TAMPA-The Tampa Bay Storm defeated the Colorado Crush 21-14 to extend their lead in the Southern Division to two games during Week 7 of the AFL season.
Colorado started with a drive into field goal range, but Earl Ginger missed a 50-yard field goal attempt. Tampa Bay couldn't answer back and had to punt. Then both teams traded punts, and the Crush found themselves at their own 2-yard line. Colorado then embarked on a 13-play, 98-yard drive that ended with Howton Thom connecting with Turk Dill for a 24-yard touchdown pass to put the Crush up 7-0 with 12:13 left in the second quarter.
Tampa Bay responded with their own drive that went 70 yards on 7 plays. Foster Warhurst finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown catch from Orval Stanley to tie the game at 7 with 9:02 to go in the first half. Colorado appeared primed to score again, but Tyler Howell fumbled and Charley Voorhees recovered for the Storm at the Tampa Bay 28. The Storm had to punt, and the Crush punted back to Tampa Bay. From there, the Storm drove 68 yards on 8 plays. Stanley threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Vinnie Kirksey with 34 seconds left in the half to give them a 14-7 lead going into the locker room.
Tampa Bay opened the second half with Stanley getting intercepted by Deron Putnam at the Crush 18-yard line. The Crush couldn't capitalize and had to punt. The Storm answered with a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Jefferson Taylor scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run, putting Tampa Bay up 21-7 with 4:04 left in the third. Thom was intercepted by Drake Cushing on Colorado's ensuing possession at the Crush 37. But Johnny Quincey missed a 45-yard field goal attempt at the start of the fourth quarter.
After the missed field goal, the Crush drove 65 yards on 12 plays. Thom finished the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Kinzer to close the gap to 21-14 with 11:11 left in the fourth. Curley Wentworth intercepted Stanley on Tampa Bay's next drive, but the Crush were turned away on fourth down. After that, it was punt after punt after punt. Colorado started their last drive at their own 4-yard line with 4:43 left in the game, and managed to reach the Tampa Bay 15 with 26 seconds remaining. But Thom's 4th down pass to Howell fell incomplete, and the Storm held on for the win.
Tampa Bay (5-2) gained 290 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 78 yards on 21 carries. Taylor led the team with 54 yards on 10 carries and a TD. Stanley went 18-of-31 passing for 222 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Warhurst led the Storm with 7 catches for 101 yards and a TD. Next week, the Storm will look to avenge a Week 5 loss by the score of 22-14 to the Nashville Kats.
Colorado (4-3) gained 392 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 101 yards rushing on 28 carries. Valentine Millstone led the Crush with 59 yards on 11 carries. Thom went 30-of-51 passing for 316 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Howell led the Crush with 6 catches for 73 yards. The Crush will host the San Jose Sabercats next week, a team they defeated 23-10 in Week 5.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
AFL: San Jose Pulls Away From Nashville, 31-10
NASHVILLE-Alan Sale scored three touchdowns, and the San Jose Sabercats scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to pull away from the Nashville Kats, 31-10 during Week 7 of the AFL season.
San Jose started the game with a punt, and Nashville seemed poised to strike first blood, but Daniel Stevenson missed a 30-yard field goal. Sale would fumble for the Sabercats, and Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats at the San Jose 22. After three plays netted -3 yards, Stevenson would connect on a 42-yard field goal to give Nashville a 3-0 lead with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter. Sale would atone for his fumble, finishing off a 10-play, 59-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 7-3 lead with 44 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Kats would answer back with a 9-play, 88-yard drive, ending with Brewster Brickhouse throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Deke Rainbow, giving Nashville a 10-7 lead with 11:01 to go in the first half. Nashville would intercept Timmy Carey on San Jose's next possession as Parker Kincaid returned the pick 40 yards to the Sabercats' 45-yard line. However, Stevenson would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. The Sabercats would then drive 69 yards on 6 plays, and Carey would hit Sale for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 remaining in the half to take a 14-10 lead.
At the start of the third quarter, Russ Bird intercepted an errant Brickhouse pass and returned it 6 yards to the Nashville 37-yard line. Following a 4-play, 29-yard drive, Ethan Wycoff kicked a 25-yard field goal with 10:57 left in the third quarter to go up 17-10. Nashville would get into scoring position again, but Stevenson missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. San Jose went three-and-out, then Nashville did the same, but Red Hull's punt was blocked by Gregory Taylor who returned it 12 yards to the Kats' 3-yard line. Two plays later, Sale ran in from the 2 to put the Sabercats up 24-10 with 1:42 remaining in the third.
Nashville again went three-and-out, and San Jose drove 42 yards on 9 plays. Carey completed the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan, and San Jose took a 31-10 lead with 12:27 remaining in the game. After that, the Kats couldn't get in the end zone, and the Sabercats were content to run out the clock.
San Jose (5-2) gained 283 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 119 yards on 34 carries. Sale led the Sabercats with 55 yards on 18 carries and 2 TD. He also caught 4 passes for 32 yards and a TD. Carey went 15-of-26 passing for 194 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 30 yards. Costigan led the Sabercats receivers with 5 catches for 91 yards and a TD. San Jose will visit the Colorado Crush next week, who beat the Sabercats 23-10 in Week 5.
Nashville (3-4) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 77 yards on 22 carries. Rainbow led the Kats with 43 yards on 6 carries. Brickhouse went 25-of-38 passing for 202 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Damien Holden led Nashville receivers with 6 catches for 65 yards. The Kats will visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week, a team they defeated 22-14 in Week 5.
San Jose started the game with a punt, and Nashville seemed poised to strike first blood, but Daniel Stevenson missed a 30-yard field goal. Sale would fumble for the Sabercats, and Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats at the San Jose 22. After three plays netted -3 yards, Stevenson would connect on a 42-yard field goal to give Nashville a 3-0 lead with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter. Sale would atone for his fumble, finishing off a 10-play, 59-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 7-3 lead with 44 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Kats would answer back with a 9-play, 88-yard drive, ending with Brewster Brickhouse throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Deke Rainbow, giving Nashville a 10-7 lead with 11:01 to go in the first half. Nashville would intercept Timmy Carey on San Jose's next possession as Parker Kincaid returned the pick 40 yards to the Sabercats' 45-yard line. However, Stevenson would miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. The Sabercats would then drive 69 yards on 6 plays, and Carey would hit Sale for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 remaining in the half to take a 14-10 lead.
At the start of the third quarter, Russ Bird intercepted an errant Brickhouse pass and returned it 6 yards to the Nashville 37-yard line. Following a 4-play, 29-yard drive, Ethan Wycoff kicked a 25-yard field goal with 10:57 left in the third quarter to go up 17-10. Nashville would get into scoring position again, but Stevenson missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. San Jose went three-and-out, then Nashville did the same, but Red Hull's punt was blocked by Gregory Taylor who returned it 12 yards to the Kats' 3-yard line. Two plays later, Sale ran in from the 2 to put the Sabercats up 24-10 with 1:42 remaining in the third.
Nashville again went three-and-out, and San Jose drove 42 yards on 9 plays. Carey completed the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan, and San Jose took a 31-10 lead with 12:27 remaining in the game. After that, the Kats couldn't get in the end zone, and the Sabercats were content to run out the clock.
San Jose (5-2) gained 283 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 119 yards on 34 carries. Sale led the Sabercats with 55 yards on 18 carries and 2 TD. He also caught 4 passes for 32 yards and a TD. Carey went 15-of-26 passing for 194 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 30 yards. Costigan led the Sabercats receivers with 5 catches for 91 yards and a TD. San Jose will visit the Colorado Crush next week, who beat the Sabercats 23-10 in Week 5.
Nashville (3-4) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 77 yards on 22 carries. Rainbow led the Kats with 43 yards on 6 carries. Brickhouse went 25-of-38 passing for 202 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Damien Holden led Nashville receivers with 6 catches for 65 yards. The Kats will visit the Tampa Bay Storm next week, a team they defeated 22-14 in Week 5.
Monday, October 17, 2016
AFL: Rush Snuff Out Dragons, 44-29
UNIONDALE, NY-Four touchdown passes by Arman Drummond helped propel the Chicago Rush to a 44-29 victory over the New York Dragons in a Week 7 AFL contest.
Drummond didn't start the game very well, as he was intercepted by Dusty Mills on his third pass of the game. The Dragons couldn't take advantage, however, and had to punt. The Rush punted the ball back, and then Faron Emerson was picked off by Chicago's Niko Simon at the New York 35-yard line. After seven plays, Drummond hit Marty Margerum for a 2-yard touchdown pass to put Chicago up 7-0 with 5:01 left in the first quarter. The teams again traded punts as the first quarter drew to a close.
New York would drive 54 yards on 4 plays, with Emerson completing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr with 14:16 remaining in the half to tie the game at 7. After trading punts, the Rush would go on an 11-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Lonnie Clements scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run with 4:19 left in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead. New York punted on their next possession, but Drummond had a pass intercepted by Mills at the Dragons' 5-yard line. After that, the Dragons drove 79 yards on 10 plays. Burt Hamrick completed the drive with a 33-yard field goal with 10 seconds to go in the half to make it 14-10 Rush at the half.
On New York's first possession of the second half, Emerson was picked off by Wallace Fetters, who returned it 34 yards to the Dragons' 11-yard line. On the following play, Drummond threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Margerum to put the Rush up 21-10 with 13:48 left in the third. The Dragons punted on their next drive. Chicago lined up to punt, but Winn Burnett's kick was blocked, and Marty Yount returned it to the Chicago 10-yard line. Two plays later, Emerson hit Starr for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Dragons missed the two-point conversion, and were down 21-16 with 10:15 to go in the third. The Rush responded with a 7-play, 73-yard drive. Drummond threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Zach Allen to make it 28-16 with 7:20 to go in the third. The teams would trade punts late in the quarter.
Early in the fourth, Drummond threw an interception that Hugh Strickland returned 17 yards for a touchdown to put the Dragons within 5 at 28-23 with 12:12 left in the game. Rusty Robustito would field a short kickoff and return it 39 yards to the Dragons' 40. After three plays gained eight yards, Dete Justen kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 31-23 with 10:29 left in the fourth quarter. The Dragons would punt on their next possession, and Chicago attempted to work the clock, but Ward Despain fumbled, and Omar Wheeley returned it 22 yards to the New York 49. Five plays later, Emerson and Starr hooked for their third touchdown of the game, a 34-yarder. But the Dragons couldn't make the 2-point conversion again, and still trailed 31-29 with 5:07 remaining in the game. Chicago then worked on a 9-play, 65-yard drive and Clements scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. The Rush went for two and failed, but were still ahead 37-29 with 1:13 left. New York failed on their next possession, and Chicago added an insurance score with 4 seconds remaining after Drummond threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Orrin Davenport.
Chicago (2-5) gained 434 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 159 rushing yards on 33 carries. Clements led the team with 50 yards on 12 carries and 2 TD. Drummond was 20-of-37 passing for 275 yards, 4 TD and 3 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Allen caught 4 passes for 86 yards and a TD. Margerum caught 4 passes for 64 yards and 2 TD. The Rush will host the Dallas Desperados next week, hoping to avenge a 20-16 loss in Week 5.
New York (4-3) gained 242 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 99 yards on 28 carries. George Larron led the team with 46 yards on 13 carries. Emerson went 17-of-34 passing for 188 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 45 yards. Ardell Ashmore led the Dragons with 6 receptions for 44 yards. Starr caught 3 passes for 69 yards, and all 3 were touchdowns. New York will host the Albany Firebirds next week, a team they handily beat 31-3 in Week 5.
Drummond didn't start the game very well, as he was intercepted by Dusty Mills on his third pass of the game. The Dragons couldn't take advantage, however, and had to punt. The Rush punted the ball back, and then Faron Emerson was picked off by Chicago's Niko Simon at the New York 35-yard line. After seven plays, Drummond hit Marty Margerum for a 2-yard touchdown pass to put Chicago up 7-0 with 5:01 left in the first quarter. The teams again traded punts as the first quarter drew to a close.
New York would drive 54 yards on 4 plays, with Emerson completing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr with 14:16 remaining in the half to tie the game at 7. After trading punts, the Rush would go on an 11-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Lonnie Clements scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run with 4:19 left in the second quarter to take a 14-7 lead. New York punted on their next possession, but Drummond had a pass intercepted by Mills at the Dragons' 5-yard line. After that, the Dragons drove 79 yards on 10 plays. Burt Hamrick completed the drive with a 33-yard field goal with 10 seconds to go in the half to make it 14-10 Rush at the half.
On New York's first possession of the second half, Emerson was picked off by Wallace Fetters, who returned it 34 yards to the Dragons' 11-yard line. On the following play, Drummond threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Margerum to put the Rush up 21-10 with 13:48 left in the third. The Dragons punted on their next drive. Chicago lined up to punt, but Winn Burnett's kick was blocked, and Marty Yount returned it to the Chicago 10-yard line. Two plays later, Emerson hit Starr for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Dragons missed the two-point conversion, and were down 21-16 with 10:15 to go in the third. The Rush responded with a 7-play, 73-yard drive. Drummond threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Zach Allen to make it 28-16 with 7:20 to go in the third. The teams would trade punts late in the quarter.
Early in the fourth, Drummond threw an interception that Hugh Strickland returned 17 yards for a touchdown to put the Dragons within 5 at 28-23 with 12:12 left in the game. Rusty Robustito would field a short kickoff and return it 39 yards to the Dragons' 40. After three plays gained eight yards, Dete Justen kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 31-23 with 10:29 left in the fourth quarter. The Dragons would punt on their next possession, and Chicago attempted to work the clock, but Ward Despain fumbled, and Omar Wheeley returned it 22 yards to the New York 49. Five plays later, Emerson and Starr hooked for their third touchdown of the game, a 34-yarder. But the Dragons couldn't make the 2-point conversion again, and still trailed 31-29 with 5:07 remaining in the game. Chicago then worked on a 9-play, 65-yard drive and Clements scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. The Rush went for two and failed, but were still ahead 37-29 with 1:13 left. New York failed on their next possession, and Chicago added an insurance score with 4 seconds remaining after Drummond threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Orrin Davenport.
Chicago (2-5) gained 434 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 159 rushing yards on 33 carries. Clements led the team with 50 yards on 12 carries and 2 TD. Drummond was 20-of-37 passing for 275 yards, 4 TD and 3 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Allen caught 4 passes for 86 yards and a TD. Margerum caught 4 passes for 64 yards and 2 TD. The Rush will host the Dallas Desperados next week, hoping to avenge a 20-16 loss in Week 5.
New York (4-3) gained 242 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 99 yards on 28 carries. George Larron led the team with 46 yards on 13 carries. Emerson went 17-of-34 passing for 188 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 45 yards. Ardell Ashmore led the Dragons with 6 receptions for 44 yards. Starr caught 3 passes for 69 yards, and all 3 were touchdowns. New York will host the Albany Firebirds next week, a team they handily beat 31-3 in Week 5.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
AFL: Firebirds Edge Desperados, 22-20
ALBANY, NY-The Dallas Desperados had a chance to claim sole possession of first place in the AFL Central Division, but the Albany Firebirds had other ideas as they edged the Desperados, 22-20 in a Week 7 contest.
The Desperados started out the game with a bang. On the second play of the game, Elson Gregson took off for a 69-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 13:56 remaining in the first quarter. Albany went three-and-out, but Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Wayne Davison, who returned it 25 yards for the Firebirds to the Dallas 34-yard line. After a 4-play, 28-yard drive, Dom Wenning kicked a 23-yard field goal with 9:52 to go in the first to make it 7-3. Both teams would then trade punts twice as the first quarter moved on.
Late in the first, Dallas embarked on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that culminated with Voorhees scrambling in for a 2-yard touchdown run to go up 14-3 with 12:45 left in the second quarter. The Firebirds responded with an 8-play, 61-yard drive that ended with Sinbad Gargaro connecting with Garry Farr for a 10-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-10 with 9:23 to go in the half. Dallas would punt, and Albany would move the ball 46 yards on 8 plays. Wenning ended the drive with a 51-yard field goal with 2:40 to go in the second quarter to make it 14-13. Greg Hall would miss a 49-yard field goal with 55 seconds left in the half, and Wenning would miss a 55-yarder with 14 seconds left to end the half.
Albany's first possession of the second half saw Gargaro get intercepted by Ardell Edmonds at the Dallas 41-yard line. The Desperados would give it back, however, as Horace Evers fumbled and Stanford Barbee would return it 9 yards to the Firebirds 44-yard line. Albany then drove 56 yards on 5 plays, ending with Gargaro hitting Teddy Harley for a 24-yard touchdown. The Firebirds failed to make the 2-point conversion, and were up 19-14 with 10:52 to go in the third. Both teams would trade punts, and Voorhees was picked off by Albany's Butler Stonewall at his own 28. Other than punt, the punt teams would dominate the third and early part of the fourth quarter.
With 9:41 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas faced a 4th-and-4 at the Albany 13, and Voorhees was not even close, getting stuffed at the 12. Albany then fired off a 7-play, 73-yard drive, ending with Wenning kicking a 32-yard field goal with 6 minutes to go to go up 22-14. The Desperados would respond with a 8-play, 57-yard drive that saw Voorhees throw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Evers with 3:18 remaining. Dallas would miss the 2-point conversion, and were down 22-20. After Albany punted, Dallas had the ball at its own 20 with 1:11 left in the game, but couldn't move the ball at all, and Albany snapped their two-game losing streak. Conversely, Dallas saw their two-game winning streak end.
Albany (4-3) gained 331 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 100 yards on 29 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 41 yards on 5 carries. Gargaro was 16-of-36 passing for 259 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Farr led the team with 5 receptions for 63 yards and a TD. Tico Ponder caught 4 passes for 106 yards. Next week, the Firebirds will visit the New York Dragons, who blew them out 31-3 in Week 5.
Dallas (4-3) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 160 yards rushing on 26 carries. Gregson led the team with 116 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Voorhees went 19-of-43 passing for 229 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Evers caught 5 passes for 46 yards and a TD. J.J. Hawes caught 5 passes for 63 yards. Dallas will visit the Chicago Rush next week, the Desperados defeated them 20-16 in Week 5.
The Desperados started out the game with a bang. On the second play of the game, Elson Gregson took off for a 69-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 13:56 remaining in the first quarter. Albany went three-and-out, but Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Wayne Davison, who returned it 25 yards for the Firebirds to the Dallas 34-yard line. After a 4-play, 28-yard drive, Dom Wenning kicked a 23-yard field goal with 9:52 to go in the first to make it 7-3. Both teams would then trade punts twice as the first quarter moved on.
Late in the first, Dallas embarked on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that culminated with Voorhees scrambling in for a 2-yard touchdown run to go up 14-3 with 12:45 left in the second quarter. The Firebirds responded with an 8-play, 61-yard drive that ended with Sinbad Gargaro connecting with Garry Farr for a 10-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-10 with 9:23 to go in the half. Dallas would punt, and Albany would move the ball 46 yards on 8 plays. Wenning ended the drive with a 51-yard field goal with 2:40 to go in the second quarter to make it 14-13. Greg Hall would miss a 49-yard field goal with 55 seconds left in the half, and Wenning would miss a 55-yarder with 14 seconds left to end the half.
Albany's first possession of the second half saw Gargaro get intercepted by Ardell Edmonds at the Dallas 41-yard line. The Desperados would give it back, however, as Horace Evers fumbled and Stanford Barbee would return it 9 yards to the Firebirds 44-yard line. Albany then drove 56 yards on 5 plays, ending with Gargaro hitting Teddy Harley for a 24-yard touchdown. The Firebirds failed to make the 2-point conversion, and were up 19-14 with 10:52 to go in the third. Both teams would trade punts, and Voorhees was picked off by Albany's Butler Stonewall at his own 28. Other than punt, the punt teams would dominate the third and early part of the fourth quarter.
With 9:41 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas faced a 4th-and-4 at the Albany 13, and Voorhees was not even close, getting stuffed at the 12. Albany then fired off a 7-play, 73-yard drive, ending with Wenning kicking a 32-yard field goal with 6 minutes to go to go up 22-14. The Desperados would respond with a 8-play, 57-yard drive that saw Voorhees throw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Evers with 3:18 remaining. Dallas would miss the 2-point conversion, and were down 22-20. After Albany punted, Dallas had the ball at its own 20 with 1:11 left in the game, but couldn't move the ball at all, and Albany snapped their two-game losing streak. Conversely, Dallas saw their two-game winning streak end.
Albany (4-3) gained 331 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 100 yards on 29 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 41 yards on 5 carries. Gargaro was 16-of-36 passing for 259 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Farr led the team with 5 receptions for 63 yards and a TD. Tico Ponder caught 4 passes for 106 yards. Next week, the Firebirds will visit the New York Dragons, who blew them out 31-3 in Week 5.
Dallas (4-3) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 160 yards rushing on 26 carries. Gregson led the team with 116 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Voorhees went 19-of-43 passing for 229 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Evers caught 5 passes for 46 yards and a TD. J.J. Hawes caught 5 passes for 63 yards. Dallas will visit the Chicago Rush next week, the Desperados defeated them 20-16 in Week 5.
Friday, October 14, 2016
AFL: Rampage Defeat Mustangs, 31-20
GRAND RAPIDS-The Grand Rapids Rampage scored two touchdowns in the last two minutes to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs, 31-20 in a Week 7 AFL game to earn their third straight win.
Milwaukee started the game with a punt. Grand Rapids then drove 70 yards on 12 plays, ending it with a 27-yard field goal by George Tibbs to give the Rampage a 3-0 lead with 5:37 to go in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded with a 15-play, 57-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 3 with 14:42 remaining in the second quarter.
Grand Rapids would then drive 54 yards on 10 plays, with Hudie Naylor scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Rampage a 10-3 lead with 9:21 remaining in the half. Milwaukee answered after getting a good return off a short kickoff. The Mustangs would drive 48 yards on 10 plays, and Chester Brice ran in from the 1 with 4:27 remaining in the second to tie the game at 10. Both teams would trade punts, and the Rampage found themselves at their own 2-yard line at the 2-minute warning. But thanks to a pair of big passing gains, Grand Rapids flew down on a 10-play, 98-yard drive, and Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer with 8 seconds left to give the Rampage a 17-10 lead going into halftime.
The third quarter was a slow offensive showing dominated by punting. The Mustangs made the only scoring threat, as Philbrook missed a 49-yard field goal attempt late in the quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Wayne was intercepted by Bren Urich at the Mustangs' 40-yard line.
After the interception, the Mustangs punted, and Grand Rapids moved into position for Tibbs to attempt a 54-yard field goal, but missed it. On the ensuing possession, the Mustangs faced a 4th-and-3 at the Rampage 34. Needing a touchdown, JC George completed a 31-yard pass to Rocky Coggins for a first down. On the next play, George ran in for a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17 with 7:43 left in the fourth. The Rampage would punt, and Milwaukee would go on a 6-play, 29-yard drive, and Philbrook would kick a 48-yard field goal to put the Mustangs up 20-17 with 3:09 left in the game. Toby Harrell would return the ensuing kickoff 34 yards to the Rampage 46. Three plays later, Wayne hit Ricardo Pearson for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 remaining to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead. After the Mustangs were stuffed deep in their own territory, Harrell would score on a 2-yard touchdown run with 42 seconds to go, and Milwaukee would drop their third straight game.
Grand Rapids (4-3) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 165 yards of 30 carries. Harrell led the team with 58 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wayne went 12-of-25 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 27 yards. Eight different Rampage receivers caught a pass, and Joe Foss led the team with 3 catches for 33 yards. Next week, the Rampage host the Detroit Drive in a rematch of a 20-17 victory for Grand Rapids in Week 5.
Milwaukee (4-3) gained 352 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 116 yards on 28 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 37 yards on 10 carries. George went 22-of-41 passing for 247 yards. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 70 yards, The Mustangs will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week, a rematch of an Iowa victory in Week 5, by a 20-17 overtime score.
Milwaukee started the game with a punt. Grand Rapids then drove 70 yards on 12 plays, ending it with a 27-yard field goal by George Tibbs to give the Rampage a 3-0 lead with 5:37 to go in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded with a 15-play, 57-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 3 with 14:42 remaining in the second quarter.
Grand Rapids would then drive 54 yards on 10 plays, with Hudie Naylor scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Rampage a 10-3 lead with 9:21 remaining in the half. Milwaukee answered after getting a good return off a short kickoff. The Mustangs would drive 48 yards on 10 plays, and Chester Brice ran in from the 1 with 4:27 remaining in the second to tie the game at 10. Both teams would trade punts, and the Rampage found themselves at their own 2-yard line at the 2-minute warning. But thanks to a pair of big passing gains, Grand Rapids flew down on a 10-play, 98-yard drive, and Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer with 8 seconds left to give the Rampage a 17-10 lead going into halftime.
The third quarter was a slow offensive showing dominated by punting. The Mustangs made the only scoring threat, as Philbrook missed a 49-yard field goal attempt late in the quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Wayne was intercepted by Bren Urich at the Mustangs' 40-yard line.
After the interception, the Mustangs punted, and Grand Rapids moved into position for Tibbs to attempt a 54-yard field goal, but missed it. On the ensuing possession, the Mustangs faced a 4th-and-3 at the Rampage 34. Needing a touchdown, JC George completed a 31-yard pass to Rocky Coggins for a first down. On the next play, George ran in for a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17 with 7:43 left in the fourth. The Rampage would punt, and Milwaukee would go on a 6-play, 29-yard drive, and Philbrook would kick a 48-yard field goal to put the Mustangs up 20-17 with 3:09 left in the game. Toby Harrell would return the ensuing kickoff 34 yards to the Rampage 46. Three plays later, Wayne hit Ricardo Pearson for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 remaining to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead. After the Mustangs were stuffed deep in their own territory, Harrell would score on a 2-yard touchdown run with 42 seconds to go, and Milwaukee would drop their third straight game.
Grand Rapids (4-3) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 165 yards of 30 carries. Harrell led the team with 58 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wayne went 12-of-25 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 27 yards. Eight different Rampage receivers caught a pass, and Joe Foss led the team with 3 catches for 33 yards. Next week, the Rampage host the Detroit Drive in a rematch of a 20-17 victory for Grand Rapids in Week 5.
Milwaukee (4-3) gained 352 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 116 yards on 28 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 37 yards on 10 carries. George went 22-of-41 passing for 247 yards. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 70 yards, The Mustangs will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week, a rematch of an Iowa victory in Week 5, by a 20-17 overtime score.
Monday, October 10, 2016
AFL: Detroit Edges Iowa on Last Play, 29-26
DETROIT-As has been their custom this season, the Detroit Drive once again had a game decided by a touchdown or less. In this case, Cletis Frayer kicked a 24-yard field goal on the final play of the game to edge past the Iowa Barnstormers 29-26 in a Week 7 AFL game.
Detroit was moving smoothly down the field early on, only for Lou Couch's pass to be intercepted in the end zone by Emilio Shipp and returned to the Iowa 18-yard line. The Barnstormers punted, and the Drive moved the ball 25 yards on 7 plays. Frayer kicked a 37-yard field goal to put Detroit up 7-0 with 4:45 to go in the first. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff 59 yards to the Detroit 40-yard line. Four plays later, SB Rhoads kicked a 53-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 2:38 to go in the first quarter.
Couch was intercepted on Detroit's next possession, and Shelton St. Johns returned it to Detroit's 10-yard line. Detroit answered with their own interception, as Butch Bryant picked off Ev Blansett at Detroit's 1-yard line, but Patch Brolie was stuffed in the end zone by Nigel Tuck 4for a safety to give Iowa a 5-3 lead with 14:52 to go in the second. After the free kick, the Barnstormers drove 73 yards on 10 plays. Blansett finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Flip Cravens with 9:21 to go in the half, and Iowa shot to a 12-3 lead. Detroit answered with a 7-play, 59-yard drive that ended with Frayer kicking a 37-yard field goal with 6:14 left in the second to make it 12-6. Iowa's next possession went 61 yards on 9 plays, with Rhoads kicking a 24-yard field goal to go up 15-6 with 1:48 to go in the half. The Drive responded, moving the ball 80 yards on 7 plays. Couch threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley with 17 seconds left to go into halftime down 15-13.
Iowa opened the second half with Powell Ramos fumbling at the Detroit 32-yard line, recovered by the Drive's Tad Adler. But two plays later, St. Johns picked off Couch for the second time and returned it to the 3-yard line. Three plays later, Blansett scrambled in from the 4 for a touchdown. A successful two point conversion put the Barnstormers up 23-13 with 11:34 remaining in the third. Detroit answered with a 9-play, 38-yard drive with Frayer making a 51-yard field goal to make it 23-16 with 7:05 left in the third quarter. Blansett was intercepted by T.T. Presley on the Barnstormers' next possession. After only gaining 6 yards on 7 plays, Frayer kicked a 31-yard field goal with 4:08 remaining in the third, making it 23-19.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rhoads missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. After that, Detroit faced a 4th-and-8 at the Barnstormers 27, and appeared to get a first down when Couch completed a 10-yard pass to Brolie, only to get called back on an illegal motion penalty. The next pass to Brolie from the 32 fell incomplete. The teams then traded punts, and Iowa was at their own 2 with 4:41 left in the game. After two running plays gained 3 yards, Blansett attempted a flair pass, but Stan Florin stepped in front of the pass and returned it for a 2-yard touchdown return with 3:17 left in the game to put Detroit up 26-23. The Barnstormers would punt just prior to the 2-minute warning, but St. Johns would pick Couch off again for the third time and return it to the Detroit 12-yard line. Three plays later, Rhoads kicked a 23-yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining to tie the game at 26. Detroit got the ball at its own 33-yard line after the ensuing kickoff. Couch hit Todd Boyce for 5 yards, Brolie gained 12 on a sweep, and then Couch threw a 43-yard pass to Vern Kelly, setting the stage for Frayer to kick the game-winning field goal with 4 seconds remaining. The 24-yarder sailed through the uprights and Detroit snapped its two-game losing streak.
Detroit (5-2) gained 407 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 83 yards on 23 carries. Brolie led the team with 49 yards on 10 carries. Couch was 25-of-38 passing for 315 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Huntley led the Drive receivers with 9 catches for 102 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 103 yards. Next week, the Drive visit the Grand Rapids Rampage, who beat them 20-17 in Week 5.
Iowa (4-3) gained 254 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Ramos led the team with 47 yards on 14 carries. Blansett went 19-of-34 passing for 181 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Isaiah O'Connell led the Barnstormers with 9 receptions for 99 yards. Next week, Iowa visits the Milwaukee Mustangs in another Week 5 rematch. The Barnstormers defeated Milwaukee in overtime, 20-17.
Detroit was moving smoothly down the field early on, only for Lou Couch's pass to be intercepted in the end zone by Emilio Shipp and returned to the Iowa 18-yard line. The Barnstormers punted, and the Drive moved the ball 25 yards on 7 plays. Frayer kicked a 37-yard field goal to put Detroit up 7-0 with 4:45 to go in the first. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff 59 yards to the Detroit 40-yard line. Four plays later, SB Rhoads kicked a 53-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 2:38 to go in the first quarter.
Couch was intercepted on Detroit's next possession, and Shelton St. Johns returned it to Detroit's 10-yard line. Detroit answered with their own interception, as Butch Bryant picked off Ev Blansett at Detroit's 1-yard line, but Patch Brolie was stuffed in the end zone by Nigel Tuck 4for a safety to give Iowa a 5-3 lead with 14:52 to go in the second. After the free kick, the Barnstormers drove 73 yards on 10 plays. Blansett finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Flip Cravens with 9:21 to go in the half, and Iowa shot to a 12-3 lead. Detroit answered with a 7-play, 59-yard drive that ended with Frayer kicking a 37-yard field goal with 6:14 left in the second to make it 12-6. Iowa's next possession went 61 yards on 9 plays, with Rhoads kicking a 24-yard field goal to go up 15-6 with 1:48 to go in the half. The Drive responded, moving the ball 80 yards on 7 plays. Couch threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley with 17 seconds left to go into halftime down 15-13.
Iowa opened the second half with Powell Ramos fumbling at the Detroit 32-yard line, recovered by the Drive's Tad Adler. But two plays later, St. Johns picked off Couch for the second time and returned it to the 3-yard line. Three plays later, Blansett scrambled in from the 4 for a touchdown. A successful two point conversion put the Barnstormers up 23-13 with 11:34 remaining in the third. Detroit answered with a 9-play, 38-yard drive with Frayer making a 51-yard field goal to make it 23-16 with 7:05 left in the third quarter. Blansett was intercepted by T.T. Presley on the Barnstormers' next possession. After only gaining 6 yards on 7 plays, Frayer kicked a 31-yard field goal with 4:08 remaining in the third, making it 23-19.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rhoads missed a 55-yard field goal attempt. After that, Detroit faced a 4th-and-8 at the Barnstormers 27, and appeared to get a first down when Couch completed a 10-yard pass to Brolie, only to get called back on an illegal motion penalty. The next pass to Brolie from the 32 fell incomplete. The teams then traded punts, and Iowa was at their own 2 with 4:41 left in the game. After two running plays gained 3 yards, Blansett attempted a flair pass, but Stan Florin stepped in front of the pass and returned it for a 2-yard touchdown return with 3:17 left in the game to put Detroit up 26-23. The Barnstormers would punt just prior to the 2-minute warning, but St. Johns would pick Couch off again for the third time and return it to the Detroit 12-yard line. Three plays later, Rhoads kicked a 23-yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining to tie the game at 26. Detroit got the ball at its own 33-yard line after the ensuing kickoff. Couch hit Todd Boyce for 5 yards, Brolie gained 12 on a sweep, and then Couch threw a 43-yard pass to Vern Kelly, setting the stage for Frayer to kick the game-winning field goal with 4 seconds remaining. The 24-yarder sailed through the uprights and Detroit snapped its two-game losing streak.
Detroit (5-2) gained 407 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 83 yards on 23 carries. Brolie led the team with 49 yards on 10 carries. Couch was 25-of-38 passing for 315 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Huntley led the Drive receivers with 9 catches for 102 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 103 yards. Next week, the Drive visit the Grand Rapids Rampage, who beat them 20-17 in Week 5.
Iowa (4-3) gained 254 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Ramos led the team with 47 yards on 14 carries. Blansett went 19-of-34 passing for 181 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Isaiah O'Connell led the Barnstormers with 9 receptions for 99 yards. Next week, Iowa visits the Milwaukee Mustangs in another Week 5 rematch. The Barnstormers defeated Milwaukee in overtime, 20-17.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
AFL Week 6 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 4 | 2 | 0 | 148 | 133 |
| New York Dragons | 4 | 2 | 0 | 139 | 109 |
| Albany Firebirds | 3 | 3 | 0 | 109 | 131 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 3 | 3 | 0 | 135 | 129 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 4 | 2 | 0 | 139 | 117 |
| Nashville Kats | 3 | 3 | 0 | 142 | 154 |
| Georgia Force | 2 | 4 | 0 | 173 | 150 |
| Orlando Predators | 1 | 5 | 0 | 107 | 160 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 4 | 2 | 0 | 152 | 120 |
| Dallas Desperados | 4 | 2 | 0 | 155 | 142 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 4 | 2 | 0 | 193 | 123 |
| Chicago Rush | 1 | 5 | 0 | 136 | 178 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Colorado Crush | 4 | 2 | 0 | 131 | 119 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 4 | 2 | 0 | 148 | 131 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 2 | 4 | 0 | 129 | 147 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 1 | 5 | 0 | 93 | 186 |
Dallas 28, Detroit 27
Grand Rapids 31, Chicago 19
Iowa 20, Albany 10
New York 17, Milwaukee 13
Nashville 18, Arizona 13
Tampa Bay 31, Los Angeles 23
San Jose 24, Georgia 21
Colorado 16, Orlando 10
WEEK 7 GAMES
Iowa (4-2) at Detroit (4-2)
Milwaukee (4-2) at Grand Rapids (3-3)
Dallas (4-2) at Albany (3-3)
Chicago (1-5) at New York (4-2)
San Jose (4-2) at Nashville (3-3)
Colorado (4-2) at Tampa Bay (4-2)
Arizona (1-5) at Georgia (2-4)
Los Angeles (2-4) at Orlando (1-5)
AFL: Colorado Outlasts Orlando, 16-10
DENVER-The Colorado Crush held the ball for 34 minutes and kicked three field goals to outlast the Orlando Predators, 16-10 in closing out Week 6 of the AFL season.
Colorado started the game with an 8-play, 63-yard drive, ending with a 31-yard field goal by Earl Ginger with 10:04 remaining in the first to go up 3-0. Orlando answered with a 5-play, 66-yard drive that saw DJ Haji throw a 26-yard touchdoen pass to Farren Smithson to put the Predators up 7-3 with 7:05 remaining in the first. The Crush answered with a 7-play, 76-yard drive that saw Valentine Millstone score on a 20-yard touchdown run to give Colorado a 10-7 lead with 3:28 to go in the first.
After that early offensive outburst, the defenses settled down. Abel White missed a 55-yard field goal late in the first quarter. Colorado went three-and-out, then Orlando punted the ball away. The Crush were pinned on their own 1-yard line, then drove 27 yards on 7 plays, but had to punt. Gale Rosewall's punt traveled 58 yards, and Fulton Darwin returned it 6 yards for the Predators, but he fumbled, and Antony Croft recovered for the Crush at the Orlando 20-yard line. Three plays and minus 1 yard later, Ginger would kick a 38-yard field goal to put the Crush up 13-7 with 2:49 to go in the half.
The third quarter continued to be a defensive struggle. Orlando started with a drive, but Haji was intercepted by Deron Putman at the Crush 25-yard line. Colorado drove down the field, but Ginger would miss a 54-yard field goal attempt. Orlando went three-and-out, and the Crush would then move the ball 63 yards on 13 plays. Ginger would open the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal to put Colorado up 16-7 with 14:54 remaining in the game.
The Predators would respond with a 12-play, 54-yard drive that ended with White kicking a 27-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 9:39 remaining in the game. Colorado worked their way down the field, but Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal attempt with 4:16 left. Orlando went three-and-out and punted to the Colorado 5-yard line. The Crush moved a little, but Rosewall still had to punt, and RW Warden returned the punt 28 yards to the Colorado 34 with 48 seconds to go. But the Predators were turned away on 4th down, and Colorado held on for its third straight win.
Colorado (4-2) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 156 yards on 37 carries. Millstone led the Crush with 85 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Ervin Castin started the game at quarterback, going 5-of-7 for 84 yards. Howton Thom entered the game in the second quarter, and went 14-of-20 for 133 yards, and was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Turk Dill led the receivers with 5 catches for 86 yards. Tyler Howell caught 5 passes for 55 yards. Colorado goes on the road next week to face the Tampa Bay Storm.
Orlando (1-5) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 98 yards rushing on 21 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 74 yards on 13 carries. Haji went 17-of-27 passing for 173 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once, losing 15 yards. Steven Thompson led the team with 5 catches for 44 yards. Next week, the Predators host the Los Angeles Avengers.
Colorado started the game with an 8-play, 63-yard drive, ending with a 31-yard field goal by Earl Ginger with 10:04 remaining in the first to go up 3-0. Orlando answered with a 5-play, 66-yard drive that saw DJ Haji throw a 26-yard touchdoen pass to Farren Smithson to put the Predators up 7-3 with 7:05 remaining in the first. The Crush answered with a 7-play, 76-yard drive that saw Valentine Millstone score on a 20-yard touchdown run to give Colorado a 10-7 lead with 3:28 to go in the first.
After that early offensive outburst, the defenses settled down. Abel White missed a 55-yard field goal late in the first quarter. Colorado went three-and-out, then Orlando punted the ball away. The Crush were pinned on their own 1-yard line, then drove 27 yards on 7 plays, but had to punt. Gale Rosewall's punt traveled 58 yards, and Fulton Darwin returned it 6 yards for the Predators, but he fumbled, and Antony Croft recovered for the Crush at the Orlando 20-yard line. Three plays and minus 1 yard later, Ginger would kick a 38-yard field goal to put the Crush up 13-7 with 2:49 to go in the half.
The third quarter continued to be a defensive struggle. Orlando started with a drive, but Haji was intercepted by Deron Putman at the Crush 25-yard line. Colorado drove down the field, but Ginger would miss a 54-yard field goal attempt. Orlando went three-and-out, and the Crush would then move the ball 63 yards on 13 plays. Ginger would open the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal to put Colorado up 16-7 with 14:54 remaining in the game.
The Predators would respond with a 12-play, 54-yard drive that ended with White kicking a 27-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 9:39 remaining in the game. Colorado worked their way down the field, but Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal attempt with 4:16 left. Orlando went three-and-out and punted to the Colorado 5-yard line. The Crush moved a little, but Rosewall still had to punt, and RW Warden returned the punt 28 yards to the Colorado 34 with 48 seconds to go. But the Predators were turned away on 4th down, and Colorado held on for its third straight win.
Colorado (4-2) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 156 yards on 37 carries. Millstone led the Crush with 85 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Ervin Castin started the game at quarterback, going 5-of-7 for 84 yards. Howton Thom entered the game in the second quarter, and went 14-of-20 for 133 yards, and was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Turk Dill led the receivers with 5 catches for 86 yards. Tyler Howell caught 5 passes for 55 yards. Colorado goes on the road next week to face the Tampa Bay Storm.
Orlando (1-5) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 98 yards rushing on 21 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 74 yards on 13 carries. Haji went 17-of-27 passing for 173 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once, losing 15 yards. Steven Thompson led the team with 5 catches for 44 yards. Next week, the Predators host the Los Angeles Avengers.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
AFL: Sabercats "Sale" Past Force, 24-21
SAN JOSE-Despite four interceptions by Timmy Carey, two of which were returned for a touchdown, the San Jose Sabercats were able to push past the Georgia Force, 24-21 in a Week 6 AFL contest.
Through the first half of the opening quarter, the punters dominated the action. Then, Van Board sacked Norm Damron at Georgia's 10-yard line and the fumble was recovered by San Jose's Rusty Stephens. But three plays later, Carey was intercepted by Ward Hilton at the 1 and returned it to the 14-yard line. Georgia was forced to punt, and Nelson Wynn placed it on the Sabercats' 2-yard line. Lin Byers then picked off Carey and returned it for an 18-yard pick six to give the Force a 7-0 lead with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter. The Sabercats recovered from the pick and drove 68 yards on 8 plays. Carey finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan to tie it at 7 with 12 seconds left in the quarter.
After the Force went three-and-out, the Sabercats moved the ball again with a 10-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Carey throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to put San Jose up 14-7 with 11:01 left in the first half. The Force went three-and-out again, then Hilton intercepted Carey again at the Sabercats' 48-yard line. The Force drove 34 yards on 8 plays, but Wilbur Ahmad missed a 24-yard field goal. Two plays later, Carey was intercepted for the fourth time, and Winford Denning returned it 18 yards for the second pick six of the game and a 14-14 tie with 2:48 remaining in the second.
The third quarter proceeded much as the first quarter had. San Jose punted, and then Georgia drove into position for a field goal, but Ahmad missed a 46-yarder. Then the teams traded punts, and the Sabercats drove 50 yards on 7 plays. Alan Sale punctuated the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 21-14 lead with 1:42 left in the third.
Georgia punted early in the fourth, and San Jose's Ethan Wycoff missed a 50-yard field goal attempt. Georgia had to put again, and Wynn's attempt was blocked at the Sabercats' 36-yard line. After a 4-play, 28-yard drive, Wycoff kicked a 25-yard field goal with 8:27 to go in the fourth to put the Sabercats up 24-14. The Force responded with a 10-play, 79-yard drive with Damron scrambling in from 4 yards out to make it 24-21 with 4:25 to go in the fourth. Georgia kicked it straight away, and the Sabercats, led by Sale, ran out the clock, getting to the Force 1-yard line as time ran out.
San Jose (4-2) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Sabercats gained 174 rushing yards on 28 carries. Sale set a single-game record with 149 rushing yards on 23 carries and a TD. Carey was 23-for-45 passing for 304 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Costigan led Sabercats receivers with 8 catches for 128 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose visits the Nashville Kats.
Georgia (2-4) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 77 yards on 20 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 33 yards on 7 carries. Damron went 20-for-33 passing for 185 yards, and was sacked twice losing 15 yards. Aaron Sidney had 5 catches for 37 yards, Paden Bonewell caught 5 passes for 24 yards, Prince David caught for 4 passes for 70 yards. The Force host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Through the first half of the opening quarter, the punters dominated the action. Then, Van Board sacked Norm Damron at Georgia's 10-yard line and the fumble was recovered by San Jose's Rusty Stephens. But three plays later, Carey was intercepted by Ward Hilton at the 1 and returned it to the 14-yard line. Georgia was forced to punt, and Nelson Wynn placed it on the Sabercats' 2-yard line. Lin Byers then picked off Carey and returned it for an 18-yard pick six to give the Force a 7-0 lead with 3:20 remaining in the first quarter. The Sabercats recovered from the pick and drove 68 yards on 8 plays. Carey finished the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan to tie it at 7 with 12 seconds left in the quarter.
After the Force went three-and-out, the Sabercats moved the ball again with a 10-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Carey throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to put San Jose up 14-7 with 11:01 left in the first half. The Force went three-and-out again, then Hilton intercepted Carey again at the Sabercats' 48-yard line. The Force drove 34 yards on 8 plays, but Wilbur Ahmad missed a 24-yard field goal. Two plays later, Carey was intercepted for the fourth time, and Winford Denning returned it 18 yards for the second pick six of the game and a 14-14 tie with 2:48 remaining in the second.
The third quarter proceeded much as the first quarter had. San Jose punted, and then Georgia drove into position for a field goal, but Ahmad missed a 46-yarder. Then the teams traded punts, and the Sabercats drove 50 yards on 7 plays. Alan Sale punctuated the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to give the Sabercats a 21-14 lead with 1:42 left in the third.
Georgia punted early in the fourth, and San Jose's Ethan Wycoff missed a 50-yard field goal attempt. Georgia had to put again, and Wynn's attempt was blocked at the Sabercats' 36-yard line. After a 4-play, 28-yard drive, Wycoff kicked a 25-yard field goal with 8:27 to go in the fourth to put the Sabercats up 24-14. The Force responded with a 10-play, 79-yard drive with Damron scrambling in from 4 yards out to make it 24-21 with 4:25 to go in the fourth. Georgia kicked it straight away, and the Sabercats, led by Sale, ran out the clock, getting to the Force 1-yard line as time ran out.
San Jose (4-2) gained 459 yards of total offense. The Sabercats gained 174 rushing yards on 28 carries. Sale set a single-game record with 149 rushing yards on 23 carries and a TD. Carey was 23-for-45 passing for 304 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Costigan led Sabercats receivers with 8 catches for 128 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose visits the Nashville Kats.
Georgia (2-4) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 77 yards on 20 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 33 yards on 7 carries. Damron went 20-for-33 passing for 185 yards, and was sacked twice losing 15 yards. Aaron Sidney had 5 catches for 37 yards, Paden Bonewell caught 5 passes for 24 yards, Prince David caught for 4 passes for 70 yards. The Force host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
AFL: Storm Beat Avengers, 31-23
LOS ANGELES-The Tampa Bay Storm defeated the Los Angeles Avengers, 31-23 in a Week 6 AFL game.
The Avengers got the ball first, but on the second play of the game, Drake Cushing intercepted a pass from Juan York and reutrned it 31 yards for a touchdown to give the Storm a 7-0 lead with 14:15 to go in the first quarter. After both teams traded punts, Los Angeles moved the ball 62 yards in 10 plays, ending with a 20-yard touchdown pass from York to Caleb Jessen to tie the game at 7 with 4:21 left in the first. The teams again traded punts to end the quarter.
Late in the quarter, Tampa Bay embarked on a 9-play, 74-drive with Orval Stanley throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor to put the Storm up 14-7 with 11:42 left in the second quarter. The Avengers answered with a 7-play, 64-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchodwn run by Chip Kindrick, and the Avengers tied the game at 14 with 8:11 to go in the half. The Storm went 74 yards on 8 plays with their next possession, and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run by Vinnie Kirksey to put Tampa Bay up 21-14 with 4:37 left in the half. Brick Pettit would reutrn the ensuing kickoff 64 yards to the Storm 14-yard line. Two plays later, York completed a 14-yard pass to Kindrick for a touchdown to tie the game at 21 with 4:10 left in the second. The Storm would end an 11-play, 41-yard drive with a 43-yard field goal by Johnny Quincey to give Tampa Bay a 24-21 lead going into halftime.
The second half began with Montrose Gulley being stuffed on a kickoff return at Tampa Bay's 8-yard line. Elrod Rodgers would then sack Stanley in the end zone for a safety to close the Avengers' deficit to 24-23 with 14:37 left in the third quarter. Los Angeles would be forced to punt after the safety kick, and Nino Schwarz placed the ball on the Storm's 2-yard line. But Tampa Bay would plow down the field on a 11-play, 98-yard drive that ended with Stanley tossing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder with 7:21 left in the third to put Tampa Bay up 31-23.
The defenses settled down afterward. Los Angeles punted, and Courtney Harrelson intercepted a Stanley pass at the Avengers' 43 late in the third. Then the teams traded punts again, and the Avengers drove to the Tampa Bay 24 with 10:32 left in the game facing 4th-and-1. Going for it, Kindrick was smothered on the run for a loss of 5. Tampa Bay would punt, and Los Angeles moved down again, only for York to be intercepted by Anderson Bloodworth in the end zone, and he returned it 68 yards to the Avengers 41-yard line with 2:06 to go. Tampa Bay would go three-and-out, but Preacher Kalkman fumbled the snap on the punt and threw an incomplete pass intended for Kirksey, giving the Avengers one more chance with 1:11 left from their own 40. But York threw his fourth interception of the game, with Elvin Pauls picking off the pass who returned it to the Avengers' 34-yard line. Tampa Bay would subsequently run out the clock.
Tampa Bay (4-2) gained 366 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 149 yards on 40 carries. Taylor led the team with 62 yards on 20 carries. He also caught 2 passes for 26 yards and a TD, and threw a 30-yard pass to Foster Warhurst. Stanley went 16-for-26 passing for 203 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Warhurst led the receivers with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Storm host the Colorado Crush next week.
Los Angeles (2-4) gained 403 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 71 yards rushing on 18 carries. The leading rusher was WR Keifer Dance, who gained 23 yards on a reverse. He also caught 5 passes for 77 yards. York went 23-for-45 passing for 340 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once, losing eight yards. Ken Lavue led the receivers with 6 catches for 100 yards. The Avengers visit the Orlando Predators next week.
The Avengers got the ball first, but on the second play of the game, Drake Cushing intercepted a pass from Juan York and reutrned it 31 yards for a touchdown to give the Storm a 7-0 lead with 14:15 to go in the first quarter. After both teams traded punts, Los Angeles moved the ball 62 yards in 10 plays, ending with a 20-yard touchdown pass from York to Caleb Jessen to tie the game at 7 with 4:21 left in the first. The teams again traded punts to end the quarter.
Late in the quarter, Tampa Bay embarked on a 9-play, 74-drive with Orval Stanley throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson Taylor to put the Storm up 14-7 with 11:42 left in the second quarter. The Avengers answered with a 7-play, 64-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchodwn run by Chip Kindrick, and the Avengers tied the game at 14 with 8:11 to go in the half. The Storm went 74 yards on 8 plays with their next possession, and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run by Vinnie Kirksey to put Tampa Bay up 21-14 with 4:37 left in the half. Brick Pettit would reutrn the ensuing kickoff 64 yards to the Storm 14-yard line. Two plays later, York completed a 14-yard pass to Kindrick for a touchdown to tie the game at 21 with 4:10 left in the second. The Storm would end an 11-play, 41-yard drive with a 43-yard field goal by Johnny Quincey to give Tampa Bay a 24-21 lead going into halftime.
The second half began with Montrose Gulley being stuffed on a kickoff return at Tampa Bay's 8-yard line. Elrod Rodgers would then sack Stanley in the end zone for a safety to close the Avengers' deficit to 24-23 with 14:37 left in the third quarter. Los Angeles would be forced to punt after the safety kick, and Nino Schwarz placed the ball on the Storm's 2-yard line. But Tampa Bay would plow down the field on a 11-play, 98-yard drive that ended with Stanley tossing a 6-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder with 7:21 left in the third to put Tampa Bay up 31-23.
The defenses settled down afterward. Los Angeles punted, and Courtney Harrelson intercepted a Stanley pass at the Avengers' 43 late in the third. Then the teams traded punts again, and the Avengers drove to the Tampa Bay 24 with 10:32 left in the game facing 4th-and-1. Going for it, Kindrick was smothered on the run for a loss of 5. Tampa Bay would punt, and Los Angeles moved down again, only for York to be intercepted by Anderson Bloodworth in the end zone, and he returned it 68 yards to the Avengers 41-yard line with 2:06 to go. Tampa Bay would go three-and-out, but Preacher Kalkman fumbled the snap on the punt and threw an incomplete pass intended for Kirksey, giving the Avengers one more chance with 1:11 left from their own 40. But York threw his fourth interception of the game, with Elvin Pauls picking off the pass who returned it to the Avengers' 34-yard line. Tampa Bay would subsequently run out the clock.
Tampa Bay (4-2) gained 366 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 149 yards on 40 carries. Taylor led the team with 62 yards on 20 carries. He also caught 2 passes for 26 yards and a TD, and threw a 30-yard pass to Foster Warhurst. Stanley went 16-for-26 passing for 203 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Warhurst led the receivers with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Storm host the Colorado Crush next week.
Los Angeles (2-4) gained 403 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 71 yards rushing on 18 carries. The leading rusher was WR Keifer Dance, who gained 23 yards on a reverse. He also caught 5 passes for 77 yards. York went 23-for-45 passing for 340 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once, losing eight yards. Ken Lavue led the receivers with 6 catches for 100 yards. The Avengers visit the Orlando Predators next week.
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