ROSEMONT, IL-Timmy Carey threw three touchdown passes and the San Jose Sabercats were able to hold off the Chicago Rush 27-20 in a Week 12 AFL game.
The Sabercats got started right away with an 8-play, 73-yard drive. Carey finished it off with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Fernando Findley to go up 7-0 with 11:03 to go in the first quarter. After a Rush punt, San Jose went on a 5-play, 25-yard drive. Ethan Wycoff kicked a 51-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 6:58 to go in the first. After Chicago went three-and-out, San Jose wet 52 yards on 7 plays, and Wycoff booted a 29-yard field goal to go up 13-0 with 1:38 to go in the first quarter.
Chicago punted again, but Wycoff missed a 25-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. The Rush would then drive 50 yards on 8 plays. Dete Justen ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to close the gap to 13-3 with 8:03 left in the half. After a San Jose punt, the Rush moved 38 yards on 8 plays, and Justen drilled a 50-yard field goal at the two-minute warning, making it 13-6 Sabercats at the half.
The third quarter did not see much action. Chicago would punt on their first possession, and Carey had a pass intercepted by Niko Simon. The Rush punted again, and Wycoff missed a 37-yard field goal. Chicago drove into position for Justen to attempt a 51-yard field goal, but it was blocked.
Following the block, San Jose moved the ball 55 yards on 6 plays. Carey ended the drive by hitting Findley for a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 20-6 with 12:56 to go in the fourth quarter. Chicago answered with a 7-play, 83-yard drive. Arman Drummond put the Rush on the board with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Marty Margerum and Chicago was down 20-13 with 8:44 to go. The Sabercats were quick to respond with a 6-play, 53-yard drive. Carey threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan to make it 27-13 with 6:11 left in the game. Chicago answered with a 13-play, 76-yard drive. Drummond scrambled in from three yards out to make it 27-20 with 1:34 to go in the game. The Rush kicked deep, hoping to stop San Jose and get the ball back, but the Sabercats converted a first down, and ran out the clock.
San Jose (8-4) gained 435 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 127 yards on 30 carries. Alan Sale led the team 66 yards on 15 carries. Carey was 23-of-38 passing for 332 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 24 yards. Festus Blanks caught 7 passes for 107 yards. Costigan caught 7 passes for 80 yards and a TD. San Jose will host the Arizona Rattlers next week in a rematch of a 30-10 Sabercats victory in Week 1.
Chicago (4-8) gained 344 yards of total offense. The Rush were held to 40 yards rushing on 21 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 19 yards on 7 carries. Drummond went 24-of-40 passing for 341 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 37 yards. Roscoe Garrett led the receivers with 6 catches for 76 yards. Margerum caught 5 passes for 86 yards and a TD. Zach Allen caught 5 passes for 67 yards. Next week, the Rush will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 34-20.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
AFL: Dallas Holds Off Los Angeles in OT, 12-6
DALLAS-In a tense defensive struggle, the Dallas Desperados defeated the Los Angeles Avengers in overtime during Week 12 of the AFL season by a final of 12-6.
The first half, to put it gently, was not one to write home about. Early in the first quarter, Carmon Grimes missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Otherwise, the punters completely dominated the first half. Finally, at the start of the second half, the Desperados drove 65 yards on 12 plays, ending with a 26-yard field goal by Greg Hall to give Dallas a 3-0 lead with 8:12 left in the third quarter. The Avengers would punt the ball, and Hall then a had a 26-yard field goal attempt blocked late in the third quarter.
The Avengers would move down the field, but Igor Keough's fumble was recovered by Guy Dodson at the Dallas 28-yard line. A subsequent pass by Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Courtney Harrelson at the Desperados' 33-yard line. After a 5-play, 19-yard drive, Grimes kicked a 31-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 10:24 to go in the fourth. After a Desperados punt, Los Angeles went on a 7-play, 60-yard drive, ending with a 54-yard field goal by Grimes to give the Avengers a 6-3 lead with 3:07 remaining. The Desperados responded with a 6-play, 69-yard drive, ending with a 28-yard field goal by Hall to tie it at 6 with 53 seconds remaining. Dallas won the coin toss to start overtime, and drove 81 yards on 14 plays. Voorhees finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cord Rader for the 12-6 win at the 9:43 mark of overtime.
Dallas (9-3) gained 318 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 134 yards rushing on 32 carries. Voorhees led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. He also went 15-of-37 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Horace Evers led the Dallas receivers with 4 catches for 53 yards. Dallas will visit the Iowa Barnstomers next week, a team they defeated 36-16 in Week 1.
Los Angeles (3-9) gained 260 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 91 yards on 30 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries. Juan York was 16-of-26 passing for 185 yards. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Keifer Dance was LA's leading receiver with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week, a team Los Angeles defeated in Week 1, 27-19.
The first half, to put it gently, was not one to write home about. Early in the first quarter, Carmon Grimes missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Otherwise, the punters completely dominated the first half. Finally, at the start of the second half, the Desperados drove 65 yards on 12 plays, ending with a 26-yard field goal by Greg Hall to give Dallas a 3-0 lead with 8:12 left in the third quarter. The Avengers would punt the ball, and Hall then a had a 26-yard field goal attempt blocked late in the third quarter.
The Avengers would move down the field, but Igor Keough's fumble was recovered by Guy Dodson at the Dallas 28-yard line. A subsequent pass by Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Courtney Harrelson at the Desperados' 33-yard line. After a 5-play, 19-yard drive, Grimes kicked a 31-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 10:24 to go in the fourth. After a Desperados punt, Los Angeles went on a 7-play, 60-yard drive, ending with a 54-yard field goal by Grimes to give the Avengers a 6-3 lead with 3:07 remaining. The Desperados responded with a 6-play, 69-yard drive, ending with a 28-yard field goal by Hall to tie it at 6 with 53 seconds remaining. Dallas won the coin toss to start overtime, and drove 81 yards on 14 plays. Voorhees finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cord Rader for the 12-6 win at the 9:43 mark of overtime.
Dallas (9-3) gained 318 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 134 yards rushing on 32 carries. Voorhees led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. He also went 15-of-37 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Horace Evers led the Dallas receivers with 4 catches for 53 yards. Dallas will visit the Iowa Barnstomers next week, a team they defeated 36-16 in Week 1.
Los Angeles (3-9) gained 260 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 91 yards on 30 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries. Juan York was 16-of-26 passing for 185 yards. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Keifer Dance was LA's leading receiver with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week, a team Los Angeles defeated in Week 1, 27-19.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
AFL: Dragons Edge Kats, 17-15
UNIONDALE, NY-The New York Dragons held off the Nashville Kats in a Week 12 AFL contest by the score of 17-15.
The game started with George Larron fumbling the ball at the Dragons 32. Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats, and after a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 31-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:13 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Kats would move the ball 62 yards on 8 plays. Stevenson would kick a 35-yard field goal to give Nashville a 6-0 lead with 1:01 left in the first.
Both teams would punt again, and Hugh Stirckland returned it 30 yards to the Nashville 34-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr to give the Dragons a 7-6 lead with 9:34 to go in the half. The Kats went three-and-out, then Emerson had a pass intercepted by Verlin Winfrey at midfield. Stevenson would miss a 48-yard field goal attempt. Following another New York punt, Nashville moved down the field, going 55 yards on 11 plays. Stevenson finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Kats took a 9-7 lead into the locker room.
The Kats got the ball to open the second half, but Stevenson missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. New York then went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive, ending with Emerson throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Booker Starling to give the Dragons a 14-9 lead with 7:25 to go in the third quarter. Nashville went three-and-out, and New York was on the move again with a 12-play, 45-yard drive. Burt Hamrick ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to put the Dragons up 17-9 with 43 seconds remaining in the third.
Nashville answered with a 2-play, 72-yard drive. Brewster Brickhouse hit Vittorio Swane with a 62-yard pass to end the third quarter, then they connected again for a 10-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Kats missed a 2-Point Conversion attempt and were down 17-15 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Reynolds intercepted Emerson again and returned it 19 yards to the Kats' 49-yard line. But the Kats were forced to punt. The teams would trade punts until late in the game. The Kats drove into position for Stevenson to attempt to win the game with a 53-yard field goal with 1:01 left, but the kick sailed wide and the Dragons held on for the win.
New York (6-6) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 97 yards on 25 carries. Larron led the team with 68 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 17-of-30 passing for 183 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a rematch of a 23-17 victory for New York back in Week 1.
Nashville (5-6-1) gained 360 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 75 yards rushing on 28 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 52 yards on 18 carries. Brickhouse went 24-of-36 passing for 298 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 124 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats visit the Georgia Force, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 47-24.
The game started with George Larron fumbling the ball at the Dragons 32. Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats, and after a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 31-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:13 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Kats would move the ball 62 yards on 8 plays. Stevenson would kick a 35-yard field goal to give Nashville a 6-0 lead with 1:01 left in the first.
Both teams would punt again, and Hugh Stirckland returned it 30 yards to the Nashville 34-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr to give the Dragons a 7-6 lead with 9:34 to go in the half. The Kats went three-and-out, then Emerson had a pass intercepted by Verlin Winfrey at midfield. Stevenson would miss a 48-yard field goal attempt. Following another New York punt, Nashville moved down the field, going 55 yards on 11 plays. Stevenson finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Kats took a 9-7 lead into the locker room.
The Kats got the ball to open the second half, but Stevenson missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. New York then went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive, ending with Emerson throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Booker Starling to give the Dragons a 14-9 lead with 7:25 to go in the third quarter. Nashville went three-and-out, and New York was on the move again with a 12-play, 45-yard drive. Burt Hamrick ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to put the Dragons up 17-9 with 43 seconds remaining in the third.
Nashville answered with a 2-play, 72-yard drive. Brewster Brickhouse hit Vittorio Swane with a 62-yard pass to end the third quarter, then they connected again for a 10-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Kats missed a 2-Point Conversion attempt and were down 17-15 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Reynolds intercepted Emerson again and returned it 19 yards to the Kats' 49-yard line. But the Kats were forced to punt. The teams would trade punts until late in the game. The Kats drove into position for Stevenson to attempt to win the game with a 53-yard field goal with 1:01 left, but the kick sailed wide and the Dragons held on for the win.
New York (6-6) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 97 yards on 25 carries. Larron led the team with 68 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 17-of-30 passing for 183 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a rematch of a 23-17 victory for New York back in Week 1.
Nashville (5-6-1) gained 360 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 75 yards rushing on 28 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 52 yards on 18 carries. Brickhouse went 24-of-36 passing for 298 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 124 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats visit the Georgia Force, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 47-24.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
AFL: Predators Blow Out Firebirds, 47-13
ALBANY, NY-The Orlando Predators crushed the slumping Albany Firebirds 47-13 in a Week 12 AFL contest.
On Orlando's first possession, they drove 70 yards on 16 plays. Abel White completed the drive with a 23-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:19 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and the Predators moved 23 yards on 5 plays. White scored on a 24-yard field goal to make it 6-0 Orlando with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Albany would drive into scoring position, only for Dom Wenning to miss a 51-yard field goal.
After the teams traded punts, Orlando went on a 3-play, 45-yard drive, DJ Haji threw a 13-yard touchdown to Steven Thompson to put the Predators up 13-0 with 12:26 remaining in the half. From there, Orlando broke the game wide open. After Albany went three-and-out, RW Warden fielded the punt and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-0 with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Albany had a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 6:18 remaining in the half. But the Predators would answer with a 9-play, 80-yard drive. Haji finished the drive off with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Gene Crosby to put the Predators up 27-3 with 3:01 left in the second quarter. After antoher Albany punt, Orlando went 41 yards on 4 plays, ending with a 56-yard field goal by White making it 30-3 at the half.
In the second half, Albany went on a 8-play, 79-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley to make it 30-10 with 8:44 to go in the third quarter. Orlando answered with a 6-play, 27-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard field goal by White to make it 33-10 with 5:15 remaining in the third. Stud Springs returned the ensuing kickioff 62 yards to the Predators' 22-yard line, but Scooter Colby fumbled on the following play, and Silas Garris recovered for Orlando. Orlando went three-and-out, and Albany would then drive 39 yards on 6 plays. Wenning would kick a 39-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the third, to make the score 33-13.
Orlando punted early in the fourth, then Gargaro was intercepted by Denver Frakes at the Orlando 18-yard line. D.J. Giles finished the 9-play, 82-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to go up 40-13 with 6:36 to go in the game. Following a miserable Firebird punt, the Predators drove 14 yards on 5 plays. Ramon Roden, filling in for the injured Haji, snuck in from the 2 and made it 47-13 with 3:25 left in the game.
Orlando (5-7) gained 465 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 181 yards rushing on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 141 yards on 25 carries and a TD. Haji went 22-of-30 passing for 285 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Roden went 4-of-7 for 20 yards and 1 INT. Thompson led the receivers with 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Orlando will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week in a rematch of a 20-17 loss in Week 1.
Albany (5-7) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 46 yards on 15 carries. Colby led the team with 16 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-40 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 18 yards. Harley led the receivers with 8 catches for 135 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week in a rematch of a 31-28 loss in Week 1.
On Orlando's first possession, they drove 70 yards on 16 plays. Abel White completed the drive with a 23-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:19 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and the Predators moved 23 yards on 5 plays. White scored on a 24-yard field goal to make it 6-0 Orlando with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Albany would drive into scoring position, only for Dom Wenning to miss a 51-yard field goal.
After the teams traded punts, Orlando went on a 3-play, 45-yard drive, DJ Haji threw a 13-yard touchdown to Steven Thompson to put the Predators up 13-0 with 12:26 remaining in the half. From there, Orlando broke the game wide open. After Albany went three-and-out, RW Warden fielded the punt and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-0 with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Albany had a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 6:18 remaining in the half. But the Predators would answer with a 9-play, 80-yard drive. Haji finished the drive off with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Gene Crosby to put the Predators up 27-3 with 3:01 left in the second quarter. After antoher Albany punt, Orlando went 41 yards on 4 plays, ending with a 56-yard field goal by White making it 30-3 at the half.
In the second half, Albany went on a 8-play, 79-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley to make it 30-10 with 8:44 to go in the third quarter. Orlando answered with a 6-play, 27-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard field goal by White to make it 33-10 with 5:15 remaining in the third. Stud Springs returned the ensuing kickioff 62 yards to the Predators' 22-yard line, but Scooter Colby fumbled on the following play, and Silas Garris recovered for Orlando. Orlando went three-and-out, and Albany would then drive 39 yards on 6 plays. Wenning would kick a 39-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the third, to make the score 33-13.
Orlando punted early in the fourth, then Gargaro was intercepted by Denver Frakes at the Orlando 18-yard line. D.J. Giles finished the 9-play, 82-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to go up 40-13 with 6:36 to go in the game. Following a miserable Firebird punt, the Predators drove 14 yards on 5 plays. Ramon Roden, filling in for the injured Haji, snuck in from the 2 and made it 47-13 with 3:25 left in the game.
Orlando (5-7) gained 465 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 181 yards rushing on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 141 yards on 25 carries and a TD. Haji went 22-of-30 passing for 285 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Roden went 4-of-7 for 20 yards and 1 INT. Thompson led the receivers with 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Orlando will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week in a rematch of a 20-17 loss in Week 1.
Albany (5-7) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 46 yards on 15 carries. Colby led the team with 16 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-40 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 18 yards. Harley led the receivers with 8 catches for 135 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week in a rematch of a 31-28 loss in Week 1.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
AFL: Rampage Thwart Force, 24-20
GRAND RAPIDS-Curtis Wayne accounted for three touchdowns in leading the Grand Rapids Rampage to a 24-20 victory over the Georgia Force in a Week 12 AFL game.
The Rampage started the game with a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Wayne finished off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss to take a 7-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first quarter. The Force went three-and-out, and Wayne was intercepted by Sputnik Havner at the Georgia 45-yard line. Following an exchange of punts, Georgia drove 79 yards on 12 plays. Norm Damron finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to tie the game at 7 with 13:36 to go in the second quarter.
Both teams traded punts, and eventually the Force drove 59 yards on 16 plays. Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 38-yard field goal with 35 seconds left in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Georgia up 10-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Georgia drove into position for Ahmad to kick a 31-yard field goal, but Ahmad's kick was blocked by Ranse Sykes. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Ervin Wheeler returned it 47 yards to the Grand Rapids 34-yard line. Yannel Gansz filled in for the injured Damron, and he finished the four-play drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Paden Bonewell to extend Georgia's lead to 17-7 with 8:01 to go in the third quarter. The Rampage came back with a 17-play, 80-yard drive, and Wayne completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foss to make it 17-14 with 1:16 left in the third.
Late in the third, Gansz was intercepted by Conroy Wind who returned it 32 yards to the Georgia 25-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 14:10 left in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia punt, Raymond Clements picked off Wayne and returned it 29 yards to the Rampage 25-yard line. After three incompletions, Ahmad kicked a 42-yard field goal to put Georgia up 20-17 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth. After another exchange of punts, the Rampage went on a 6-play, 40-yard drive ending with Wayne keeping it for a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead with 3:45 to go in the game. Georgia couldn't move the ball quick enough, and Grand Rapids won their fourth straight game.
Grand Rapids (8-4) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 133 yards on 32 carries. Wayne led the team with 61 yards on 8 carries for a TD. He was 16-of-31 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Nikolai Vilmer led the team with 4 catches for 74 yards. Clift Gregory caught 4 passes for 38 yards. The Rampage will visit the New York Dragons next week, looking to avenge a 23-17 loss to the Dragons in Week 1.
Georgia (7-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Force gained 63 yards rushing on 20 carries. Walter Halley led the team with 26 yards on 7 carries. Damron was 16-of-28 passing for 169 yards and a TD, and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. The injury he suffered was not serious, and he is expected to be back in the lineup next week. Gansz was 9-of-19 for 123 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Bonewell led the receivers with 9 catches for 135 yards and a TD. He is also the first receiver in the AFL to break 1,000 yards (1,006 yards on 80 receptions and 7 TD). Georgia will host the Nashville Kats next week in a rematch of a 47-24 win by the Force in Week 1.
The Rampage started the game with a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Wayne finished off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss to take a 7-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first quarter. The Force went three-and-out, and Wayne was intercepted by Sputnik Havner at the Georgia 45-yard line. Following an exchange of punts, Georgia drove 79 yards on 12 plays. Norm Damron finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to tie the game at 7 with 13:36 to go in the second quarter.
Both teams traded punts, and eventually the Force drove 59 yards on 16 plays. Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 38-yard field goal with 35 seconds left in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Georgia up 10-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Georgia drove into position for Ahmad to kick a 31-yard field goal, but Ahmad's kick was blocked by Ranse Sykes. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Ervin Wheeler returned it 47 yards to the Grand Rapids 34-yard line. Yannel Gansz filled in for the injured Damron, and he finished the four-play drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Paden Bonewell to extend Georgia's lead to 17-7 with 8:01 to go in the third quarter. The Rampage came back with a 17-play, 80-yard drive, and Wayne completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foss to make it 17-14 with 1:16 left in the third.
Late in the third, Gansz was intercepted by Conroy Wind who returned it 32 yards to the Georgia 25-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 14:10 left in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia punt, Raymond Clements picked off Wayne and returned it 29 yards to the Rampage 25-yard line. After three incompletions, Ahmad kicked a 42-yard field goal to put Georgia up 20-17 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth. After another exchange of punts, the Rampage went on a 6-play, 40-yard drive ending with Wayne keeping it for a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead with 3:45 to go in the game. Georgia couldn't move the ball quick enough, and Grand Rapids won their fourth straight game.
Grand Rapids (8-4) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 133 yards on 32 carries. Wayne led the team with 61 yards on 8 carries for a TD. He was 16-of-31 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Nikolai Vilmer led the team with 4 catches for 74 yards. Clift Gregory caught 4 passes for 38 yards. The Rampage will visit the New York Dragons next week, looking to avenge a 23-17 loss to the Dragons in Week 1.
Georgia (7-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Force gained 63 yards rushing on 20 carries. Walter Halley led the team with 26 yards on 7 carries. Damron was 16-of-28 passing for 169 yards and a TD, and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. The injury he suffered was not serious, and he is expected to be back in the lineup next week. Gansz was 9-of-19 for 123 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Bonewell led the receivers with 9 catches for 135 yards and a TD. He is also the first receiver in the AFL to break 1,000 yards (1,006 yards on 80 receptions and 7 TD). Georgia will host the Nashville Kats next week in a rematch of a 47-24 win by the Force in Week 1.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
AFL: Drive Survive The Storm, 30-24
DETROIT-Throughout the season, the Detroit Drive have played more than their fair share of games. This week was no exception, as they kept the Tampa Bay Storm out of the end zone to preserve a 30-24 victory in Week 12 of the AFL season.
The game did not start out well for Detroit, as Lou Couch was intercepted by Blue Hanan who returned it 78 yards to the Drive 4-yard line. However, Johnny Quincey's field goal attempt was blocked at the 20-yard line. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 68 yards on 7 plays, and Cletis Frayer kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 8:27 left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay responded with a 3-play, 61-yard drive, and Orval Stanley completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst to give the Storm a 7-3 lead with 6:51 to go in the first.
After a Detroit punt, Tampa Bay would drive 56 yards on 9 plays. Quincey finished the drive with a 20-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 14:49 left in the second quarter. The Drive came back with their own scoring drive, moving 57 yards on 9 plays. Couch finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Rocky Adams to tie the game at 10 with 10:28 remaining in the half. The Storm would punt, but Hanan would intercept Couch again and return it to the Detroit 25-yard line. Two plays later, Stanley threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vinnie Kirksey to give Tampa Bay a 17-10 lead with 6:25 to go in the second quarter. Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff to the Storm 36-yard line. Two plays later, Couch threw a 37-yard touchdown strike to Ahmed Sohn tying the game at 17 with 5:23 remaining in the half.
After the Storm punted to start the second half, The Drive moved the ball 73 yards on 8 plays. Frayer finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to pull ahead 20-17 with 7:08 to go in the third quarter. The Storm moved into position for Quincey to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but Butch Bryant blocked the attempt and returned it 30 yards to the Storm 39-yard line. After a six-play, ten-yard drive, Frayer kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 23-17 with 1:18 to go in the third.
Stanley was intercepted on Tampa Bay's ensuing possession by Stan Florin who returned it 19 yards to the Storm 11-yard line. Three plays later, Couch hit Sohn for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 30-17 with 14:17 left in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay moved down the field, but were turned away on fourth down at the Detroit 4-yard line. The Drive would punt, and the Storm drove 60 yards on 7 plays. Stanley completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Thurman Stapleton to close the gap to 30-24 with 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit punted to the Tampa Bay 36-yard line with 1:09 to go in the game. The Storm managed to get to the Drive 11-yard line with 13 seconds left, but three straight pass plays fell incomplete to end the game.
Detroit (9-3) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 38 yards on 6 carries. Couch went 24-of-31 passing for 277 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Brolie led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. Next week, Detroit will visit the Albany Firebirds in a rematch of a 31-28 Detroit victory in the opening week.
Tampa Bay (5-6-1) gained 412 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 17 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 34 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 29-of-51 passing for 377 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Von Windle led the receivers with 8 catches for 144 yards. The Storm visit the Orlando Predators next week in a rematch of a 20-17 victory by the Storm in Week 1.
The game did not start out well for Detroit, as Lou Couch was intercepted by Blue Hanan who returned it 78 yards to the Drive 4-yard line. However, Johnny Quincey's field goal attempt was blocked at the 20-yard line. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 68 yards on 7 plays, and Cletis Frayer kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 8:27 left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay responded with a 3-play, 61-yard drive, and Orval Stanley completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst to give the Storm a 7-3 lead with 6:51 to go in the first.
After a Detroit punt, Tampa Bay would drive 56 yards on 9 plays. Quincey finished the drive with a 20-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 14:49 left in the second quarter. The Drive came back with their own scoring drive, moving 57 yards on 9 plays. Couch finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Rocky Adams to tie the game at 10 with 10:28 remaining in the half. The Storm would punt, but Hanan would intercept Couch again and return it to the Detroit 25-yard line. Two plays later, Stanley threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vinnie Kirksey to give Tampa Bay a 17-10 lead with 6:25 to go in the second quarter. Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff to the Storm 36-yard line. Two plays later, Couch threw a 37-yard touchdown strike to Ahmed Sohn tying the game at 17 with 5:23 remaining in the half.
After the Storm punted to start the second half, The Drive moved the ball 73 yards on 8 plays. Frayer finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to pull ahead 20-17 with 7:08 to go in the third quarter. The Storm moved into position for Quincey to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but Butch Bryant blocked the attempt and returned it 30 yards to the Storm 39-yard line. After a six-play, ten-yard drive, Frayer kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 23-17 with 1:18 to go in the third.
Stanley was intercepted on Tampa Bay's ensuing possession by Stan Florin who returned it 19 yards to the Storm 11-yard line. Three plays later, Couch hit Sohn for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 30-17 with 14:17 left in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay moved down the field, but were turned away on fourth down at the Detroit 4-yard line. The Drive would punt, and the Storm drove 60 yards on 7 plays. Stanley completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Thurman Stapleton to close the gap to 30-24 with 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit punted to the Tampa Bay 36-yard line with 1:09 to go in the game. The Storm managed to get to the Drive 11-yard line with 13 seconds left, but three straight pass plays fell incomplete to end the game.
Detroit (9-3) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 38 yards on 6 carries. Couch went 24-of-31 passing for 277 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Brolie led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. Next week, Detroit will visit the Albany Firebirds in a rematch of a 31-28 Detroit victory in the opening week.
Tampa Bay (5-6-1) gained 412 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 17 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 34 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 29-of-51 passing for 377 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Von Windle led the receivers with 8 catches for 144 yards. The Storm visit the Orlando Predators next week in a rematch of a 20-17 victory by the Storm in Week 1.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
AFL Week 11 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 8 | 3 | 0 | 299 | 248 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 7 | 4 | 0 | 277 | 226 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 6 | 0 | 204 | 274 |
| New York Dragons | 5 | 6 | 0 | 262 | 259 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force | 7 | 4 | 0 | 314 | 234 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 5 | 1 | 232 | 231 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 5 | 1 | 238 | 264 |
| Orlando Predators | 4 | 7 | 0 | 227 | 251 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados | 8 | 3 | 0 | 289 | 224 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 4 | 0 | 267 | 240 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 5 | 6 | 0 | 298 | 249 |
| Chicago Rush | 4 | 7 | 0 | 291 | 303 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats | 7 | 4 | 0 | 252 | 215 |
| Colorado Crush | 5 | 6 | 0 | 214 | 249 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 3 | 8 | 0 | 254 | 289 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 2 | 9 | 0 | 166 | 328 |
Detroit 30, Nashville 20
Grand Rapids 30, Tampa Bay 9
Georgia 24, Albany 10
Orlando 27, New York 20
Dallas 20, Arizona 10
Chicago 30, Los Angeles 18
Iowa 26, San Jose 16
Milwaukee 32, Colorado 12
WEEK 12 GAMES
Tampa Bay (5-5-1) at Detroit (8-3)
Georgia (7-4) at Grand Rapids (7-4)
Orlando (4-7) at Albany (5-6)
Nashville (5-5-1) at New York (5-6)
Los Angeles (3-8) at Dallas (8-3)
San Jose (7-4) at Chicago (4-7)
Colorado (5-6) at Iowa (5-6)
Arizona (2-9) at Milwaukee (7-4)
If the season ended today...
If the season ended today...
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
San Jose at Dallas
AFL: Mustangs Crush Colorado, 32-12
DENVER-The Milwaukee Mustangs defense came up with three turnovers and nearly doubled the time of possession in defeating the Colorado Crush 32-12 in Week 11 of the AFL season.
The Mustangs began the game with a 9-play, 55-yard drive. Rock Philbrook finished the drive with a 24-yard field goal to give Milwaukee a 3-0 leas with 9:40 to go in the first quarter. On Colorado's first offensive play, Howton Thom was intercepted by Travis Gargas at midfield. After five plays gained 29 yards, Philbrook drilled a 38-yard field goal to go up 6-0 with 6:37 left in the first. The Crush went three-and-out, and Milwaukee moved the ball again, going 88 yards on 12 plays. JC George completed the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chester Brice to make it 13-0 with 13:00 to go in the half.
Colorado manged to drive 22 yards on 10 plays, and finished off the drive with a 56-yard field by Earl Ginger to put the Crush on the board, 13-3 with 8:35 to go in the second quarter. Milwaukee responded with a 4-play, 58-yard drive, ending it with C.C. Cage scoring his 10th touchdown of the season on a 17-yard reverse. The extra point was no good, and the Mustangs led 19-3 with 6:54 to go in the half. A 44-yard return by JC Holman on the ensuing kickoff was wasted on the following play when Thom fumbled the snap and Bo Dicus recovered for Milwaukee at the Crush 42-yard line. Philbrook's 19-yard field goal attempt would be blocked, however, and Cecil Calbert returned it to his own 29-yard line. Consequently, the Crush would drive 71 yards on 8 plays, and Thom finished the drive off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Gitch Wild with 49 seconds left, and Colorado trailed 19-10 at the half.
Colorado was forced to punt to start the second half, and Gale Rosewall pinned Milwaukee at their own 4-yard line. Guy Handy would then tackle Nigel McClain in the end zone for a safety to make it 19-12 with 13:27 to go in the third quarter. The Crush would be forced to punt again, and the Mustangs worked down the field, going 84 yards on 11 plays. George finished the drive off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Alza Kenworthy, making it 26-12 with 3:58 remaining in the third.
Colorado would punt again, and Milwaukee bulled down the field, going 81 yards on 11 plays. Philbrook connected on a 22-yard to put the Mustangs up 29-12 with 10:21 remaining in the game. Colorado got into scoring position, but Rocky Brant came up with the pick at the Mustangs 3-yard line. After a 14-play, 76-yard drive, Philbrook scored on a 38-yard field goal with 1:21 to go to make it 32-12.
Milwaukee (7-4) gained 529 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 148 yards on 36 carries. Luke Ainley led the Mustangs with 51 yards on 7 carries. George went 29-of-38 passing for 389 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Heinie Clausen led the receivers with 7 catches for 99 yards. Cage caught 6 passes for 98 yards. The Mustangs held the ball for 39 minutes and 26 seconds. The Mustangs will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Colorado (5-6) gained 255 yards of total offense. The Crush were held to 60 yards rushing on 16 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. Thom was 16-of-32 passing for 209 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Sandy Kelley was Colorado's leading receiver with 5 cathces for 97 yards. The Crush visit the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
The Mustangs began the game with a 9-play, 55-yard drive. Rock Philbrook finished the drive with a 24-yard field goal to give Milwaukee a 3-0 leas with 9:40 to go in the first quarter. On Colorado's first offensive play, Howton Thom was intercepted by Travis Gargas at midfield. After five plays gained 29 yards, Philbrook drilled a 38-yard field goal to go up 6-0 with 6:37 left in the first. The Crush went three-and-out, and Milwaukee moved the ball again, going 88 yards on 12 plays. JC George completed the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chester Brice to make it 13-0 with 13:00 to go in the half.
Colorado manged to drive 22 yards on 10 plays, and finished off the drive with a 56-yard field by Earl Ginger to put the Crush on the board, 13-3 with 8:35 to go in the second quarter. Milwaukee responded with a 4-play, 58-yard drive, ending it with C.C. Cage scoring his 10th touchdown of the season on a 17-yard reverse. The extra point was no good, and the Mustangs led 19-3 with 6:54 to go in the half. A 44-yard return by JC Holman on the ensuing kickoff was wasted on the following play when Thom fumbled the snap and Bo Dicus recovered for Milwaukee at the Crush 42-yard line. Philbrook's 19-yard field goal attempt would be blocked, however, and Cecil Calbert returned it to his own 29-yard line. Consequently, the Crush would drive 71 yards on 8 plays, and Thom finished the drive off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Gitch Wild with 49 seconds left, and Colorado trailed 19-10 at the half.
Colorado was forced to punt to start the second half, and Gale Rosewall pinned Milwaukee at their own 4-yard line. Guy Handy would then tackle Nigel McClain in the end zone for a safety to make it 19-12 with 13:27 to go in the third quarter. The Crush would be forced to punt again, and the Mustangs worked down the field, going 84 yards on 11 plays. George finished the drive off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Alza Kenworthy, making it 26-12 with 3:58 remaining in the third.
Colorado would punt again, and Milwaukee bulled down the field, going 81 yards on 11 plays. Philbrook connected on a 22-yard to put the Mustangs up 29-12 with 10:21 remaining in the game. Colorado got into scoring position, but Rocky Brant came up with the pick at the Mustangs 3-yard line. After a 14-play, 76-yard drive, Philbrook scored on a 38-yard field goal with 1:21 to go to make it 32-12.
Milwaukee (7-4) gained 529 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 148 yards on 36 carries. Luke Ainley led the Mustangs with 51 yards on 7 carries. George went 29-of-38 passing for 389 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Heinie Clausen led the receivers with 7 catches for 99 yards. Cage caught 6 passes for 98 yards. The Mustangs held the ball for 39 minutes and 26 seconds. The Mustangs will host the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Colorado (5-6) gained 255 yards of total offense. The Crush were held to 60 yards rushing on 16 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. Thom was 16-of-32 passing for 209 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Sandy Kelley was Colorado's leading receiver with 5 cathces for 97 yards. The Crush visit the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
AFL: Barnstormers Beat Sabercats, 26-16
SAN JOSE-The Iowa Barnstormers came up with key turnovers to keep the San Jose Sabercats out of the end zone in a 26-16 victory during Week 11 of the AFL season.
The game started with both teams trading punts, then the Barnstormers drove 54 yards on 7 plays. Ev Blansett finished it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins to take a 7-0 lead with 5:03 remaining in the first quarter. After another San Jose punt, Iowa went on a 9-play, 35-yard drive that ended with a 51-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to go up 10-0 with 14:09 left in the second quarter.
Following the score, the Sabercats moved the ball 74 yards on 5 plays. Timmy Carey completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 11:50 left in the half. A 40-yard return by Ryan Travers to the 50 on the ensuing kickoff set up a 7-play, 20-yard drive by the Barnstormers. Rhoads would kick a 47-yard field goal to extend Iowa's lead to 13-7 with 8:38 left in the second. The teams traded punts, and San Jose was looking to drive for another score. But Fernando Findley fumbled at the Iowa 37-yard line, and it was recovered by Nigel Tuck of the Barnstormers. The subsequent Barnstormers drive was thwarted by Isaiah O'Connell's fumble that was returned 41 yards by Madison Gandy to the Barnstormers 14-yard line. After a 4-play, 5-yard drive, Ethan Wycoff with 1:08 left, and the teams went into halftime with San Jose trailing 13-10.
The second half started with the Sabercats driving 77 yards on 10 plays. Wycoff kicked a 20-yard field goal to tie the game at 13 with 11:24 left in the third quarter. Iowa's next drive was stopped by an interception by Russ Bird deep in San Jose territory. The Sabercats went three-and-out, and the Barnstormers went on a 5-play, 45-yard drive. Blansett threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to put Iowa up 20-13 with 4:04 remaining in the third. San Jose would drive 42 yards on 5 plays, ending with a 40-yard field goal by Wycoff to make it 20-16 with 1:06 remaining in the third quarter.
Corben Marvell fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and it was recovered by San Jose's Ervin Quigley at the Iowa 35. The Sabercats went for it on fourth down early in the fourth quarter, only for Carey to be sacked by Seth Waltrip at the 31-yard line. After a Barnstormers punt, the Sabercats went with a fake punt on fourth down, but Panco Rhymer's pass to Brent Spano fell incomplete. Iowa gained five yards on three plays, and Rhoads would kick a 49-yard field goal to go up 23-16 with 9:22 left. Carey was intercepted by Merrill Bliss at the Sabercats' 31-yard line. Three plays netted minus-6 yards, but Rhoads drilled a 54-yard field goal with 6:43 remaining to extend the lead to 26-16. San Jose moved quickly into scoring position, but Turk Costigan fumbled the ball at the Barnstormers 6-yard line, and it was recovered by Early Tune. The Barnstormers would run out the clock from there.
Iowa (5-6) gained 316 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 134 yards on 31 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 60 yards on 10 carries. Blansett went 18-of-31 passing for 219 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 37 yards. Caleb Whitlock led the receivers with 4 catches for 35 yards. Iowa hosts the Colorado Crush next week.
San Jose (7-4) gained 392 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for just 40 yards on only 12 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 29 yards on 7 carries. Carey went 30-of-55 passing for 357 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Costigan caught 13 passes for 213 yards. The Sabercats will visit the Chicago Rush next week.
The game started with both teams trading punts, then the Barnstormers drove 54 yards on 7 plays. Ev Blansett finished it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins to take a 7-0 lead with 5:03 remaining in the first quarter. After another San Jose punt, Iowa went on a 9-play, 35-yard drive that ended with a 51-yard field goal by SB Rhoads to go up 10-0 with 14:09 left in the second quarter.
Following the score, the Sabercats moved the ball 74 yards on 5 plays. Timmy Carey completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 11:50 left in the half. A 40-yard return by Ryan Travers to the 50 on the ensuing kickoff set up a 7-play, 20-yard drive by the Barnstormers. Rhoads would kick a 47-yard field goal to extend Iowa's lead to 13-7 with 8:38 left in the second. The teams traded punts, and San Jose was looking to drive for another score. But Fernando Findley fumbled at the Iowa 37-yard line, and it was recovered by Nigel Tuck of the Barnstormers. The subsequent Barnstormers drive was thwarted by Isaiah O'Connell's fumble that was returned 41 yards by Madison Gandy to the Barnstormers 14-yard line. After a 4-play, 5-yard drive, Ethan Wycoff with 1:08 left, and the teams went into halftime with San Jose trailing 13-10.
The second half started with the Sabercats driving 77 yards on 10 plays. Wycoff kicked a 20-yard field goal to tie the game at 13 with 11:24 left in the third quarter. Iowa's next drive was stopped by an interception by Russ Bird deep in San Jose territory. The Sabercats went three-and-out, and the Barnstormers went on a 5-play, 45-yard drive. Blansett threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to put Iowa up 20-13 with 4:04 remaining in the third. San Jose would drive 42 yards on 5 plays, ending with a 40-yard field goal by Wycoff to make it 20-16 with 1:06 remaining in the third quarter.
Corben Marvell fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and it was recovered by San Jose's Ervin Quigley at the Iowa 35. The Sabercats went for it on fourth down early in the fourth quarter, only for Carey to be sacked by Seth Waltrip at the 31-yard line. After a Barnstormers punt, the Sabercats went with a fake punt on fourth down, but Panco Rhymer's pass to Brent Spano fell incomplete. Iowa gained five yards on three plays, and Rhoads would kick a 49-yard field goal to go up 23-16 with 9:22 left. Carey was intercepted by Merrill Bliss at the Sabercats' 31-yard line. Three plays netted minus-6 yards, but Rhoads drilled a 54-yard field goal with 6:43 remaining to extend the lead to 26-16. San Jose moved quickly into scoring position, but Turk Costigan fumbled the ball at the Barnstormers 6-yard line, and it was recovered by Early Tune. The Barnstormers would run out the clock from there.
Iowa (5-6) gained 316 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 134 yards on 31 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 60 yards on 10 carries. Blansett went 18-of-31 passing for 219 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 37 yards. Caleb Whitlock led the receivers with 4 catches for 35 yards. Iowa hosts the Colorado Crush next week.
San Jose (7-4) gained 392 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for just 40 yards on only 12 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 29 yards on 7 carries. Carey went 30-of-55 passing for 357 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Costigan caught 13 passes for 213 yards. The Sabercats will visit the Chicago Rush next week.
Monday, December 12, 2016
AFL: Chicago Rushes Past Los Angeles, 30-18
LOS ANGELES-The Chicago Rush defeated the Los Angeles Avengers 30-18 in a Week 11 AFL game.
The Avengers opened the game with a punt, and Chicago would drive 46 yards on 10 plays. Arman Drummond finished the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 9:03 to go in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Avengers drove into scoring position, but Carmon Grimes missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.
Following the miss, the Rush went on an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Drummond completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Zach Allen to make it 14-0 with 13:35 left in the half. Los Angeles went three-and-out, and Chicago would move the ball 37 yards on 7 plays. Dete Justen finished the drive with a 39-yard field goal to go up 17-0 with 9:41 to go in the second quarter. The Avengers responded with a 9-play, 58-yard drive that ended with Juan York throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Ken Lavue. The extra point was missed, and Los Angeles trailed 17-6 with 4:43 to go in the half. The Rush drove for another score but were picked off by Courtney Harrelson late in the half to keep the score at 17-6.
Chicago would punt to start the second half, and Igor Keough returned the punt 72 yards to the Rush 12-yard line. On the next play, Keough ran in for the touchdown, but the Avengers missed the two-point conversion, and the score was 17-12 with 12:14 remaining in the third quarter. The Rush would answer with a 10-play, 55-yard drive. Justen would kick a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-12 with 7:26 to go in the third. The Avengers would punt, and Chicago embarked on an 8-play, 46-yard drive. Justen would put the finishing touches on the drive with a 51-yard field goal to take a 23-12 lead with 14:16 to go in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles went three-and-out on their next drive, and the Rush drove 80 yards on 8 plays. Lonnie Clements plunged in from the 1 to extend Chicago's lead to 30-12 with 9:27 left in the game. The Avengers struck quick with a 6-play, 75-yard drive, the last 58 coming from a York touchdown pass to Keifer Dance. The 2-point conversion failed, and the score was 30-18 with 7:29 remaining. The onside kick failed, and Chicago was content to run out the clock.
Chicago (4-7) gained 429 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 183 yards on 38 carries. Drummond led the team with 68 yards on 11 carries. He also went 26-of-36 passing for 256 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Marty Margerum was Chicago's leading receiver with 7 catches for 65 yards. The Rush host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Los Angeles (3-8) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Avengers were held to 56 yards rushing on 14 carries. Keough led the team with 26 yards on 4 carries and a TD. York was 18-of-34 passing for 210 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Lavue was LA's leading receiver with 6 catches for 85 yards and a TD. Los Angeles visits the Dallas Desperados next week.
The Avengers opened the game with a punt, and Chicago would drive 46 yards on 10 plays. Arman Drummond finished the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 9:03 to go in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Avengers drove into scoring position, but Carmon Grimes missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.
Following the miss, the Rush went on an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Drummond completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Zach Allen to make it 14-0 with 13:35 left in the half. Los Angeles went three-and-out, and Chicago would move the ball 37 yards on 7 plays. Dete Justen finished the drive with a 39-yard field goal to go up 17-0 with 9:41 to go in the second quarter. The Avengers responded with a 9-play, 58-yard drive that ended with Juan York throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Ken Lavue. The extra point was missed, and Los Angeles trailed 17-6 with 4:43 to go in the half. The Rush drove for another score but were picked off by Courtney Harrelson late in the half to keep the score at 17-6.
Chicago would punt to start the second half, and Igor Keough returned the punt 72 yards to the Rush 12-yard line. On the next play, Keough ran in for the touchdown, but the Avengers missed the two-point conversion, and the score was 17-12 with 12:14 remaining in the third quarter. The Rush would answer with a 10-play, 55-yard drive. Justen would kick a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-12 with 7:26 to go in the third. The Avengers would punt, and Chicago embarked on an 8-play, 46-yard drive. Justen would put the finishing touches on the drive with a 51-yard field goal to take a 23-12 lead with 14:16 to go in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles went three-and-out on their next drive, and the Rush drove 80 yards on 8 plays. Lonnie Clements plunged in from the 1 to extend Chicago's lead to 30-12 with 9:27 left in the game. The Avengers struck quick with a 6-play, 75-yard drive, the last 58 coming from a York touchdown pass to Keifer Dance. The 2-point conversion failed, and the score was 30-18 with 7:29 remaining. The onside kick failed, and Chicago was content to run out the clock.
Chicago (4-7) gained 429 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 183 yards on 38 carries. Drummond led the team with 68 yards on 11 carries. He also went 26-of-36 passing for 256 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Marty Margerum was Chicago's leading receiver with 7 catches for 65 yards. The Rush host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Los Angeles (3-8) gained 247 yards of total offense. The Avengers were held to 56 yards rushing on 14 carries. Keough led the team with 26 yards on 4 carries and a TD. York was 18-of-34 passing for 210 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 19 yards. Lavue was LA's leading receiver with 6 catches for 85 yards and a TD. Los Angeles visits the Dallas Desperados next week.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
AFL: Desperados Prevail Over Rattlers, 20-10
PHOENIX-It wasn't pretty, but the Dallas Desperados won their fourth straight game defeating the Arizona Rattlers 20-10 in a Week 11 AFL game.
Arizona began the game with a punt, and two plays later, Heinie Voorhees scrambled for a 76-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 11:11 left in the first quarter. The Rattlers responded with a 4-play, 48-yard drive, ending with a 45-yard field goal by Pancho Barrow to make it 7-3 with 8:51 remaining in the first. After a Desperado punt, the Rattlers drove into scoring position only for Barrow to miss a 55-yard field goal.
Both teams would punt, then Voorhees was intercepted by Noland Delta who returned it 10 yards to the Arizona 21-yard line. Both teams would punt, and the Rattlers would drive to the Desperados 9-yard line. But Barrow's 26-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Grant Frederick. Voorhees was intercepted again, this time by Hudson Riggs at the Arizona 39-yard line. After the Rattlers punted, Dallas drove 39 yards on 5 plays. Greg Hall ended the drive with 1:15 remaining in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Dallas ahead 10-3.
The third quarter saw the teams trade punts, and the Rattlers would get into position for a 22-yard field goal, but Barrow was blocked again, this time by Ronnie Ahart. After a Desperados punt was muffed, Hall missed a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. Don Fawcett had a pass intercepted by Franklin Steed who returned it 20 yards to the Arizona 31-yard line. Two plays later, Voorhees completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to make it 17-3 with 11:14 to go in the game.
The Rattlers were turned away on fourth down, and the Desperados punted. Fawcett scrambled on their next drive, but fumbled and it was recovered by Steed at the Dallas 43-yard line. After a 6-play, 21-yard drive, Hall kicked a 53-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 1:27 remaining. After Hack McDonald returned the ensuing kickoff to the Dallas 27-yard line, Fawcett threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Jones with 1 minute remaining to make it 20-10. A failed onside kick, the Desperados ran out the clock.
Dallas (8-3) gained 305 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 185 yards on 39 carries. Voorhees led the team with 87 yards on 8 carries and a TD. He went 10-of-19 passing for 141 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. Clem Shaffer led the receivers with 3 catches for 40 yards. Next week, the Desperados will host the Los Angeles Avengers.
Arizona (2-9) gained 348 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 125 yards rushing on 22 carries. Stomp Navarro led the team with 48 yards on 4 carries. Fawcett went 17-of-38 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Jones caught 3 passes for 48 yards and a TD. The Rattlers visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Arizona began the game with a punt, and two plays later, Heinie Voorhees scrambled for a 76-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead with 11:11 left in the first quarter. The Rattlers responded with a 4-play, 48-yard drive, ending with a 45-yard field goal by Pancho Barrow to make it 7-3 with 8:51 remaining in the first. After a Desperado punt, the Rattlers drove into scoring position only for Barrow to miss a 55-yard field goal.
Both teams would punt, then Voorhees was intercepted by Noland Delta who returned it 10 yards to the Arizona 21-yard line. Both teams would punt, and the Rattlers would drive to the Desperados 9-yard line. But Barrow's 26-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Grant Frederick. Voorhees was intercepted again, this time by Hudson Riggs at the Arizona 39-yard line. After the Rattlers punted, Dallas drove 39 yards on 5 plays. Greg Hall ended the drive with 1:15 remaining in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Dallas ahead 10-3.
The third quarter saw the teams trade punts, and the Rattlers would get into position for a 22-yard field goal, but Barrow was blocked again, this time by Ronnie Ahart. After a Desperados punt was muffed, Hall missed a 50-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. Don Fawcett had a pass intercepted by Franklin Steed who returned it 20 yards to the Arizona 31-yard line. Two plays later, Voorhees completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to make it 17-3 with 11:14 to go in the game.
The Rattlers were turned away on fourth down, and the Desperados punted. Fawcett scrambled on their next drive, but fumbled and it was recovered by Steed at the Dallas 43-yard line. After a 6-play, 21-yard drive, Hall kicked a 53-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 1:27 remaining. After Hack McDonald returned the ensuing kickoff to the Dallas 27-yard line, Fawcett threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Jones with 1 minute remaining to make it 20-10. A failed onside kick, the Desperados ran out the clock.
Dallas (8-3) gained 305 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 185 yards on 39 carries. Voorhees led the team with 87 yards on 8 carries and a TD. He went 10-of-19 passing for 141 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. Clem Shaffer led the receivers with 3 catches for 40 yards. Next week, the Desperados will host the Los Angeles Avengers.
Arizona (2-9) gained 348 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 125 yards rushing on 22 carries. Stomp Navarro led the team with 48 yards on 4 carries. Fawcett went 17-of-38 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Jones caught 3 passes for 48 yards and a TD. The Rattlers visit the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Friday, December 9, 2016
AFL: Predators Take Win Over Dragons, 27-20
ORLANDO-D.J. Giles accounted for 149 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns in a 27-30 victory for the Orlando Predators over the New York Dragons in a Week 11 AFL game.
The game started slowly with both teams trading punts. The Dragons would get on the board first with a 15-play, 80-yard drive ending it with a 3-yard touchdown run by Freddy Ashercraft to take a 7-0 lead with 2:19 left in the first quarter. On the first play's of Orlando's next possession, DJ Haji completed a 62-yard pass to Leonard Irving that set up a 22-yard field goal by Abel White with 2 seconds remaining in the first to make it 7-3.
The second quarter was very much a defensive struggle. Fahad Ruff intercepted a Faron Emerson pass and returned it 20 yards to the Dragons' 22-yard line, but White would miss a 34-yard field goal. The Dragons moved into scoring position, but Burt Hamrick missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. The Predators punted, then Emerson was intercepted again, this time by Silas Garris at the New York 43-yard line. White missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. After a Dragons punt, the Predators drove 42 yards on 8 plays. White would make a 52-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Orlando trailing 7-6.
After the teams traded punts at the start of the third quarter, Emmett Romine sacked Haji at the Orlando 27-yard line forcing a fumble that was recovered by New York's Marty Yount. Six plays later, Emerson completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Elvis Darnell to put the Dragons up 14-6 with 8:01 remaining in the third quarter. The Predators responded with a 7-play, 66-yard drive that ended with Giles scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 14 with 4:29 remaining in the third.
After the Dragons punted, Orlando moved the ball 80 yards on 10 plays. Haji hit Giles for a 1-yard touchdown pass to give the Predators a 21-14 lead with 14:12 left in the fourth quarter. Emerson was then picked off by Steve Trevathan who returned it 40 yards to the New York 22-yard line. After three plays gained nine yards, White kicked a 30-yard field goal to make it 24-14 with 11:53 remaining. After a 62-yard kickoff return by Hugh Strickland, the Dragons moved the ball 14 yards on 5 plays, and Hamrick kicked a 44-yard field goal to make it 24-17 with 9:46 left. Orlando then moved 34 yards on 6 plays, and White kicked a 49-yard field goal with 6:13 to go to make it 27-17. Emerson was again picked off, this time by Jack Stuckey. The Predators would punt, and New York would drive 62 yards on 8 plays. Hamrick kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:01 left to make it 27-20. New York's onside kick failed, and Orlando ran out the clock.
Orlando (4-7) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 110 yards on 28 carries. Giles led the team with 58 yards on 16 carries and a TD, and also led the receivers with 8 catches for 91 yards and a TD. Haji went 25-of-37 passing for 284 yards a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Next week, Orlando visits the Albany Firebirds.
New York (5-6) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 108 yards on 26 carries. George Larron led the team with 47 yards on 9 carries. Emerson went 15-of-32 passing for 184 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 40 yards. Elvin Strait led the receivers with 4 catches for 47 yards. The Dragons will host the Nashville Kats next week.
The game started slowly with both teams trading punts. The Dragons would get on the board first with a 15-play, 80-yard drive ending it with a 3-yard touchdown run by Freddy Ashercraft to take a 7-0 lead with 2:19 left in the first quarter. On the first play's of Orlando's next possession, DJ Haji completed a 62-yard pass to Leonard Irving that set up a 22-yard field goal by Abel White with 2 seconds remaining in the first to make it 7-3.
The second quarter was very much a defensive struggle. Fahad Ruff intercepted a Faron Emerson pass and returned it 20 yards to the Dragons' 22-yard line, but White would miss a 34-yard field goal. The Dragons moved into scoring position, but Burt Hamrick missed a 51-yard field goal attempt. The Predators punted, then Emerson was intercepted again, this time by Silas Garris at the New York 43-yard line. White missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. After a Dragons punt, the Predators drove 42 yards on 8 plays. White would make a 52-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Orlando trailing 7-6.
After the teams traded punts at the start of the third quarter, Emmett Romine sacked Haji at the Orlando 27-yard line forcing a fumble that was recovered by New York's Marty Yount. Six plays later, Emerson completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Elvis Darnell to put the Dragons up 14-6 with 8:01 remaining in the third quarter. The Predators responded with a 7-play, 66-yard drive that ended with Giles scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 14 with 4:29 remaining in the third.
After the Dragons punted, Orlando moved the ball 80 yards on 10 plays. Haji hit Giles for a 1-yard touchdown pass to give the Predators a 21-14 lead with 14:12 left in the fourth quarter. Emerson was then picked off by Steve Trevathan who returned it 40 yards to the New York 22-yard line. After three plays gained nine yards, White kicked a 30-yard field goal to make it 24-14 with 11:53 remaining. After a 62-yard kickoff return by Hugh Strickland, the Dragons moved the ball 14 yards on 5 plays, and Hamrick kicked a 44-yard field goal to make it 24-17 with 9:46 left. Orlando then moved 34 yards on 6 plays, and White kicked a 49-yard field goal with 6:13 to go to make it 27-17. Emerson was again picked off, this time by Jack Stuckey. The Predators would punt, and New York would drive 62 yards on 8 plays. Hamrick kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:01 left to make it 27-20. New York's onside kick failed, and Orlando ran out the clock.
Orlando (4-7) gained 378 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 110 yards on 28 carries. Giles led the team with 58 yards on 16 carries and a TD, and also led the receivers with 8 catches for 91 yards and a TD. Haji went 25-of-37 passing for 284 yards a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Next week, Orlando visits the Albany Firebirds.
New York (5-6) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 108 yards on 26 carries. George Larron led the team with 47 yards on 9 carries. Emerson went 15-of-32 passing for 184 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 40 yards. Elvin Strait led the receivers with 4 catches for 47 yards. The Dragons will host the Nashville Kats next week.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
AFL: Five Alive! Force Run Over Fireibirds, 24-10
ATLANTA-Last week, Norm Damron threw for a single-game record 412 passing yards in defeating Tampa Bay. He didn't throw for nearly that much this week, but his two touchdown passes combined with a team single-game record of 220 rushing yards helped the Georgia Force win their fifth straight game over the Albany Firebirds 24-10 in a Week 11 AFL game.
The Force got it started right away with Damron gaining 32 yards on a scramble. Following an 11-yard run by Clem Foulks, Damron threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Prince David to put Georgia up 7-0 with 13:16 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams would punt, then Albany started driving towards a score, but Dom Wenning would miss a 48-yard field goal.
After another exchange of punts, Georgia drove 45 yards on 8 plays. Wilbur Ahamd finished it off with a 30-yard field goal to extend the Force's lead to 10-0 with 12:58 remaining in the first half. Both teams would twice trade punts, then the Firebirds went on a 4-play, 49-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jerreld Richmond to make it 10-7 with 4:30 to go in the second quarter. The Force responded with an 8-play, 71-yard drive, and Damron threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Gevan Crafton to make it 17-7 with 1:14 left in the half.
On Albany's first possession of the second half, Gargaro was intercepted by Raymond Clements at the Georgia 31-yard line. Ahmad would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt on the ensuing Force possession. The Firebirds followed up with a 9-play, 54-yard drive, finishing with Wenning kicking a 23-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 3:46 remaining in the third.
Georgia would punt late in the third quarter to the Albany 12-yard line. After four plays, the Firebirds would punt the ball away and Crafton ran it all the way back for a 75-yard punt return touchdown, making it 24-10 with 12:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds managed to drive to the Force 4-yard line on their next possession, but were turned away on fourth down. Georgia went into running mode to kill the clock, and Albany's last gasp was snuffed out by a Lin Byers interception.
Georgia (7-4) gained 329 yards of total offense. The Force ran for a record 220 yards on 32 carries. Foulks led the team with 98 yards on 16 carries. Walter Halley ran for 80 yards on 11 carries. Damron went 14-of-25 passing for 126 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Six different players caught 2 passes each, with David and Crafton accounting for 26 yards and a TD each. The Force will visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a battle of two of the hottest teams in the AFL, each having won six of their last seven games.
Albany (5-6) gained 340 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 30 yards rushing on 15 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 17 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 31-of-46 passing for 345 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Tico Ponder was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 143 yards. The Firebirds host the Orlando Predators next week.
The Force got it started right away with Damron gaining 32 yards on a scramble. Following an 11-yard run by Clem Foulks, Damron threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Prince David to put Georgia up 7-0 with 13:16 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams would punt, then Albany started driving towards a score, but Dom Wenning would miss a 48-yard field goal.
After another exchange of punts, Georgia drove 45 yards on 8 plays. Wilbur Ahamd finished it off with a 30-yard field goal to extend the Force's lead to 10-0 with 12:58 remaining in the first half. Both teams would twice trade punts, then the Firebirds went on a 4-play, 49-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jerreld Richmond to make it 10-7 with 4:30 to go in the second quarter. The Force responded with an 8-play, 71-yard drive, and Damron threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Gevan Crafton to make it 17-7 with 1:14 left in the half.
On Albany's first possession of the second half, Gargaro was intercepted by Raymond Clements at the Georgia 31-yard line. Ahmad would miss a 50-yard field goal attempt on the ensuing Force possession. The Firebirds followed up with a 9-play, 54-yard drive, finishing with Wenning kicking a 23-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 3:46 remaining in the third.
Georgia would punt late in the third quarter to the Albany 12-yard line. After four plays, the Firebirds would punt the ball away and Crafton ran it all the way back for a 75-yard punt return touchdown, making it 24-10 with 12:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Firebirds managed to drive to the Force 4-yard line on their next possession, but were turned away on fourth down. Georgia went into running mode to kill the clock, and Albany's last gasp was snuffed out by a Lin Byers interception.
Georgia (7-4) gained 329 yards of total offense. The Force ran for a record 220 yards on 32 carries. Foulks led the team with 98 yards on 16 carries. Walter Halley ran for 80 yards on 11 carries. Damron went 14-of-25 passing for 126 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Six different players caught 2 passes each, with David and Crafton accounting for 26 yards and a TD each. The Force will visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a battle of two of the hottest teams in the AFL, each having won six of their last seven games.
Albany (5-6) gained 340 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 30 yards rushing on 15 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 17 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 31-of-46 passing for 345 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Tico Ponder was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 143 yards. The Firebirds host the Orlando Predators next week.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
AFL: Rampage Beat Storm. 30-9
TAMPA-The Grand Rapids Rampage kept the Tampa Bay Storm out of the end zone en route to defeating them 30-9 in Week 11 of the AFL season.
Tampa Bay started the game with a punt, and then Grand Rapids drove 47 yards on 10 plays. Curtis Wayne finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to give the Rampage a 7-0 lead with 8:35 left in the first quarter. The Storm would answer with an 11-play, 51-yard drive, and Johnny Quincey kicked a 39-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 2:20 remaining in the first.
After a Rampage punt, the Storm moved the ball 60 yards on 8 plays. Quincey would kick a 49-yard field goal to close the gap to 7-6 with 11:27 remaining in the half. Both teams would trade punts, and Tampa Bay would find themselves on their own 3-yard line. Randy Dobbs would pick off Orval Stanley's pass and return it for a 7-yard touchdown to put the Rampage up 14-6 with 7:44 to go in the second quarter. After another exchange of punts, Dobbs intercepted Stanley again at the Tampa Bay 14-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 29-yard field goal with 1:01 left, and the teams went into the locker room at halftime with the Rampage leading 17-6.
At the start of the second half, the Rampage drove 22 yards on 4 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 56-yard field goal with 12:44 to go in the third quarter to make it 20-6. Tampa Bay would punt on their next drive, then Tibbs had a 55-yard field goal attempt blocked. The Storm then drove 42 yards on 13 plays, and Quincey ended the drive with a 28-yard field goal to make it 20-9 with 2:01 remaining in the third quarter.
The Rampage would then put the exclamation point on the game with a 14-play, 85-yard drive. Toby Harrell finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 27-9 with 9:41 to go in the game. Tampa Bay was turned away on fourth down on their next possession, then Grand Rapids punted. Stanley was intercepted by Rodd Clift at the Storm 46-yard line. The Rampage would then drive 38 yards on 9 plays. Tibbs finished the drive with a 25-yard field goal to make it 30-9 with 1:30 left in the game.
Grand Rapids (7-4) gained 279 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 163 yards on 34 carries. Harrell led the team with 75 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Wayne went 14-of-27 passing for 122 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Joe Foss led the receivers with 4 catches for 43 yards. The Rampage host the Georgia Force next week.
Tampa Bay (5-5-1) gained 273 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 82 yards on 24 carries. Stanley led the team with 53 yards on 12 carries. He went 19-of-35 passing for 213 yards and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 22 yards. Foster Warhurst was Tampa Bay's leading receiver with 9 catches for 75 yards. Next week, the Storm visit the Detroit Drive.
Tampa Bay started the game with a punt, and then Grand Rapids drove 47 yards on 10 plays. Curtis Wayne finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to give the Rampage a 7-0 lead with 8:35 left in the first quarter. The Storm would answer with an 11-play, 51-yard drive, and Johnny Quincey kicked a 39-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 2:20 remaining in the first.
After a Rampage punt, the Storm moved the ball 60 yards on 8 plays. Quincey would kick a 49-yard field goal to close the gap to 7-6 with 11:27 remaining in the half. Both teams would trade punts, and Tampa Bay would find themselves on their own 3-yard line. Randy Dobbs would pick off Orval Stanley's pass and return it for a 7-yard touchdown to put the Rampage up 14-6 with 7:44 to go in the second quarter. After another exchange of punts, Dobbs intercepted Stanley again at the Tampa Bay 14-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 29-yard field goal with 1:01 left, and the teams went into the locker room at halftime with the Rampage leading 17-6.
At the start of the second half, the Rampage drove 22 yards on 4 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 56-yard field goal with 12:44 to go in the third quarter to make it 20-6. Tampa Bay would punt on their next drive, then Tibbs had a 55-yard field goal attempt blocked. The Storm then drove 42 yards on 13 plays, and Quincey ended the drive with a 28-yard field goal to make it 20-9 with 2:01 remaining in the third quarter.
The Rampage would then put the exclamation point on the game with a 14-play, 85-yard drive. Toby Harrell finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 27-9 with 9:41 to go in the game. Tampa Bay was turned away on fourth down on their next possession, then Grand Rapids punted. Stanley was intercepted by Rodd Clift at the Storm 46-yard line. The Rampage would then drive 38 yards on 9 plays. Tibbs finished the drive with a 25-yard field goal to make it 30-9 with 1:30 left in the game.
Grand Rapids (7-4) gained 279 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 163 yards on 34 carries. Harrell led the team with 75 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Wayne went 14-of-27 passing for 122 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. Joe Foss led the receivers with 4 catches for 43 yards. The Rampage host the Georgia Force next week.
Tampa Bay (5-5-1) gained 273 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 82 yards on 24 carries. Stanley led the team with 53 yards on 12 carries. He went 19-of-35 passing for 213 yards and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 22 yards. Foster Warhurst was Tampa Bay's leading receiver with 9 catches for 75 yards. Next week, the Storm visit the Detroit Drive.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
AFL: Drive Power Past Kats, 30-20
NASHVILLE-The Detroit Drive held off a late fourth quarter rally to defeat the Nashville Kats 30-20 in a Week 11 AFL contest.
Both teams traded punts to start the game, and then Detroit moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Cletis Frayer ended the drive with a 19-yard field goal to give them a 3-0 lead with 8:11 left in the first quarter. Following another Nashville punt, the Drive moved 51 yards on 6 plays. Frayer connected on a 46-yard field goal with 2:25 remaining in the first to make it 6-0.
Early in the second quarter, Daniel Stevenson missed a 46-yard field goal attempt for the Kats. Detroit would punt, and then Brewster Brickhouse was intercepted by Cord Biggs at the Nashville 29-yard line. Four plays later, Lou Couch connected on a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ahmed Sohn to extend Detroit's lead to 13-0 with 9:23 left in the half. The Kats would respond with a 10-play, 80-yard drive ending with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brickouse to Isaiah Falk to cut the gap to 13-7 with 4:40 left in the second quarter. The rest of the quarter was fairly uneventful.
In the second half, the teams traded punts at the start, but Damien Holden fumbled after catching a pass that was recovered by Detroit's Corwin Lindstrom at the Kats' 16-yard line. Four plays later, Patch Brolie ran in for a 5-yard touchdown to make it 20-7 with 9:24 to go in the third quarter. The teams traded punts again, and Detroit would be on the move again, driving 76 yards on 8 plays. The final 46 yards came courtesy of a touchdown pass from Couch to Dave Huntley at the start of the fourth quarter to make it 27-7 with 14:48 to go.
After another exchange of punts, Detroit found themselves on the Nashville 36. After five plays gained 20 yards, Frayer connected on a 33-yard field goal to make it 30-7 with 4:55 left in the game. Nashville would not quit, and the Kats drove 65 yards on 12 plays. Brickhouse finished the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane making it 30-14 with 1:40 left. The Kats would recover an onside kick, and then moved the ball 60 yards on 3 plays. Brickhouse hit Swane again for a 2-yard touchdown, and the Kats would miss a 2-point conversion. The score was 30-20 with 54 seconds remaining, and the Kats tried another onside kick. But Renalto Halter held on to the ball for Detroit to seal the win.
Detroit (8-3) gained 334 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 93 yards rushing on 30 carries. Brolie led the team with 46 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Couch went 18-of-32 passing for 241 yards, 2 TD and was not sacked. Huntley led the Drive with 10 catches for 145 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Nashville (5-5-1) gained 393 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 85 yards on 23 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 31 yards on 10 carries. Brickhouse was 28-of-50 passing for 318 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Cobey Kingston led the receivers with 7 catches for 46 yards. Swane caught 5 passes for 59 yards and 2 TD. Nashville will visit the New York Dragons next week.
Both teams traded punts to start the game, and then Detroit moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Cletis Frayer ended the drive with a 19-yard field goal to give them a 3-0 lead with 8:11 left in the first quarter. Following another Nashville punt, the Drive moved 51 yards on 6 plays. Frayer connected on a 46-yard field goal with 2:25 remaining in the first to make it 6-0.
Early in the second quarter, Daniel Stevenson missed a 46-yard field goal attempt for the Kats. Detroit would punt, and then Brewster Brickhouse was intercepted by Cord Biggs at the Nashville 29-yard line. Four plays later, Lou Couch connected on a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ahmed Sohn to extend Detroit's lead to 13-0 with 9:23 left in the half. The Kats would respond with a 10-play, 80-yard drive ending with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brickouse to Isaiah Falk to cut the gap to 13-7 with 4:40 left in the second quarter. The rest of the quarter was fairly uneventful.
In the second half, the teams traded punts at the start, but Damien Holden fumbled after catching a pass that was recovered by Detroit's Corwin Lindstrom at the Kats' 16-yard line. Four plays later, Patch Brolie ran in for a 5-yard touchdown to make it 20-7 with 9:24 to go in the third quarter. The teams traded punts again, and Detroit would be on the move again, driving 76 yards on 8 plays. The final 46 yards came courtesy of a touchdown pass from Couch to Dave Huntley at the start of the fourth quarter to make it 27-7 with 14:48 to go.
After another exchange of punts, Detroit found themselves on the Nashville 36. After five plays gained 20 yards, Frayer connected on a 33-yard field goal to make it 30-7 with 4:55 left in the game. Nashville would not quit, and the Kats drove 65 yards on 12 plays. Brickhouse finished the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vittorio Swane making it 30-14 with 1:40 left. The Kats would recover an onside kick, and then moved the ball 60 yards on 3 plays. Brickhouse hit Swane again for a 2-yard touchdown, and the Kats would miss a 2-point conversion. The score was 30-20 with 54 seconds remaining, and the Kats tried another onside kick. But Renalto Halter held on to the ball for Detroit to seal the win.
Detroit (8-3) gained 334 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 93 yards rushing on 30 carries. Brolie led the team with 46 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Couch went 18-of-32 passing for 241 yards, 2 TD and was not sacked. Huntley led the Drive with 10 catches for 145 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week.
Nashville (5-5-1) gained 393 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 85 yards on 23 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 31 yards on 10 carries. Brickhouse was 28-of-50 passing for 318 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Cobey Kingston led the receivers with 7 catches for 46 yards. Swane caught 5 passes for 59 yards and 2 TD. Nashville will visit the New York Dragons next week.
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