-10 with 1:13 to go in the third quarter.
The Force punted early in the fourth quarter. Richardson tried to drive for a score, but Alfred Pinkston short-circuited the drive with an interception at the Georgia 44-yard line. But Gansz would be stripped of the ball by Morris Buck and Artie Damon recovered for the Predators at the Force 33-yard line. Six plays later, Richardson hit Isaiah O'Connell for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Orlando successfully converted for two, and trailed 26-18 with 8:53 remaining in the fourth quarter. After Bo Bull returned the ensuing kickoff 58 yards to the Preadtors' 29-yard line, he fumbled on the next play, and Sheets recovered at the 27. The Predators would get turned away on fourth down at the Georgia 35-yard line. The Force would punt, and Orlando was at their own 20-yard line with 1:04 left. Richardson managed to reach the Georgia 44-yard line with 2 seconds to go, but his pass to O'Connell was ultimately short of the end zone on the last play.
Georgia (6-5) gained 293 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 115 yards on 34 carries. Bull led the team with 43 yards on 13 carries. Bahr was 9-of-15 passing for 126 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Gansz went 7-of-11 for 68 yards and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Bannon led the receivers with 6 catches for 39 yards and a TD. Trice caught 5 passes for 127 yards and a TD. The Force host the Albany Firebirds next week.
Orlando (1-10) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 72 yards on 16 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 25 yards on 5 carries. Richardson was 29-of-48 passing for 331 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 46 yards. O'Connell led the receivers with 6 catches for 64 yards and a TD. Crsoby caught 5 passes for 91 yards and a TD. Next week, the Predators will host the Detroit Drive.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
AFL: Rampage Cruise Past Dragons, 22-7
GRAND RAPIDS-The Grand Rapids Rampage kept pace with the Albany Firebirds in the AFL Eastern Division by defeating the New York Dragons in Week 11 by a score of 22-7.
The Rampage got it started when Theodore Kile fielded the opening kickoff and returned it 86 yards to the Dragons' 6-yard line. Four plays later, Herbert Shipley scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 7-0 lead with 13:49 remaining in the first quarter. Following a three-and-out, The Rampage went 50 yards on 5 plays, and George Tibbs kicked a 24-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:54 left in the first.
After trading punts, New York had a chance to get on the board. But Jose Trust missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. The Rampage would punt on their next drive, but Freddy Ashercraft spoiled a 42-yard punt return with a fumble. Deion Fish would recover for Grand Rapids at their own 38-yard line. Curtis Wayne would later be picked off by Vance Bicker who returned it 20 yards to the Rampage 36-yard line. But Trust missed another field goal, this time from 44 yards out. Grand Rapids appeared on the verge of scoring near the end of the second quarter, but Toby Harrell would fumble and Bill Sharp recovered for New York at their own 2-yard line, and there was no scoring in the second quarter.
The Dragons opened the second half with a punt, then the Rampage drove 57 yards on 12 plays. Tibbs would kick another 24-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13-0 with 7:17 remaining in the third quarter. Orville Brill would intercept a Faron Emerson pass and return it 13 yards to the New York 36-yard line. Three plays and nine yards later, Tibbs would connect on a 44-yard field goal giving Grand Rapids a 16-0 lead with 4:20 remaining in the third.
Following a punt by Tyrell Tadwell that he placed on the Rampage 1-yard line, Grand Rapids marched 90 yards on 15 plays. Tibbs put a cap on the nine-minute drive with a 26-yard field goal to make it 19-0 with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Dragons finally got something going offensively with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Emerson would hit George Larron for a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 19-7 with 2:16 left in the game. An onside kick failed, and Grand Rapids had a 5-play, 8-yard drive that ended with a 52-yard field goal by Tibbs to make it 22-7 with 56 seconds left.
Grand Rapids (6-5) gained 308 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 125 yards on 36 carries. Shipley led the team with 61 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Wayne was 20-of-30 passing for 202 yards and an INT. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Bud Tyrer was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 97 yards. The Rampage visit the Nashville Kats next week.
New York (2-9) gained 216 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 61 yards on 19 carries. Paden Caspar led the teams with 25 yards on 6 carries. Emerson was 20-of-33 passing for 181 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 26 yards. Elvis Darnell led the receivers with 5 catches for 59 yards. Next week, the Dragons visit the Tampa Bay Storm.
The Rampage got it started when Theodore Kile fielded the opening kickoff and returned it 86 yards to the Dragons' 6-yard line. Four plays later, Herbert Shipley scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 7-0 lead with 13:49 remaining in the first quarter. Following a three-and-out, The Rampage went 50 yards on 5 plays, and George Tibbs kicked a 24-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:54 left in the first.
After trading punts, New York had a chance to get on the board. But Jose Trust missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. The Rampage would punt on their next drive, but Freddy Ashercraft spoiled a 42-yard punt return with a fumble. Deion Fish would recover for Grand Rapids at their own 38-yard line. Curtis Wayne would later be picked off by Vance Bicker who returned it 20 yards to the Rampage 36-yard line. But Trust missed another field goal, this time from 44 yards out. Grand Rapids appeared on the verge of scoring near the end of the second quarter, but Toby Harrell would fumble and Bill Sharp recovered for New York at their own 2-yard line, and there was no scoring in the second quarter.
The Dragons opened the second half with a punt, then the Rampage drove 57 yards on 12 plays. Tibbs would kick another 24-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13-0 with 7:17 remaining in the third quarter. Orville Brill would intercept a Faron Emerson pass and return it 13 yards to the New York 36-yard line. Three plays and nine yards later, Tibbs would connect on a 44-yard field goal giving Grand Rapids a 16-0 lead with 4:20 remaining in the third.
Following a punt by Tyrell Tadwell that he placed on the Rampage 1-yard line, Grand Rapids marched 90 yards on 15 plays. Tibbs put a cap on the nine-minute drive with a 26-yard field goal to make it 19-0 with 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Dragons finally got something going offensively with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Emerson would hit George Larron for a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 19-7 with 2:16 left in the game. An onside kick failed, and Grand Rapids had a 5-play, 8-yard drive that ended with a 52-yard field goal by Tibbs to make it 22-7 with 56 seconds left.
Grand Rapids (6-5) gained 308 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 125 yards on 36 carries. Shipley led the team with 61 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Wayne was 20-of-30 passing for 202 yards and an INT. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Bud Tyrer was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 97 yards. The Rampage visit the Nashville Kats next week.
New York (2-9) gained 216 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 61 yards on 19 carries. Paden Caspar led the teams with 25 yards on 6 carries. Emerson was 20-of-33 passing for 181 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 26 yards. Elvis Darnell led the receivers with 5 catches for 59 yards. Next week, the Dragons visit the Tampa Bay Storm.
Friday, November 3, 2017
AFL: Firebirds Down Drive, 22-13
DETROIT-The Albany Firebirds took a step toward separating the logjam in the AFL's Eastern Division by defeating the Detroit Drive 22-13 in a Week 11 game.
The game began with Patch Brolie fumbling the opening kickoff, and Travis Edgar recovered for the Firebirds at the Drive 34-yard line. Five plays later, Tico Ponder scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 12:41 to go in the first quarter. Detroit looked to get on the board on their next possession, but Cletis Frayer's 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Durwood Aycock who returned it to the Firebirds' 46-yard line. The Firebirds went three-and-out, then the Drive's next possession was thwarted when Lou Couch was picked off by Butler Stonewall who returned it 15 yards to the Albany 43-yard line. The ensuing Firebirds' drive ended with Wally Dancer missing a 54-yard field goal attempt. Couch was picked off again by Jimmy Loggeman at the Firebirds' 30-yard line.
The teams would trade punts, then Ponder would be stripped of the ball, and Rasheed Harvell scooped it up and returned it 25 yards to the Drive 44-yard line. Artie Thom ended the 6-play, 56-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 with 6:59 left in the second quarter. Albany's next drive would come to an end with Dancer's 39-yard field goal being partially blocked. After a Detroit punt, the Firebirds moved 53 yards on 6 plays. Sinbad Gargaro would fire a 41-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley with 30 seconds left to give Albany a 14-7 lead at the half.
The teams would trade punts to open the third quarter. Flint Percell would down a punt on the Drive 1-yard line. On the next play, Brolie was tackled in the end zone by Toney Allingham for a safety to make it 16-7 with 6:30 to go in the third quarter. After the safety kick, the Firebirds looked to add to their lead, but Abdul Fowler fumbled, and Ham Thom recovered for Detroit at their own 35-yard line.
Following the turnover, the Drive moved 43 yards on 7 plays. Frayer opened the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal to make the score 16-10 with 14:53 to go in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would answer with an 8-play, 61-play drive. Dancer would kick a 36-yard field goal to make it 19-10 with 11:17 to go in the fourth. Detroit would punt, then Ponder would fumble and Thom fell on it for the Drive at their own 47-yard line. After going 48 yards on 6 plays, Frayer would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 19-13 with 3:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would punt, then the Drive were turned away on fourth down deep in their own territory. Albany gained eight yards on three plays, and Dancer kicked a 38-yard field goal with 47 seconds left in the game to make it 22-13.
Albany (6-5) gained 352 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 85 yards on 29 carries. Fowler led the team with 34 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Gargaro was 26-of-42 passing for 278 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 11-yard loss. Garry Farr was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 47 yards. The Firebirds will visit the Georgia Force next week.
Detroit (5-6) gained 319 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 175 yards on 26 carries. Artie Thom led the team with 83 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Couch was 11-of-27 passing for 143 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Vern Kelly led the receivers with 4 catches for 82 yards. Next week, the Drive will visit the Orlando Predators.
The game began with Patch Brolie fumbling the opening kickoff, and Travis Edgar recovered for the Firebirds at the Drive 34-yard line. Five plays later, Tico Ponder scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to give Albany a 7-0 lead with 12:41 to go in the first quarter. Detroit looked to get on the board on their next possession, but Cletis Frayer's 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Durwood Aycock who returned it to the Firebirds' 46-yard line. The Firebirds went three-and-out, then the Drive's next possession was thwarted when Lou Couch was picked off by Butler Stonewall who returned it 15 yards to the Albany 43-yard line. The ensuing Firebirds' drive ended with Wally Dancer missing a 54-yard field goal attempt. Couch was picked off again by Jimmy Loggeman at the Firebirds' 30-yard line.
The teams would trade punts, then Ponder would be stripped of the ball, and Rasheed Harvell scooped it up and returned it 25 yards to the Drive 44-yard line. Artie Thom ended the 6-play, 56-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 with 6:59 left in the second quarter. Albany's next drive would come to an end with Dancer's 39-yard field goal being partially blocked. After a Detroit punt, the Firebirds moved 53 yards on 6 plays. Sinbad Gargaro would fire a 41-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley with 30 seconds left to give Albany a 14-7 lead at the half.
The teams would trade punts to open the third quarter. Flint Percell would down a punt on the Drive 1-yard line. On the next play, Brolie was tackled in the end zone by Toney Allingham for a safety to make it 16-7 with 6:30 to go in the third quarter. After the safety kick, the Firebirds looked to add to their lead, but Abdul Fowler fumbled, and Ham Thom recovered for Detroit at their own 35-yard line.
Following the turnover, the Drive moved 43 yards on 7 plays. Frayer opened the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal to make the score 16-10 with 14:53 to go in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would answer with an 8-play, 61-play drive. Dancer would kick a 36-yard field goal to make it 19-10 with 11:17 to go in the fourth. Detroit would punt, then Ponder would fumble and Thom fell on it for the Drive at their own 47-yard line. After going 48 yards on 6 plays, Frayer would kick a 22-yard field goal to make it 19-13 with 3:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds would punt, then the Drive were turned away on fourth down deep in their own territory. Albany gained eight yards on three plays, and Dancer kicked a 38-yard field goal with 47 seconds left in the game to make it 22-13.
Albany (6-5) gained 352 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 85 yards on 29 carries. Fowler led the team with 34 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Gargaro was 26-of-42 passing for 278 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 11-yard loss. Garry Farr was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 47 yards. The Firebirds will visit the Georgia Force next week.
Detroit (5-6) gained 319 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 175 yards on 26 carries. Artie Thom led the team with 83 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Couch was 11-of-27 passing for 143 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Vern Kelly led the receivers with 4 catches for 82 yards. Next week, the Drive will visit the Orlando Predators.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
AFL Week 10 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 5 | 5 | 0 | 242 | 217 | 3-2 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 5 | 0 | 227 | 232 | 4-3 |
| Detroit Drive | 5 | 5 | 0 | 242 | 197 | 3-3 |
| New York Dragons | 2 | 8 | 0 | 176 | 272 | 1-5 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 6 | 4 | 0 | 219 | 225 | 2-2 |
| Nashville Kats | 6 | 4 | 0 | 239 | 216 | 3-2 |
| Georgia Force | 5 | 5 | 0 | 204 | 242 | 1-4 |
| Orlando Predators | 1 | 9 | 0 | 212 | 296 | 1-5 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Chicago Rush | 7 | 3 | 0 | 234 | 211 | 3-2 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 6 | 4 | 0 | 278 | 214 | 3-2 |
| Dallas Desperados | 6 | 4 | 0 | 257 | 224 | 4-0 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 4 | 6 | 0 | 216 | 231 | 1-4 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Colorado Crush | 6 | 4 | 0 | 246 | 234 | 2-3 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 6 | 4 | 0 | 242 | 222 | 1-2 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 6 | 4 | 0 | 264 | 229 | 2-2 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 4 | 6 | 0 | 194 | 230 | 1-3 |
| Week 10 Scores (Home team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| DETROIT 20, Tampa Bay 10 | ||||||
| GRAND RAPIDS 34, Orlando 30 | ||||||
| ALBANY 27, Nashville 24 (OT) | ||||||
| Georgia 20, NEW YORK 12 | ||||||
| CHICAGO 22, Los Angeles 16 | ||||||
| DALLAS 38, Colorado 17 | ||||||
| San Jose 43, IOWA 24 | ||||||
| Arizona 43, MILWAUKEE 10 | ||||||
| Week 11 Games | ||||||
| Albany (5-5) at Detroit (5-5) (Drive -5) | ||||||
| New York (2-8) at Grand Rapids (5-5) (Rampage -11) | ||||||
| Orlando (1-9) at Georgia (5-5) (Force -9) | ||||||
| Nashville (6-4) at Tampa Bay (6-4) (Storm -1) | ||||||
| Iowa (6-4) at Chicago (7-3) (Rush -6) | ||||||
| Milwaukee (4-6) at Dallas (6-4) (Desperados -10) | ||||||
| Colorado (6-4) at Arizona (4-6) (Rattlers -2) | ||||||
| San Jose (6-4) at Los Angeles (6-4) (Sabercats -2) | ||||||
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