PHOENIX-Despite the best efforts of Lou Couch, the Detroit Drive's comeback hopes fell short and they lost to the Arizona Rattlers in a Week 15 AFL game, 21-16.
The Rattlers got the ball first and drove 80 yards on 11 plays. Don Fawcett finished it off with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Will Meads to take a 7-0 lead with 9:17 left in the first quarter. Detroit would answer with a 7-play, 43-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal by Cletis Frayer to make it 7-3 with 5:43 to go in the first. Arizona responded with a 7-play, 76-yard drive. Fawcett finished it off himself with an 18-yard touchdown to put the Rattlers up 14-3 with 2:01 to go in the first quarter.
There was no scoring in the second quarter, but that doesn't mean there was no excitement. Frayer had a 43-yard field goal attempt blocked by Kurt Tiggs who fell on it at the Rattlers 37-yard line. Tad Adler would pick off Fawcett on the next play and returned it 17 yards to the Arizona 40. But Couch would be sacked by Zeke Huntley and Madison Prunty recovered the fumble at the 46-yard line. Fawcett would get picked off again, this time by Jeffrey Wilkey at the Detroit 45-yard line. The passers then settled down and the teams would trade punts. Adrian Alphin would fake a punt late in the quarter and complete a pass to Boris Garrison, but the 8-yard gain was a yard short, and Detroit took over at their own 46-yard line. With 13 seconds left, Frayer would try a 53-yard field goal but the kick was wide and the half ended.
Following a Detroit punt to open the second half, Arizona would embark on a 9-play, 56-yard drive. Fawcett finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Arvil Stinson to give the Rattlers a 21-3 lead with 9:33 left in the third quarter. The punters would dominate the remainder of the quarter.
Detroit would finally get going in the fourth quarter with a 7-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Couch hitting Rocky Adams for a 14-yard touchdown pass. The Drive failed on the 2-Point conversion, and were down 21-9 with 12:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit recovered an onside kick, but Couch would get intercepted by Quincey Quasar at the Rattlers 7-yard line. Arizona got greedy, and Stan Florin picked off Fawcett and returned it 24 yards to the Arizona 13-yard line. But the Drive were turned away on fourth down from the 8. The Rattlers would punt, and the Drive would move 49 yards on 8 plays. Couch would hit Lowell Winfrey for an 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-16 with 54 seconds to go. Detroit recovered another onside kick, and managed to reach the Rattlers 12-yard line with 4 seconds to go, but Couch's pass to Todd Boyce in the end zone fell incomplete, and Detroit's comeback was snuffed out.
Arizona (5-10) gained 368 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 85 yards rushing on 26 carries. Fawcett led the team with 36 yards on 9 carries and a TD. He also went 18-of-36 passing for 283 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Meads led the receivers with 5 catches for 120 yards and a TD. The Rattlers will finish their season visiting the Albany Firebirds.
Detroit (11-4) gained 406 yards of total offense. The Drive were held to 28 yards rushing on 15 carries. Adams led the teams with 21 yards on 4 carries. Couch was 35-of-54 passing for 401 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Boyce led the receivers with 11 catches for 103 yards. Dave Huntley caught 10 passes for 148 yards. The Drive will wrap up the regular season hosting the San Jose Sabercats.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
AFL: Orlando Beats Milwaukee in OT, 26-20
MILWAUKEE-Ramon Roden threw three touchdown passes, including the game winner in overtime. to give the Orlando Predators a 26-20 victory over the Milwaukee Mustangs in Week 15 of the AFL season.
Milwaukee started the game with a 20-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 20-yard field goal to put the Mustangs up 3-0 with 6:34 left in the first quarter. The Predators would strike back with a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Roden put an exclamation point on the drive with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Steven Thompson to give Orlando a 7-3 lead with 4:11 left in the first.
On Milwaukee's next possession, Ringo Flack stripped the ball from JC George on a sack and recovered it on the Orlando 49-yard line. Following an 8-play, 27-yard drive, Abel White scored on a 41-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 12:01 remaining in the second quarter. The Mustangs would answer with a 7-play, 47-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard field goal by Philbrook to cut the lead to 10-6 with 8:07 left in the half. The Predators then moved 25 yards on 8 plays, ending with White drilling a 51-yard field goal making it 13-6 with 3:58 to go in the second quarter. Milwaukee looked to drive for another score, but Philbrook's 33-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Franklin Read and the half ended with Orlando up a touchdown.
Punting dominated much of the third quarter until the Predators finally started to move the ball, driving 55 yards on 7 plays. Roden finished the drive off with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Farren Smithson, extending Orlando's lead to 20-6 with 2:15 to go in the third quarter.
After a pair of punts, Milwaukee began to move, driving 67 yards on 10 plays. George put an end to the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage, his 11th touchdown catch of the season, to make it 20-13 with 10:31 to go in the fourth quarter. Following another Orlando punt, the Mustangs went on a 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with George throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to Chester Brice tying the game at 20 with 1:21 left in regulation. The Predators had to punt, and the game went into overtime. The Mustangs got the ball first, and looked to score, but Silas Garris picked George off and returned it 32 yards to the Milwaukee 38-yard line. Six plays later, Roden threw the game-winning touchdown pass, a 13-yard strike to Gene Crosby at the 9:25 mark of overtime to give the Predators the 26-20 win.
Orlando (7-8) gained 290 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 104 yards on 30 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 49 yards on 14 carries. Roden was 13-of-26 passing for 209 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Thompson caught 3 passes for 93 yards and a TD. The Predators will wrap up their season next week hosting the Chicago Rush.
Milwaukee (7-8) gained 423 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 76 yards on 27 carries. Brice led the team with 45 yards on 14 carries. George went 33-of-52 passing for 364 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 32 yards. Heinie Clausen was Milwaukee's leading receiver with 11 catches for 111 yards. The Mustangs will finish out their season next week on the road against the Tampa Bay Storm.
Milwaukee started the game with a 20-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 20-yard field goal to put the Mustangs up 3-0 with 6:34 left in the first quarter. The Predators would strike back with a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Roden put an exclamation point on the drive with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Steven Thompson to give Orlando a 7-3 lead with 4:11 left in the first.
On Milwaukee's next possession, Ringo Flack stripped the ball from JC George on a sack and recovered it on the Orlando 49-yard line. Following an 8-play, 27-yard drive, Abel White scored on a 41-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 12:01 remaining in the second quarter. The Mustangs would answer with a 7-play, 47-yard drive that ended with a 29-yard field goal by Philbrook to cut the lead to 10-6 with 8:07 left in the half. The Predators then moved 25 yards on 8 plays, ending with White drilling a 51-yard field goal making it 13-6 with 3:58 to go in the second quarter. Milwaukee looked to drive for another score, but Philbrook's 33-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Franklin Read and the half ended with Orlando up a touchdown.
Punting dominated much of the third quarter until the Predators finally started to move the ball, driving 55 yards on 7 plays. Roden finished the drive off with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Farren Smithson, extending Orlando's lead to 20-6 with 2:15 to go in the third quarter.
After a pair of punts, Milwaukee began to move, driving 67 yards on 10 plays. George put an end to the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage, his 11th touchdown catch of the season, to make it 20-13 with 10:31 to go in the fourth quarter. Following another Orlando punt, the Mustangs went on a 13-play, 80-yard drive that ended with George throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to Chester Brice tying the game at 20 with 1:21 left in regulation. The Predators had to punt, and the game went into overtime. The Mustangs got the ball first, and looked to score, but Silas Garris picked George off and returned it 32 yards to the Milwaukee 38-yard line. Six plays later, Roden threw the game-winning touchdown pass, a 13-yard strike to Gene Crosby at the 9:25 mark of overtime to give the Predators the 26-20 win.
Orlando (7-8) gained 290 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 104 yards on 30 carries. D.J. Giles led the team with 49 yards on 14 carries. Roden was 13-of-26 passing for 209 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Thompson caught 3 passes for 93 yards and a TD. The Predators will wrap up their season next week hosting the Chicago Rush.
Milwaukee (7-8) gained 423 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 76 yards on 27 carries. Brice led the team with 45 yards on 14 carries. George went 33-of-52 passing for 364 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 32 yards. Heinie Clausen was Milwaukee's leading receiver with 11 catches for 111 yards. The Mustangs will finish out their season next week on the road against the Tampa Bay Storm.
Friday, January 27, 2017
AFL: Barnstormers Throttle Force, 48-17
DES MOINES, IA-Ev Blansett fired four touchdown passes in helping the Iowa Barnstormers defeat the Georgia Force 48-17 in a Week 15 AFL game.
Iowa stormed out early with a 12-play, 72-yard drive. Blansett would finish it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to give the Barnstormers a 7-0 lead with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter. Georgia would answer back with a 9-play, 33-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 5:09 remaining in the first. The Barnstormers would respond with a 7-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Blansett to Davlin Coggins to give Iowa 14-3 lead with 1:47 to go in the first quarter.
Shelton St. Johns would intercept Norm Damron on Georgia's next possession at the Iowa 45-yard line, but Blansett would be victimized by a fumble after a Tyrone Pickney sack that was recovered by Conroy Spencer at the Force 26-yard line. After trading punts, Georgia would drive 50 yards on 8 plays. Walter Halley finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown run to make it 14-10 with 5:32 left in the half. The Barnstormers would answer with a 10-play, 63-yard drive finished off with a 4-yard touchdown run by Weldon Taber making it 21-10 with 1:47 remaining in the second quarter. Georgia tried to drive for a score, but time ran out on the first half.
Georgia would punt to open the second half, and the Barnstormers started to pull away with a 7-play, 60-yard drive. SB Rhoads finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to extend Iowa's lead to 24-10 with 10:19 remaining in the third quarter. Stew Fugundo would pick Damron off on the next possession and took it to the Force 13-yard line. Three plays later, Blansett tossed a 13-yard stirke to Isaiah O'Connell to make it 31-10 with 9:07 to go in the third. On the ensuing Georgia drive, Damron was sacked and fumbled, and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the 27-yard line. Blansett hit Coggins for a 22-yard touchdown pass two plays later, and the score was 38-10 with 7:22 remaining in the third quarter. The Force tried to get back in the game, but Ahmad would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. Rhoads would also missed a 52-yard attempt.
Following Iowa's missed kick, Georgia would go 58 yards on 7 plays. Damron would throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to cut the lead to 38-17 with 14:50 to go in the fourth quarter. An onside kick failed, and following a 12-play, 28-yard drive, Rhoads would kick a 29-yard field goal to make it 41-17 with 9:49 to go. Bo Bull fumbled the ensuing kickoff at the Georgia 31-yard line, and Clarence Bragg recovered for the Barnstormers. Following a 10-play, 31-yard drive, Powell Ramos bulled in from the 1 to mercifully put an end to the scoring at 48-17 with 4:24 to go in the game.
Iowa (8-7) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 132 yards on 36 carries. Ramos led the team with 65 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Blansett went 22-of-31 passing for 292 yards and 4 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Coggins led the receivers with 6 catches for 105 yards and 2 TD. The Barnstormers will finish their regular season on the road against the Nashville Kats.
Georgia (8-7) gained 319 yards of total offense. The Force gained 79 yards rushing on 19 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 47 yards on 11 carries. Damron went 20-of-35 passing for 265 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Paden Bonewell led the receivers with 8 catches for 112 yards. He is also the first receiver to catch 100 passes this season (100 REC, 1,236 YDS, 7 TD). Next week, the Force will host the Dallas Desperados to wrap up their regular season.
Iowa stormed out early with a 12-play, 72-yard drive. Blansett would finish it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to give the Barnstormers a 7-0 lead with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter. Georgia would answer back with a 9-play, 33-yard drive that ended with Wilbur Ahmad kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 5:09 remaining in the first. The Barnstormers would respond with a 7-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Blansett to Davlin Coggins to give Iowa 14-3 lead with 1:47 to go in the first quarter.
Shelton St. Johns would intercept Norm Damron on Georgia's next possession at the Iowa 45-yard line, but Blansett would be victimized by a fumble after a Tyrone Pickney sack that was recovered by Conroy Spencer at the Force 26-yard line. After trading punts, Georgia would drive 50 yards on 8 plays. Walter Halley finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown run to make it 14-10 with 5:32 left in the half. The Barnstormers would answer with a 10-play, 63-yard drive finished off with a 4-yard touchdown run by Weldon Taber making it 21-10 with 1:47 remaining in the second quarter. Georgia tried to drive for a score, but time ran out on the first half.
Georgia would punt to open the second half, and the Barnstormers started to pull away with a 7-play, 60-yard drive. SB Rhoads finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to extend Iowa's lead to 24-10 with 10:19 remaining in the third quarter. Stew Fugundo would pick Damron off on the next possession and took it to the Force 13-yard line. Three plays later, Blansett tossed a 13-yard stirke to Isaiah O'Connell to make it 31-10 with 9:07 to go in the third. On the ensuing Georgia drive, Damron was sacked and fumbled, and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the 27-yard line. Blansett hit Coggins for a 22-yard touchdown pass two plays later, and the score was 38-10 with 7:22 remaining in the third quarter. The Force tried to get back in the game, but Ahmad would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. Rhoads would also missed a 52-yard attempt.
Following Iowa's missed kick, Georgia would go 58 yards on 7 plays. Damron would throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to cut the lead to 38-17 with 14:50 to go in the fourth quarter. An onside kick failed, and following a 12-play, 28-yard drive, Rhoads would kick a 29-yard field goal to make it 41-17 with 9:49 to go. Bo Bull fumbled the ensuing kickoff at the Georgia 31-yard line, and Clarence Bragg recovered for the Barnstormers. Following a 10-play, 31-yard drive, Powell Ramos bulled in from the 1 to mercifully put an end to the scoring at 48-17 with 4:24 to go in the game.
Iowa (8-7) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 132 yards on 36 carries. Ramos led the team with 65 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Blansett went 22-of-31 passing for 292 yards and 4 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. Coggins led the receivers with 6 catches for 105 yards and 2 TD. The Barnstormers will finish their regular season on the road against the Nashville Kats.
Georgia (8-7) gained 319 yards of total offense. The Force gained 79 yards rushing on 19 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 47 yards on 11 carries. Damron went 20-of-35 passing for 265 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Paden Bonewell led the receivers with 8 catches for 112 yards. He is also the first receiver to catch 100 passes this season (100 REC, 1,236 YDS, 7 TD). Next week, the Force will host the Dallas Desperados to wrap up their regular season.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
AFL: Seventh Hell, Storm Drubbed By Rush, 31-13
ROSEMONT, IL-The Tampa Bay Storm lost their seventh consecutive game, and extended an overall 8-game winless streak falling to the Chicago Rush 31-13 in a Week 15 AFL game.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Wallace Fetters picked off Orval Stanley and returned it 24-yards to the Tampa Bay 23-yard line, but Dete Justen missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. The teams would trade punts until midway through the second quarter when Chicago moved the ball 74 yards on 11 plays. Arman Drummond finished it off with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to put the Rush up 7-0 with 4:12 left in the half. The Storm would punt, and Chicago went on a 5-play, 17-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 49-yard field goal with 52 seconds left to give the Rush a 10-0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter had no scoring, either. Both teams punted on their initial possessions, then Tampa Bay drove into scoring range, only for Johnny Quincey to miss a 22-yard field goal. Allie Navarro would intercept a Drummond pass at the Chicago 27-yard line. Quincey would try a 39-yard field goal attempt, but it sailed wide. Following the miss, the Rush went on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Drummond to Zach Allen giving Chicago a 17-0 lead with 14:49 left in the fourth quarter.
Stanley would fumble on Tampa Bay's ensuing drive, and Loren Wilkerson recovered at the Storm 29-yard line. On the next play, Keith Headrick ran for a 29-yard touchdown to make it 24-0 with 13:48 left in the fourth. Navarro would take the ensuing kickoff and return it 54 yards to the Rush 43-yard line. Five plays later, Tampa Bay finally got on the board with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanley to Foster Warhurst. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and the Storm were down 24-6 with 12:02 to go. An onside kick failed, and Chicago took two plays to drive 37 yards for a touchdown. Drummond finished it off with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Headrick to make it 31-6 with 11:07 to go in the game. After a trade of punts, Tampa Bay drove to the Chicago 27-yard line but were turned away on fourth down. After the Rush punted to the Tampa Bay 9-yard line with 1:49 remaining, the Storm moved 91 yards on 12 plays, and Stanley threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder on the final play of the game to make the final score 31-13.
Chicago (7-8) gained 313 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 159 yards rushing on 29 carries. Drummond and Headrick each ran for 48 yards (9 carries for Drummond, 2 for Headrick with a TD), and Lonnie Clements gained 47 yards on 12 carries. Drummond was 14-of-25 passing for 174 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Headrick was Chicago's leading receiver with 4 catches for 32 yards and a TD. The Rush will finish their season in Orlando against the Predators.
Tampa Bay (5-9-1) gained 379 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 69 yards on 20 carries. Stanley was Tampa Bay's leading rusher with 29 yards on 8 carries. He also went 31-of-55 passing for 327 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Warhurst led Tampa Bay's receivers with 10 catches for 107 yards and a TD. The Storm will finish up their season against the Milwaukee Mustangs.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Wallace Fetters picked off Orval Stanley and returned it 24-yards to the Tampa Bay 23-yard line, but Dete Justen missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. The teams would trade punts until midway through the second quarter when Chicago moved the ball 74 yards on 11 plays. Arman Drummond finished it off with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to put the Rush up 7-0 with 4:12 left in the half. The Storm would punt, and Chicago went on a 5-play, 17-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 49-yard field goal with 52 seconds left to give the Rush a 10-0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter had no scoring, either. Both teams punted on their initial possessions, then Tampa Bay drove into scoring range, only for Johnny Quincey to miss a 22-yard field goal. Allie Navarro would intercept a Drummond pass at the Chicago 27-yard line. Quincey would try a 39-yard field goal attempt, but it sailed wide. Following the miss, the Rush went on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Drummond to Zach Allen giving Chicago a 17-0 lead with 14:49 left in the fourth quarter.
Stanley would fumble on Tampa Bay's ensuing drive, and Loren Wilkerson recovered at the Storm 29-yard line. On the next play, Keith Headrick ran for a 29-yard touchdown to make it 24-0 with 13:48 left in the fourth. Navarro would take the ensuing kickoff and return it 54 yards to the Rush 43-yard line. Five plays later, Tampa Bay finally got on the board with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Stanley to Foster Warhurst. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and the Storm were down 24-6 with 12:02 to go. An onside kick failed, and Chicago took two plays to drive 37 yards for a touchdown. Drummond finished it off with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Headrick to make it 31-6 with 11:07 to go in the game. After a trade of punts, Tampa Bay drove to the Chicago 27-yard line but were turned away on fourth down. After the Rush punted to the Tampa Bay 9-yard line with 1:49 remaining, the Storm moved 91 yards on 12 plays, and Stanley threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder on the final play of the game to make the final score 31-13.
Chicago (7-8) gained 313 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 159 yards rushing on 29 carries. Drummond and Headrick each ran for 48 yards (9 carries for Drummond, 2 for Headrick with a TD), and Lonnie Clements gained 47 yards on 12 carries. Drummond was 14-of-25 passing for 174 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Headrick was Chicago's leading receiver with 4 catches for 32 yards and a TD. The Rush will finish their season in Orlando against the Predators.
Tampa Bay (5-9-1) gained 379 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 69 yards on 20 carries. Stanley was Tampa Bay's leading rusher with 29 yards on 8 carries. He also went 31-of-55 passing for 327 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Warhurst led Tampa Bay's receivers with 10 catches for 107 yards and a TD. The Storm will finish up their season against the Milwaukee Mustangs.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
AFL: Dallas Beats Nashville, 33-20
DALLAS-Horace Evers accounted for 229 yards in kick returns in aiding the Dallas Desperados in a 33-20 victory over the Nashville Kats in Week 15 of the AFL season.
The first quarter started slow with both teams trading punts. Dallas drove into position to score the first points, but Greg Hall missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. The Kats would punt on the ensuing drive, but Elson Gregson fumbled the return and Jamal Topich recovered for Nashville at the Dallas 22-yard line. Three plays later, Oliver Osler scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Kats up 7-0 with 2:35 to go in the first quarter.
Following a Dallas punt, Ardell Edmonds would intercept a pass from Curt Wardlaw and return it 19 yards to the Nashville 26-yard line. After six plays gained 23 yards, Hall would kick a 20-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 11:55 to go in the second quarter. Wardlaw was intercepted again, as Indiana Forrester took it 40 yards to the Kats 4-yard line. On the next play, Heinie Voorhees threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to put Dallas up 10-7 with 10:45 to go in the half. The Kats responded with a 5-play, 24-yard drive, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 52-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 8:56 remaining in the second quarter. The Desperados punted on their next drive, but Red Hull mishandled the snap on a Kats' punt, giving Dallas the ball at the Nashville 22-yard line. Hall would have a 36-yard field goal attempt partially blocked, then another punt by Hull was blocked by Richie Garner at the Kats 24-yard line. After a Voorhees fumble was recovered by Nashville's Lyndon Trimmer, the teams would go into halftime all squared.
At the start of the third quarter, Wardlaw was picked off again, this time by Golden Reinhart at the Desperados 27-yard line. After 8 plays netted 37 yards, Hall drilled a 53-yard field goal to give Dallas a 13-10 lead with 7:19 to go in the third quarter. Nashville responded with a 9-play, 46-yard drive that ended with a 51-yard field goal by Stevenson to tie the game at 13 with 3:49 to go in the third. On the ensuing kickoff, Evers returned it 80 yards to the Kats 11-yard line. Two plays later, Voorhees hit Gregson for a 3-yard touchdown pass to put the Desperados ahead 20-13 with 2:52 left in the third quarter.
Nashville would come back with a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Davis Weems finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 20 with 13:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Evers would take the ensuing kickoff and return it for a 95-yard touchdown to put Dallas ahead 27-20 with 13:07 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Dallas would drive 29 yards on 7 plays, and Hall would connect on a44-yard field goal to make it 30-20 with 3:11 left in the fourth quarter. Wardlaw was sacked on fourth down at the Kats' 36-yard line after the two-minute warning, then Dallas would move 20 yards on 5 plays, and Hall kicked a 33-yard field goal on the last play of the game.
Dallas (11-4) gained 236 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 101 yards rushing on 27 carries. Gregson led the team with 51 yards on 15 carries. Voorhees went 16-of-33 passing for 146 yards and 2 TD, and was sacked once for an 11-yard loss. Hawes caught 4 passes for 30 yards and a TD. Evers caught 4 passes for 23 yards. The Desperados will finish the regular season on the road against the Georgia Force.
Nashville (5-9-1) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 49 yards on 22 carries. Osler led the team with 45 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Wardlaw went 27-of-49 passing for 268 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Cobey Kingston was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 95 yards. The Kats will host the Iowa Barnstormers in their final regular season game.
The first quarter started slow with both teams trading punts. Dallas drove into position to score the first points, but Greg Hall missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. The Kats would punt on the ensuing drive, but Elson Gregson fumbled the return and Jamal Topich recovered for Nashville at the Dallas 22-yard line. Three plays later, Oliver Osler scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Kats up 7-0 with 2:35 to go in the first quarter.
Following a Dallas punt, Ardell Edmonds would intercept a pass from Curt Wardlaw and return it 19 yards to the Nashville 26-yard line. After six plays gained 23 yards, Hall would kick a 20-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 11:55 to go in the second quarter. Wardlaw was intercepted again, as Indiana Forrester took it 40 yards to the Kats 4-yard line. On the next play, Heinie Voorhees threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to put Dallas up 10-7 with 10:45 to go in the half. The Kats responded with a 5-play, 24-yard drive, and Daniel Stevenson kicked a 52-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 8:56 remaining in the second quarter. The Desperados punted on their next drive, but Red Hull mishandled the snap on a Kats' punt, giving Dallas the ball at the Nashville 22-yard line. Hall would have a 36-yard field goal attempt partially blocked, then another punt by Hull was blocked by Richie Garner at the Kats 24-yard line. After a Voorhees fumble was recovered by Nashville's Lyndon Trimmer, the teams would go into halftime all squared.
At the start of the third quarter, Wardlaw was picked off again, this time by Golden Reinhart at the Desperados 27-yard line. After 8 plays netted 37 yards, Hall drilled a 53-yard field goal to give Dallas a 13-10 lead with 7:19 to go in the third quarter. Nashville responded with a 9-play, 46-yard drive that ended with a 51-yard field goal by Stevenson to tie the game at 13 with 3:49 to go in the third. On the ensuing kickoff, Evers returned it 80 yards to the Kats 11-yard line. Two plays later, Voorhees hit Gregson for a 3-yard touchdown pass to put the Desperados ahead 20-13 with 2:52 left in the third quarter.
Nashville would come back with a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Davis Weems finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 20 with 13:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Evers would take the ensuing kickoff and return it for a 95-yard touchdown to put Dallas ahead 27-20 with 13:07 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Dallas would drive 29 yards on 7 plays, and Hall would connect on a44-yard field goal to make it 30-20 with 3:11 left in the fourth quarter. Wardlaw was sacked on fourth down at the Kats' 36-yard line after the two-minute warning, then Dallas would move 20 yards on 5 plays, and Hall kicked a 33-yard field goal on the last play of the game.
Dallas (11-4) gained 236 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 101 yards rushing on 27 carries. Gregson led the team with 51 yards on 15 carries. Voorhees went 16-of-33 passing for 146 yards and 2 TD, and was sacked once for an 11-yard loss. Hawes caught 4 passes for 30 yards and a TD. Evers caught 4 passes for 23 yards. The Desperados will finish the regular season on the road against the Georgia Force.
Nashville (5-9-1) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 49 yards on 22 carries. Osler led the team with 45 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Wardlaw went 27-of-49 passing for 268 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Cobey Kingston was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 95 yards. The Kats will host the Iowa Barnstormers in their final regular season game.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
AFL Week 14 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive* | 11 | 3 | 0 | 400 | 297 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 9 | 5 | 0 | 338 | 290 |
| New York Dragons | 7 | 7 | 0 | 319 | 316 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 9 | 0 | 245 | 388 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force | 8 | 6 | 0 | 366 | 287 |
| Orlando Predators | 6 | 8 | 0 | 335 | 305 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 8 | 1 | 293 | 330 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 8 | 1 | 283 | 346 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados* | 10 | 4 | 0 | 352 | 260 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 7 | 0 | 312 | 338 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 379 | 326 |
| Chicago Rush | 6 | 8 | 0 | 375 | 369 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats* | 10 | 4 | 0 | 332 | 262 |
| Colorado Crush | 6 | 8 | 0 | 277 | 352 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 5 | 9 | 0 | 316 | 301 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 4 | 10 | 0 | 231 | 386 |
Detroit 35, Milwaukee 16
Grand Rapids 27, Dallas 21
Chicago 31, Albany 19
Iowa 32, New York 17
Colorado 33, Nashville 10
Arizona 28, Tampa Bay 23
Los Angeles 9, Georgia 0
San Jose 27, Orlando 20
WEEK 15 GAMES
Nashville (5-8-1) at Dallas (10-4)
Tampa Bay (5-8-1) at Chicago (6-8)
Georgia (8-6) at Iowa (7-7)
Orlando (6-8) at Milwaukee (7-7)
Detroit (11-3) at Arizona (4-10)
Grand Rapids (9-5) at Los Angeles (5-9)
Albany (5-9) at San Jose (10-4)
New York (7-7) at Colorado (6-8)
Playoff Picture
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
Dallas at San Jose
AFL: Sabercats Top Predators 27-20, Georgia Clinches Southern
ORLANDO-Alan Sale accounted for three touchdowns as the San Jose Sabercats defeated the Orlando Predators 27-20 in Week 14 of the AFL season. As a result, the Georgia Force have clinched the Southern Division.
The Sabercats started with the ball and moved into position for Ethan Wycoff to attempt a 53-yard field goal, but the kick was wide. Orlando's drive ended with Ramon Roden getting intercepted by Rod Gaines at the Predators 48-yard line. Seven plays later, Sale scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to put San Jose up 7-0 with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. Following a Predators punt, San Jose drove into position for Wycoff to attempt a 47-yard field goal late in the first. Donnie Kapp blocked the kick and returned it to the Sabercats 24-yard line.
Following the blocked kick, Orlando drove 24 yards on 3 plays. Roden completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Doering to tie the game at 7 with 14:11 remaining in the second quarter. The Sabercats responded with a 12-play, 73-yard drive, ending with Wycoff kicking a 20-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead with 9:07 to go in the half. The teams traded punts, then late in the second, Franco Hanan picked off Roden at the San Jose 13-yard line. Four plays later, Sale ran in from 2 yards out with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Sabercats led 17-7 at the half.
RW Warden returned the second half kickoff 40 yards to the Sabercats 46, and three plays later, Roden fired a 45-yard touchdown pass to Steven Thompson to make it 17-14 with 13:47 to go in the third quarter. Following a San Jose punt, Orlando went 34 yards on 6 plays. Abel White kicked a 48-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 8:58 to go in the third.
The teams traded punts later in the third, and the Sabercats then drove 73 yards on 19 plays. Wycoff kicked a 37-yard field goal to put San Jose up 20-17 with 11:01 to go in the fourth quarter. Roden was picked off by Elois Zepecki at the Predators 27-yard line. Three plays later, Andre Stanfill, filling in for the injured Timmy Carey, tossed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Sale to make it 27-17 with 9:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. Orlando tried to get back in the game, but White missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. Following a Sabercats punt, Orlando drove 55 yards on 10 plays. White would then connect on a 35-yard field goal to make it 27-20 with 36 seconds to go. The Predators attempted an onside kick, but failed.
San Jose (10-4) gained 426 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 130 yards on 33 carries. Sale led the team with 90 yards on 22 carries and 2 TD. Carey went 15-of-24 passing for 163 yards. Stanfill went 10-of-17 for 143 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Turk Costigan was the leading receiver with 9 catches for 92 yards. The Sabercats will host the Albany Firebirds next week.
Orlando (6-8) gained 224 yards of total offense. The Predators basically ignored the run, gaining 13 yards on 9 carries. D.J. Giles was the leader with 7 yards on 6 carries. Roden went 23-of-36 passing for 237 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Doering caught 7 passes for 103 yards and a TD. Thompson caught 7 passes for 92 yards and a TD. Next week, Orlando will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs.
The Sabercats started with the ball and moved into position for Ethan Wycoff to attempt a 53-yard field goal, but the kick was wide. Orlando's drive ended with Ramon Roden getting intercepted by Rod Gaines at the Predators 48-yard line. Seven plays later, Sale scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to put San Jose up 7-0 with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter. Following a Predators punt, San Jose drove into position for Wycoff to attempt a 47-yard field goal late in the first. Donnie Kapp blocked the kick and returned it to the Sabercats 24-yard line.
Following the blocked kick, Orlando drove 24 yards on 3 plays. Roden completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Doering to tie the game at 7 with 14:11 remaining in the second quarter. The Sabercats responded with a 12-play, 73-yard drive, ending with Wycoff kicking a 20-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead with 9:07 to go in the half. The teams traded punts, then late in the second, Franco Hanan picked off Roden at the San Jose 13-yard line. Four plays later, Sale ran in from 2 yards out with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Sabercats led 17-7 at the half.
RW Warden returned the second half kickoff 40 yards to the Sabercats 46, and three plays later, Roden fired a 45-yard touchdown pass to Steven Thompson to make it 17-14 with 13:47 to go in the third quarter. Following a San Jose punt, Orlando went 34 yards on 6 plays. Abel White kicked a 48-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 8:58 to go in the third.
The teams traded punts later in the third, and the Sabercats then drove 73 yards on 19 plays. Wycoff kicked a 37-yard field goal to put San Jose up 20-17 with 11:01 to go in the fourth quarter. Roden was picked off by Elois Zepecki at the Predators 27-yard line. Three plays later, Andre Stanfill, filling in for the injured Timmy Carey, tossed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Sale to make it 27-17 with 9:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. Orlando tried to get back in the game, but White missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. Following a Sabercats punt, Orlando drove 55 yards on 10 plays. White would then connect on a 35-yard field goal to make it 27-20 with 36 seconds to go. The Predators attempted an onside kick, but failed.
San Jose (10-4) gained 426 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 130 yards on 33 carries. Sale led the team with 90 yards on 22 carries and 2 TD. Carey went 15-of-24 passing for 163 yards. Stanfill went 10-of-17 for 143 yards and a TD. He was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. Turk Costigan was the leading receiver with 9 catches for 92 yards. The Sabercats will host the Albany Firebirds next week.
Orlando (6-8) gained 224 yards of total offense. The Predators basically ignored the run, gaining 13 yards on 9 carries. D.J. Giles was the leader with 7 yards on 6 carries. Roden went 23-of-36 passing for 237 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Doering caught 7 passes for 103 yards and a TD. Thompson caught 7 passes for 92 yards and a TD. Next week, Orlando will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs.
Monday, January 23, 2017
AFL: Avengers Blank Force, 9-0
ATLANTA-The Georgia Force had a chance to clinch the AFL Southern Division with a win, but the Los Angeles Avengers had other ideas and pitched their second straight shutout with a 9-0 win in Week 14 of the AFL season.
Georgia punted to start the game, and the Avengers would drive 59 yards on 13 plays. Carmon Grimes ended the drive with a 33-yard field goal to put Los Angeles up 3-0 with 5:18 left in the first quarter.
Both teams would trade punts until Los Angeles went on an 11-play, 61-yard drive that saw Grimes score on a 42-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 6:12 left in the second quarter. Following another Georgia punt, the Avengers drove 54 yards on 13 plays, and Grimes kicked a 26-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining to put Los Angeles up 9-0 at the half.
There was no scoring in the second half. Clem Wallen would snuff out a Georgia drive by intercepting a Norm Damron pass at the Avengers 48-yard line. Grimes would then miss a 20-yard field goal attempt that was partially blocked. In the fourth quarter, the Avengers picked off Damron again as Elrod Rodgers prevented a Force touchdown at the LA 3-yard line. With less than two minutes to go, Wilbur Ahamd came out to attempt a 25-yard field goal to get the Force within a touchdown, but Jimbo Glass blocked the kick and ran it back to the Georgia 49, and the Avengers then ran out the clock.
Los Angeles (5-9) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 92 yards rushing on 31 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. He was also LA's leading receiver with 7 catches for 76 yards. Juan York went 21-of-33 passing for 208 yards, and was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Next week, the Avengers host the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Georgia (8-6) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 68 yards on 19 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 45 yards on 9 carries. Damron went 22-of-41 passing for 198 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 14 yards. Paden Bonewell led the receivers with 5 catches for 49 yards. Next Week, Georgia will visit the Iowa Barnstormers.
Georgia punted to start the game, and the Avengers would drive 59 yards on 13 plays. Carmon Grimes ended the drive with a 33-yard field goal to put Los Angeles up 3-0 with 5:18 left in the first quarter.
Both teams would trade punts until Los Angeles went on an 11-play, 61-yard drive that saw Grimes score on a 42-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 6:12 left in the second quarter. Following another Georgia punt, the Avengers drove 54 yards on 13 plays, and Grimes kicked a 26-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining to put Los Angeles up 9-0 at the half.
There was no scoring in the second half. Clem Wallen would snuff out a Georgia drive by intercepting a Norm Damron pass at the Avengers 48-yard line. Grimes would then miss a 20-yard field goal attempt that was partially blocked. In the fourth quarter, the Avengers picked off Damron again as Elrod Rodgers prevented a Force touchdown at the LA 3-yard line. With less than two minutes to go, Wilbur Ahamd came out to attempt a 25-yard field goal to get the Force within a touchdown, but Jimbo Glass blocked the kick and ran it back to the Georgia 49, and the Avengers then ran out the clock.
Los Angeles (5-9) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 92 yards rushing on 31 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. He was also LA's leading receiver with 7 catches for 76 yards. Juan York went 21-of-33 passing for 208 yards, and was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Next week, the Avengers host the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Georgia (8-6) gained 252 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 68 yards on 19 carries. Clem Foulks led the team with 45 yards on 9 carries. Damron went 22-of-41 passing for 198 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 14 yards. Paden Bonewell led the receivers with 5 catches for 49 yards. Next Week, Georgia will visit the Iowa Barnstormers.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
AFL: Rattlers Turn Back Storm, 28-23
TAMPA-Jefferson Taylor scored three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough as the Tampa Bay Storm's continues to circle the drain. The Arizona Rattlers would send the Storm to their sixth straight defeat in a 28-23 win during Week 14 of the AFL season.
After both teams punted to start the game, Tampa Bay would move 80 yards on 11 plays. Taylor scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Orval Stanley, but the Storm missed the extra point and the score was 6-0 with 5:21 left in the first quarter. Allie Navarro would pick off Don Fawcett on Arizona's ensuing drive, but Stanley was stripped of the ball by Madison Prunty on a sack, who returned it 31 yards to the Storm 19-yard line.
The Rattlers would only gain 2 yards on 3 plays, but it was enough for Pancho Barrow to kick a 34-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:07 left in the second quarter. Tampa Bay would punt, and Fawcett was picked off again, this time by Reed Fuller at the Storm 7-yard line. But Stanley would get sacked in the end zone by Zeke Huntley for a safety to make it 6-5 with 6:34 to go in the half. Following the safety kick, Arizona went on a 9-play, 73-yard drive, and Fawcett threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Jones to give the Rattlers a 12-6 lead with 2:07 left in the second quarter. Barrow missed a 50-yard field goal attempt at the end of the half, and the teams left for the intermission with that score.
Hack McDonald made a long return of the second half kickoff to the Arizona 29-yard line. Stanley was sacked for a 9-yard loss by Rich Warick, but Johnny Quincey would still connect on a 55-yard field goal to make it 12-9 with 14:12 remaining in the third quarter. The Rattlers responded with a 9-play, 59-yard drive ending with a 27-yard field goal by Barrow to put Arizona 15-10 with 8:13 left in the third. Stanley was intercepted by Chris Harrell who returned it 40 yards to the Tampa Bay 34-yard line. But Blue Hanan answered by picking off Fawcett and taking it 22 yards to the Storm 37-yard line. After that interception, Tampa Bay moved 63 yards on 9 plays. Taylor finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Storm a 16-15 lead with 20 seconds remaining in the third.
It only took three plays for the Rattlers to respond, ending a 74-yard drive with a 64-yard bomb from Fawcett to Speedy Crowley for a touchdown. Arizona missed the 2-Point Conversion, and the Rattlers were up 21-16 with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter. Following a Storm punt, the Rattlers went on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Pablo Cadwell to extend the lead to 28-16 with 7:54 to go in the fourth. The Storm were turned away on fourth down from the Rattlers' 5. Arizona would punt it away just prior to the 2-minute warning. The Storm then went 71 yards on 10 plays, and Taylor caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Stanley to make it 28-23 with 29 seconds left. An onside kick failed, and Arizona ran out the clock.
Arizona (4-10) gained 455 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 144 rushing yards on 35 carries. Jones led the team with 71 yards on 16 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 48 yards and a TD. Fawcett was 22-of-30 passing for 311 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT and was not sacked. Will Meads caught 5 passes for 47 yards. The Rattlers will host the Detroit Drive next week.
Tampa Bay (5-8-1) gained 313 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 72 yards on 20 carries. Taylor led the team with 22 yards on 6 carries and a TD. He was also the leading receiver with 7 catches for 76 yards and 2 TD. Stanley was 17-of-37 passing for 281 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 40 yards. Next week, the Storm will visit the Chicago Rush.
After both teams punted to start the game, Tampa Bay would move 80 yards on 11 plays. Taylor scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Orval Stanley, but the Storm missed the extra point and the score was 6-0 with 5:21 left in the first quarter. Allie Navarro would pick off Don Fawcett on Arizona's ensuing drive, but Stanley was stripped of the ball by Madison Prunty on a sack, who returned it 31 yards to the Storm 19-yard line.
The Rattlers would only gain 2 yards on 3 plays, but it was enough for Pancho Barrow to kick a 34-yard field goal to make it 6-3 with 13:07 left in the second quarter. Tampa Bay would punt, and Fawcett was picked off again, this time by Reed Fuller at the Storm 7-yard line. But Stanley would get sacked in the end zone by Zeke Huntley for a safety to make it 6-5 with 6:34 to go in the half. Following the safety kick, Arizona went on a 9-play, 73-yard drive, and Fawcett threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Jones to give the Rattlers a 12-6 lead with 2:07 left in the second quarter. Barrow missed a 50-yard field goal attempt at the end of the half, and the teams left for the intermission with that score.
Hack McDonald made a long return of the second half kickoff to the Arizona 29-yard line. Stanley was sacked for a 9-yard loss by Rich Warick, but Johnny Quincey would still connect on a 55-yard field goal to make it 12-9 with 14:12 remaining in the third quarter. The Rattlers responded with a 9-play, 59-yard drive ending with a 27-yard field goal by Barrow to put Arizona 15-10 with 8:13 left in the third. Stanley was intercepted by Chris Harrell who returned it 40 yards to the Tampa Bay 34-yard line. But Blue Hanan answered by picking off Fawcett and taking it 22 yards to the Storm 37-yard line. After that interception, Tampa Bay moved 63 yards on 9 plays. Taylor finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Storm a 16-15 lead with 20 seconds remaining in the third.
It only took three plays for the Rattlers to respond, ending a 74-yard drive with a 64-yard bomb from Fawcett to Speedy Crowley for a touchdown. Arizona missed the 2-Point Conversion, and the Rattlers were up 21-16 with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter. Following a Storm punt, the Rattlers went on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Pablo Cadwell to extend the lead to 28-16 with 7:54 to go in the fourth. The Storm were turned away on fourth down from the Rattlers' 5. Arizona would punt it away just prior to the 2-minute warning. The Storm then went 71 yards on 10 plays, and Taylor caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Stanley to make it 28-23 with 29 seconds left. An onside kick failed, and Arizona ran out the clock.
Arizona (4-10) gained 455 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 144 rushing yards on 35 carries. Jones led the team with 71 yards on 16 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 48 yards and a TD. Fawcett was 22-of-30 passing for 311 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT and was not sacked. Will Meads caught 5 passes for 47 yards. The Rattlers will host the Detroit Drive next week.
Tampa Bay (5-8-1) gained 313 yards of total offense. The Storm ran for 72 yards on 20 carries. Taylor led the team with 22 yards on 6 carries and a TD. He was also the leading receiver with 7 catches for 76 yards and 2 TD. Stanley was 17-of-37 passing for 281 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 40 yards. Next week, the Storm will visit the Chicago Rush.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
AFL: Colorado Crushes Nashville, 33-10
NASHVILLE-Three rushing touchdowns and four field goals were instrumental in helping the Colorado Crush put away the Nashville Kats 33-10 in a Week 14 AFL contest.
Colorado got it going early with an 8-play, 57-yard drive. Quinn Kern put the finishing touches on the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 7-0 with 10:21 remaining in the first quarter. After a Nashville punt, the Crush moved 79 yards on 7 plays, and Kern scored on another 4-yard run to make it 14-0 with 4:25 to go in the first. Brewster Brickhouse was picked off by Adrian Greenfield, but Colorado would be forced to punt late in the quarter.
After that punt, the Kats moved downfield, going 80 yards on 7 plays. Curt Wardlaw, coming in for the injured Brickhouse, completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Chet Fondren to make it 14-7 with 12:56 left in the second quarter. Colorado responded with an 11-play, 77-yard drive. Earl Ginger ended it with a 21-yard field goal making it 17-7 with 7:32 left in the half. Following a Nashville punt, the Crush appeared primed to score again, but Howton Thom was intercepted by Parker Kincaid who took it 37 yards to the Crush 38-yard line. After six plays gained 42 yards, Daniel Stevenson ended the half with a 37-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17-10.
The second half would belong to the Crush. After a pair of punts, Colorado would drive 43 yards on plays, and Ginger would kick a 45-yard field goal to put the Crush up 20-10 with 6:02 to go in the third quarter. Oliver Osler would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and Cordell Berle recovered for the Crush at the Kats' 29-yard line. Nine plays and 13 yards later, Ginger would kick a 33-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 2:32 to go in the third. Wardlaw was intercepted on Nashville's next drive by Deron Putman at the Nashville 39-yard line. After a 4-play, 10-yard drive, Ginger drilled another field goal, this one from 46 yards, to put Colorado up 26-10 with 1 second to go in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Nashville trying, and failing, to extend their drives on fourth down. Meanwhile, Colorado went into clock-killing mode, but did score on a 2-yard touchdown run by Valentine Millstone with 1:15 left after getting a short field to work with (17 yards on 4 plays).
Colorado (6-8) gained 427 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 127 yards rushing on 37 carries. Millstone led the team with 48 yards on 8 carries and a TD. He also caught 5 passes for 84 yards. Thom was 22-of-33 passing for 324 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Thomas Kinzer caught 5 passes for 47 yards. The Crush host the New York Dragons next week.
Nashville (5-8-1) gained 348 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 69 yards on 15 carries. Osler led the team with 30 yards on 9 carries. Brickhouse was 4-of-8 passing for 69 yards and 1 INT. Wardlaw went 18-of-32 for 232 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 22 yards. Vittorio Swane caught 5 passes for 77 yards. Cobey Kingston caught 5 passes for 70 yards. Nashville will visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Colorado got it going early with an 8-play, 57-yard drive. Quinn Kern put the finishing touches on the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 7-0 with 10:21 remaining in the first quarter. After a Nashville punt, the Crush moved 79 yards on 7 plays, and Kern scored on another 4-yard run to make it 14-0 with 4:25 to go in the first. Brewster Brickhouse was picked off by Adrian Greenfield, but Colorado would be forced to punt late in the quarter.
After that punt, the Kats moved downfield, going 80 yards on 7 plays. Curt Wardlaw, coming in for the injured Brickhouse, completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Chet Fondren to make it 14-7 with 12:56 left in the second quarter. Colorado responded with an 11-play, 77-yard drive. Earl Ginger ended it with a 21-yard field goal making it 17-7 with 7:32 left in the half. Following a Nashville punt, the Crush appeared primed to score again, but Howton Thom was intercepted by Parker Kincaid who took it 37 yards to the Crush 38-yard line. After six plays gained 42 yards, Daniel Stevenson ended the half with a 37-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17-10.
The second half would belong to the Crush. After a pair of punts, Colorado would drive 43 yards on plays, and Ginger would kick a 45-yard field goal to put the Crush up 20-10 with 6:02 to go in the third quarter. Oliver Osler would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and Cordell Berle recovered for the Crush at the Kats' 29-yard line. Nine plays and 13 yards later, Ginger would kick a 33-yard field goal to make it 23-10 with 2:32 to go in the third. Wardlaw was intercepted on Nashville's next drive by Deron Putman at the Nashville 39-yard line. After a 4-play, 10-yard drive, Ginger drilled another field goal, this one from 46 yards, to put Colorado up 26-10 with 1 second to go in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Nashville trying, and failing, to extend their drives on fourth down. Meanwhile, Colorado went into clock-killing mode, but did score on a 2-yard touchdown run by Valentine Millstone with 1:15 left after getting a short field to work with (17 yards on 4 plays).
Colorado (6-8) gained 427 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 127 yards rushing on 37 carries. Millstone led the team with 48 yards on 8 carries and a TD. He also caught 5 passes for 84 yards. Thom was 22-of-33 passing for 324 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Thomas Kinzer caught 5 passes for 47 yards. The Crush host the New York Dragons next week.
Nashville (5-8-1) gained 348 yards of total offense. The Kats ran for 69 yards on 15 carries. Osler led the team with 30 yards on 9 carries. Brickhouse was 4-of-8 passing for 69 yards and 1 INT. Wardlaw went 18-of-32 for 232 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 22 yards. Vittorio Swane caught 5 passes for 77 yards. Cobey Kingston caught 5 passes for 70 yards. Nashville will visit the Dallas Desperados next week.
Friday, January 20, 2017
AFL: Barnstormers Snuff Out Dragons, 32-17
UNIONDALE, NY-A pair of touchdown passes from Ev Blansett and two short touchdown runs by Powell Ramos helped the Iowa Barnstormers defeat the New York Dragons in a Week 14 AFL game by the final score of 32-17.
The Barnstormers stormed out of the gates after recovering a fumble by Hugh Strickland on the opening kickoff that was recovered by Timmy Nail at the Dragons 28-yard line. Six plays later, Blansett threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins to give Iowa a 7-0 lead with 12:08 to go in the first quarter. After trading punts, Iowa recovered another fumble when Freddy Ashercraft was stripped of the ball and Emilio Shipp recovered for the Barnstormers at his own 40. Ten plays later, Ramos scored from the 1 to give the Barnstormers a 14-0 lead with 5 seconds remaining in the first.
New York finally got on the board after driving 88 yards on 17 plays. George Larron finally put an end to the 8-minute plus drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 14-7 with 6:51 to go in the half. After an exchange of punts, Iowa would move the ball 30 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 53-yard field goal by SB Rhoads with 1:06 remaining, and the score was 17-7 in favor of the Barnstormers at the half.
Punting was the theme of the third quarter until about halfway through. The Dragons took the ball and drove 54 yards on 11 plays. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 1, Ashercraft swept from the left side for a touchdown to make it 17-14 with 4:55 left in the third.
Following a Barnstormer punt that pinned the Dragons at their own 2-yard line, New York embarked on a 10-play, 87-yard drive. Burt Hamrick would come out and kick a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 12:43 left in the fourth quarter. Iowa would punt again, this time pinning the Dragons back at their own 3. But New York was not quite as fortunate, as Faron Emerson would be sacked in the end zone by Merrill Bliss for a safety to put Iowa up 19-17 with 8:14 remaining in the fourth. After a big return by Coggins on the safety kick, Iowa took two plays to score as Blansett uncorked a 35-yard touchdown pass to Burke Fraser. The Barnstormers failed on a 2-Point Conversion attempt, and ended up leading 25-17 with 7:14 to go in the fourth quarter. The Dragons tried to drive for a score but Melvin Betts fumbled and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the New York 40-yard line. Eight plays later, Ramos ran for a 1-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 32-17 with 29 seconds to go.
Iowa (7-7) gained 273 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 96 yards on 28 carries. Ramos led the team with 46 yards on 14 carries and 2 TD. Blansett was 18-of-28 passing for 191 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Isaiah O'Connell was Iowa's leading receiver with 8 catches for 60 yards. The Barnstormers will host the Georgia Force next week.
New York (7-7) gained 336 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 81 yards on 27 carries. Larron led the team with 50 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Emerson was 21-of-34 passing for 283 yards, and was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 7 catches for 117 yards. The Dragons visit the Colorado Crush next week.
The Barnstormers stormed out of the gates after recovering a fumble by Hugh Strickland on the opening kickoff that was recovered by Timmy Nail at the Dragons 28-yard line. Six plays later, Blansett threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Davlin Coggins to give Iowa a 7-0 lead with 12:08 to go in the first quarter. After trading punts, Iowa recovered another fumble when Freddy Ashercraft was stripped of the ball and Emilio Shipp recovered for the Barnstormers at his own 40. Ten plays later, Ramos scored from the 1 to give the Barnstormers a 14-0 lead with 5 seconds remaining in the first.
New York finally got on the board after driving 88 yards on 17 plays. George Larron finally put an end to the 8-minute plus drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 14-7 with 6:51 to go in the half. After an exchange of punts, Iowa would move the ball 30 yards on 6 plays, ending with a 53-yard field goal by SB Rhoads with 1:06 remaining, and the score was 17-7 in favor of the Barnstormers at the half.
Punting was the theme of the third quarter until about halfway through. The Dragons took the ball and drove 54 yards on 11 plays. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 1, Ashercraft swept from the left side for a touchdown to make it 17-14 with 4:55 left in the third.
Following a Barnstormer punt that pinned the Dragons at their own 2-yard line, New York embarked on a 10-play, 87-yard drive. Burt Hamrick would come out and kick a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 12:43 left in the fourth quarter. Iowa would punt again, this time pinning the Dragons back at their own 3. But New York was not quite as fortunate, as Faron Emerson would be sacked in the end zone by Merrill Bliss for a safety to put Iowa up 19-17 with 8:14 remaining in the fourth. After a big return by Coggins on the safety kick, Iowa took two plays to score as Blansett uncorked a 35-yard touchdown pass to Burke Fraser. The Barnstormers failed on a 2-Point Conversion attempt, and ended up leading 25-17 with 7:14 to go in the fourth quarter. The Dragons tried to drive for a score but Melvin Betts fumbled and Terace Glascock recovered for the Barnstormers at the New York 40-yard line. Eight plays later, Ramos ran for a 1-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 32-17 with 29 seconds to go.
Iowa (7-7) gained 273 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 96 yards on 28 carries. Ramos led the team with 46 yards on 14 carries and 2 TD. Blansett was 18-of-28 passing for 191 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Isaiah O'Connell was Iowa's leading receiver with 8 catches for 60 yards. The Barnstormers will host the Georgia Force next week.
New York (7-7) gained 336 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 81 yards on 27 carries. Larron led the team with 50 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Emerson was 21-of-34 passing for 283 yards, and was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 7 catches for 117 yards. The Dragons visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
AFL: Chicago Beats Albany, 31-19
ALBANY, NY-Arman Drummond threw four touchdowns to lead the Chicago Rush past the Albany Firebirds 31-19 in a Week 14 AFL contest.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Dom Wenning missed a 39-yard field goal on the Firebirds' first possession. The teams then traded punts until late in the quarter when Wenning missed another field goal, this one from 28 yards out.
Early in the second quarter, Sinbad Gargaro was intercepted by Niko Simon who returned it 57 yards to the Albany 23-yard line. But Dete Justen missed a 36-yard field goal attempt. Following an Albany punt, Chicago went on an 8-play, 80-yard drive finishing with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Drummond to Marty Margerum to take a 7-0 lead with 6:57 left in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts, then Gargaro was intercepted again, this time by Wilbur Rankin who returned it 15 yards to the Firebirds 42-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to put the Rush up 14-0 with 3:37 remaining in the half. Albany fired back with an 8-play, 42-yard drive. Wenning finally made a 42-yard field goal attempt with 50 seconds remaining, and the score was 14-3 in favor of Chicago at the half.
After the Rush punted to start the third quarter, the Firebirds moved the ball 42 yards on 9 plays, and Wenning kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 8:40 remaining in the third. Chicago would answer with a 12-play, 73-yard drive. Drummond finished the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-6 with 2:57 to go in the third quarter.
The Firebirds answered with a 7-play, 65-yard drive ending with Gargaro throwing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jerreld Richmond making it 21-13 with 14:50 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, the Rush went on a 4-play, 31-yard drive. Justen would kick a 44-yard field goal to put Chicago up 24-13 with 9:23 to go in the fourth. The Firebirds would come back with a 7-play, 69-yard drive, and Abdul Fowler would score on a 14-yard touchdown run. Albany missed a 2-Point Conversion, and were down 24-19 with 7:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. Chicago then drove 65 yards on 13 plays, and Drummond finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain to pit the Rush ahead 31-19 with 1:41 left in the game.
Chicago (6-8) gained 298 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 96 yards rushing on 31 carries. Clements led the team with 47 yards on 16 carries. Drummond went 17-of-28 passing for 220 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 18 yards. Margerum led the receivers with 8 catches for 97 yards and a TD. Next week, the Rush will host the Tampa Bay Storm.
Albany (5-9) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Firebirds gained 74 yards rushing on 19 carries. Tico Ponder gained 20 yards on 7 carries. Fowler gained 20 yards on 4 carries and a TD. Gargaro led with 21 yards on 3 carries. He also went 25-of-44 passing for 265 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Richmond was Albany's leading receiver, with 8 catches for 67 yards and a TD. Teddy Harley caught 5 passes for 81 yards. Next week, the Firebirds are on the road against the San Jose Sabercats.
There was no scoring in the first quarter. Dom Wenning missed a 39-yard field goal on the Firebirds' first possession. The teams then traded punts until late in the quarter when Wenning missed another field goal, this one from 28 yards out.
Early in the second quarter, Sinbad Gargaro was intercepted by Niko Simon who returned it 57 yards to the Albany 23-yard line. But Dete Justen missed a 36-yard field goal attempt. Following an Albany punt, Chicago went on an 8-play, 80-yard drive finishing with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Drummond to Marty Margerum to take a 7-0 lead with 6:57 left in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts, then Gargaro was intercepted again, this time by Wilbur Rankin who returned it 15 yards to the Firebirds 42-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Roscoe Garrett to put the Rush up 14-0 with 3:37 remaining in the half. Albany fired back with an 8-play, 42-yard drive. Wenning finally made a 42-yard field goal attempt with 50 seconds remaining, and the score was 14-3 in favor of Chicago at the half.
After the Rush punted to start the third quarter, the Firebirds moved the ball 42 yards on 9 plays, and Wenning kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 8:40 remaining in the third. Chicago would answer with a 12-play, 73-yard drive. Drummond finished the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-6 with 2:57 to go in the third quarter.
The Firebirds answered with a 7-play, 65-yard drive ending with Gargaro throwing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jerreld Richmond making it 21-13 with 14:50 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, the Rush went on a 4-play, 31-yard drive. Justen would kick a 44-yard field goal to put Chicago up 24-13 with 9:23 to go in the fourth. The Firebirds would come back with a 7-play, 69-yard drive, and Abdul Fowler would score on a 14-yard touchdown run. Albany missed a 2-Point Conversion, and were down 24-19 with 7:13 remaining in the fourth quarter. Chicago then drove 65 yards on 13 plays, and Drummond finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain to pit the Rush ahead 31-19 with 1:41 left in the game.
Chicago (6-8) gained 298 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 96 yards rushing on 31 carries. Clements led the team with 47 yards on 16 carries. Drummond went 17-of-28 passing for 220 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 18 yards. Margerum led the receivers with 8 catches for 97 yards and a TD. Next week, the Rush will host the Tampa Bay Storm.
Albany (5-9) gained 325 yards of total offense. The Firebirds gained 74 yards rushing on 19 carries. Tico Ponder gained 20 yards on 7 carries. Fowler gained 20 yards on 4 carries and a TD. Gargaro led with 21 yards on 3 carries. He also went 25-of-44 passing for 265 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 26 yards. Richmond was Albany's leading receiver, with 8 catches for 67 yards and a TD. Teddy Harley caught 5 passes for 81 yards. Next week, the Firebirds are on the road against the San Jose Sabercats.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
AFL: Rampage Hold Off Desperados, 27-21
GRAND RAPIDS-Although Detroit's win over Milwaukee all but eliminated the Grand Rapids Rampage from the AFL Eastern Division championship, they still put together a solid performance in defeating the Dallas Desperados 27-21 in a Week 14 game.
Grand Rapids started things out with a 7-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard field goal by George Tibbs to take a 3-0 lead with 11:49 left in the first quarter. Dallas' ensuing possession ended in failure when Greg Hall missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. Following that miss, the Rampage drove 69 yards on 9 plays. Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer to extend the Grand Rapids lead to 10-0 with 4:10 remaining in the first.
The Desperados would answer back on the next drive, as they moved the ball 55 yards on 12 plays. Heinie Voorhees completed a short 1-yard touchdown pass to Holt Leash to make it 10-7 with 14:43 to go in the second quarter. Following a Rampage punt, Dallas went on a 7-play, 44-yard drive. Voorhees finished it with a 2-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to take a 14-10 lead with 9:06 left in the half. Aside from an interception of Wayne by Ardell Emdonds late in the quarter, not much else of note happened prior to halftime.
Not much of note happened in the third quarter, either, until late in the third, when Grand Rapids went on a 8-play, 41-yard drive. Tibbs ended the drive with a 24-yard field goal to make it 14-13 with 1:21 left in the third. Randy Dobbs then intercepted Voorhees at the Desperados 38-yard line. After a 6-play, 26-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 16-14 lead with 13:12 left in the fourth quarter.
The Desperados went three-and-out and punted to the Rampage 23-yard line. It only took one play for the Rampage to score as Wayne fired a 77-yard bomb to Joe Foss for a touchdown. Grand Rapids went for two, and succeeded to make it 24-14 with 11:41 left in the fourth. Dallas moved down the field only for Hall to miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The Rampage then drove 22 yards on 6 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 53-yard field goal to make it 27-14 with 4:36 to go in the game. The Desperados answered with a 7-play, 58-yard drive. Voorhees completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Elson Gregson to make it 27-21 with 1:54 to go in the game. Dallas kicked the ball deep hoping to get the ball back, but Grand Rapids made a couple of first downs to run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (9-5) gained 430 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 100 yards on 30 carries. Bobo Cushing led the team with 38 yards on 8 carries. Wayne went 18-of-29 passing for 335 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Foss led the receivers with 4 catches for 114 yards and a TD. The Rampage visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Dallas (10-4) gained 285 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 69 yards rushing on 18 carries. Helmut Briley led the team with 23 yards on 6 carries. Voorhees went 26-of-43 passing for 254 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 38 yards. Horace Evers led the receivers with 10 catches for 83 yards. Hawes caught 9 passes for 111 yards and a TD. Dallas will host the Nashville Kats next week.
Grand Rapids started things out with a 7-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a 37-yard field goal by George Tibbs to take a 3-0 lead with 11:49 left in the first quarter. Dallas' ensuing possession ended in failure when Greg Hall missed a 41-yard field goal attempt. Following that miss, the Rampage drove 69 yards on 9 plays. Curtis Wayne finished it off with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer to extend the Grand Rapids lead to 10-0 with 4:10 remaining in the first.
The Desperados would answer back on the next drive, as they moved the ball 55 yards on 12 plays. Heinie Voorhees completed a short 1-yard touchdown pass to Holt Leash to make it 10-7 with 14:43 to go in the second quarter. Following a Rampage punt, Dallas went on a 7-play, 44-yard drive. Voorhees finished it with a 2-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to take a 14-10 lead with 9:06 left in the half. Aside from an interception of Wayne by Ardell Emdonds late in the quarter, not much else of note happened prior to halftime.
Not much of note happened in the third quarter, either, until late in the third, when Grand Rapids went on a 8-play, 41-yard drive. Tibbs ended the drive with a 24-yard field goal to make it 14-13 with 1:21 left in the third. Randy Dobbs then intercepted Voorhees at the Desperados 38-yard line. After a 6-play, 26-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 16-14 lead with 13:12 left in the fourth quarter.
The Desperados went three-and-out and punted to the Rampage 23-yard line. It only took one play for the Rampage to score as Wayne fired a 77-yard bomb to Joe Foss for a touchdown. Grand Rapids went for two, and succeeded to make it 24-14 with 11:41 left in the fourth. Dallas moved down the field only for Hall to miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The Rampage then drove 22 yards on 6 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 53-yard field goal to make it 27-14 with 4:36 to go in the game. The Desperados answered with a 7-play, 58-yard drive. Voorhees completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Elson Gregson to make it 27-21 with 1:54 to go in the game. Dallas kicked the ball deep hoping to get the ball back, but Grand Rapids made a couple of first downs to run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (9-5) gained 430 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 100 yards on 30 carries. Bobo Cushing led the team with 38 yards on 8 carries. Wayne went 18-of-29 passing for 335 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 5-yard loss. Foss led the receivers with 4 catches for 114 yards and a TD. The Rampage visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Dallas (10-4) gained 285 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 69 yards rushing on 18 carries. Helmut Briley led the team with 23 yards on 6 carries. Voorhees went 26-of-43 passing for 254 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 38 yards. Horace Evers led the receivers with 10 catches for 83 yards. Hawes caught 9 passes for 111 yards and a TD. Dallas will host the Nashville Kats next week.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
AFL: Detroit Rolls Past Milwaukee, 35-16
DETROIT-Lou Couch accounted for four touchdowns and the Detroit Drive inched closer to the AFL Eastern Division championship with a 35-16 victory over the Milwaukee Mustangs during Week 14 of the AFL season.
The game started with Milwaukee driving into scoring position, but JC George threw an interception to Stan Florin at the Detroit 5-yard line. The Drive punted on their ensuing drive, but Rory Bane fumbled on the ensuing return for the Mustangs, and D.J. Roe recovered for Detroit at the Mustangs 6-yard line. On the following play, Couch completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 8:14 remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs would answer with a 6-play, 36-yard drive ending with a 33-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook to make it 7-3 with 4:11 remaining in the first. On Detroit's next possession, Couch was picked off by Buckley Ravens who took it 12 yards to the Drive 36-yard line. However, Philbrook would miss a 51-yard field goal attempt.
Following the miss, The Drive moved the ball 59 yards on 6 plays. Couch scrambled in on a 27-yard touchdown run to make it 14-3 with 12:55 left in the half. The Mustangs would answer with a 15-play, 76-yard drive ending with a 1-yard touchdown on a reverse by Alza Kenworthy to close the gap to 14-10 with 6:43 to go in the second quarter. Detroit then took four plays to go 61 yards, and Couch threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley making it 21-10 with 4:49 to go in the half.
Detroit punted early in the third quarter, and C.C. Cage returned it 40 yards to the Drive 45-yard line. Four plays later, George completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Romine. The 2-Point conversion was no good, and Milwaukee trailed 21-16 with 10:17 remaining in the third quarter. The Drive punted on their next possession, then the Mustangs were forced to punt. Dexter Gaither's attempt was blocked and Tyne Fine returned it 32 yards to the Milwaukee 7-yard line. Three plays later, Couch scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, making it 28-16 with 3:30 to go in the third. Late in the third, George was picked off by T.T. Presley at midfield, and on the following play, Couch was intercepted by Conn Kriner who returned it 30 yards to the Detroit 25-yard line. Then the Mustangs were turned away on fourth down at the 9-yard line.
After trading punts, the Drive moved the ball 46 yards on 7 plays, and Lovell Denson finished off the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run to make it 35-16 with 3:45 to go in the game. Milwaukee tried to drive into scoring position, but were turned away on fourth down again at the 1:22 mark of the fourth quarter, and the Drive ran out the clock.
Detroit (11-3) gained 334 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 132 yards rushing on 29 carries. Rocky Adams led the team with 40 yards on 6 carries. Couch gained 36 yards on 8 carries and 2 TD. He went 20-of-29 passing for 220 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 18 yards. Huntley led the receivers with 8 catches for 93 yards and a TD. The Drive are on the road against the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Milwaukee (7-7) gained 276 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 98 yards on 21 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 42 yards on 6 carries. George was 26-of-40 passing for 221 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 43 yards. Heinie Clausen led the receivers with 8 catches for 68 yards. The Mustangs host the Orlando Predators next week.
The game started with Milwaukee driving into scoring position, but JC George threw an interception to Stan Florin at the Detroit 5-yard line. The Drive punted on their ensuing drive, but Rory Bane fumbled on the ensuing return for the Mustangs, and D.J. Roe recovered for Detroit at the Mustangs 6-yard line. On the following play, Couch completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patch Brolie to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 8:14 remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs would answer with a 6-play, 36-yard drive ending with a 33-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook to make it 7-3 with 4:11 remaining in the first. On Detroit's next possession, Couch was picked off by Buckley Ravens who took it 12 yards to the Drive 36-yard line. However, Philbrook would miss a 51-yard field goal attempt.
Following the miss, The Drive moved the ball 59 yards on 6 plays. Couch scrambled in on a 27-yard touchdown run to make it 14-3 with 12:55 left in the half. The Mustangs would answer with a 15-play, 76-yard drive ending with a 1-yard touchdown on a reverse by Alza Kenworthy to close the gap to 14-10 with 6:43 to go in the second quarter. Detroit then took four plays to go 61 yards, and Couch threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley making it 21-10 with 4:49 to go in the half.
Detroit punted early in the third quarter, and C.C. Cage returned it 40 yards to the Drive 45-yard line. Four plays later, George completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Romine. The 2-Point conversion was no good, and Milwaukee trailed 21-16 with 10:17 remaining in the third quarter. The Drive punted on their next possession, then the Mustangs were forced to punt. Dexter Gaither's attempt was blocked and Tyne Fine returned it 32 yards to the Milwaukee 7-yard line. Three plays later, Couch scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, making it 28-16 with 3:30 to go in the third. Late in the third, George was picked off by T.T. Presley at midfield, and on the following play, Couch was intercepted by Conn Kriner who returned it 30 yards to the Detroit 25-yard line. Then the Mustangs were turned away on fourth down at the 9-yard line.
After trading punts, the Drive moved the ball 46 yards on 7 plays, and Lovell Denson finished off the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run to make it 35-16 with 3:45 to go in the game. Milwaukee tried to drive into scoring position, but were turned away on fourth down again at the 1:22 mark of the fourth quarter, and the Drive ran out the clock.
Detroit (11-3) gained 334 yards of total offense. The Drive gained 132 yards rushing on 29 carries. Rocky Adams led the team with 40 yards on 6 carries. Couch gained 36 yards on 8 carries and 2 TD. He went 20-of-29 passing for 220 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 18 yards. Huntley led the receivers with 8 catches for 93 yards and a TD. The Drive are on the road against the Arizona Rattlers next week.
Milwaukee (7-7) gained 276 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 98 yards on 21 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 42 yards on 6 carries. George was 26-of-40 passing for 221 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 43 yards. Heinie Clausen led the receivers with 8 catches for 68 yards. The Mustangs host the Orlando Predators next week.
Monday, January 16, 2017
AFL Week 13 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 10 | 3 | 0 | 365 | 281 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 8 | 5 | 0 | 311 | 269 |
| New York Dragons | 7 | 6 | 0 | 302 | 284 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 8 | 0 | 226 | 357 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force | 8 | 5 | 0 | 366 | 278 |
| Orlando Predators | 6 | 7 | 0 | 315 | 278 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 7 | 1 | 270 | 302 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 7 | 1 | 273 | 313 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados* | 10 | 3 | 0 | 331 | 233 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 6 | 0 | 296 | 303 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 6 | 7 | 0 | 347 | 309 |
| Chicago Rush | 5 | 8 | 0 | 344 | 350 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats* | 9 | 4 | 0 | 305 | 242 |
| Colorado Crush | 5 | 8 | 0 | 244 | 342 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 4 | 9 | 0 | 307 | 301 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 3 | 10 | 0 | 203 | 363 |
WEEK 13 SCORES (Home Teams in Bold)
Detroit 36, Albany 9
New York 23, Grand Rapids 10
Georgia 32, Nashville 20
Orlando 41, Tampa Bay 14
Dallas 30, Iowa 3
Chicago 33, Milwaukee 20
San Jose 26, Arizona 7
Los Angeles 47, Colorado 0
WEEK 14 GAMES
Milwaukee (7-6) at Detroit (10-3)
Dallas (10-3) at Grand Rapids (8-5)
Chicago (5-8) at Albany (5-8)
Iowa (6-7) at New York (7-6)
Colorado (5-8) at Nashville (5-7-1)
Arizona (3-10) at Tampa Bay (5-7-1)
Los Angeles (4-9) at Georgia (8-5)
San Jose (9-4) at Orlando (6-7)
IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
San Jose at Dallas
AFL: Avengers Crush Colorado, Sabercats Clinch West
DENVER-The Los Angeles Avengers destroyed the Colorado Crush 47-0 and by virtue of the result, the San Jose Sabercats clinched the AFL's Western Division as Week 13 came to an end.
The Avengers started with the game with a 12-play, 68-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard field goal by Carmon Grimes to take a 3-0 lead with 9:44 left in the first quarter. Colorado's Howton Thom, in a harbinger of the kind of the game it was going to be, was sacked by Orrin Dyre at his own 19 and fumbled. Carlisle June recovered for the Avengers, and two plays later, Chip Kindrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Juan York to put Los Angeles up 10-0 with 6:44 to go in the first.
The score remained that way until late in the first half, when after Earl Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal, the Avengers drove 57 yards on 8 plays. York put an exclamation point on the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0 with 1:01 remaining in the half. Ginger would miss another attempt, this time a 46-yarder with 9 seconds left, and the teams went into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, Los Angeles turned it on and drove 69 yards on 12 plays. Grimes finished it off with a 28-yard field goal to put the Avengers up 20-0 with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter. Colorado went three-and-out, and a failed fake punt pass by Gale Rosewall gave the Avengers the ball at the Crush 36-yard line. On the next play, York threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Clovis Awtrey. The extra point was no good, but the Avengers still led 26-0 with 4:10 remaining in the third. After the Crush went three-and-out, Los Angeles went on a 4-play, 65-yard drive ending with a 14-yard touchdown pass from York to Ken Lavue to make it 33-0 with 2:01 left in the third quarter.
As Colorado continued to sputter and fail on fourth down, the Avengers drove 29 yards on 8 plays. Kindrick scored on a 3-yard touchdown run and the score was 40-0 with 6:26 left in the game. After Thom was intercepted by Elrod Rodgers who returned it 36 yards to the Colorado 23-yard line, the Avengers went on a 3-play, 23-yard drive. York ran it in from 6 yards out, and the Avengers mercifully ended the scoring at 47-0 with 2:52 left in the game.
Los Angeles (4-9) gained 411 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 64 yards rushing on 27 carries. Kindrick led the team with 29 yards on 13 carries and a TD. York went 23-of-36 passing for 364 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Keifer Dance led the receivers with 7 catches for 89 yards. The Avengers will visit the Georgia Force next week.
Colorado (5-8) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 39 yards rushing on 16 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 20 yards on 7 carries. Thom went 26-of-47 passing for 334 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked seven times, losing 50 yards. Gitch Wild led the receivers with 9 catches for 91 yards. The Crush will visit the Nashville Kats next week.
The Avengers started with the game with a 12-play, 68-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard field goal by Carmon Grimes to take a 3-0 lead with 9:44 left in the first quarter. Colorado's Howton Thom, in a harbinger of the kind of the game it was going to be, was sacked by Orrin Dyre at his own 19 and fumbled. Carlisle June recovered for the Avengers, and two plays later, Chip Kindrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Juan York to put Los Angeles up 10-0 with 6:44 to go in the first.
The score remained that way until late in the first half, when after Earl Ginger missed a 53-yard field goal, the Avengers drove 57 yards on 8 plays. York put an exclamation point on the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0 with 1:01 remaining in the half. Ginger would miss another attempt, this time a 46-yarder with 9 seconds left, and the teams went into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, Los Angeles turned it on and drove 69 yards on 12 plays. Grimes finished it off with a 28-yard field goal to put the Avengers up 20-0 with 6:27 remaining in the third quarter. Colorado went three-and-out, and a failed fake punt pass by Gale Rosewall gave the Avengers the ball at the Crush 36-yard line. On the next play, York threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Clovis Awtrey. The extra point was no good, but the Avengers still led 26-0 with 4:10 remaining in the third. After the Crush went three-and-out, Los Angeles went on a 4-play, 65-yard drive ending with a 14-yard touchdown pass from York to Ken Lavue to make it 33-0 with 2:01 left in the third quarter.
As Colorado continued to sputter and fail on fourth down, the Avengers drove 29 yards on 8 plays. Kindrick scored on a 3-yard touchdown run and the score was 40-0 with 6:26 left in the game. After Thom was intercepted by Elrod Rodgers who returned it 36 yards to the Colorado 23-yard line, the Avengers went on a 3-play, 23-yard drive. York ran it in from 6 yards out, and the Avengers mercifully ended the scoring at 47-0 with 2:52 left in the game.
Los Angeles (4-9) gained 411 yards of total offense. The Avengers gained 64 yards rushing on 27 carries. Kindrick led the team with 29 yards on 13 carries and a TD. York went 23-of-36 passing for 364 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Keifer Dance led the receivers with 7 catches for 89 yards. The Avengers will visit the Georgia Force next week.
Colorado (5-8) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 39 yards rushing on 16 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 20 yards on 7 carries. Thom went 26-of-47 passing for 334 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked seven times, losing 50 yards. Gitch Wild led the receivers with 9 catches for 91 yards. The Crush will visit the Nashville Kats next week.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
AFL: Sabercats Cruise Past Rattlers, 26-7
SAN JOSE-The San Jose Sabercats continue to control their own destiny in defeating the Arizona Rattlers, 26-7 in Week 13 of the AFL season.
The Sabercats began with a 4-play, 76-yard drive. Timmy Carey threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Ramon Counce to pit San Jose up 7-0 with 13:15 to go in the first quarter. The Rattlers drove into scoring position, only for Pancho Barrow to miss a 53-yard field goal. San Jose's ensuing drive was thwarted by Quincey Quasar's interception of a Carey pass at the Rattlers 11-yard line. But Don Fawcett was smothered for a pair of losses and the Sabercats got a safety to make it 9-0 with 3:49 to go in the first.
After the Sabercats fumbled at their own 40, Arizona had another chance to score, but Barrow missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. San Jose responded by starting the second quarter with a 5-play, 68-yard drive. A 39-yard gain on an option pass by Alan Sale to Turk Costigan set up a 9-yard touchdown from Carey to Costigan to extend the Sabercats lead to 16-0 with 12:30 left in the half. Arizona went on a 15-play, 69-yard drive, but were turned away on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The Sabercats would punt on their next drive, then Fawcett was intercepted by Rod Gaines at the San Jose 39-yard line. After another San Jose punt, Arizona would just run out the clock to go to halftime.
Following an Arizona three-and-out to start the third quarter, San Jose moved the ball 53 yards on 7 plays. Costigan finished the drive off with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carey to make it 23-0 with 9:09 left in the third quarter. Both teams punted, but Emmit Quasar fumbled for the Rattlers and Jason Bull recovered for the Sabercats at the Rattlers 33-yard line. A sack knocked the Sabercats out of field goal range, and San Jose punted. Arizona then drove 80 yards on 6 plays. Stomp Navarro finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 23-7 with 14:11 left in the fourth quarter.
An onside kick attempt failed, and the Sabercats moved 17 yards on 5 plays. The drive ended with a 48-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to make it 26-7 with 10:50 left in the game. The Rattlers were turned away on fourth down again, and San Jose was content to run out the clock.
San Jose (9-4) gained 321 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 85 yards on 24 carries. Sale led the team with 53 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 21-of-27 passing for 242 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 45 yards. Costigan led the receivers with 7 catches for 113 yards and 2 TD. The Sabercats can clinch the Western Division if Colorado loses to Los Angeles. As for next week, the Sabercats will visit the Orlando Predators.
Arizona (3-10) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 102 yards rushing on 23 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 36 yards on 10 carries. Fawcett was 21-of-46 passing for 248 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Will Meads was Arizona's leading receiver with 7 catches for 113 yards. Next week, the Rattlers will visit the Tampa Bay Storm.
The Sabercats began with a 4-play, 76-yard drive. Timmy Carey threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to Ramon Counce to pit San Jose up 7-0 with 13:15 to go in the first quarter. The Rattlers drove into scoring position, only for Pancho Barrow to miss a 53-yard field goal. San Jose's ensuing drive was thwarted by Quincey Quasar's interception of a Carey pass at the Rattlers 11-yard line. But Don Fawcett was smothered for a pair of losses and the Sabercats got a safety to make it 9-0 with 3:49 to go in the first.
After the Sabercats fumbled at their own 40, Arizona had another chance to score, but Barrow missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. San Jose responded by starting the second quarter with a 5-play, 68-yard drive. A 39-yard gain on an option pass by Alan Sale to Turk Costigan set up a 9-yard touchdown from Carey to Costigan to extend the Sabercats lead to 16-0 with 12:30 left in the half. Arizona went on a 15-play, 69-yard drive, but were turned away on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The Sabercats would punt on their next drive, then Fawcett was intercepted by Rod Gaines at the San Jose 39-yard line. After another San Jose punt, Arizona would just run out the clock to go to halftime.
Following an Arizona three-and-out to start the third quarter, San Jose moved the ball 53 yards on 7 plays. Costigan finished the drive off with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carey to make it 23-0 with 9:09 left in the third quarter. Both teams punted, but Emmit Quasar fumbled for the Rattlers and Jason Bull recovered for the Sabercats at the Rattlers 33-yard line. A sack knocked the Sabercats out of field goal range, and San Jose punted. Arizona then drove 80 yards on 6 plays. Stomp Navarro finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 23-7 with 14:11 left in the fourth quarter.
An onside kick attempt failed, and the Sabercats moved 17 yards on 5 plays. The drive ended with a 48-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to make it 26-7 with 10:50 left in the game. The Rattlers were turned away on fourth down again, and San Jose was content to run out the clock.
San Jose (9-4) gained 321 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 85 yards on 24 carries. Sale led the team with 53 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 21-of-27 passing for 242 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 45 yards. Costigan led the receivers with 7 catches for 113 yards and 2 TD. The Sabercats can clinch the Western Division if Colorado loses to Los Angeles. As for next week, the Sabercats will visit the Orlando Predators.
Arizona (3-10) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Rattlers gained 102 yards rushing on 23 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 36 yards on 10 carries. Fawcett was 21-of-46 passing for 248 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Will Meads was Arizona's leading receiver with 7 catches for 113 yards. Next week, the Rattlers will visit the Tampa Bay Storm.
Friday, January 13, 2017
AFL Playoff Update
DES MOINES, IA-After the Dallas Desperados 30-3 win over the Iowa Barnstormers, coupled with the Milwaukee Mustangs 33-20 loss to the Chicago Rush, the Dallas Desperados have officially clinched the AFL's Central Division championship.
The Desperados, at 10-3 are three games up on the 7-6 Mustangs and hold a potential tiebreaker bsaed on division record (5-1 for Dallas vs. 3-3 for Milwaukee).
Meanwhile, the Detroit Drive (10-3) are two games ahead of the Grand Rapids Rampage (8-5) in the Eastern Division. The Georgia Force (8-5) are two games ahead of the Orlando Predators (6-7) in the Southern Division. The San Jose Sabercats could clinch the Western Division this week by beating the Arizona Rattlers and if the Colorado Crush lose to the Los Angeles Avengers.
AFL: Chicago Beats Milwaukee, 33-20
MILWAUKEE-Lonnie Clements rushed for two fourth-quarter touchdowns in aiding the Chicago Rush to a 33-20 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs in a Week 13 AFL game.
After both teams traded punts, Milwaukee got on the board first with a 10-play, 61-yard drive ending with a 27-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook to take a 3-0 lead with 6:57 to go in the first quarter. Chicago went three-and-out, but Rory Bane fumbled the return and Keith Headrick recovered for the Rush at the Mustangs' 27-yard line. Five plays later, Arman Drummond threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain to give the Rush a 7-3 lead with 4:09 remaining in the first. The Mustangs answered with a 6-play, 67-yard drive ending with a 30-yard field goal by Philbrook with 29 seconds left in the first to make it 7-6.
The teams would trade punts through much of the second quarter. Late in the quarter, the Mustangs had the ball at their own 17, and JC George would get sacked on consecutive plays, the second in the end zone by Cletis Valiant for a safety to give the Rush a 9-6 lead with 3:29 remaining in the half. After the safety kick, the Rush drove 66 yards on 9 plays. Chicago lined up for a 35-yard field goal, but backup QB Hershel Kimbrell faked the attempt and fired an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli with 5 seconds remaining in the half to put Chicago up 16-6.
Much like the second quarter, the teams punted through much of the third quarter. Milwaukee had chance to score, but Philbrook would miss a 41-yard field goal. The Rush would take the ball and drive 69 yards on 13 plays. Clements would finish the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run extending Chicago's lead to 23-6 with 11:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee would try to come back, and moved the ball 71 yards on 11 plays. George finished the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage, his 10th touchdown catch of the season, to make it 23-13 with 8:18 left in the game. The Mustangs would recover the onside kick, but Loren Wilkinson intercepted a George pass and returned it 21 yards to the Milwaukee 24-yard line. Four plays later, Clements ran in from 2 yards out to make it 30-13 with 5:22 remaining in the game. George would fumble on a scramble for the Mustangs, and Wilkerson recovered at the Milwaukee 42-yard line. After 9 plays netted 23 yards, Dete Justen kicked a 36-yard field goal to put the Rush up 33-13 with 1:03 left in the game. But the Mustangs went down fighting, and a 5-play, 68-yard drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass from George to Alza Kenworthy on the final play of the game.
Chicago (5-8) gained 266 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 119 yards on 35 carries. Despain led the team with 49 yards on 13 carries. Drummond went 13-of-27 passing for 163 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 34 yards. Marty Margerum was Chicago's leading receiver with 3 catches for 43 yards. Next week, the Rush are on the road visiting the Albany Firebirds.
Milwaukee (7-6) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 88 yards on 21 carries. Chester Brice led the team with 60 yards on 7 carries. Brice also led the receivers with 6 catches for 40 yards. George went 21-of-41 passing for 308 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 33 yards. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Detroit Drive.
After both teams traded punts, Milwaukee got on the board first with a 10-play, 61-yard drive ending with a 27-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook to take a 3-0 lead with 6:57 to go in the first quarter. Chicago went three-and-out, but Rory Bane fumbled the return and Keith Headrick recovered for the Rush at the Mustangs' 27-yard line. Five plays later, Arman Drummond threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain to give the Rush a 7-3 lead with 4:09 remaining in the first. The Mustangs answered with a 6-play, 67-yard drive ending with a 30-yard field goal by Philbrook with 29 seconds left in the first to make it 7-6.
The teams would trade punts through much of the second quarter. Late in the quarter, the Mustangs had the ball at their own 17, and JC George would get sacked on consecutive plays, the second in the end zone by Cletis Valiant for a safety to give the Rush a 9-6 lead with 3:29 remaining in the half. After the safety kick, the Rush drove 66 yards on 9 plays. Chicago lined up for a 35-yard field goal, but backup QB Hershel Kimbrell faked the attempt and fired an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Falcinelli with 5 seconds remaining in the half to put Chicago up 16-6.
Much like the second quarter, the teams punted through much of the third quarter. Milwaukee had chance to score, but Philbrook would miss a 41-yard field goal. The Rush would take the ball and drive 69 yards on 13 plays. Clements would finish the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run extending Chicago's lead to 23-6 with 11:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee would try to come back, and moved the ball 71 yards on 11 plays. George finished the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage, his 10th touchdown catch of the season, to make it 23-13 with 8:18 left in the game. The Mustangs would recover the onside kick, but Loren Wilkinson intercepted a George pass and returned it 21 yards to the Milwaukee 24-yard line. Four plays later, Clements ran in from 2 yards out to make it 30-13 with 5:22 remaining in the game. George would fumble on a scramble for the Mustangs, and Wilkerson recovered at the Milwaukee 42-yard line. After 9 plays netted 23 yards, Dete Justen kicked a 36-yard field goal to put the Rush up 33-13 with 1:03 left in the game. But the Mustangs went down fighting, and a 5-play, 68-yard drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass from George to Alza Kenworthy on the final play of the game.
Chicago (5-8) gained 266 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 119 yards on 35 carries. Despain led the team with 49 yards on 13 carries. Drummond went 13-of-27 passing for 163 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 34 yards. Marty Margerum was Chicago's leading receiver with 3 catches for 43 yards. Next week, the Rush are on the road visiting the Albany Firebirds.
Milwaukee (7-6) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 88 yards on 21 carries. Chester Brice led the team with 60 yards on 7 carries. Brice also led the receivers with 6 catches for 40 yards. George went 21-of-41 passing for 308 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 33 yards. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Detroit Drive.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
AFL: Desperados Destroy Barnstormers, 30-3
DES MOINES, IA-The Dallas Desperados earned their tenth win of the season in destroying the Iowa Barnstomers 30-3 in a Week 13 AFL game.
The game started slowly with both teams trading punts. The Desperados then moved the ball 63 yards on 9 plays, ending the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Heinie Voorhees to Elson Gregson to make it 7-0 with 1:39 remaining in the first quarter.
After another exchange of punts, Dallas embarked on a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Voorhees threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Gregson extending the lead to 14-0 with 9:46 left in the half. Both teams traded punts, then Ev Blansett fumbled and Golden Reinhart recovered for Dallas at the Barnstormers' 21-yard line. After a 6-play, 14-yard drive, Greg Hall kicked a 24-yard field goal with 49 seconds left in the second quarter to go up 17-0. The Barnstormers would answer with a 3-play, 45-yard drive that ended with a 41-yard field goal by SB Rhoads on the last play of the half to make it 17-3.
Rhoads would miss a 40-yard field goal attempt early in the third quarter. The Desperados went on a 7-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Voorhees throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to make it 24-3 with 8:53 to go in the third quarter. On the Barnstormers' ensuing possession, Blansett was intercepted by Ardell Edmonds who returned it 8 yards to midfield. Following a 6-play, 35-yard drive, Hall kicked a 32-yard field goal to go up 27-3 with 5:49 left in the third.
The fourth quarter saw the Desperados not attempt a single pass in the fourth quarter. Content to run out the clock, they did score on a 42-yard field goal by Hall to make it 30-3 with 7:51 remaining in the game. The Barnstormers, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers for the remainder of the game.
Dallas (10-3) gained 426 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 175 yards on 39 carries. Horace Evers led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. Voorhees went 19-of-29 passing for 266 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Hawes was Dallas's leading receiver with 5 catches for 80 yards and a TD. The Desperados will visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Iowa (6-7) gained 275 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers were held to 38 yards rushing on 14 carries, most of it coming from Blansett who scrambled for 25 yards on 6 carries. He also went 20-of-38 passing for 254 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Davlin Coggins led the receivers with 8 catches for 106 yards. Next week, the Barnstormers will visit the New York Dragons.
The game started slowly with both teams trading punts. The Desperados then moved the ball 63 yards on 9 plays, ending the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Heinie Voorhees to Elson Gregson to make it 7-0 with 1:39 remaining in the first quarter.
After another exchange of punts, Dallas embarked on a 5-play, 80-yard drive. Voorhees threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Gregson extending the lead to 14-0 with 9:46 left in the half. Both teams traded punts, then Ev Blansett fumbled and Golden Reinhart recovered for Dallas at the Barnstormers' 21-yard line. After a 6-play, 14-yard drive, Greg Hall kicked a 24-yard field goal with 49 seconds left in the second quarter to go up 17-0. The Barnstormers would answer with a 3-play, 45-yard drive that ended with a 41-yard field goal by SB Rhoads on the last play of the half to make it 17-3.
Rhoads would miss a 40-yard field goal attempt early in the third quarter. The Desperados went on a 7-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Voorhees throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes to make it 24-3 with 8:53 to go in the third quarter. On the Barnstormers' ensuing possession, Blansett was intercepted by Ardell Edmonds who returned it 8 yards to midfield. Following a 6-play, 35-yard drive, Hall kicked a 32-yard field goal to go up 27-3 with 5:49 left in the third.
The fourth quarter saw the Desperados not attempt a single pass in the fourth quarter. Content to run out the clock, they did score on a 42-yard field goal by Hall to make it 30-3 with 7:51 remaining in the game. The Barnstormers, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers for the remainder of the game.
Dallas (10-3) gained 426 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 175 yards on 39 carries. Horace Evers led the team with 58 yards on 15 carries. Voorhees went 19-of-29 passing for 266 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Hawes was Dallas's leading receiver with 5 catches for 80 yards and a TD. The Desperados will visit the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Iowa (6-7) gained 275 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers were held to 38 yards rushing on 14 carries, most of it coming from Blansett who scrambled for 25 yards on 6 carries. He also went 20-of-38 passing for 254 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 17 yards. Davlin Coggins led the receivers with 8 catches for 106 yards. Next week, the Barnstormers will visit the New York Dragons.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
AFL: Predators Blow Past Storm, 41-14
ORLANDO-Three fourth quarter touchdowns by the Orlando Predators turned a close game against the Tampa Bay Storm into a 41-14 rout in a Week 13 AFL game.
Orlando got the ball rolling with an 11-play, 50-yard drive ending with a 43-yard field goal by Abel White to take a 3-0 lead with 9:28 left in the first quarter. The Storm answered back with a 9-play, 67-yard drive. Orval Stanley completed the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder giving the Storm a 7-3 lead with 4:35 to go in the first. Tampa Bay struck again quickly when Drake Cushing intercepted a Ramon Roden pass and took it back 22 yards for a pick-six and a 14-3 Storm lead with 4:04 remaining in the first quarter.
The score remained that way until late in the second quarter, when the Predators embarked on a 6-play, 80-yard drive capped off with Roden scrambling 15 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-10 with 1:51 left in the half. On the ensuing kickoff, Hack Jarrod fumbled the return and Cleveland Whitaker recovered for the Predators at the Storm 29-yard line. Seven plays later, Roden hit Farren Smithson for a 13-yard touchdown pass with 3 seconds left to give Orlando a 17-14 lead at halftime.
There was not much action in the third quarter. After the teams traded punts, Orlando got a break when Steve Trevathan intercepted Stanley and returned it 23 yards to the Tampa Bay 34-yard line. After netting four yards on four plays, White kicked a 47-yard field goal to extend the lead to 20-14 with 4:13 to go in the third.
Following a fumble by Foster Warhurst that Ringo Flack took 17 yards to the Predators' 48-yard line, Orlando went 52 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Roden to Leonard Irving to make it 27-14 with 13:32 to go in the fourth quarter. After a Tampa Bay punt, Orlando held onto the ball for a 17-play, 85-yard drive that included a fake punt by Yannel Fletcher who completed a 24-yard pass to Shannon Modelevsky. The 9-minute drive ended with Roden tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Doering to put the Predators up 34-14 with 1:52 to go in the game. After the Storm failed on fourth down, the Predators ran a 4-play, 26-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by D.J. Giles with 31 seconds left to give the final 41-14 score.
Orlando (6-7) gained 381 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 87 yards on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 50 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Roden went 31-of-45 passing for 275 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 5 yards. Irving was Orlando's leading receiver, catching 8 passes for 57 yards and a TD. The Predators will host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Tampa Bay (5-7-1) gained 142 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 21 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 29 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 12-of-28 passing for 126 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 26 yards. Warhurst led the receivers with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Storm will host the Arizona Rattlers.
Orlando got the ball rolling with an 11-play, 50-yard drive ending with a 43-yard field goal by Abel White to take a 3-0 lead with 9:28 left in the first quarter. The Storm answered back with a 9-play, 67-yard drive. Orval Stanley completed the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ponder giving the Storm a 7-3 lead with 4:35 to go in the first. Tampa Bay struck again quickly when Drake Cushing intercepted a Ramon Roden pass and took it back 22 yards for a pick-six and a 14-3 Storm lead with 4:04 remaining in the first quarter.
The score remained that way until late in the second quarter, when the Predators embarked on a 6-play, 80-yard drive capped off with Roden scrambling 15 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-10 with 1:51 left in the half. On the ensuing kickoff, Hack Jarrod fumbled the return and Cleveland Whitaker recovered for the Predators at the Storm 29-yard line. Seven plays later, Roden hit Farren Smithson for a 13-yard touchdown pass with 3 seconds left to give Orlando a 17-14 lead at halftime.
There was not much action in the third quarter. After the teams traded punts, Orlando got a break when Steve Trevathan intercepted Stanley and returned it 23 yards to the Tampa Bay 34-yard line. After netting four yards on four plays, White kicked a 47-yard field goal to extend the lead to 20-14 with 4:13 to go in the third.
Following a fumble by Foster Warhurst that Ringo Flack took 17 yards to the Predators' 48-yard line, Orlando went 52 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Roden to Leonard Irving to make it 27-14 with 13:32 to go in the fourth quarter. After a Tampa Bay punt, Orlando held onto the ball for a 17-play, 85-yard drive that included a fake punt by Yannel Fletcher who completed a 24-yard pass to Shannon Modelevsky. The 9-minute drive ended with Roden tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Doering to put the Predators up 34-14 with 1:52 to go in the game. After the Storm failed on fourth down, the Predators ran a 4-play, 26-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by D.J. Giles with 31 seconds left to give the final 41-14 score.
Orlando (6-7) gained 381 yards of total offense. The Predators ran for 87 yards on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 50 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Roden went 31-of-45 passing for 275 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 5 yards. Irving was Orlando's leading receiver, catching 8 passes for 57 yards and a TD. The Predators will host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Tampa Bay (5-7-1) gained 142 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 21 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 29 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 12-of-28 passing for 126 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 26 yards. Warhurst led the receivers with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Storm will host the Arizona Rattlers.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
AFL: Georgia Beats Nashville, 32-20
ATLANTA-The Georgia Force relied on two touchdown runs from Clem Foulks to defeat the Nashville Kats in Week 13 of the AFL season, 32-20.
The Force started the game with the ball, but had to punt and Nelson Wynn perfectly pinned Nashville at their own 3-yard line. On the next play, a screen pass to Cobey Kingston was blown up by Tyrone Pickney who tackled him in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 Georgia lead with 10:38 remaining in the first. Following another Georgia punt, Nashville moved the ball 76 yards on 15 plays. Daniel Stevenson finished the drive with a 21-yard field goal to give the Kats a 3-2 lead with 1 minute to go in the first quarter.
Nashville would then force Norm Damron into a rare mistake, tossing an interception to Lando Reynolds who returned it 19 yards to the Force 16-yard line. But the Kats couldn't make anything out of it, as Oliver Osler would fumble and Ward Hilton recovered for the Force at the 10. The Force would punt, then Brewster Brickhouse had a pass intercepted by Sputnik Havner who raced 26 yards to the Nashville 17-yard line. Three plays and three yards later, Wilbur Ahmad connected on a 31-yard field goal to put the Force ahead 5-3 with 9:01 remaining in the half. The Kats would answer with a 4-play, 49-yard drive, culminating with a 36-yard field goal by Stevenson to put Nashville up 6-5 with 7:12 to go in the second quarter. Georgia then went on a 12-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Damron tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gevan Crafton with 56 seconds left to put the Force ahead 12-6 at the half.
After a poor punt by Nashville's Red Hull early in the third quarter, the Kats redeemed themselves with an interception by Danny McKenzine who took it 56 yards to the Georgia 21-yard line. Six plays later, Osler punched it in from 5 yards out to put the Kats in front 13-12 with 10:42 remaining in the third. Bo Bull fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Nashville's Blue Ronwell ran it back 17 yards to the Force 23-yard line. But it went for naught as Stevenson missed a 32-yard field goal attempt. Georgia subsequently drove 78 yards on 13 plays. Foulks ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Georgia lead 18-13 with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter.
A 60-yard pass from Brickhouse to Vittorio Swane went to waste as Pete Love would pick off Brickhouse at the Georgia 29-yard line. The Force then went on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Walter Halley scoring on a 2-yard run to make it 25-13 with 13:31 left in the fourth quarter. Nashville got a break on the ensuing kickoff, as Osler ran the kick back 68 yards to the Force 13-yard line. Six plays later, Brickhouse threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Swane to close the gap to 25-20 with 11:32 to go in the fourth. After trading punts, the Force put a dagger through Nashville's heart with a 10-play, 89-yard drive that ended with Foulks scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run to make it 32-20 with 2:22 left in the game.
Georgia (8-5) gained 428 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 152 yards on 36 carries. Foulks led the team with 58 yards on 11 carries and 2 TD. Damron went 23-of-33 passing for 296 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 20 yards. Paden Bonewell was Georgia's leading receiver with 7 catches for 69 yards. Crafton caught 6 passes for 82 yards and a TD. The Force will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Nashville (5-7-1) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 106 yards rushing on 17 carries. Osler led the team with 51 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Brickhouse went 14-of-33 passing for 159 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 9 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 7 catches for 119 yards and a TD. Nashville hosts the Colorado Crush next week.
The Force started the game with the ball, but had to punt and Nelson Wynn perfectly pinned Nashville at their own 3-yard line. On the next play, a screen pass to Cobey Kingston was blown up by Tyrone Pickney who tackled him in the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 Georgia lead with 10:38 remaining in the first. Following another Georgia punt, Nashville moved the ball 76 yards on 15 plays. Daniel Stevenson finished the drive with a 21-yard field goal to give the Kats a 3-2 lead with 1 minute to go in the first quarter.
Nashville would then force Norm Damron into a rare mistake, tossing an interception to Lando Reynolds who returned it 19 yards to the Force 16-yard line. But the Kats couldn't make anything out of it, as Oliver Osler would fumble and Ward Hilton recovered for the Force at the 10. The Force would punt, then Brewster Brickhouse had a pass intercepted by Sputnik Havner who raced 26 yards to the Nashville 17-yard line. Three plays and three yards later, Wilbur Ahmad connected on a 31-yard field goal to put the Force ahead 5-3 with 9:01 remaining in the half. The Kats would answer with a 4-play, 49-yard drive, culminating with a 36-yard field goal by Stevenson to put Nashville up 6-5 with 7:12 to go in the second quarter. Georgia then went on a 12-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Damron tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gevan Crafton with 56 seconds left to put the Force ahead 12-6 at the half.
After a poor punt by Nashville's Red Hull early in the third quarter, the Kats redeemed themselves with an interception by Danny McKenzine who took it 56 yards to the Georgia 21-yard line. Six plays later, Osler punched it in from 5 yards out to put the Kats in front 13-12 with 10:42 remaining in the third. Bo Bull fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Nashville's Blue Ronwell ran it back 17 yards to the Force 23-yard line. But it went for naught as Stevenson missed a 32-yard field goal attempt. Georgia subsequently drove 78 yards on 13 plays. Foulks ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Georgia lead 18-13 with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter.
A 60-yard pass from Brickhouse to Vittorio Swane went to waste as Pete Love would pick off Brickhouse at the Georgia 29-yard line. The Force then went on a 9-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Walter Halley scoring on a 2-yard run to make it 25-13 with 13:31 left in the fourth quarter. Nashville got a break on the ensuing kickoff, as Osler ran the kick back 68 yards to the Force 13-yard line. Six plays later, Brickhouse threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Swane to close the gap to 25-20 with 11:32 to go in the fourth. After trading punts, the Force put a dagger through Nashville's heart with a 10-play, 89-yard drive that ended with Foulks scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run to make it 32-20 with 2:22 left in the game.
Georgia (8-5) gained 428 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 152 yards on 36 carries. Foulks led the team with 58 yards on 11 carries and 2 TD. Damron went 23-of-33 passing for 296 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 20 yards. Paden Bonewell was Georgia's leading receiver with 7 catches for 69 yards. Crafton caught 6 passes for 82 yards and a TD. The Force will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Nashville (5-7-1) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 106 yards rushing on 17 carries. Osler led the team with 51 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Brickhouse went 14-of-33 passing for 159 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 9 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 7 catches for 119 yards and a TD. Nashville hosts the Colorado Crush next week.
Monday, January 9, 2017
AFL: Dragons Defeat Rampage, 23-10
UNIONDALE, NY-The New York Dragons scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Grand Rapids Rampage 23-10 in a Week 13 AFL game.
The Rampage started the game moving into scoring position, but George Tibbs missed a 49-yard field goal. After a New York punt, Bobo Cushing fumbled and Vance Bicker recovered for the Dragons at the Grand Rapids 30-yard line. Three plays later, Freddy Ashercraft scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to put New York up 7-0 with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams traded punts through the remainder of the first and into the second quarter. Dusty Mills sacked Curtis Wayne causing Wayne to fumble and Granby DeBose recovered for the Dragons at the New York 44-yard line. The Dragons tried a fake punt from the Rampage 45, but Tyrell Tadwell's pass to Eric Sax fell incomplete. Following that play, the Rampage drove 51 yards on 7 plays. Tibbs finished it off with a 21-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 3:44 remaining in the half. Following a three-and-out by the Dragons, Grand Rapids was on the move again with an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Wayne would finish the drive with a 10-yard scramble with 30 seconds to go, and Grand Rapids went into halftime with a 10-7 lead.
The Dragons got the ball to start the second half, and moved the ball 51 yards on 9 plays. George Larron scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give New York a 14-10 lead with 10:02 remaining in the third quarter. The Rampage went three-and-out, and New York moved down the field again, only for Burt Hamrick to miss a 43-yard field goal. Grand Rapids would move down the field, but Tibbs would miss a 45-yard attempt. After a 4-play, 39-yard drive, Hamrick would attempt another 43-yard field goal. This kick went through the uprights, and the Dragons extended their lead to 17-10 with 22 seconds remaining in the third.
Both teams traded punts, but Nikolai Vilmer fumbled on the return and it was recovered by Sax at the Rampage 27-yard line. Following a 6-play, 12-yard drive, Hamrick kicked a 32-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 9:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. Omar Wheeley intercepted Wayne's pass on the Rampage's next possession, and returned it 11 yards to the Grand Rapids 14-yard drive. After three plays netted six yards, Hamrick drilled a 25-yard field goal to go up 23-10 with 7:29 remaining.
New York (7-6) gained 239 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 111 yards on 33 carries. Larron (16 carries) and Ashercraft (8 carries) each ran for 42 yards and a TD. Faron Emerson was 13-of-29 passing for 135 yards, and was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Ashercraft led with 3 catches for 9 yards. Melvin Betts caught 2 passes for 48 yards. The Dragons will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Grand Rapids (8-5) gained 330 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 122 yards on 28 carries. Toby Harrell led the team with 41 yards on 12 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 56 yards. Wayne went 21-of-39 passing for 233 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Vilmer caught 5 passes for 82 yards. The Rampage will host the Dallas Desperados next week.
The Rampage started the game moving into scoring position, but George Tibbs missed a 49-yard field goal. After a New York punt, Bobo Cushing fumbled and Vance Bicker recovered for the Dragons at the Grand Rapids 30-yard line. Three plays later, Freddy Ashercraft scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to put New York up 7-0 with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams traded punts through the remainder of the first and into the second quarter. Dusty Mills sacked Curtis Wayne causing Wayne to fumble and Granby DeBose recovered for the Dragons at the New York 44-yard line. The Dragons tried a fake punt from the Rampage 45, but Tyrell Tadwell's pass to Eric Sax fell incomplete. Following that play, the Rampage drove 51 yards on 7 plays. Tibbs finished it off with a 21-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 3:44 remaining in the half. Following a three-and-out by the Dragons, Grand Rapids was on the move again with an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Wayne would finish the drive with a 10-yard scramble with 30 seconds to go, and Grand Rapids went into halftime with a 10-7 lead.
The Dragons got the ball to start the second half, and moved the ball 51 yards on 9 plays. George Larron scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give New York a 14-10 lead with 10:02 remaining in the third quarter. The Rampage went three-and-out, and New York moved down the field again, only for Burt Hamrick to miss a 43-yard field goal. Grand Rapids would move down the field, but Tibbs would miss a 45-yard attempt. After a 4-play, 39-yard drive, Hamrick would attempt another 43-yard field goal. This kick went through the uprights, and the Dragons extended their lead to 17-10 with 22 seconds remaining in the third.
Both teams traded punts, but Nikolai Vilmer fumbled on the return and it was recovered by Sax at the Rampage 27-yard line. Following a 6-play, 12-yard drive, Hamrick kicked a 32-yard field goal to make it 20-10 with 9:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. Omar Wheeley intercepted Wayne's pass on the Rampage's next possession, and returned it 11 yards to the Grand Rapids 14-yard drive. After three plays netted six yards, Hamrick drilled a 25-yard field goal to go up 23-10 with 7:29 remaining.
New York (7-6) gained 239 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 111 yards on 33 carries. Larron (16 carries) and Ashercraft (8 carries) each ran for 42 yards and a TD. Faron Emerson was 13-of-29 passing for 135 yards, and was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Ashercraft led with 3 catches for 9 yards. Melvin Betts caught 2 passes for 48 yards. The Dragons will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Grand Rapids (8-5) gained 330 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 122 yards on 28 carries. Toby Harrell led the team with 41 yards on 12 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 56 yards. Wayne went 21-of-39 passing for 233 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Vilmer caught 5 passes for 82 yards. The Rampage will host the Dallas Desperados next week.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
AFL: Drive Dominate Firebirds, 36-9
ALBANY, NY-The Detroit Drive kept rolling towards a chance at clinching the AFL Eastern Division title with a 36-9 victory over the Albany Firebirds in a Week 13 game.
The game did not start out great for Detroit, as Lou Couch had a pass intercepted by Jimmy Loggeman who returned it 36 yards to the Drive 35-yard line. On the next play, Sinbad Gargaro was picked off by Stan Florin who returned it 40 yards to the 42-yard line. After a 5-play, 58-yard drive, Couch completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to put Detroit up 7-0 with 9:08 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would punt, then Loggeman intercepted another pass from Couch at the 43-yard line. After a four-play, 26-yard drive, Dom Wenning kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 3:39 left in the first.
The Drive would respond with a drive that went 73 yards on 12 plays. Couch finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kelly to go up 14-3 with 14:45 to go in the half. The Firebirds answered with an 8-play, 41-yard drive, ending with a 52-yard field goal by Wenning to make it 14-6 with 11:01 left in the second quarter. The teams would trade punts, and Wenning would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The teams then went into the locker room with Detroit up 14-6.
Early in the third quarter, Jeffrey Wilkey intercepted a Gargaro pass and returned it 40 yards to the Albany 24-yard line. Four plays later, Cletis Frayer kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 17-6 with 13:31 to go in the third quarter. Gargaro was intercepted again, this time by Cord Biggs. Both teams traded punts, then Detroit moved the ball 69 yards on 4 plays. Frayer kicked a 21-yard field goal with 7:15 remaining in the third to go up 20-6. After an Albany three-and-out, the Drive went 54 yards on 4 plays. Couch threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley to make it 27-6 with 5:06 remaining in the third quarter. Gargaro was intercepted again by Biggs, who returned it 36 yards to the Firebirds 8-yard line. After four plays gained six yards, Frayer kicked a 19-yard field goal to make it 30-6 with 3:11 remaining in the third. Albany would answer with a 5-play, 44-yard drive. Wenning kicked a 46-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the third to make it 30-9.
Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff 77 yards to the Firebirds 14-yard line, Four plays later, Frayer kicked a 45-yard field goal to make it 33-9 with 14:02 left in the game. On fourth down at Albany's own 15-yard line, Flint Percell tried a fake punt, and it fell incomplete. After three plays gained eight yards, Frayer kicked a 24-yard field goal to close out the scoring at 39-6 with 11:23 left in the game.
Detroit (10-3) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 83 yards on 32 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 30 yards on 10 carries. Couch went 15-of-29 passing for 279 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 12-yard loss. Kelly led the receivers with 6 catches for 141 yards and 2 TD. The Drive will host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Albany (5-8) gained 314 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 80 yards on 14 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 37 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 23-of-54 passing for 267 yards and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Teddy Harley led the receivers with 9 catches for 126 yards. The Firebirds will host the Chicago Rush next week.
The game did not start out great for Detroit, as Lou Couch had a pass intercepted by Jimmy Loggeman who returned it 36 yards to the Drive 35-yard line. On the next play, Sinbad Gargaro was picked off by Stan Florin who returned it 40 yards to the 42-yard line. After a 5-play, 58-yard drive, Couch completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to put Detroit up 7-0 with 9:08 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would punt, then Loggeman intercepted another pass from Couch at the 43-yard line. After a four-play, 26-yard drive, Dom Wenning kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3 with 3:39 left in the first.
The Drive would respond with a drive that went 73 yards on 12 plays. Couch finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kelly to go up 14-3 with 14:45 to go in the half. The Firebirds answered with an 8-play, 41-yard drive, ending with a 52-yard field goal by Wenning to make it 14-6 with 11:01 left in the second quarter. The teams would trade punts, and Wenning would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt. The teams then went into the locker room with Detroit up 14-6.
Early in the third quarter, Jeffrey Wilkey intercepted a Gargaro pass and returned it 40 yards to the Albany 24-yard line. Four plays later, Cletis Frayer kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 17-6 with 13:31 to go in the third quarter. Gargaro was intercepted again, this time by Cord Biggs. Both teams traded punts, then Detroit moved the ball 69 yards on 4 plays. Frayer kicked a 21-yard field goal with 7:15 remaining in the third to go up 20-6. After an Albany three-and-out, the Drive went 54 yards on 4 plays. Couch threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Dave Huntley to make it 27-6 with 5:06 remaining in the third quarter. Gargaro was intercepted again by Biggs, who returned it 36 yards to the Firebirds 8-yard line. After four plays gained six yards, Frayer kicked a 19-yard field goal to make it 30-6 with 3:11 remaining in the third. Albany would answer with a 5-play, 44-yard drive. Wenning kicked a 46-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the third to make it 30-9.
Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff 77 yards to the Firebirds 14-yard line, Four plays later, Frayer kicked a 45-yard field goal to make it 33-9 with 14:02 left in the game. On fourth down at Albany's own 15-yard line, Flint Percell tried a fake punt, and it fell incomplete. After three plays gained eight yards, Frayer kicked a 24-yard field goal to close out the scoring at 39-6 with 11:23 left in the game.
Detroit (10-3) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 83 yards on 32 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 30 yards on 10 carries. Couch went 15-of-29 passing for 279 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 12-yard loss. Kelly led the receivers with 6 catches for 141 yards and 2 TD. The Drive will host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Albany (5-8) gained 314 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 80 yards on 14 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 37 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 23-of-54 passing for 267 yards and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 33 yards. Teddy Harley led the receivers with 9 catches for 126 yards. The Firebirds will host the Chicago Rush next week.
Monday, January 2, 2017
AFL Week 12 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 9 | 3 | 0 | 329 | 272 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 8 | 4 | 0 | 301 | 246 |
| New York Dragons | 6 | 6 | 0 | 279 | 274 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 7 | 0 | 217 | 321 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force | 7 | 5 | 0 | 334 | 258 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 6 | 1 | 256 | 261 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 6 | 1 | 253 | 281 |
| Orlando Predators | 5 | 7 | 0 | 274 | 264 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados | 9 | 3 | 0 | 301 | 230 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 5 | 0 | 276 | 270 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 344 | 279 |
| Chicago Rush | 4 | 8 | 0 | 311 | 330 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats | 8 | 4 | 0 | 279 | 235 |
| Colorado Crush | 5 | 7 | 0 | 244 | 295 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 3 | 9 | 0 | 260 | 301 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 3 | 9 | 0 | 196 | 337 |
Detroit 30, Tampa Bay 24
Grand Rapids 24, Georgia 20
Orlando 47, Albany 13
New York 17, Nashville 15
Dallas 12, Los Angeles 6 (OT)
San Jose 27, Chicago 20
Iowa 46, Colorado 30
Arizona 30, Milwaukee 9
WEEK 13 GAMES
Detroit (9-3) at Albany (5-7)
Grand Rapids (8-4) at New York (6-6)
Nashville (5-6-1) at Georgia (7-5)
Tampa Bay (5-6-1) at Orlando (5-7)
Dallas (9-3) at Iowa (6-6)
Chicago (4-8) at Milwaukee (7-5)
Arizona (3-9) at San Jose (8-4)
Los Angeles (3-9) at Colorado (5-7)
IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
San Jose at Dallas
AFL: Rattlers Blow Out Mustangs, 30-9
MILWAUKEE-The Arizona Rattlers scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs 30-9 in Week 12 of the AFL season.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then Arizona went on a 5-play, 51-yard drive. The drive ended with Don Fawcett throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Stomp Navarro to put the Rattlers up 7-0 with 7:44 remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded with a 13-play, 51-yard drive, ending with a 35-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook making it 7-3 with 23 seconds remaining in the first.
Early in the second quarter, Hudson Riggs intercepted a JC George pass at the Milwaukee 20-yard line. Five plays later, Fawcett hit Otto Pugh for a 10-yard touchdown pass to go up 14-3 with 10:32 left in the half. The Mustangs would punt, then Arizona botched a punt and Adrian Alphin's hurried pass fell incomplete. The break went for naught, however, as Philbrook missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. Fawcett fumbled a snap in Milwaukee territory, but again, the Mustangs could not capitalize as George was sacked and fumbled at the Rattlers 10-yard line, and the half came to an end.
At the start of the second half, the Mustangs embarked on a 6-play, 54-yard drive that ended with George tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Milwaukee was down 14-9 with 11:31 remaining in the third quarter. The Rattlers answered with an 11-play, 69-yard drive, and Fawcett threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Will Meads to make it 21-9 with 6:29 remaining in the third. On the ensuing Milwaukee possession, Chester Brice fumbled on a screen pass, and Madison Prunty returned it 11 yards to the Mustangs 10-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, Pancho Barrow kicked a 25-yard field goal to go up 24-9 with 4:13 left in the third quarter.
Both teams traded punts, then early in the fourth, the Mustangs were turned away on fourth down at the Arizona 28-yard line. Following a 10-play, 44-yard drive, Barrow kicked a 45-yard field goal to make it 27-9 with 8:02 left in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs were turned away on fourth down in Rattlers territory, and Arizona then went 46 yards on 15 plays, running out the clock. Then Barrow kicked another 45-yard field goal with 1 second to go, and Arizona won 30-9.
Arizona (3-9) gained 309 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 112 yards on 35 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 68 yards on 13 carries and also led the receivers with 6 catches for 70 yards. Fawcett went 18-of-28 passing for 203 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. The Rattlers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week, looking to make up for a 30-10 loss in Week 1.
Milwaukee (7-5) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 96 yards on 25 carries. Brice led the Mustangs with 52 yards on 11 carries and also led with 5 catches for 40 yards. George was 16-of-32 passing for 183 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. The Mustangs will host the Chicago Rush next week in a rematch of a 34-20 win for the Mustangs in Week 1.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then Arizona went on a 5-play, 51-yard drive. The drive ended with Don Fawcett throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Stomp Navarro to put the Rattlers up 7-0 with 7:44 remaining in the first quarter. The Mustangs responded with a 13-play, 51-yard drive, ending with a 35-yard field goal by Rock Philbrook making it 7-3 with 23 seconds remaining in the first.
Early in the second quarter, Hudson Riggs intercepted a JC George pass at the Milwaukee 20-yard line. Five plays later, Fawcett hit Otto Pugh for a 10-yard touchdown pass to go up 14-3 with 10:32 left in the half. The Mustangs would punt, then Arizona botched a punt and Adrian Alphin's hurried pass fell incomplete. The break went for naught, however, as Philbrook missed a 44-yard field goal attempt. Fawcett fumbled a snap in Milwaukee territory, but again, the Mustangs could not capitalize as George was sacked and fumbled at the Rattlers 10-yard line, and the half came to an end.
At the start of the second half, the Mustangs embarked on a 6-play, 54-yard drive that ended with George tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to C.C. Cage. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and Milwaukee was down 14-9 with 11:31 remaining in the third quarter. The Rattlers answered with an 11-play, 69-yard drive, and Fawcett threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Will Meads to make it 21-9 with 6:29 remaining in the third. On the ensuing Milwaukee possession, Chester Brice fumbled on a screen pass, and Madison Prunty returned it 11 yards to the Mustangs 10-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, Pancho Barrow kicked a 25-yard field goal to go up 24-9 with 4:13 left in the third quarter.
Both teams traded punts, then early in the fourth, the Mustangs were turned away on fourth down at the Arizona 28-yard line. Following a 10-play, 44-yard drive, Barrow kicked a 45-yard field goal to make it 27-9 with 8:02 left in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs were turned away on fourth down in Rattlers territory, and Arizona then went 46 yards on 15 plays, running out the clock. Then Barrow kicked another 45-yard field goal with 1 second to go, and Arizona won 30-9.
Arizona (3-9) gained 309 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 112 yards on 35 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 68 yards on 13 carries and also led the receivers with 6 catches for 70 yards. Fawcett went 18-of-28 passing for 203 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked once for a 6-yard loss. The Rattlers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week, looking to make up for a 30-10 loss in Week 1.
Milwaukee (7-5) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 96 yards on 25 carries. Brice led the Mustangs with 52 yards on 11 carries and also led with 5 catches for 40 yards. George was 16-of-32 passing for 183 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 23 yards. The Mustangs will host the Chicago Rush next week in a rematch of a 34-20 win for the Mustangs in Week 1.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
AFL: Barnstormers Fly Past Crush, 46-30
DES MOINES, IA-Ev Blansett threw three touchdown passes in a six-minute span in the third quarter to help the Iowa Barnstormers pull away from the Colorado Crush 46-30 in a Week 12 AFL game.
Iowa got the game started with an 8-play, 39-yard drive. SB Rhoads finished it off with a 34-yard field goal to give the Barnstormers a 3-0 lead with 10:15 remaining in the first quarter. Following a Colorado punt downed on the 1, Blansett was intercepted by Stan Dinn who returned it 16 yards for a touchdown to give the Crush a 7-3 lead with 5:23 to go in the first. Following the pick-six, Iowa moved 37 yards on 9 plays, and Rhoads kicked a 30-yard field goal making it 7-6 with 1:20 to go in the first.
Early in the second quarter, Earl Ginger missed a 56-yard field goal attempt after an offensive pass interference penalty wiped out a first down off a fake attempt. A fumble by Flip Cravens was recovered by Curley Wentworth at Iowa's 36-yard line, giving the Crush the ball. But Ginger missed again, this time from 55. From there, the Barnstormers went on a 9-play, 55-yard drive. Chesley Starnes scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to put Iowa up 13-7 with 4:26 to go in the half. Following a Colorado three-and-out, Iowa drove 54 yards on 14 plays. Rhoads would finish the drive with a 24-yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining, and Iowa went into the locker room leading 16-7.
In the third quarter, Colorado went on a 15-play, 57-yard drive, ending with a Ginger 37-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 9:05 remaining in the third quarter. It only took one play for the Barnstormers to answer back, as Blansett uncorked a 77-yard touchdown bomb to Isaiah O'Connell to make it 23-10 with 8:42 left in the third. After Colorado went three-and-out, Iowa went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive. Blansett ended the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to put the Barnstormers up 30-10 with 3:50 to go in the third quarter. The Crush went three-and-out again, and Davlin Coggins returned the punt 56 yards to the Colorado 5-yard line, setting up a 5-yard touchdown pass from Blansett to Starnes to make it 37-10 with 2:57 left in the third.
Colorado would go 54 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Howton Thom to Tyler Howell making it 37-17 with 14:10 remaining in the game. After a failed onside kick, Iowa finished an 8-play, 37-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal by Rhoads with 10:56 to go to make it 40-17. The Crush took three plays to travel 69 yards, ending with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Gitch Wild to cut the gap to 40-24 with 9:29 remaining. Another failed onside kick led to an 8-play, 32-yard drive for Iowa. Rhoads added a 32-yard field goal to make it 43-24 with 4:45 left in the game. Thom was intercepted by Shelton St. Johns, who ran it back 39 yards to the Crush 9-yard line. Following a three-play, eight-yard drive, Rhoads booted an 18-yard field goal to go up 46-24 with 1:55 left. The Crush would score once more, as a 5-play, 61-yard drive ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Howell with 49 seconds to go to finish up the scoring.
Iowa (6-6) gained 453 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 164 yards on 34 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 77 yards on 14 carries. Blansett went 22-of-33 passing for 305 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. O'Connell was Iowa's leading receiver with 8 catches for 158 yards and a TD. The Barnstormers will host the Dallas Desperados next week, hoping to avenge a 36-16 defeat in Week 1.
Colorado (5-7) gained 382 yards of total offense. The Crush were held to 39 yards rushing on 15 carries. Regis Duck led the team with 18 yards on 6 carries. Thom was 27-of-41 passing for 363 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Wild was Colorado's leading receiver with 8 catches for 140 yards and a TD. Colorado will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week, a team they lost to 27-19 in Week 1.
Iowa got the game started with an 8-play, 39-yard drive. SB Rhoads finished it off with a 34-yard field goal to give the Barnstormers a 3-0 lead with 10:15 remaining in the first quarter. Following a Colorado punt downed on the 1, Blansett was intercepted by Stan Dinn who returned it 16 yards for a touchdown to give the Crush a 7-3 lead with 5:23 to go in the first. Following the pick-six, Iowa moved 37 yards on 9 plays, and Rhoads kicked a 30-yard field goal making it 7-6 with 1:20 to go in the first.
Early in the second quarter, Earl Ginger missed a 56-yard field goal attempt after an offensive pass interference penalty wiped out a first down off a fake attempt. A fumble by Flip Cravens was recovered by Curley Wentworth at Iowa's 36-yard line, giving the Crush the ball. But Ginger missed again, this time from 55. From there, the Barnstormers went on a 9-play, 55-yard drive. Chesley Starnes scored on a 10-yard touchdown run to put Iowa up 13-7 with 4:26 to go in the half. Following a Colorado three-and-out, Iowa drove 54 yards on 14 plays. Rhoads would finish the drive with a 24-yard field goal with 5 seconds remaining, and Iowa went into the locker room leading 16-7.
In the third quarter, Colorado went on a 15-play, 57-yard drive, ending with a Ginger 37-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 9:05 remaining in the third quarter. It only took one play for the Barnstormers to answer back, as Blansett uncorked a 77-yard touchdown bomb to Isaiah O'Connell to make it 23-10 with 8:42 left in the third. After Colorado went three-and-out, Iowa went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive. Blansett ended the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Huggins to put the Barnstormers up 30-10 with 3:50 to go in the third quarter. The Crush went three-and-out again, and Davlin Coggins returned the punt 56 yards to the Colorado 5-yard line, setting up a 5-yard touchdown pass from Blansett to Starnes to make it 37-10 with 2:57 left in the third.
Colorado would go 54 yards on 9 plays, ending with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Howton Thom to Tyler Howell making it 37-17 with 14:10 remaining in the game. After a failed onside kick, Iowa finished an 8-play, 37-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal by Rhoads with 10:56 to go to make it 40-17. The Crush took three plays to travel 69 yards, ending with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Gitch Wild to cut the gap to 40-24 with 9:29 remaining. Another failed onside kick led to an 8-play, 32-yard drive for Iowa. Rhoads added a 32-yard field goal to make it 43-24 with 4:45 left in the game. Thom was intercepted by Shelton St. Johns, who ran it back 39 yards to the Crush 9-yard line. Following a three-play, eight-yard drive, Rhoads booted an 18-yard field goal to go up 46-24 with 1:55 left. The Crush would score once more, as a 5-play, 61-yard drive ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Thom to Howell with 49 seconds to go to finish up the scoring.
Iowa (6-6) gained 453 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 164 yards on 34 carries. Powell Ramos led the team with 77 yards on 14 carries. Blansett went 22-of-33 passing for 305 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. O'Connell was Iowa's leading receiver with 8 catches for 158 yards and a TD. The Barnstormers will host the Dallas Desperados next week, hoping to avenge a 36-16 defeat in Week 1.
Colorado (5-7) gained 382 yards of total offense. The Crush were held to 39 yards rushing on 15 carries. Regis Duck led the team with 18 yards on 6 carries. Thom was 27-of-41 passing for 363 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Wild was Colorado's leading receiver with 8 catches for 140 yards and a TD. Colorado will host the Los Angeles Avengers next week, a team they lost to 27-19 in Week 1.
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