ATLANTA-During the offseason, in what was described as a surprising move, the Georgia Force traded their top quarterback, Norm Damron, to the Iowa Barnstormers. As fate would have it, the teams met in the opening week of AFL Season 2, and the Force held off a late charge from Damron to defeat the Barnstormers 24-17.
The first quarter was largely a feeling-out process, with both teams punting on their first possession. Then Georgia's Yannel Gansz was picked off by Iowa's Farrell Companis who returned it 15 yards to the Barnstormers' 35-yard line. Iowa drove down the field, but SB Rhoads would miss a 35-yard field goal attempt. The Force would then drive 46 yards on 10 plays, and Wilbur Ahmad ended the drive with a 46-yard field goal to give Georgia a 3-0 lead with 22 seconds to go in the first quarter.
After forcing an Iowa punt, Georgia moved downfield again with a 9-play, 62-yard drive. Gansz hit Brandon Tallman for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-0 with 10:30 left in the second quarter. On the Barnstormers' next possession, Damron was sacked by Rashid Pollard and fumbled. Sputnik Havner scooped up the loose ball and ran 34 yards to the Iowa 10-yard line. On the next play, Gansz threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Quirt Skinner to go up 17-0 with 8:02 to go in the half. The Barnstormers then struck back with a 13-play, 65-yard drive. Powell Ramos finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 17-7 with 1:50 left in the second quarter.
At the start of the second half, Iowa moved downfield again, going 66 yards on 8 plays. Damron would throw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Ramos and made the score 17-14 with 12:00 remaining in the third quarter. After trading punts, Georgia went on an 8-play, 51-yard drive. Clem Foulks would score on a 4-yard touchdown run to extend the Force's lead to 24-14 with 1:20 remaining in the third.
The Barnstormers would punt on their next drive, then Seth Waltrip picked Gansz off and returned it 40 yards to the Force 17-yard line. Four plays and 13 yards later, Rhoads connected on a 21-yard field goal to make it 24-17 with 5:16 to go in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia punt, Iowa had the ball on their 27-yard line with 1:48 left. They would face a fourth-and-10 at the Force 43 with 57 seconds to go. Damron completed the pass to Caleb Whitlock, but he was stopped a yard short of the first down, and the Force came away victorious.
Georgia (1-0) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Force ran for 115 yards on 32 carries. Foulks led the team with 57 yards on 9 carries and a TD. Gansz was 16-of-31 passing for 177 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Raven Bannon led the receivers with 4 catches for 42 yards. The Force visit the Orlando Predators next week.
Iowa (0-1) gained 296 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 66 yards on 24 carries. Ramos led the team with 39 yards on 10 carries and a TD. Damron was 21-of-34 passing for 247 yards and a TD. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Ryan Travers was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 80 yards. The Barnstormers open their home schedule next week against the Chicago Rush.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
AFL: Avengers Run Past Dragons, 34-21
UNIONDALE, NY-Chip Kindrick and Cameron Devlin each scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in leading the Los Angeles Avengers past the New York Dragons 34-21 in the opening week of AFL Season 2.
The game didn't start out well for the Avengers, as Willie Guess fumbled on a scramble and Hans Magnolia recovered for the Dragons at the Los Angeles 38-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson hit Booker Starling for a 7-yard touchdown giving New York a 7-0 lead with 11:22 left in the first quarter. Guess would turn the ball over again, as he was intercepted by Parker Kincaid who returned 13 yards to the Avengers 40-yard line. The Dragons would punt, and Los Angeles finally get going offensively with a 9-play, 81-yard drive. Kindrick would score a on a 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 with 5:25 remaining in the first.
After trading punts, Emerson would be victimized by the pick as Courtney Harrelson intercepted him in the end zone. But Guess would get picked off again, this time by Fulton Bingham at the LA 45-yard line. Eight plays later, Paden Caspar ran in from the 1 for a touchdown to give New York a 14-7 lead with 7:45 remaining in the half. The Avengers would punt, but Emerson would get intercepted by Clem Wallen at the Dragons 31-yard line. However, the Avengers couldn't score on the drive, as Carmon Grimes missed a 27-yard field goal attempt. The teams traded punts, and Harrelson would pick Emerson off again, but Grimes would miss a 31-yard field goal at the end of the half.
The teams traded punts to open the second half, then Los Angeles got the spark they needed when Kinsey Vance tackled Chase Hamil in the end zone on an ill-fated flair pass for a safety to make it 14-9 with 10:37 to go in the third quarter. After the ensuing safety kick, the Avengers drove 72 yards on 6 plays. Devlin finished it off with a 15-yard touchdown run. Los Angeles successfully converted on a 2-point attempt to take a 17-14 with 9:16 remaining in the third. Hugh Strickland fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, and Grimes recovered for the Avengers at the New York 18-yard line. Three plays later, Kindrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 24-14 with 7:41 remaining in the third quarter. After a bad punt by the Dragons' Tyrell Tadwell of 6 yards, the Avengers took over at the Dragons' 41-yard line. After four plays gained six yards, Grimes would kick a 52-yard field goal to pull ahead 27-14 with 3:36 remaining in the third.
Early in the fourth, Emerson would be picked off by Gus Wolfe who returned it 30 yards to the Los Angeles 36-yard line thwarting a New York drive. Guess fumbled after being sacked by Jean Hotze and Bill Sharp recovered for the Dragons at the 30-yard line. But the Dragons couldn't take advantage and turned it over on downs. Grimes would miss a 24-yard field goal attempt on the next possession, then Emerson would get stripped and Wolfe recovered at the New York 40. Following a pair of punts, Los Angeles would go 44 yards on 4 plays, and Devlin scored on a 2-yard run to make it 34-14 with 1:10 left in the game. New York would go 64 yards on 6 plays, and Emerson connected with George Larron for a 24-yard too-little, too-late touchdown pass on the last play of the game to make it 34-21.
Los Angeles (1-0) gained 332 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 148 yards on 35 carries. Kindrick led the team with 79 yards on 18 carries and 2 TD. Guess was 16-of-28 passing for 205 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. Alfie Tharp was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 96 yards. The Avengers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week.
New York (0-1) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 107 yards on 21 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 68 yards on 10 carries. Emerson was 24-of-45 passing for 207 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 8 catches for 66 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
The game didn't start out well for the Avengers, as Willie Guess fumbled on a scramble and Hans Magnolia recovered for the Dragons at the Los Angeles 38-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson hit Booker Starling for a 7-yard touchdown giving New York a 7-0 lead with 11:22 left in the first quarter. Guess would turn the ball over again, as he was intercepted by Parker Kincaid who returned 13 yards to the Avengers 40-yard line. The Dragons would punt, and Los Angeles finally get going offensively with a 9-play, 81-yard drive. Kindrick would score a on a 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 with 5:25 remaining in the first.
After trading punts, Emerson would be victimized by the pick as Courtney Harrelson intercepted him in the end zone. But Guess would get picked off again, this time by Fulton Bingham at the LA 45-yard line. Eight plays later, Paden Caspar ran in from the 1 for a touchdown to give New York a 14-7 lead with 7:45 remaining in the half. The Avengers would punt, but Emerson would get intercepted by Clem Wallen at the Dragons 31-yard line. However, the Avengers couldn't score on the drive, as Carmon Grimes missed a 27-yard field goal attempt. The teams traded punts, and Harrelson would pick Emerson off again, but Grimes would miss a 31-yard field goal at the end of the half.
The teams traded punts to open the second half, then Los Angeles got the spark they needed when Kinsey Vance tackled Chase Hamil in the end zone on an ill-fated flair pass for a safety to make it 14-9 with 10:37 to go in the third quarter. After the ensuing safety kick, the Avengers drove 72 yards on 6 plays. Devlin finished it off with a 15-yard touchdown run. Los Angeles successfully converted on a 2-point attempt to take a 17-14 with 9:16 remaining in the third. Hugh Strickland fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, and Grimes recovered for the Avengers at the New York 18-yard line. Three plays later, Kindrick scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 24-14 with 7:41 remaining in the third quarter. After a bad punt by the Dragons' Tyrell Tadwell of 6 yards, the Avengers took over at the Dragons' 41-yard line. After four plays gained six yards, Grimes would kick a 52-yard field goal to pull ahead 27-14 with 3:36 remaining in the third.
Early in the fourth, Emerson would be picked off by Gus Wolfe who returned it 30 yards to the Los Angeles 36-yard line thwarting a New York drive. Guess fumbled after being sacked by Jean Hotze and Bill Sharp recovered for the Dragons at the 30-yard line. But the Dragons couldn't take advantage and turned it over on downs. Grimes would miss a 24-yard field goal attempt on the next possession, then Emerson would get stripped and Wolfe recovered at the New York 40. Following a pair of punts, Los Angeles would go 44 yards on 4 plays, and Devlin scored on a 2-yard run to make it 34-14 with 1:10 left in the game. New York would go 64 yards on 6 plays, and Emerson connected with George Larron for a 24-yard too-little, too-late touchdown pass on the last play of the game to make it 34-21.
Los Angeles (1-0) gained 332 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 148 yards on 35 carries. Kindrick led the team with 79 yards on 18 carries and 2 TD. Guess was 16-of-28 passing for 205 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 21 yards. Alfie Tharp was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 96 yards. The Avengers visit the San Jose Sabercats next week.
New York (0-1) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 107 yards on 21 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 68 yards on 10 carries. Emerson was 24-of-45 passing for 207 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 15 yards. Elvis Darnell was the leading receiver with 8 catches for 66 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
AFL: Firebirds Take Rattlers, 22-10
ALBANY, NY-The Albany Firebirds had a successful opening to their AFL season, defeating the Arizona Rattlers 22-10.
The Firebirds opened the game with an 11-play, 55-yard drive ending with a 34-yard field goal by Wally Dancer giving the Firebirds a 3-0 lead with 9:57 to go in the first quarter. The Rattlers attempted to answer back with a drive of their own, but Kadeem Raburn's fumble was recovered by Butler Stonewall at the Albanying rwec10-yard line.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, when Austin Carle picked off Raburn at the Arizona 34-yard line. Four plays and 20 yards later, Dancer scored on a 31-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 12:17 left in the half. After trading punts again, Albany marched down the field, going 69 yards on 8 plays. Sinbad Gargaro would finish it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Stud Springs to give the Firebirds a 13-0 lead with 1:29 remaining in the second quarter.
The Rattlers would finally get something going on offense after Adam Radecic picked off Gargaro at the Arizona 5-yard line. From there, Arizona would drive 95 yards on 13 plays. Raburn finished it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Stomp Navarro to close the gap to 13-7 with 4:28 left in the third quarter.
Albany would answer back with a 10-play, 47-yard drive that ended with Dancer connecting on a 39-yard field goal that extended the Firebirds' lead to 16-7 with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Arizona would drive 22 yards on 7 plays, and Burt Hamrick kicked a 39-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 8:58 to go in the game. On the ensuing Albany drive, the Firebirds moved all the way down to the 2-yard line, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal attempt by Dancer. However, Jerreld Jericho burst through the line and blocked the kick, returning it to the Rattlers' 22-yard line. Unfortunately for Arizona, Raburn would be victimized again by Carle, who intercepted his pass and took off on a 41-yard pick-six. Albany would go for two, but missed and the score was 22-10 with 4:29 left.
Albany (1-0) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 73 yards on 27 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 41 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 30-of-42 passing for 325 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Tico Ponder was the leading receiver with 8 catches for 79 yards. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week.
Arizona (0-1) gained 218 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 63 yards on 23 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 21 yards on 6 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 90 yards. Raburn went 13-of-33 passing for 176 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Arizona will visit the Colorado Crush next week.
The Firebirds opened the game with an 11-play, 55-yard drive ending with a 34-yard field goal by Wally Dancer giving the Firebirds a 3-0 lead with 9:57 to go in the first quarter. The Rattlers attempted to answer back with a drive of their own, but Kadeem Raburn's fumble was recovered by Butler Stonewall at the Albanying rwec10-yard line.
The teams would trade punts into the second quarter, when Austin Carle picked off Raburn at the Arizona 34-yard line. Four plays and 20 yards later, Dancer scored on a 31-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 12:17 left in the half. After trading punts again, Albany marched down the field, going 69 yards on 8 plays. Sinbad Gargaro would finish it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Stud Springs to give the Firebirds a 13-0 lead with 1:29 remaining in the second quarter.
The Rattlers would finally get something going on offense after Adam Radecic picked off Gargaro at the Arizona 5-yard line. From there, Arizona would drive 95 yards on 13 plays. Raburn finished it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Stomp Navarro to close the gap to 13-7 with 4:28 left in the third quarter.
Albany would answer back with a 10-play, 47-yard drive that ended with Dancer connecting on a 39-yard field goal that extended the Firebirds' lead to 16-7 with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, Arizona would drive 22 yards on 7 plays, and Burt Hamrick kicked a 39-yard field goal to make it 16-10 with 8:58 to go in the game. On the ensuing Albany drive, the Firebirds moved all the way down to the 2-yard line, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal attempt by Dancer. However, Jerreld Jericho burst through the line and blocked the kick, returning it to the Rattlers' 22-yard line. Unfortunately for Arizona, Raburn would be victimized again by Carle, who intercepted his pass and took off on a 41-yard pick-six. Albany would go for two, but missed and the score was 22-10 with 4:29 left.
Albany (1-0) gained 398 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 73 yards on 27 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 41 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 30-of-42 passing for 325 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Tico Ponder was the leading receiver with 8 catches for 79 yards. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week.
Arizona (0-1) gained 218 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 63 yards on 23 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 21 yards on 6 carries. He also led with 5 receptions for 90 yards. Raburn went 13-of-33 passing for 176 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Arizona will visit the Colorado Crush next week.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
AFL: Rampage Hold Off Sabercats, 31-24
GRAND RAPIDS-The Grand Rapids Rampage were the best team last season to not make the playoffs, finishing 11-5 and a game behind Detroit in the AFL's Eastern Division. The San Jose Sabercats at 10-6 finished three games ahead of Colorado to claim the Western Division.
On this occassion, the Rampage would get contributions on all facets of the game to earn an Opening Week victory of the Sabercats 31-24.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then San Jose would roll on a 9-play, 74-yard drive. Andre Stanfill finished it off with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Whitey Drace to take a 7-0 lead with 7:27 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Theodore Kile fielded a short boot and returned it 29 yards to the Sabercats 45-yard line. On the very next play, Toby Harrell would take the handoff and sprint for a 45-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 7:10 remaining in the first.
The teams would punt through most of the remainder of the first quarter, but a sack of Stanfill by Rodd Clift would cause a fumble that was recovered by Jo Jo Spotts at the Sabercats 28-yard line. Four plays and 15 yards later, George Tibbs kicked a 30-yard field goal to give the Rampage a 10-7 lead with 13:29 remaining in the second quarter. Following a Sabercats punt, the Rampage embarked on a 6-play, 48-yard drive. Tibbs would finish it off with a 49-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 8:47 remaining in the half. San Jose would strike back with a 12-play, 89-yard drive that culminated with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to Ramon Counce giving the Sabercats a 14-13 lead with 4:05 left in the second quarter. The Rampage would drive downfield in position for Tibbs to kick a 29-yard field goal, but the kick was blocked by Anson Sale and the teams would go into halftime.
After Tibbs missed a 55-yard field goal to start the second half, The Sabercats would drive 55 yards on 10 plays, ending with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to Alan Sale making it 21-13 with 7:48 to go in the third quarter. Grand Rapids responded with a 5-play, 62-yard drive. Curtis Wayne put the cap on the drive with a 10-yard touchdown on a scramble. The 2-point conversion was no good, and the Rampage trailed 21-19 with 4:40 left in the third. After San Jose punted to the Rampage 1-yard line, Grand Rapids would strike with a 73-yard bomb from Wayne to Thomas Kinzer, a little-known receiver acquired from Colorado in a trade. The pass set up a 46-yard field goal by Tibbs with 8 seconds to go in the third to put the Rampage ahead, 22-21.
The Sabercats responded with a 6-play, 15-yard drive ending with a 56-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to give San Jose the lead back at 24-22 with 11:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. Grand Rapids would answer with a 7-play, 84-yard drive, ending with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Lester Garman and the Rampage came ahead 29-24 with 8:07 remaining in the fourth. Turk Costigan was overwhelmed on the kickoff and tackled at his own 10-yard line. On the next play, Marvin Tyles sacked Stanfill in the end zone for a safety making it 31-24 with 7:46 to go in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, the Sabercats had one last gasp, but Stanfill's prayer was picked off by Orville Brill to seal the game.
Grand Rapids (1-0) gained 450 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 136 yards on 26 carries. Harrell led the team with 73 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Wayne went 24-of-31 passing for 333 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Kinzer was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 204 yards. The Rampage visit the New York Dragons next week.
San Jose (0-1) gained 377 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 81 yards on 21 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 65 yards on 15 carries. Stanfill went 23-of-41 passing for 311 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 32 yards. Teddy Stacy caught 4 passes for 55 yards. Costigan caught 4 passes for 33 yards. The Sabercats open their home schedule next week against the Los Angeles Avengers.
On this occassion, the Rampage would get contributions on all facets of the game to earn an Opening Week victory of the Sabercats 31-24.
The teams traded punts to start the game, then San Jose would roll on a 9-play, 74-yard drive. Andre Stanfill finished it off with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Whitey Drace to take a 7-0 lead with 7:27 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Theodore Kile fielded a short boot and returned it 29 yards to the Sabercats 45-yard line. On the very next play, Toby Harrell would take the handoff and sprint for a 45-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 7:10 remaining in the first.
The teams would punt through most of the remainder of the first quarter, but a sack of Stanfill by Rodd Clift would cause a fumble that was recovered by Jo Jo Spotts at the Sabercats 28-yard line. Four plays and 15 yards later, George Tibbs kicked a 30-yard field goal to give the Rampage a 10-7 lead with 13:29 remaining in the second quarter. Following a Sabercats punt, the Rampage embarked on a 6-play, 48-yard drive. Tibbs would finish it off with a 49-yard field goal to make it 13-7 with 8:47 remaining in the half. San Jose would strike back with a 12-play, 89-yard drive that culminated with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to Ramon Counce giving the Sabercats a 14-13 lead with 4:05 left in the second quarter. The Rampage would drive downfield in position for Tibbs to kick a 29-yard field goal, but the kick was blocked by Anson Sale and the teams would go into halftime.
After Tibbs missed a 55-yard field goal to start the second half, The Sabercats would drive 55 yards on 10 plays, ending with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Stanfill to Alan Sale making it 21-13 with 7:48 to go in the third quarter. Grand Rapids responded with a 5-play, 62-yard drive. Curtis Wayne put the cap on the drive with a 10-yard touchdown on a scramble. The 2-point conversion was no good, and the Rampage trailed 21-19 with 4:40 left in the third. After San Jose punted to the Rampage 1-yard line, Grand Rapids would strike with a 73-yard bomb from Wayne to Thomas Kinzer, a little-known receiver acquired from Colorado in a trade. The pass set up a 46-yard field goal by Tibbs with 8 seconds to go in the third to put the Rampage ahead, 22-21.
The Sabercats responded with a 6-play, 15-yard drive ending with a 56-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to give San Jose the lead back at 24-22 with 11:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. Grand Rapids would answer with a 7-play, 84-yard drive, ending with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Lester Garman and the Rampage came ahead 29-24 with 8:07 remaining in the fourth. Turk Costigan was overwhelmed on the kickoff and tackled at his own 10-yard line. On the next play, Marvin Tyles sacked Stanfill in the end zone for a safety making it 31-24 with 7:46 to go in the fourth quarter. After trading punts, the Sabercats had one last gasp, but Stanfill's prayer was picked off by Orville Brill to seal the game.
Grand Rapids (1-0) gained 450 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 136 yards on 26 carries. Harrell led the team with 73 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Wayne went 24-of-31 passing for 333 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Kinzer was the leading receiver with 11 catches for 204 yards. The Rampage visit the New York Dragons next week.
San Jose (0-1) gained 377 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 81 yards on 21 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 65 yards on 15 carries. Stanfill went 23-of-41 passing for 311 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 32 yards. Teddy Stacy caught 4 passes for 55 yards. Costigan caught 4 passes for 33 yards. The Sabercats open their home schedule next week against the Los Angeles Avengers.
Monday, July 24, 2017
AFL: Drive Lose Opener to Crush, 22-20
DETROIT-Well, this is not how the Detroit Drive envisioned Opening Night of AFL season 2 going.
The evening started with the Drive celebrating their ArenaBowl championship, and raising the championship banner. It ended with Cletis Frayer's 28-yard field goal attempt getting blocked with six seconds left, giving the Colorado Crush the 22-20 victory.
Colorado opened the game with a punt, then Detroit moved into position to score, but Frayer missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. Following the miss, the Crush moved 32 yards on 11 plays, ending the drive with a 48-yard field goal by Earl Ginger to give Colorado a 3-0 lead with 1:15 left in the first quarter.
Following a punt by the Drive, the Crush moved downfield with a 7-play, 66-yard drive. Valentine Millstone would then score on a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 10-0 with 10 minutes remaining in the half. After trading punts, the Drive would get rolling, going 54 yards on 8 plays. Patch Brolie scored on a 5-yard touchdown run making the score 10-7 with 2:23 remaining in the second quarter.
Detroit would take advantage of a short kickoff and long return by Dave Huntley to open the second half and drove 35 yards on 7 plays. Lou Couch threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to give the Drive a 14-10 lead with 11:27 left in the third quarter. The Crush would answer back with a 9-play, 66-yard drive. Ginger kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 14-13 with 7:39 remaining in the third. Following a Detroit punt, Colorado went on the move again, going 80 yards on 8 plays. Howton Thom finished it off with a 31-yard touchdown strike to Antony Croft. Colorado failed on the 2-point conversion and the score was 19-14 with 2:07 left in the third quarter.
Brolie would fumble on Detroit's next possession, and Cecil Nathan recovered for the Crush at the Drive 40-yard line. But Butch Bryant would put an end to Colorado's scoring threat by picking off Thom and returning it 12 yards to the Detroit 17-yard line. Couch would later get victimized by an interception as Wallace Burden picked Couch off returning it 9 yards to the Crush 23-yard line. Then, after an 8-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 39-yard field goal to extend Colorado's lead to 22-14 with 7:29 to go in the fourth quarter. Detroit would respond, going 77 yards on 9 plays. Couch would hit Kelly for a 13-yard touchdown, but the Drive missed their 2-point conversion attempt, and were down 22-20 with 4:13 left in the game. The Crush would punt, and the Drive found themselves at their own 17-yard line with 52 seconds left, and with two timeouts. They managed to reach the Colorado 11-yard line with six seconds remaining, and sent Frayer out to attempt the game-winning 28-yard field goal. But Leonardo Emery burst through the line and blocked the kick, falling on it at the 29-yard line to seal Colorado's win.
Colorado (1-0) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Millstone led the team with 61 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Thom went 16-of-27 passing for 227 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 12 yards. Sandy Kelley was Colorado's leading receiver with 4 catches for 109 yards. The Crush will open their home schedule next week against the Arizona Rattlers.
Detroit (0-1) gained 342 yards of total offense.The Drive ran for 65 yards on 22 carries. C.J. Jetton led the team with 25 yards on 8 carries. Couch went 21-of-34 passing for 306 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 29 yards. Brolie caught 5 passes for 100 yards. The Drive go on the road next week to face the Albany Firebirds.
The evening started with the Drive celebrating their ArenaBowl championship, and raising the championship banner. It ended with Cletis Frayer's 28-yard field goal attempt getting blocked with six seconds left, giving the Colorado Crush the 22-20 victory.
Colorado opened the game with a punt, then Detroit moved into position to score, but Frayer missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. Following the miss, the Crush moved 32 yards on 11 plays, ending the drive with a 48-yard field goal by Earl Ginger to give Colorado a 3-0 lead with 1:15 left in the first quarter.
Following a punt by the Drive, the Crush moved downfield with a 7-play, 66-yard drive. Valentine Millstone would then score on a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 10-0 with 10 minutes remaining in the half. After trading punts, the Drive would get rolling, going 54 yards on 8 plays. Patch Brolie scored on a 5-yard touchdown run making the score 10-7 with 2:23 remaining in the second quarter.
Detroit would take advantage of a short kickoff and long return by Dave Huntley to open the second half and drove 35 yards on 7 plays. Lou Couch threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to give the Drive a 14-10 lead with 11:27 left in the third quarter. The Crush would answer back with a 9-play, 66-yard drive. Ginger kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 14-13 with 7:39 remaining in the third. Following a Detroit punt, Colorado went on the move again, going 80 yards on 8 plays. Howton Thom finished it off with a 31-yard touchdown strike to Antony Croft. Colorado failed on the 2-point conversion and the score was 19-14 with 2:07 left in the third quarter.
Brolie would fumble on Detroit's next possession, and Cecil Nathan recovered for the Crush at the Drive 40-yard line. But Butch Bryant would put an end to Colorado's scoring threat by picking off Thom and returning it 12 yards to the Detroit 17-yard line. Couch would later get victimized by an interception as Wallace Burden picked Couch off returning it 9 yards to the Crush 23-yard line. Then, after an 8-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 39-yard field goal to extend Colorado's lead to 22-14 with 7:29 to go in the fourth quarter. Detroit would respond, going 77 yards on 9 plays. Couch would hit Kelly for a 13-yard touchdown, but the Drive missed their 2-point conversion attempt, and were down 22-20 with 4:13 left in the game. The Crush would punt, and the Drive found themselves at their own 17-yard line with 52 seconds left, and with two timeouts. They managed to reach the Colorado 11-yard line with six seconds remaining, and sent Frayer out to attempt the game-winning 28-yard field goal. But Leonardo Emery burst through the line and blocked the kick, falling on it at the 29-yard line to seal Colorado's win.
Colorado (1-0) gained 357 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Millstone led the team with 61 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Thom went 16-of-27 passing for 227 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 12 yards. Sandy Kelley was Colorado's leading receiver with 4 catches for 109 yards. The Crush will open their home schedule next week against the Arizona Rattlers.
Detroit (0-1) gained 342 yards of total offense.The Drive ran for 65 yards on 22 carries. C.J. Jetton led the team with 25 yards on 8 carries. Couch went 21-of-34 passing for 306 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 29 yards. Brolie caught 5 passes for 100 yards. The Drive go on the road next week to face the Albany Firebirds.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
CIFL Championship: Bombers Beat Pride in OT Thriller, 41-35
CHARLESTOWN, MI-The Continental Independent Football League's inaugural Championship Game was everything that fans and CIFL officials hoped it would be and more.
The Michigan Bombers and the Portland Pride engaged in a heavyweight fight that saw both teams take the other's best shot, and come back for more. Ultimately, it came down to overtime and the Bombers would take the victory by a final of 41-35.
On the second play of the game, Portland's Reuben Findley fumbled the snap, and Norman Meads recovered for the Bombers at the Pride 17-yard line. Five plays later, facing a fourth-and-goal from the 2, the Bombers went for it and scored on a reverse by Oneal Little to give Michigan a 7-0 lead with 12:33 to go in the first quarter. After a Portland punt, the Bombers went on the move again, with a 17-play, 66-yard drive that included a 17-yard gain on a fake punt pass by Bucky Oost to Turk Neff. Michigan would end the near eight-and-a-half minute drive with a 33-yard field goal by Orey Calhoun to take a 10-0 lead with 30 seconds remaining in the first.
After the Pride went three-and-out, the Bombers moved downfield again, going 77 yards on 6 plays. Jerreld Caudill put an end to the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run to extend Michigan's lead to 17-0 with 10:09 left in the second quarter. But one defining characteristic of Portland, particularly in the latter part of the season, has been their ability to come back. This game was no exception. After trading punts, the Pride finally got rolling as they drove 68 yards on 6 plays. Findley would finish the drive off with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Rex Doran to make it 17-7 with 38 seconds left in the half. Then on the ensuing Bombers possession, Josey McCain picked off Gitch Tims and took off 28 yards for a pick-six to make it 17-14 with 19 seconds to go in the half.
Michigan would punt on their first possession of the second half, then Portland would drive 55 yards on 7 plays, culminating in Findley throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Shelton Pick giving the Pride a 21-17 lead with 9:14 to go in the third quarter. The Bombers would answer back with an 8-play, 29-yard drive ending with Calhoun kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 5:34 left in the third.
Following a Portland three-and-out, Michigan moved downfield once again with a 14-play, 67-yard drive. Tims finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Norm Rancher, and the Bombers successfully went for a 2-point conversion to pull ahead 28-21 with 13:28 to go in the fourth quarter. After another three-and-out by the Pride, the Bombers would go 40 yards on 7 plays, ending with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Tims to Whitey Barnwell to make it 35-21 with 8:50 to go. But once again, Portland showed their will to come back, as they drove 86 yards on 16 plays. Findley would throw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Irv Tranthem to close the gap to 35-28 with 1:46 left in regulation. The Pride would force the Bombers to punt, then went on a quick 4-play, 68-yard drive. Findley completed the comeback with a 36-yard touchdown pass to Doran with 16 seconds left to tie the game at 35 and send it to overtime.
The Pride went three-and-out to start the overtime session, then the Bombers had a chance to win the game on a 44-yard field goal by Calhoun, but the kick was wide. But Marco Ancell picked off Findley at the Michigan 42-yard line. The teams would then trade punts, and Michigan would drive 62 yards on 7 plays. Tims would finish it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Bernest Noon with 5:11 left in overtime to give the Bombers the championship.
Michigan gained 404 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 143 yards on 39 carries. Caudill led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Tims went 25-of-40 passing for 261 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Kirk Norman was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 66 yards.
Portland gained 326 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 80 yards on 25 carries. Kenny Boren led the team with 47 yards on 11 carries. Findley was 22-of-40 passing for 260 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Doran was the leading receiver with 9 catches for 128 yards for 2 TD.
Note: This ends the CIFL season. Next up, we will be recapping the second season of the AFL, beginning with the defending champion Detroit Drive opening the season against the Colorado Crush. Recap to come tomorrow. Same UFL time, Same UFL channel!
The Michigan Bombers and the Portland Pride engaged in a heavyweight fight that saw both teams take the other's best shot, and come back for more. Ultimately, it came down to overtime and the Bombers would take the victory by a final of 41-35.
On the second play of the game, Portland's Reuben Findley fumbled the snap, and Norman Meads recovered for the Bombers at the Pride 17-yard line. Five plays later, facing a fourth-and-goal from the 2, the Bombers went for it and scored on a reverse by Oneal Little to give Michigan a 7-0 lead with 12:33 to go in the first quarter. After a Portland punt, the Bombers went on the move again, with a 17-play, 66-yard drive that included a 17-yard gain on a fake punt pass by Bucky Oost to Turk Neff. Michigan would end the near eight-and-a-half minute drive with a 33-yard field goal by Orey Calhoun to take a 10-0 lead with 30 seconds remaining in the first.
After the Pride went three-and-out, the Bombers moved downfield again, going 77 yards on 6 plays. Jerreld Caudill put an end to the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run to extend Michigan's lead to 17-0 with 10:09 left in the second quarter. But one defining characteristic of Portland, particularly in the latter part of the season, has been their ability to come back. This game was no exception. After trading punts, the Pride finally got rolling as they drove 68 yards on 6 plays. Findley would finish the drive off with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Rex Doran to make it 17-7 with 38 seconds left in the half. Then on the ensuing Bombers possession, Josey McCain picked off Gitch Tims and took off 28 yards for a pick-six to make it 17-14 with 19 seconds to go in the half.
Michigan would punt on their first possession of the second half, then Portland would drive 55 yards on 7 plays, culminating in Findley throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Shelton Pick giving the Pride a 21-17 lead with 9:14 to go in the third quarter. The Bombers would answer back with an 8-play, 29-yard drive ending with Calhoun kicking a 53-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 5:34 left in the third.
Following a Portland three-and-out, Michigan moved downfield once again with a 14-play, 67-yard drive. Tims finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Norm Rancher, and the Bombers successfully went for a 2-point conversion to pull ahead 28-21 with 13:28 to go in the fourth quarter. After another three-and-out by the Pride, the Bombers would go 40 yards on 7 plays, ending with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Tims to Whitey Barnwell to make it 35-21 with 8:50 to go. But once again, Portland showed their will to come back, as they drove 86 yards on 16 plays. Findley would throw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Irv Tranthem to close the gap to 35-28 with 1:46 left in regulation. The Pride would force the Bombers to punt, then went on a quick 4-play, 68-yard drive. Findley completed the comeback with a 36-yard touchdown pass to Doran with 16 seconds left to tie the game at 35 and send it to overtime.
The Pride went three-and-out to start the overtime session, then the Bombers had a chance to win the game on a 44-yard field goal by Calhoun, but the kick was wide. But Marco Ancell picked off Findley at the Michigan 42-yard line. The teams would then trade punts, and Michigan would drive 62 yards on 7 plays. Tims would finish it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Bernest Noon with 5:11 left in overtime to give the Bombers the championship.
Michigan gained 404 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 143 yards on 39 carries. Caudill led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries and a TD. Tims went 25-of-40 passing for 261 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 17 yards. Kirk Norman was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 66 yards.
Portland gained 326 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 80 yards on 25 carries. Kenny Boren led the team with 47 yards on 11 carries. Findley was 22-of-40 passing for 260 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 14 yards. Doran was the leading receiver with 9 catches for 128 yards for 2 TD.
Note: This ends the CIFL season. Next up, we will be recapping the second season of the AFL, beginning with the defending champion Detroit Drive opening the season against the Colorado Crush. Recap to come tomorrow. Same UFL time, Same UFL channel!
Friday, July 21, 2017
CIFL Final Regular Season League Leaders
| RUSHING | ATT | YARDS | TD | LONG | AVG | ||||||
| Barnwell, MIC | 198 | 866 | 7 | 39 | 4.4 | ||||||
| Boren, POR | 207 | 824 | 6 | 27 | 4.0 | ||||||
| Fusco, ANA | 178 | 731 | 5 | 31 | 4.1 | ||||||
| Garver, WAS | 171 | 705 | 3 | 26 | 4.1 | ||||||
| Shoe, SEA | 183 | 702 | 8 | 32 | 3.8 | ||||||
| Smits, DET | 132 | 505 | 4 | 15 | 3.8 | ||||||
| Olive, HOU | 123 | 429 | 1 | 56 | 3.5 | ||||||
| Wardell, WAS | 71 | 365 | 6 | 34 | 5.1 | ||||||
| Gold, SAC | 80 | 359 | 2 | 24 | 4.5 | ||||||
| Colvin, WAS | 80 | 357 | 5 | 15 | 4.5 | ||||||
| RECEIVING | REC | YARDS | TD | LONG | AVG | ||||||
| Doran, POR | 97 | 1010 | 4 | 46 | 10.4 | ||||||
| Dillon, SEA | 96 | 957 | 5 | 48 | 10.0 | ||||||
| Fusco, ANA | 75 | 624 | 4 | 26 | 8.3 | ||||||
| Pyle, HOU | 71 | 706 | 1 | 43 | 9.9 | ||||||
| Echols, DET | 60 | 859 | 5 | 60 | 14.3 | ||||||
| Colvin, WAS | 59 | 691 | 4 | 40 | 11.7 | ||||||
| Kilburn, MIC | 58 | 979 | 6 | 80 | 16.9 | ||||||
| Troxel, DET | 56 | 593 | 5 | 28 | 10.6 | ||||||
| Epps, HOU | 56 | 689 | 3 | 49 | 12.3 | ||||||
| Inman, SAC | 55 | 769 | 3 | 70 | 14.0 | ||||||
| Hinshaw, HOU | 52 | 662 | 4 | 79 | 12.7 | ||||||
| PASSING | RAT | ATT | COMP | PCT | INT | INT% | YARDS | YPP | TD | LONG | SACK |
| Tims, MIC | 89.3 | 475 | 290 | 61.1% | 13 | 2.7% | 3683 | 7.8 | 22 | 80 | 31 |
| Lehigh, DET | 85.9 | 403 | 250 | 62.0% | 17 | 4.2% | 2969 | 7.4 | 23 | 48 | 35 |
| Kesterson, SEA | 81.3 | 501 | 307 | 61.3% | 23 | 4.6% | 3521 | 7.0 | 27 | 53 | 48 |
| Findley, POR | 81.1 | 481 | 292 | 60.7% | 20 | 4.2% | 3277 | 6.8 | 25 | 46 | 36 |
| Brant, HOU | 77.3 | 486 | 285 | 58.6% | 20 | 4.1% | 3155 | 6.5 | 24 | 79 | 43 |
| Wardell, WAS | 71.8 | 309 | 173 | 56.0% | 16 | 5.2% | 2109 | 6.8 | 15 | 49 | 20 |
| Finnegan, ANA | 70.4 | 544 | 300 | 55.1% | 20 | 3.7% | 3560 | 6.5 | 17 | 81 | 41 |
| Todd, SAC | 70.4 | 469 | 258 | 55.0% | 22 | 4.7% | 3126 | 6.7 | 20 | 70 | 48 |
| SACKS | |||||||||||
| Tobias, SAC | 13 | ||||||||||
| Gary, HOU | 12 | ||||||||||
| Walzer, MIC | 9 | ||||||||||
| Edwards, WAS | 9 | ||||||||||
| Vilmer, ANA | 9 | ||||||||||
| Harbin, POR | 9 | ||||||||||
| Ruby, MIC | 9 | ||||||||||
| Cupp, SAC | 9 | ||||||||||
| Ireland, MIC | 8 | ||||||||||
| 7 others tied with | 8 | ||||||||||
| INTERCEPTIONS | INT | YARDS | TD | LONG | |||||||
| Warmack, MIC | 9 | 112 | 1 | 54 | |||||||
| Hatton, HOU | 8 | 69 | 0 | 40 | |||||||
| Arguelles, DET | 8 | 118 | 0 | 58 | |||||||
| Reed, HOU | 7 | 126 | 0 | 28 | |||||||
| Angus, WAS | 6 | 66 | 0 | 25 | |||||||
| Fusco, SEA | 6 | 168 | 0 | 56 | |||||||
| Aiken, SEA | 6 | 56 | 0 | 30 | |||||||
| Idle, POR | 5 | 49 | 0 | 23 | |||||||
| Lockner, SAC | 5 | 111 | 0 | 38 | |||||||
| 3 others tied with | 5 | ||||||||||
| PUNTING | PUNT | AVG | BLK | RET | YDS | FC | TB | IN20 | LONG | NET | |
| Hull, DET | 58 | 43.2 | 0 | 27 | 305 | 5 | 11 | 15 | 66 | 34.2 | |
| Pegg, POR | 66 | 42.9 | 2 | 39 | 460 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 67 | 32.9 | |
| Millstone, SEA | 63 | 42.5 | 1 | 28 | 320 | 8 | 8 | 22 | 69 | 34.9 | |
| Patrick, ANA | 67 | 42.0 | 1 | 28 | 299 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 63 | 34.9 | |
| Covington, SAC | 70 | 41.8 | 1 | 39 | 378 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 64 | 33.0 | |
| Talie, WAS | 66 | 41.0 | 4 | 28 | 233 | 16 | 3 | 17 | 67 | 36.6 | |
| Oost, MIC | 65 | 40.8 | 0 | 31 | 285 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 59 | 33.1 | |
| Prichard, HOU | 70 | 40.5 | 1 | 38 | 308 | 8 | 8 | 13 | 58 | 33.9 | |
| KICK RETURNS | RET | YARDS | AVG | TD | LONG | (Minimum 20 Ret) | |||||
| Wicker, HOU | 36 | 865 | 24.0 | 1 | 100 | ||||||
| Womack, WAS | 29 | 696 | 24.0 | 0 | 44 | ||||||
| Boren, POR | 44 | 1033 | 23.5 | 1 | 90 | ||||||
| Gee, ANA | 46 | 1025 | 22.3 | 0 | 47 | ||||||
| Nathaniel, SEA | 25 | 549 | 22.0 | 0 | 79 | ||||||
| Barnwell, MIC | 42 | 909 | 21.6 | 0 | 87 | ||||||
| Ware, SAC | 49 | 1058 | 21.6 | 1 | 95 | ||||||
| Inman, SAC | 29 | 621 | 21.4 | 0 | 32 | ||||||
| Bellinger, ANA | 26 | 550 | 21.2 | 1 | 80 | ||||||
| Ledd, DET | 25 | 491 | 19.6 | 0 | 35 | ||||||
| PUNT RETURNS | RET | YARDS | AVG | TD | LONG | (Minimum 20 Ret) | |||||
| Epps, HOU | 24 | 187 | 7.8 | 0 | 18 | ||||||
| TACKLES | |||||||||||
| Cupp, SAC | 112 | ||||||||||
| Vilmer, ANA | 106 | ||||||||||
| Newby, SAC | 104 | ||||||||||
| Bumpers, SAC | 103 | ||||||||||
| McCain, POR | 99 | ||||||||||
| Fortner, SEA | 97 | ||||||||||
| Petrey, ANA | 96 | ||||||||||
| Strand, DET | 93 | ||||||||||
| Fusco, SEA | 92 | ||||||||||
| Lavue, HOU | 90 | ||||||||||
| TOUCHDOWNS | TOTAL | RUSH | REC | RET | |||||||
| Barnwell, MIC | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | |||||||
| Boren, POR | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | |||||||
| Shoe, SEA | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | |||||||
| Fusco, ANA | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | |||||||
| Smits, DET | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |||||||
| Colvin, WAS | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | |||||||
| Noon, MIC | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | |||||||
| Belle, DET | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |||||||
| Pick, POR | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |||||||
| Quince, SAC | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |||||||
| Vaughn, HOU | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | |||||||
| KICKING | FG | FGA | LONG | XP | XPA | PTS | |||||
| Pilgrim, DET | 26 | 37 | 53 | 41 | 43 | 119 | |||||
| Seal, HOU | 26 | 37 | 54 | 29 | 30 | 107 | |||||
| Hooper, WAS | 22 | 33 | 54 | 39 | 41 | 105 | |||||
| Durkin, POR | 24 | 36 | 53 | 30 | 33 | 102 | |||||
| Dill, SEA | 21 | 29 | 53 | 37 | 40 | 100 | |||||
| Elliott, ANA | 24 | 35 | 54 | 21 | 22 | 93 | |||||
| Calhoun, MIC | 15 | 34 | 53 | 38 | 40 | 83 | |||||
| Sandlin, SAC | 14 | 30 | 54 | 27 | 29 | 69 | |||||
CIFL Final Regular Season Standings
| EAST DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Michigan Bombers* | 9 | 5 | 0 | 333 | 254 | 5-2 |
| Detroit Neon | 9 | 5 | 0 | 389 | 308 | 5-2 |
| Washington Warthogs | 8 | 6 | 0 | 369 | 346 | 5-2 |
| Houston Hotshots | 7 | 7 | 0 | 297 | 318 | 5-2 |
| WEST DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Portland Pride* | 9 | 5 | 0 | 354 | 337 | 6-1 |
| Seattle Seadogs | 8 | 6 | 0 | 356 | 301 | 4-3 |
| Anaheim Splash | 4 | 10 | 0 | 277 | 402 | 4-3 |
| Sacramento Knights | 2 | 12 | 0 | 279 | 388 | 1-6 |
| *Clinched Division | ||||||
| Week 15 Scores (Home team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| Detroit 37, HOUSTON 23 | ||||||
| ANAHEIM 18, Michigan 16 | ||||||
| SEATTLE 25, Sacramento 13 | ||||||
| PORTLAND 38, Washington 30 | ||||||
| CIFL CHAMPIONSHIP | ||||||
| Portland at Michigan (Pick 'Em) | ||||||
CIFL Championship Game Set
It came down to the final two games of the season to determine the CIFL's West Division Champion.
The Seattle Seadogs needed to defeat the Sacramento Knights at home, and hope that the Washington Warthogs beat the Portland Pride. Meanwhile, a Portland win would assure the Pride of the division title and a date with the Michigan Bombers.
The Seadogs would do their part, despite falling behind 13-0 early in the second quarter. Curtis Kesterson would fire three touchdown passes, and the Seadogs defense intercepted Sacramento's Derrick Todd four times en route to a 25-13 victory.
Seattle (8-6) gained 217 yards of total offense. The Seadogs ran for 75 yards on 33 carries. Roman Shoe led the team with 43 yards on 18 carries. He also caught 6 passes for 71 yards and a TD. Kesterson was 20-of-25 passing for 204 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. Chili Jerris caught 6 passes for 65 yards and a TD. Trent Dillon caught 6 passes for 33 yards and a TD.
Sacramento (2-10) gained 262 yards of total offense. The Kinghts ran for 75 yards on 21 carries. Bernest Herbert led the team with 25 yards on 7 carries. Todd was 21-of-38 passing for 218 yards and 4 INT. Herb Inman caught 4 passes for 68 yards.
Meanwhile, in Portland, the Pride would jump to an early 13-3 lead in the second quarter after a 35-yard touchdown run by Bull Locke. But the Warthogs would strike back with three touchdowns of their own, and held a 24-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Portland would explode for 25 points in the fourth and ultimately came away with the 38-30 victory.
Portland (9-5) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 119 yards on 20 carries. Locke led the team with 54 yards on 7 carries and 2 TD. Reuben Findley was 28-of-45 passing for 293 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. Isao Parish led with 9 receptions for 81 yards and 2 TD.
Washington (8-6) gained 329 yards of total offense. The Warthogs ran for 128 yards on 29 carries. Corliss Wardell led with 46 yards on 10 carries and a TD.He was 20-of-38 passing for 226 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. Archie Colvin caught 6 passes for 82 yards. Kevin Hanan caught 6 passes for 56 yards and a TD.
So, the stage is set for next week's CIFL Championship Game to be held in Charlestown, Michigan between the Portland Pride and the Michigan Bombers. The early line has the game as a Pick' Em, and the over-under is 48 points.
The Seattle Seadogs needed to defeat the Sacramento Knights at home, and hope that the Washington Warthogs beat the Portland Pride. Meanwhile, a Portland win would assure the Pride of the division title and a date with the Michigan Bombers.
The Seadogs would do their part, despite falling behind 13-0 early in the second quarter. Curtis Kesterson would fire three touchdown passes, and the Seadogs defense intercepted Sacramento's Derrick Todd four times en route to a 25-13 victory.
Seattle (8-6) gained 217 yards of total offense. The Seadogs ran for 75 yards on 33 carries. Roman Shoe led the team with 43 yards on 18 carries. He also caught 6 passes for 71 yards and a TD. Kesterson was 20-of-25 passing for 204 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. Chili Jerris caught 6 passes for 65 yards and a TD. Trent Dillon caught 6 passes for 33 yards and a TD.
Sacramento (2-10) gained 262 yards of total offense. The Kinghts ran for 75 yards on 21 carries. Bernest Herbert led the team with 25 yards on 7 carries. Todd was 21-of-38 passing for 218 yards and 4 INT. Herb Inman caught 4 passes for 68 yards.
Meanwhile, in Portland, the Pride would jump to an early 13-3 lead in the second quarter after a 35-yard touchdown run by Bull Locke. But the Warthogs would strike back with three touchdowns of their own, and held a 24-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Portland would explode for 25 points in the fourth and ultimately came away with the 38-30 victory.
Portland (9-5) gained 401 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 119 yards on 20 carries. Locke led the team with 54 yards on 7 carries and 2 TD. Reuben Findley was 28-of-45 passing for 293 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 11 yards. Isao Parish led with 9 receptions for 81 yards and 2 TD.
Washington (8-6) gained 329 yards of total offense. The Warthogs ran for 128 yards on 29 carries. Corliss Wardell led with 46 yards on 10 carries and a TD.He was 20-of-38 passing for 226 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. Archie Colvin caught 6 passes for 82 yards. Kevin Hanan caught 6 passes for 56 yards and a TD.
So, the stage is set for next week's CIFL Championship Game to be held in Charlestown, Michigan between the Portland Pride and the Michigan Bombers. The early line has the game as a Pick' Em, and the over-under is 48 points.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
CIFL: Splash Diffuse Bombers, 18-16
ANAHEIM-The Anaheim Splash have had a very difficult season, but they didn't give up the ghost, and kept trying every week. This week, the persistence paid off as they defeated the Championship Game-bound Michigan Bombers 18-16 in Week 15 of the CIFL season.
The Splash opened the game with a punt, and Michigan appeared to drive for a score when Norm Rancher fumbled and Stafford Vilmer recovered for Anaheim on their own 29-yard line. The Splash would punt again, placing the ball on the Bombers' 9-yard line. Michigan then went on an 8-play, 91-yard drive, highlighted by an 80-yard bomb from Gitch Tims to Dalls Kilburn. Bernest Noon would finish the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Bombers a 7-0 lead with 6:49 to go in the first quarter. Anaheim would have to punt again, and down it at the Michigan 5-yard line. After the Bombers went three-and-out, Bucky Oost mishandled the punt snap and had to fall on it, giving up a safety to make it 7-2 with 3:15 left in the first.
After trading punts twice, Anaheim went on the move with a 9-play, 44-yard drive. Harlan Finnegan hit Cobey Bumpers for a 3-yard touchdown pass to give the Splash a 9-7 lead with 4:45 left in the second quarter. Following another Bomber punt, Webb Cooper was overwhelmed on a running play and fumbled. Covie Warmack scooped it up and ran 15 yards to the Splash 10-yard line. Two plays later, Whitey Barnwell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to put Michigan up 14-9 with 1:04 to go in the half.
Michigan opened the second half with a drive that was thwarted by a Thurman Cato interception that was returned 13 yards to the Anaheim 46-yard line. After trading punts, the Splash went on a 9-play, 51-yard drive, and Butler Elliott kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 14-12 with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter.
The Bombers would punt, and down the ball on the Anaheim 7-yard line. Finnegan attempted to drive down the field, but was strip-sacked by Warmack, and JT Ruby recovered at the Splash 42-yard line. The Bombers attempted to put points of their own on the board, but Orey Calhoun missed a 48-yard field goal. Anaheim then drove 54 yards on 7 plays, and Elliott kicked a 25-yard field goal to give the Splash a 15-14 lead with 5:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. Michigan would punt on their next possession, then Brett Fusco fumbled and Foster Whitlock recovered for the Bombers at the Anaheim 49-yard line. The Bombers would go three-and-out, and downed it on the Splash 3-yard line. Bumpers was tackled in the end zone on the first play of Anaheim's ensuing possession for a safety, and a 16-15 Bombers lead with 1:52 remaining. On the safety kick, Kirk Norman fumbled the return, and Elliott would pick it up and run 11 yards to the Michigan 35-yard line. Three plays and four yards later, Elliott would kick a 48-yard field goal to put the Splash ahead 18-16 with 1:06 to go. The Bombers would try to reach the end zone, but came up short.
Anaheim (4-10) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Splash gained 76 rushing yards on 24 carries. Fusco led the team with 30 yards on 10 carries. He also caught 4 passes for 16 yards. Finnegan went 23-of-34 passing for 227 yards and a TD. He was sacked six times, losing 38 yards. Ham Lassiter caught 4 passes for 83 yards. Cooper caught 4 passes for 38 yards.
Michigan (9-5) gained 382 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 84 yards on 22 carries. Barnwell led the team with 75 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Tims was 24-of-40 passing for 309 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 11 yards. Rancher led with 5 catches for 11 yards. Kilburn caught 4 passes for 113 yards. The Bombers will face either the Portland Pride or Seattle Seadogs next week for the CIFL Championship.
The Splash opened the game with a punt, and Michigan appeared to drive for a score when Norm Rancher fumbled and Stafford Vilmer recovered for Anaheim on their own 29-yard line. The Splash would punt again, placing the ball on the Bombers' 9-yard line. Michigan then went on an 8-play, 91-yard drive, highlighted by an 80-yard bomb from Gitch Tims to Dalls Kilburn. Bernest Noon would finish the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Bombers a 7-0 lead with 6:49 to go in the first quarter. Anaheim would have to punt again, and down it at the Michigan 5-yard line. After the Bombers went three-and-out, Bucky Oost mishandled the punt snap and had to fall on it, giving up a safety to make it 7-2 with 3:15 left in the first.
After trading punts twice, Anaheim went on the move with a 9-play, 44-yard drive. Harlan Finnegan hit Cobey Bumpers for a 3-yard touchdown pass to give the Splash a 9-7 lead with 4:45 left in the second quarter. Following another Bomber punt, Webb Cooper was overwhelmed on a running play and fumbled. Covie Warmack scooped it up and ran 15 yards to the Splash 10-yard line. Two plays later, Whitey Barnwell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to put Michigan up 14-9 with 1:04 to go in the half.
Michigan opened the second half with a drive that was thwarted by a Thurman Cato interception that was returned 13 yards to the Anaheim 46-yard line. After trading punts, the Splash went on a 9-play, 51-yard drive, and Butler Elliott kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 14-12 with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter.
The Bombers would punt, and down the ball on the Anaheim 7-yard line. Finnegan attempted to drive down the field, but was strip-sacked by Warmack, and JT Ruby recovered at the Splash 42-yard line. The Bombers attempted to put points of their own on the board, but Orey Calhoun missed a 48-yard field goal. Anaheim then drove 54 yards on 7 plays, and Elliott kicked a 25-yard field goal to give the Splash a 15-14 lead with 5:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. Michigan would punt on their next possession, then Brett Fusco fumbled and Foster Whitlock recovered for the Bombers at the Anaheim 49-yard line. The Bombers would go three-and-out, and downed it on the Splash 3-yard line. Bumpers was tackled in the end zone on the first play of Anaheim's ensuing possession for a safety, and a 16-15 Bombers lead with 1:52 remaining. On the safety kick, Kirk Norman fumbled the return, and Elliott would pick it up and run 11 yards to the Michigan 35-yard line. Three plays and four yards later, Elliott would kick a 48-yard field goal to put the Splash ahead 18-16 with 1:06 to go. The Bombers would try to reach the end zone, but came up short.
Anaheim (4-10) gained 265 yards of total offense. The Splash gained 76 rushing yards on 24 carries. Fusco led the team with 30 yards on 10 carries. He also caught 4 passes for 16 yards. Finnegan went 23-of-34 passing for 227 yards and a TD. He was sacked six times, losing 38 yards. Ham Lassiter caught 4 passes for 83 yards. Cooper caught 4 passes for 38 yards.
Michigan (9-5) gained 382 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 84 yards on 22 carries. Barnwell led the team with 75 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Tims was 24-of-40 passing for 309 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 11 yards. Rancher led with 5 catches for 11 yards. Kilburn caught 4 passes for 113 yards. The Bombers will face either the Portland Pride or Seattle Seadogs next week for the CIFL Championship.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
CIFL: Neon Dim Hotshots, 37-23
HOUSTON-The Detroit Neon came into the CIFL season expecting to contend for the championship. It didn't quite work out that way, but they did end the season on a high note defeating the Houston Hotshots 37-23 wrapping up both teams' respective seasons.
It did not start out well for the Neon, as Cooney Lehigh would fumble a snap early and Norris Kettler recovered for the Hotshots at the Detroit 23-yard line. Three plays later, Barney Brant connected with Wallace Hinshaw for a 12-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 12:15 left in the first quarter. Following a Detroit punt. Houston would march 57 yards on 9 plays, and Martin Seal kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:22 remaining in the first. After Lynn Lard fielded a short kickoff and returned it 37 yards to the Hotshots' 37-yard line, the Neon went on a four-play, 10-yard drive. DJ Pilgrim would kick a 44-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 5:42 to go in the first quarter.
The Hotshots would punt, then Lehigh would be picked off by Stewart Lavue at the Houston 28-yard line. However, Brant would get picked off in turn by Milt Arguelles at the Hotshots 41-yard line. After three plays netted five yards, Pilgrim would kick a 53-yard field goal to make it 10-6 with 13:21 left in the half. Houston responded with a 10-play, 57-yard drive. Brant tossed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Epps extending the Hotshots' lead to 17-6 with 9:12 remaining in the second quarter. A long Neon drive was short-circuited by a Kettler pick in the end zone, who returned it to his own 9-yard line. But Brant would get picked off by Cobey Rail at Houston's 40-yard line. Five plays later, Lehigh hit Leonard Echols for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-13 with 1:02 to go in the half. Houston answered quickly with a 6-play, 58-yard drive, and Seal finished it off with a 23-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go to give the Hotshots a 20-13 lead.
After a Houston punt opened the second half, Detroit would move the ball 80 yards on 7 plays. Lehigh hit Echols for a 12-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 20 with 8:39 left in the third quarter. The Hotshots punted, then Lehigh was picked off again, this time Esteban Reed returned it 21 yards to the Neon 43-yard line. After four plays got six yards, Seal kicked a 54-yard field goal to retake the lead, 23-20 with 3:13 remaining in the third. Denver Smits then took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown to give the Neon a 27-23 lead with 2:56 remaining in the third quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the fourth quarter, then Arguelles would pick off Brant and reutrn it 58 yards to the Houston 40-yard line. Three plays and seven yards later, Pilgrim kicked a 50-yard field goal to make it 30-23 with 5:56 to go in the fourth quarter. On Houston's ensuing possession, Brant was picked off by Eugene Strand who returned it 13 yards to the Hotshots' 46-yard line. Nine plays later, Lehigh salted the game away with an 8-yard touchdown run to make it 37-23 with 1:10 to go.
Detroit (9-5) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Neon ran for 105 yards on 33 carries. Smits led the team with 68 yards on 13 carries. Lehigh was 19-of-32 passing for 235 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 17 yards. Echols led the receivers with 6 catches for 85 yards and 2 TD.
Houston (7-7) gained 330 yards of total offense. The Hotshots ran for 68 yards on 22 carries. Hank Olive led the team with 32 yards on 6 carries. Brant was 19-of-42 passing for 270 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Epps caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a TD. Lovell Pyle caught 6 passes for 66 yards.
It did not start out well for the Neon, as Cooney Lehigh would fumble a snap early and Norris Kettler recovered for the Hotshots at the Detroit 23-yard line. Three plays later, Barney Brant connected with Wallace Hinshaw for a 12-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 12:15 left in the first quarter. Following a Detroit punt. Houston would march 57 yards on 9 plays, and Martin Seal kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 8:22 remaining in the first. After Lynn Lard fielded a short kickoff and returned it 37 yards to the Hotshots' 37-yard line, the Neon went on a four-play, 10-yard drive. DJ Pilgrim would kick a 44-yard field goal to make it 10-3 with 5:42 to go in the first quarter.
The Hotshots would punt, then Lehigh would be picked off by Stewart Lavue at the Houston 28-yard line. However, Brant would get picked off in turn by Milt Arguelles at the Hotshots 41-yard line. After three plays netted five yards, Pilgrim would kick a 53-yard field goal to make it 10-6 with 13:21 left in the half. Houston responded with a 10-play, 57-yard drive. Brant tossed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Epps extending the Hotshots' lead to 17-6 with 9:12 remaining in the second quarter. A long Neon drive was short-circuited by a Kettler pick in the end zone, who returned it to his own 9-yard line. But Brant would get picked off by Cobey Rail at Houston's 40-yard line. Five plays later, Lehigh hit Leonard Echols for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-13 with 1:02 to go in the half. Houston answered quickly with a 6-play, 58-yard drive, and Seal finished it off with a 23-yard field goal with 6 seconds to go to give the Hotshots a 20-13 lead.
After a Houston punt opened the second half, Detroit would move the ball 80 yards on 7 plays. Lehigh hit Echols for a 12-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 20 with 8:39 left in the third quarter. The Hotshots punted, then Lehigh was picked off again, this time Esteban Reed returned it 21 yards to the Neon 43-yard line. After four plays got six yards, Seal kicked a 54-yard field goal to retake the lead, 23-20 with 3:13 remaining in the third. Denver Smits then took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 96 yards for a touchdown to give the Neon a 27-23 lead with 2:56 remaining in the third quarter.
The teams would trade punts into the fourth quarter, then Arguelles would pick off Brant and reutrn it 58 yards to the Houston 40-yard line. Three plays and seven yards later, Pilgrim kicked a 50-yard field goal to make it 30-23 with 5:56 to go in the fourth quarter. On Houston's ensuing possession, Brant was picked off by Eugene Strand who returned it 13 yards to the Hotshots' 46-yard line. Nine plays later, Lehigh salted the game away with an 8-yard touchdown run to make it 37-23 with 1:10 to go.
Detroit (9-5) gained 323 yards of total offense. The Neon ran for 105 yards on 33 carries. Smits led the team with 68 yards on 13 carries. Lehigh was 19-of-32 passing for 235 yards, 2 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 17 yards. Echols led the receivers with 6 catches for 85 yards and 2 TD.
Houston (7-7) gained 330 yards of total offense. The Hotshots ran for 68 yards on 22 carries. Hank Olive led the team with 32 yards on 6 carries. Brant was 19-of-42 passing for 270 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Epps caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a TD. Lovell Pyle caught 6 passes for 66 yards.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
CIFL Week 14 Standings
| EAST DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Michigan Bombers* | 9 | 4 | 0 | 317 | 236 | 5-2 |
| Detroit Neon | 8 | 5 | 0 | 352 | 285 | 5-2 |
| Washington Warthogs | 8 | 5 | 0 | 339 | 308 | 5-2 |
| Houston Hotshots | 7 | 6 | 0 | 274 | 281 | 5-1 |
| WEST DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA | HOME |
| Portland Pride | 8 | 5 | 0 | 316 | 307 | 5-1 |
| Seattle Seadogs | 7 | 6 | 0 | 331 | 288 | 3-3 |
| Anaheim Splash | 3 | 10 | 0 | 259 | 386 | 3-3 |
| Sacramento Knights | 2 | 11 | 0 | 262 | 363 | 1-6 |
| *Clinched Division | ||||||
| Week 14 Scores (Home team in ALL CAPS) | ||||||
| PORTLAND 40, Sacramento 21 | ||||||
| Washington 41, SEATTLE 10 | ||||||
| HOUSTON 19, Michigan 14 | ||||||
| Detroit 34, ANAHEIM 21 | ||||||
| Week 15 Games | ||||||
| Detroit (8-5) at Houston (7-6) (Hotshots -4) | ||||||
| Michigan (9-4) at Anaheim (3-10) (Bombers -7) | ||||||
| Sacramento (2-11) at Seattle (7-6) (Seadogs -8) | ||||||
| Washington (8-5) at Portland (8-5) (Pride -6) | ||||||
CIFL: Neon Defeat Splash, 34-21
ANAHEIM-The Detroit Neon defeated the Anaheim Splash 34-21 in a Week 14 CIFL game.
The game opened with Cooney Lehigh getting picked off by Thurman Cato who returned it 19 yards to the Neon 43-yard line. After six plays gained 24 yards, Butler Elliott kicked a 36-yard field goal to give Anaheim a 3-0 lead with 10:54 remaining in the first quarter. After trading punts, the Neon took just two plays to travel 64 yards. Lewis Belle covered the final 48 after catching a touchdown pass from Lehigh to give Detroit a 7-3 lead with 5:48 to go in the first.
The Splash would answer with a 15-play, 76-yard drive, settling for a 21-yard field goal by Elliott to make it 7-6 with 13:19 to go in the first half. The Neon would punt, then Felipe Fann would intercept a Harlan Finnegan pass and return it 18 yards to the Anaheim 29-yard line. Five plays later, Kale Black ran in for a 2-yard touchdown run to put Detroit ahead 14-6 with 8:20 left in the second quarter. After another exchange of punts, the Splash went on a 5-play, 92-yard drive. Finnegan threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Kaleo Hendricks, and the successful 2-point conversion tied the game at 14 with 1:46 left in the half.
Early in the third quarter, Webb Cooper fumbled for the Splash, and Eugene Strand recovered for the Neon at the Anaheim 28-yard line. Seven plays later, Enrique Covey would score on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Detroit a 21-14 lead with 10:48 to go in the third quarter. A 37-yard kickoff return to the Neon 49-yard line by Benny Gee was wasted as Anaheim went three-and-out. Then, Eduardo Patrick's punt was blocked by Bat Brooks who fell on it at the Splash 46-yard line. The subsequent 8-play drive ended with Lehigh tossing a 16-yard touchdown pass to Denver Smits making it 28-14 with 7:22 to go in the third. The Splash answered back with a 9-play, 77-yard drive. Finnegan finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Brett Fusco to make it 28-21 with 3:15 left in the third quarter.
Detroit would drive 66 yards on 10 plays, and end the drive with a 22-yard field goal by DJ Pilgrim, extending the Neon lead to 31-21 with 13:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Splash would punt, and the Neon went on a 10-play, 52-yard drive ending with Pilgrim booting a 32-yard field goal to make it 34-21 with 5:03 to go in the game.
Detroit (8-5) gained 346 yards of total offense. The Neon ran for 79 yards on 26 carries. Covey led the team with 30 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Lehigh was 19-of-35 passing for 277 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Leonard Echols led the receivers with 5 catches for 86 yards. The Neon finish the regular season on the road next week against the Houston Hotshots.
Anaheim (3-10) gained 404 yards of total offense. The Splash ran for 91 yards on 24 carries. Fusco led the team with 52 yards on 16 carries. Finnegan was 22-of-37 passing for 341 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Gee was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 70 yards. The Splash end the regular season next week hosting the Michigan Bombers.
The game opened with Cooney Lehigh getting picked off by Thurman Cato who returned it 19 yards to the Neon 43-yard line. After six plays gained 24 yards, Butler Elliott kicked a 36-yard field goal to give Anaheim a 3-0 lead with 10:54 remaining in the first quarter. After trading punts, the Neon took just two plays to travel 64 yards. Lewis Belle covered the final 48 after catching a touchdown pass from Lehigh to give Detroit a 7-3 lead with 5:48 to go in the first.
The Splash would answer with a 15-play, 76-yard drive, settling for a 21-yard field goal by Elliott to make it 7-6 with 13:19 to go in the first half. The Neon would punt, then Felipe Fann would intercept a Harlan Finnegan pass and return it 18 yards to the Anaheim 29-yard line. Five plays later, Kale Black ran in for a 2-yard touchdown run to put Detroit ahead 14-6 with 8:20 left in the second quarter. After another exchange of punts, the Splash went on a 5-play, 92-yard drive. Finnegan threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Kaleo Hendricks, and the successful 2-point conversion tied the game at 14 with 1:46 left in the half.
Early in the third quarter, Webb Cooper fumbled for the Splash, and Eugene Strand recovered for the Neon at the Anaheim 28-yard line. Seven plays later, Enrique Covey would score on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Detroit a 21-14 lead with 10:48 to go in the third quarter. A 37-yard kickoff return to the Neon 49-yard line by Benny Gee was wasted as Anaheim went three-and-out. Then, Eduardo Patrick's punt was blocked by Bat Brooks who fell on it at the Splash 46-yard line. The subsequent 8-play drive ended with Lehigh tossing a 16-yard touchdown pass to Denver Smits making it 28-14 with 7:22 to go in the third. The Splash answered back with a 9-play, 77-yard drive. Finnegan finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Brett Fusco to make it 28-21 with 3:15 left in the third quarter.
Detroit would drive 66 yards on 10 plays, and end the drive with a 22-yard field goal by DJ Pilgrim, extending the Neon lead to 31-21 with 13:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Splash would punt, and the Neon went on a 10-play, 52-yard drive ending with Pilgrim booting a 32-yard field goal to make it 34-21 with 5:03 to go in the game.
Detroit (8-5) gained 346 yards of total offense. The Neon ran for 79 yards on 26 carries. Covey led the team with 30 yards on 8 carries and a TD. Lehigh was 19-of-35 passing for 277 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 25 yards. Leonard Echols led the receivers with 5 catches for 86 yards. The Neon finish the regular season on the road next week against the Houston Hotshots.
Anaheim (3-10) gained 404 yards of total offense. The Splash ran for 91 yards on 24 carries. Fusco led the team with 52 yards on 16 carries. Finnegan was 22-of-37 passing for 341 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 28 yards. Gee was the leading receiver with 6 catches for 70 yards. The Splash end the regular season next week hosting the Michigan Bombers.
Friday, July 14, 2017
CIFL: Bombers Fall to Hotshots, 19-14
HOUSTON-The Michigan Bombers clinched the CIFL's East Division championship on the basis of sweeping the Detroit Neon and Washington Warthogs. But there's one team in the East the Bombers haven't beaten, as the Houston Hotshots held them in check for a 19-14 victory in Week 14.
It started on the second play of the game. when Gitch Tims of the Bombers was picked off by Houston's Nathaniel Hatton at the Hotshots' 26-yard line. After the teams traded punts, Houston would march 42 yards on 4 plays. Jeff Epps finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown run on a reverse. Martin Seal would miss the extra point, and the Hotshots led 6-0 with 7:33 remaining in the first quarter. Michigan would answer with an 8-play, 62-yard drive. A 36-yard option pass from Whitey Barnwell to Dalls Kilburn would set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Bernest Noon to give the Bombers a 7-6 lead with 4:25 left in the first.
The Hotshots would strike back with a 10-play, 84-yard drive. Barney Brant threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Wallace Hinshaw to give Houston a 13-7 lead with 14:12 remaining in the half. Following a Michigan punt, Houston went 59 yards on 5 plays, and Seal would kick a 38-yard field goal to pull ahead 16-7 with 5:13 left in the second quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Barnwell fielded the kick at his own 8-yard line and took off 87 yards to the Hotshots' 5-yard line. One play later, Barnwell finished it off with a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 16-14 with 4:51 left in the first half.
The defenses would dominate the second half, trading punts through most of the third quarter. Late in the period, Barnwell would fumble, and Hatton ran it back 12 yards to the Michigan 25-yard line. After seven plays netted seven yards, Seal would connect on a 35-yard field goal to make the score 19-14 with 14:38 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would continue to trade punts well into the fourth quarter, as Michigan couldn't work their way into scoring range. Seal would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt with 26 seconds left, but for the Bombers, it was too little, too late.
Houston (7-6) gained 306 yards of total offense. The Hotshots ran for 72 yards on 37 carries. Bren Upton had the best run on a 17-yard reverse. Brant was 18-of-27 passing for 234 yards and a TD. Epps caught 4 passes for 64 yards. Hinshaw caught 4 passes for 56 yards and a TD. Lovell Pyle caught 4 passes for 54 yards. The Hotshots finish the regular season next week hosting the Detroit Neon.
Michigan (9-4) gained 218 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 89 yards on 24 carries. Barnwell led the team with 61 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Tims was 13-of-23 passing for 119 yards and a INT. He was sacked three times, losing 26 yards. Norm Rancher was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 57 yards. Next week, the Bombers wrap up the regular season at the Anaheim Splash.
It started on the second play of the game. when Gitch Tims of the Bombers was picked off by Houston's Nathaniel Hatton at the Hotshots' 26-yard line. After the teams traded punts, Houston would march 42 yards on 4 plays. Jeff Epps finished it off with an 11-yard touchdown run on a reverse. Martin Seal would miss the extra point, and the Hotshots led 6-0 with 7:33 remaining in the first quarter. Michigan would answer with an 8-play, 62-yard drive. A 36-yard option pass from Whitey Barnwell to Dalls Kilburn would set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Bernest Noon to give the Bombers a 7-6 lead with 4:25 left in the first.
The Hotshots would strike back with a 10-play, 84-yard drive. Barney Brant threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Wallace Hinshaw to give Houston a 13-7 lead with 14:12 remaining in the half. Following a Michigan punt, Houston went 59 yards on 5 plays, and Seal would kick a 38-yard field goal to pull ahead 16-7 with 5:13 left in the second quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Barnwell fielded the kick at his own 8-yard line and took off 87 yards to the Hotshots' 5-yard line. One play later, Barnwell finished it off with a 5-yard touchdown run to make it 16-14 with 4:51 left in the first half.
The defenses would dominate the second half, trading punts through most of the third quarter. Late in the period, Barnwell would fumble, and Hatton ran it back 12 yards to the Michigan 25-yard line. After seven plays netted seven yards, Seal would connect on a 35-yard field goal to make the score 19-14 with 14:38 to go in the fourth quarter. The teams would continue to trade punts well into the fourth quarter, as Michigan couldn't work their way into scoring range. Seal would miss a 52-yard field goal attempt with 26 seconds left, but for the Bombers, it was too little, too late.
Houston (7-6) gained 306 yards of total offense. The Hotshots ran for 72 yards on 37 carries. Bren Upton had the best run on a 17-yard reverse. Brant was 18-of-27 passing for 234 yards and a TD. Epps caught 4 passes for 64 yards. Hinshaw caught 4 passes for 56 yards and a TD. Lovell Pyle caught 4 passes for 54 yards. The Hotshots finish the regular season next week hosting the Detroit Neon.
Michigan (9-4) gained 218 yards of total offense. The Bombers ran for 89 yards on 24 carries. Barnwell led the team with 61 yards on 14 carries and a TD. Tims was 13-of-23 passing for 119 yards and a INT. He was sacked three times, losing 26 yards. Norm Rancher was the leading receiver with 5 catches for 57 yards. Next week, the Bombers wrap up the regular season at the Anaheim Splash.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
CIFL: Barkless in Seattle, Seadogs Fall to Warthogs, 41-10
SEATTLE-The Seattle Seadogs have gone from an almost-certain CIFL West Division championship, to needing a win and help as they fell to the Washington Warthogs 41-10 in a Week 14 game. Now, Seattle needs to beat the Sacramento Knights and the Warthogs to beat the Portland Pride next week to win the division.
After Stephan Hooper missed a 43-yard field goal early in the first quarter, the Seadogs would punt, then Hudie Aiken picked off Corliss Wardell at the Seattle 18-yard line. Isaac Thoms would then finish a 10-play, 82-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Seadogs a 7-0 lead with 3:27 to go in the first quarter.
The Warthogs would get on track after that, ending a 9-play, 74-yard drive with Wardell running in for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 with 14:18 left in the second quarter. A 40-yard punt by Wendell Millstone was returned 45 yards by Kevin Hanan to the Seattle 40-yard line. After a 7-play, 29-yard drive, Hooper kicked a 28-yard field goal to give Washington a 10-7 lead with 7:01 left in the half. The Seadogs would be forced to punt again, and this time Burke Angus fielded the punt and ran 79 yards for a touchdown to make it 17-7 with 4:33 to go in the second quarter.
Millstone would have to punt again at the start of the second half, and Angus took it back 29 yards to the Seadogs 37-yard line. Three plays later, Wardell hit Harrison Crocker for an 18-yard touchdown pass to extend the Warthogs' lead to 24-7 with 12:03 to go in the third quarter. After another Seattle punt, Wardell would be victimized again as Ranse Noland picked him off in the end zone and ran back 45 yards to the Seadogs 44-yard line. Following a six-play, 21-yard drive, Tyne Dill would kick a 52-yard field goal to make it 24-10 with 2:49 remaining in the third.
Late in the third, Wardell and Curtis Kesterson traded pass interceptions, then Washington would punt, and Kesterson was picked off again, this time by Alphonse Cortez at the Warthogs 36-yard line. Washington then drove 64 yards on 7 plays, ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Lane Drope to put the Warthogs up 31-10 with 9:41 to go in the fourth quarter. Kesterson would be sacked and stripped of the ball by Burt Bligen at the Seattle 17-yard line. After three plays gained four yards, Hooper kicked a 30-yard field goal to make it 34-10 with 7:07 to go in the game. Bligen would pick off Kesterson on the next drive and return it 38 yards for a touchdown making it 41-10 with 6:47 left in the game.
Washington (8-5) gained 373 yards of total offense. The Warthogs ran for 125 yards on 34 carries. Archie Colvin led the team with 48 yards on 10 carries. Wardell went 17-of-26 passing for 256 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Crocker caught 4 passes for 51 yards and a TD. Saul St. Paul caught 4 passes for 115 yards. The Warthogs finish the regular season next week at the Portland Pride.
Seattle (7-6) gained 288 yards of total offense. The Seadogs ran for 40 yards on 17 carries. Roman Shoe led with 25 yards on 7 carries. He was also the leading receiver with 8 catches for 122 yards. Kesterson went 22-of-40 passing for 285 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 37 yards. The Seadogs host the Sacramento Knights next week needing a win and a Portland loss to win the division.
After Stephan Hooper missed a 43-yard field goal early in the first quarter, the Seadogs would punt, then Hudie Aiken picked off Corliss Wardell at the Seattle 18-yard line. Isaac Thoms would then finish a 10-play, 82-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Seadogs a 7-0 lead with 3:27 to go in the first quarter.
The Warthogs would get on track after that, ending a 9-play, 74-yard drive with Wardell running in for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 with 14:18 left in the second quarter. A 40-yard punt by Wendell Millstone was returned 45 yards by Kevin Hanan to the Seattle 40-yard line. After a 7-play, 29-yard drive, Hooper kicked a 28-yard field goal to give Washington a 10-7 lead with 7:01 left in the half. The Seadogs would be forced to punt again, and this time Burke Angus fielded the punt and ran 79 yards for a touchdown to make it 17-7 with 4:33 to go in the second quarter.
Millstone would have to punt again at the start of the second half, and Angus took it back 29 yards to the Seadogs 37-yard line. Three plays later, Wardell hit Harrison Crocker for an 18-yard touchdown pass to extend the Warthogs' lead to 24-7 with 12:03 to go in the third quarter. After another Seattle punt, Wardell would be victimized again as Ranse Noland picked him off in the end zone and ran back 45 yards to the Seadogs 44-yard line. Following a six-play, 21-yard drive, Tyne Dill would kick a 52-yard field goal to make it 24-10 with 2:49 remaining in the third.
Late in the third, Wardell and Curtis Kesterson traded pass interceptions, then Washington would punt, and Kesterson was picked off again, this time by Alphonse Cortez at the Warthogs 36-yard line. Washington then drove 64 yards on 7 plays, ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Lane Drope to put the Warthogs up 31-10 with 9:41 to go in the fourth quarter. Kesterson would be sacked and stripped of the ball by Burt Bligen at the Seattle 17-yard line. After three plays gained four yards, Hooper kicked a 30-yard field goal to make it 34-10 with 7:07 to go in the game. Bligen would pick off Kesterson on the next drive and return it 38 yards for a touchdown making it 41-10 with 6:47 left in the game.
Washington (8-5) gained 373 yards of total offense. The Warthogs ran for 125 yards on 34 carries. Archie Colvin led the team with 48 yards on 10 carries. Wardell went 17-of-26 passing for 256 yards, 1 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Crocker caught 4 passes for 51 yards and a TD. Saul St. Paul caught 4 passes for 115 yards. The Warthogs finish the regular season next week at the Portland Pride.
Seattle (7-6) gained 288 yards of total offense. The Seadogs ran for 40 yards on 17 carries. Roman Shoe led with 25 yards on 7 carries. He was also the leading receiver with 8 catches for 122 yards. Kesterson went 22-of-40 passing for 285 yards and 3 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 37 yards. The Seadogs host the Sacramento Knights next week needing a win and a Portland loss to win the division.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
CIFL: Portland Pulls Away From Sacramento, 40-21
PORTLAND-The Portland Pride scored 26 consecutive points in the second half to pull away from the Sacramento Knights 40-21 in a Week 14 CIFL game.
Sacramento punted to open the game, then Reuben Findley was intercepted by Miller Lockner who took it back 38 yards to the Portland 47-yard line. Both teams would then trade punts, and the Knights would drive 55 yards on 4 plays. Derrick Todd finished it off with a 19-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 7:36 to go in the first quarter. There would be more punting, and then Foster Bland was stripped of the ball and Portland's Speedy Bare recovered at the Sacramento 17-yard line. Three plays later, Findley found Shelton Pick for an 8-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7 with 1:17 left in the first.
The Knights would punt again early in the second quarter, then Lockner would pick Findley off again at the Sacramento 47-yard line. Todd tried to drive for a score, but was picked off by Gregory Garman at the Pride 32-yard line. Later, on a fourth-and-goal from the 2, Kenny Boren ran in for a touchdown to end a 13-play, 68-yard drive and give Portland a 14-7 lead with 4:49 left in the half. Sacramento answered with a 6-play, 69-yard drive. Todd finished it off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Herb Inman tying the game at 14 with 1:45 remaining in the second. Portland attempted to add a touchdown before the half, but Len Strickland fumbled on an attempted reverse and Drew Bumpers recovered for the Knights at their own 6-yard line to thwart the opportunity.
The Pride opened the second half with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Findley finished it off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Robert Robinson to give Portland a 21-14 lead with 7:56 left in the third quarter. Garman would pick Todd off again, and return it 17 yards to the Sacramento 29-yard line. Four plays later, Findley hit Boren for a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-14 with 5:28 left in the third. Todd would get sacked and stripped of the ball by Hal Harbin who fell on the ball at midfield. After a four-play, 16-yard drive, Theodis Durkin kicked a 51-yard field goal to give the Pride a 31-14 lead with 2:22 to go in the third quarter.
After a Sacramento punt, Bumpers would pick off Findley at the Knights 41-yard line. But Steve Perez would strip Todd on a sack, and Jonah Thurston recovered for the Pride at the Sacramento 32-yard line. After three plays netted seven yards, Durkin would kick a 42-yard field goal with 11:54 to go in the fourth quarter to make it 34-14. The Knights went three-and-out, and Garman would field a 44-yard punt and return it 51 yards to the Sacramento 23-yard line. The Pride couldn't move the ball in three plays, and Durkin drilled a 40-yard field goal to make it 37-14 with 9:14 remaining in the fourth. Saul Symons would intercept a Todd pass at the Knights 38-yard line. Durkin finished off a 6-play, 30-yard drive with a 25-yard field goal making it 40-14 with 4:20 remaining in the game. Sacramento would finally move down the field with a 4-play, 68-yard drive. Todd threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Inman to make it 40-21 with 2:07 left in the game. An onside kick failed, and Portland would run out the clock.
Portland (8-5) gained 388 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 137 yards on 37 carries. Boren led the team with 87 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Findley went 24-of-35 passing for 267 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Rex Doran was Portland's leading receiver with 7 catches for 123 yards. The Pride finish off the regular season hosting the Washington Warthogs.
Sacramento (2-11) gained 272 yards of total offense. The Knights ran for 79 yards on 13 carries. Brett Gold led the team with 51 yards on 6 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 48 yards. Todd was 18-of-34 passing for 237 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 44 yards. Inman caught 5 passes for 92 yards and 2 TD. The Knights will end the season visiting the Seattle Seadogs.
Sacramento punted to open the game, then Reuben Findley was intercepted by Miller Lockner who took it back 38 yards to the Portland 47-yard line. Both teams would then trade punts, and the Knights would drive 55 yards on 4 plays. Derrick Todd finished it off with a 19-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 7:36 to go in the first quarter. There would be more punting, and then Foster Bland was stripped of the ball and Portland's Speedy Bare recovered at the Sacramento 17-yard line. Three plays later, Findley found Shelton Pick for an 8-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7 with 1:17 left in the first.
The Knights would punt again early in the second quarter, then Lockner would pick Findley off again at the Sacramento 47-yard line. Todd tried to drive for a score, but was picked off by Gregory Garman at the Pride 32-yard line. Later, on a fourth-and-goal from the 2, Kenny Boren ran in for a touchdown to end a 13-play, 68-yard drive and give Portland a 14-7 lead with 4:49 left in the half. Sacramento answered with a 6-play, 69-yard drive. Todd finished it off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Herb Inman tying the game at 14 with 1:45 remaining in the second. Portland attempted to add a touchdown before the half, but Len Strickland fumbled on an attempted reverse and Drew Bumpers recovered for the Knights at their own 6-yard line to thwart the opportunity.
The Pride opened the second half with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Findley finished it off with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Robert Robinson to give Portland a 21-14 lead with 7:56 left in the third quarter. Garman would pick Todd off again, and return it 17 yards to the Sacramento 29-yard line. Four plays later, Findley hit Boren for a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-14 with 5:28 left in the third. Todd would get sacked and stripped of the ball by Hal Harbin who fell on the ball at midfield. After a four-play, 16-yard drive, Theodis Durkin kicked a 51-yard field goal to give the Pride a 31-14 lead with 2:22 to go in the third quarter.
After a Sacramento punt, Bumpers would pick off Findley at the Knights 41-yard line. But Steve Perez would strip Todd on a sack, and Jonah Thurston recovered for the Pride at the Sacramento 32-yard line. After three plays netted seven yards, Durkin would kick a 42-yard field goal with 11:54 to go in the fourth quarter to make it 34-14. The Knights went three-and-out, and Garman would field a 44-yard punt and return it 51 yards to the Sacramento 23-yard line. The Pride couldn't move the ball in three plays, and Durkin drilled a 40-yard field goal to make it 37-14 with 9:14 remaining in the fourth. Saul Symons would intercept a Todd pass at the Knights 38-yard line. Durkin finished off a 6-play, 30-yard drive with a 25-yard field goal making it 40-14 with 4:20 remaining in the game. Sacramento would finally move down the field with a 4-play, 68-yard drive. Todd threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Inman to make it 40-21 with 2:07 left in the game. An onside kick failed, and Portland would run out the clock.
Portland (8-5) gained 388 yards of total offense. The Pride ran for 137 yards on 37 carries. Boren led the team with 87 yards on 18 carries and a TD. Findley went 24-of-35 passing for 267 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Rex Doran was Portland's leading receiver with 7 catches for 123 yards. The Pride finish off the regular season hosting the Washington Warthogs.
Sacramento (2-11) gained 272 yards of total offense. The Knights ran for 79 yards on 13 carries. Brett Gold led the team with 51 yards on 6 carries. He also caught 5 passes for 48 yards. Todd was 18-of-34 passing for 237 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 44 yards. Inman caught 5 passes for 92 yards and 2 TD. The Knights will end the season visiting the Seattle Seadogs.
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