ALBANY, NY-The Albany Firebirds jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, as they blew past the Arizona Rattlers 46-23 as both teams wrapped up their AFL seasons.
Arizona started by going three-and-out, and Albany would drive 62 yards on 9 plays. Sinbad Gargaro wrapped up the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley to give the Firebirds a 7-0 lead with 9:10 left in the first quarter. Don Fawcett was picked off by Hershel Sanderson who returned it 18 yards to the Rattlers' 36-yard line. After three plays netted minus-2 yards, Dom Wenning drilled a 55-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 7:01 left in the first. The Rattlers would answer with a 7-play, 73-yard drive punctuated by a 19-yard touchdown pass from Fawcett to Shelby Lerti to make it 10-7 with 4:00 to go in the first quarter. Tico Ponder took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 72 yards to the Arizona 16-yard line. On the following play, Gargaro threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Scooter Colby to give the Firebirds a 17-7 lead with 3:32 to go in the first.
There was no more scoring until late in the second quarter after Albany drove 59 yards on 10 plays. Wenning would finish the drive with a 20-yard field goal to give the Firebirds a 20-7 lead with 1:58 left in the half. Arizona answered with a 9-play, 31-yard drive that ended with a 52-yard field goal by Pancho Barrow to make it 20-10 with 13 seconds to go. But a 50-yard kickoff return by Stud Springs put the Firebirds in position for Wenning to kick a 53-yard field goal on the final play of the half to go up 23-10.
The Rattlers tried to get closer early in the third quarter, but Barrow would miss a 48-yard field goal attempt. The Firebirds then went on a 5-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 38-yard field goal to make it 26-10 with 7:53 left in the third quarter. Arizona would answer with a 12-play, 77-yard drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown run by Fawcett. The 2-Point Conversion failed, and the Rattlers were down 26-16 with 2:27 left in the third.
The Firebirds would answer with an 8-play, 46-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 44-yard field goal to make it 29-16 with 14:17 to go in the fourth quarter. After an Arizona punt, Albany drove 89 yards on 8 plays. Gargaro put the exclamation point on the drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Abdul Fowler making it 36-16 with 8:17 to go in the fourth. The Rattlers then drove 61 yards on 12 plays. Fawcett finished it off with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Otto Pugh to make it 36-23 with 5:02 to go in the fourth quarter. The Rattlers failed to recover an onside kick, and the Firebirds then moved 17 yards on 4 plays, ending with a 45-yard field goal by Wenning to go up 39-23 with 2:19 left in the fourth. Fawcett desperately tried to move Arizona down for a score, but Pepe Kell picked him off and sprinted 79 yards for a touchdown with 17 seconds to go to make it 46-23.
Albany (7-9) gained 331 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 113 yards on 25 carries. Fowler led the team with 53 yards on 14 carries. Gargaro went 18-of-26 passing for 238 yards and 3 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 20 yards. Harley led the receivers with 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD.
Arizona (5-11) gained 415 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 79 yards on 22 carries. Fawcett led the team with 40 yards on 7 carries and a TD. He went 27-of-53 passing for 336 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was not sacked in the game. Melvin Jones was Arizona's leading receiver with 9 catches for 93 yards. Will Meads caught 6 passes for 117 yards.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Thursday, February 9, 2017
AFL: Colorado Crushed by Grand Rapids, 45-0
GRAND RAPIDS-The Colorado Crush had nothing to play for, and played like it. The Grand Rapids Rampage had nothing to play for, but played inspired and destroyed the Crush 45-0 to wrap up the AFL season for both teams.
The first quarter started slowly. Colorado punted to the Grand Rapids 1-yard line, and the Rampage drove to the Crush 1-yard line. But Toby Harrell fumbled and Stan Dinn recovered for the Crush. Colorado would move the ball, but still had to punt. Following that punt, Grand Rapids drove 72 yards on 9 plays. Bobo Cushing finished it off with a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Rampage up 7-0 with 12:51 remaining in the second quarter.
Following that score, the floodgates began to open. After Earl Ginger missed a 56-yard field goal attempt, the Rampage went 54 yards on 2 plays. Curtis Wayne fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 6:28 remaining in the half. Following a Colorado punt, the Rampage again took two plays to score. Wayne threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to finish off the 61-yard drive to make it 21-0 with 4:04 to go in the second quarter. Colorado punted again, and Vilmer took off on a 51-yard punt return to the Colorado 4-yard line. Two plays later, Hudie Naylor scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 28-0 with 2:17 to go in the half. Gitch Wild fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and George Tibbs recovered for the Rampage at the Colorado 33-yard line. Six plays later, Harrell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run making it 35-0 with 46 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The third quarter went much as the first quarter did with both teams trading punts. Then the Rampage went on a 17-play, 74-yard drive that ended with Tibbs kicking a 23-yard field goal to put Grand Rapids up 38-0 with 11:37 left in the fourth quarter. Colorado was turned away on fourth down, and Grand Rapids drove 55 yards on 15 plays. Naylor finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:43 to go in the game.
Grand Rapids (11-5) gained 484 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Cushing led the team with 42 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Wayne went 20-of-28 passing for 342 yards and 2 TD and was not sacked. Gartman led the receivers with 5 catches for 124 yards and a TD.
Colorado (7-9) gained 191 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 78 yards on 22 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 30 yards on 11 carries. Howton Thom went 19-of-38 passing for 140 yards. He was sacked three times, losing 27 yards. Wild led the receivers with 6 catches for 42 yards.
The first quarter started slowly. Colorado punted to the Grand Rapids 1-yard line, and the Rampage drove to the Crush 1-yard line. But Toby Harrell fumbled and Stan Dinn recovered for the Crush. Colorado would move the ball, but still had to punt. Following that punt, Grand Rapids drove 72 yards on 9 plays. Bobo Cushing finished it off with a 13-yard touchdown run to put the Rampage up 7-0 with 12:51 remaining in the second quarter.
Following that score, the floodgates began to open. After Earl Ginger missed a 56-yard field goal attempt, the Rampage went 54 yards on 2 plays. Curtis Wayne fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to Nikolai Vilmer to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 6:28 remaining in the half. Following a Colorado punt, the Rampage again took two plays to score. Wayne threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to finish off the 61-yard drive to make it 21-0 with 4:04 to go in the second quarter. Colorado punted again, and Vilmer took off on a 51-yard punt return to the Colorado 4-yard line. Two plays later, Hudie Naylor scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to make it 28-0 with 2:17 to go in the half. Gitch Wild fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and George Tibbs recovered for the Rampage at the Colorado 33-yard line. Six plays later, Harrell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run making it 35-0 with 46 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The third quarter went much as the first quarter did with both teams trading punts. Then the Rampage went on a 17-play, 74-yard drive that ended with Tibbs kicking a 23-yard field goal to put Grand Rapids up 38-0 with 11:37 left in the fourth quarter. Colorado was turned away on fourth down, and Grand Rapids drove 55 yards on 15 plays. Naylor finished it off with a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:43 to go in the game.
Grand Rapids (11-5) gained 484 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 142 yards on 35 carries. Cushing led the team with 42 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Wayne went 20-of-28 passing for 342 yards and 2 TD and was not sacked. Gartman led the receivers with 5 catches for 124 yards and a TD.
Colorado (7-9) gained 191 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 78 yards on 22 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 30 yards on 11 carries. Howton Thom went 19-of-38 passing for 140 yards. He was sacked three times, losing 27 yards. Wild led the receivers with 6 catches for 42 yards.
Monday, February 6, 2017
AFL: Detroit Drives Over San Jose, 34-16
DETROIT-The Detroit Drive cemented their status as AFL Eastern Division champions, and placed themselves in position to possibly host the Arena Bowl by defeating the San Jose Sabercats 34-16 in Week 16 of the AFL season.
Detroit started it off moving 59 yards on 7 plays. Lou Couch ended the drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 12:04 left in the first quarter. The Sabercats answered with a 10-play, 48-yard drive ending with a 40-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to make it 7-3 with 7:41 remaining in the first. Detroit would respond with an 8-play, 75-yard drive. Couch finished it off himself with a 3-yard touchdown run to put Detroit up 14-3 with 2:55 remaining in the first quarter.
The scoring would slow down into the second quarter. After a San Jose punt, Couch would get intercepted by Chuck Wleborn at the Sabercats 24-yard line. The Sabercats would punt again, but Wleborn would pick Couch off again and return it 13 yards to the San Jose 43. The Sabercats would move the ball 45 yards on 11 plays, and Wycoff would kick a 29-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 1:58 remaining in the half. But Detroit would make some noise of their own, driving 41 yards on 5 plays, and Cletis Frayer finished it off with a 44-yard field goal to make it 17-6 at the half.
In the second half, Detroit went on the move again with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Couch would finish it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Todd Boyce and the Drive took a 24-6 lead with 9:15 left in the third quarter. The Sabercats would answer with a 9-play, 54-yard drive ending with a 30-yard field goal by Wycoff to get to 24-9 with 4:52 remaining in the third.
After trading punts, San Jose would finally find their way to the end zone after an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Timmy Carey would find Ramon Counce for a 7-yard touchdown to make it 24-16 with 11:16 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive answered by moving 53 yards on 5 plays, and Frayer kicked a 49-yard field goal to go up 27-16 with 7:45 left in the fourth. The Sabercats tried furiously to move into scoring position, but Jeffrey Wilkey picked off Carey and returned it 10 yards to the San Jose 40-yard line. Eight plays later, Rocky Adams put the exclamation point on the game with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 34-16 with 1:55 to go in the game.
Detroit (12-4) gained 463 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 170 yards on 33 carries. Couch led the team with 65 yards on 13 carries and a TD. He also went 23-of-32 passing for 305 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 12 yards. Dave Huntley led the receivers with 7 catches for 109 yards. The Drive will host the Georgia Force in the National Conference playoff next week. Detroit beat Georgia in Atlanta during Week 2 by a score of 32-29.
San Jose (10-6) gained 301 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 74 yards on 13 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 38 yards on 7 carries. Andre Stanfill started at quarterback and went 3-of-10 for 35 yards, Carey was 18-of-39 for 216 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Counce led the receivers with 5 catches for 78 yards and a TD. The Sabercats will visit the Dallas Desperados next week in the American Conference playoff next week. The teams met in San Jose in Week 2, and the Sabercats won 37-30.
Detroit started it off moving 59 yards on 7 plays. Lou Couch ended the drive with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Vern Kelly to give the Drive a 7-0 lead with 12:04 left in the first quarter. The Sabercats answered with a 10-play, 48-yard drive ending with a 40-yard field goal by Ethan Wycoff to make it 7-3 with 7:41 remaining in the first. Detroit would respond with an 8-play, 75-yard drive. Couch finished it off himself with a 3-yard touchdown run to put Detroit up 14-3 with 2:55 remaining in the first quarter.
The scoring would slow down into the second quarter. After a San Jose punt, Couch would get intercepted by Chuck Wleborn at the Sabercats 24-yard line. The Sabercats would punt again, but Wleborn would pick Couch off again and return it 13 yards to the San Jose 43. The Sabercats would move the ball 45 yards on 11 plays, and Wycoff would kick a 29-yard field goal to make it 14-6 with 1:58 remaining in the half. But Detroit would make some noise of their own, driving 41 yards on 5 plays, and Cletis Frayer finished it off with a 44-yard field goal to make it 17-6 at the half.
In the second half, Detroit went on the move again with a 13-play, 80-yard drive. Couch would finish it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Todd Boyce and the Drive took a 24-6 lead with 9:15 left in the third quarter. The Sabercats would answer with a 9-play, 54-yard drive ending with a 30-yard field goal by Wycoff to get to 24-9 with 4:52 remaining in the third.
After trading punts, San Jose would finally find their way to the end zone after an 8-play, 80-yard drive. Timmy Carey would find Ramon Counce for a 7-yard touchdown to make it 24-16 with 11:16 to go in the fourth quarter. The Drive answered by moving 53 yards on 5 plays, and Frayer kicked a 49-yard field goal to go up 27-16 with 7:45 left in the fourth. The Sabercats tried furiously to move into scoring position, but Jeffrey Wilkey picked off Carey and returned it 10 yards to the San Jose 40-yard line. Eight plays later, Rocky Adams put the exclamation point on the game with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 34-16 with 1:55 to go in the game.
Detroit (12-4) gained 463 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 170 yards on 33 carries. Couch led the team with 65 yards on 13 carries and a TD. He also went 23-of-32 passing for 305 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 12 yards. Dave Huntley led the receivers with 7 catches for 109 yards. The Drive will host the Georgia Force in the National Conference playoff next week. Detroit beat Georgia in Atlanta during Week 2 by a score of 32-29.
San Jose (10-6) gained 301 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 74 yards on 13 carries. Alan Sale led the team with 38 yards on 7 carries. Andre Stanfill started at quarterback and went 3-of-10 for 35 yards, Carey was 18-of-39 for 216 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Counce led the receivers with 5 catches for 78 yards and a TD. The Sabercats will visit the Dallas Desperados next week in the American Conference playoff next week. The teams met in San Jose in Week 2, and the Sabercats won 37-30.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
AFL Week 15 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive* | 11 | 4 | 0 | 416 | 318 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 10 | 5 | 0 | 368 | 308 |
| New York Dragons | 7 | 8 | 0 | 336 | 343 |
| Albany Firebirds | 6 | 9 | 0 | 262 | 402 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force* | 8 | 7 | 0 | 383 | 335 |
| Orlando Predators | 7 | 8 | 0 | 361 | 325 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 9 | 1 | 306 | 361 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 9 | 1 | 303 | 379 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados* | 11 | 4 | 0 | 385 | 280 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 8 | 7 | 0 | 427 | 343 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 8 | 0 | 332 | 364 |
| Chicago Rush | 7 | 8 | 0 | 406 | 382 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats* | 10 | 5 | 0 | 346 | 279 |
| Colorado Crush | 7 | 8 | 0 | 304 | 369 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 5 | 10 | 0 | 334 | 331 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 5 | 10 | 0 | 252 | 402 |
WEEK 15 SCORES (Home Teams in Bold)
Dallas 33, Nashville 20
Chicago 31, Tampa Bay 13
Iowa 48, Georgia 17
Orlando 26, Milwaukee 20 (OT)
Arizona 21, Detroit 16
Grand Rapids 30, Los Angeles 18
Albany 17, San Jose 14
Colorado 27, New York 17
WEEK 16 GAMES
San Jose (10-5) at Detroit (11-4)
Colorado (7-8) at Grand Rapids (10-5)
Arizona (5-10) at Albany (6-9)
Los Angeles (5-10) at New York (7-8)
Iowa (8-7) at Nashville (5-9-1)
Milwaukee (7-8) at Tampa Bay (5-9-1)
Dallas (11-4) at Georgia (8-7)
Chicago (7-8) at Orlando (7-8)
PLAYOFF PICTURE
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
San Jose at Dallas
AFL: Colorado Beats New York, 27-17
DENVER-The Colorado Crush scored 17 points in the last three minutes of the game to defeat the New York Dragons 17-10 in a Week 15 AFL game.
The Dragons opened the game with a 7-play, 72-yard drive. Faron Emerson finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Freddy Ashercraft to put the Dragons up 7-0 with 10:55 remaining in the first quarter. Colorado would punt on their first drive, but would then see Stan Dinn intercept Emerson at the New York 32-yard line. But Earl Ginger would subsequently miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. New York would move into scoring position, but Burt Hamrick would miss a 53-yard field goal attempt.
The second quarter would play much the same as the first. Dusty Mills recovered a Regis Duck fumble for the Dragons at the Colorado 45-yard line, but Hamrick would miss a 47-yard field goal attempt. On the subsequent Crush possession, Ginger would miss a 53-yard attempt. Hamrick would then miss a 53-yard field goal, and following a 6-play, 33-yard drive, Ginger would finally connect on a field goal from 41 yards out to make it 7-3 with 3:07 remaining in the half. Ginger would try another field goal from 55 yards just before the half, but missed it and the teams went into halftime.
The Crush would open the second half with a 10-play, 70-yard drive. Howton Thom would finish the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Norris Taylor to put Colorado ahead 10-7 with 10:04 to go in the third quarter. The Dragons would punt, then Hugh Strickland would pick off Thom at the New York 38-yard line. Following a 5-play, 42-yard drive, Hamrick would kick a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 44 seconds remaining in the third.
After an exchange of punts early in the fourth quarter, New York would embark on a 10-play, 83-yard drive, Emerson ended the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore to give the Dragons a 17-10 lead with 4:24 left in the fourth quarter. Following a long return by JC Holman, Colorado drove 54 yards on 4 plays. Thom fired a 20-yard touchdown pass to Turk Dill to tie the game at 17 with 3:08 remaining in the fourth. Emerson fumbled a snap, and Eric Adcock recovered for the Crush at the Dragons 25-yard line. Four plays later, Thom fired a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley to give Colorado a 24-17 lead with 52 seconds to go. After the Dragons' ensuing possession went nowhere, Colorado gained a yard on three plays, and Ginger kicked a 54-yard field goal on the last play of the game.
Colorado (7-8) gained 337 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 91 yards on 26 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Thom was 25-of-37 passing for 281 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Kelley (55 yards, TD), Millstone (49 yards), Taylor (46 yards, TD) and Dill (31 yards, TD) each caught 4 passes in the game. The Crush will finish the regular season visiting the Grand Rapids Rampage.
New York (7-8) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 154 yards on 29 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 47 yards on 10 carries. Emerson was 19-of-33 passing for 152 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 22 yards. Ashmore led the receivers with 5 catches for 37 yards and a TD. The Dragons will finish the regular season hosting the Los Angeles Avengers.
The Dragons opened the game with a 7-play, 72-yard drive. Faron Emerson finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Freddy Ashercraft to put the Dragons up 7-0 with 10:55 remaining in the first quarter. Colorado would punt on their first drive, but would then see Stan Dinn intercept Emerson at the New York 32-yard line. But Earl Ginger would subsequently miss a 41-yard field goal attempt. New York would move into scoring position, but Burt Hamrick would miss a 53-yard field goal attempt.
The second quarter would play much the same as the first. Dusty Mills recovered a Regis Duck fumble for the Dragons at the Colorado 45-yard line, but Hamrick would miss a 47-yard field goal attempt. On the subsequent Crush possession, Ginger would miss a 53-yard attempt. Hamrick would then miss a 53-yard field goal, and following a 6-play, 33-yard drive, Ginger would finally connect on a field goal from 41 yards out to make it 7-3 with 3:07 remaining in the half. Ginger would try another field goal from 55 yards just before the half, but missed it and the teams went into halftime.
The Crush would open the second half with a 10-play, 70-yard drive. Howton Thom would finish the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Norris Taylor to put Colorado ahead 10-7 with 10:04 to go in the third quarter. The Dragons would punt, then Hugh Strickland would pick off Thom at the New York 38-yard line. Following a 5-play, 42-yard drive, Hamrick would kick a 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 with 44 seconds remaining in the third.
After an exchange of punts early in the fourth quarter, New York would embark on a 10-play, 83-yard drive, Emerson ended the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore to give the Dragons a 17-10 lead with 4:24 left in the fourth quarter. Following a long return by JC Holman, Colorado drove 54 yards on 4 plays. Thom fired a 20-yard touchdown pass to Turk Dill to tie the game at 17 with 3:08 remaining in the fourth. Emerson fumbled a snap, and Eric Adcock recovered for the Crush at the Dragons 25-yard line. Four plays later, Thom fired a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley to give Colorado a 24-17 lead with 52 seconds to go. After the Dragons' ensuing possession went nowhere, Colorado gained a yard on three plays, and Ginger kicked a 54-yard field goal on the last play of the game.
Colorado (7-8) gained 337 yards of total offense. The Crush ran for 91 yards on 26 carries. Valentine Millstone led the team with 41 yards on 10 carries. Thom was 25-of-37 passing for 281 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Kelley (55 yards, TD), Millstone (49 yards), Taylor (46 yards, TD) and Dill (31 yards, TD) each caught 4 passes in the game. The Crush will finish the regular season visiting the Grand Rapids Rampage.
New York (7-8) gained 284 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 154 yards on 29 carries. Ashercraft led the team with 47 yards on 10 carries. Emerson was 19-of-33 passing for 152 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 22 yards. Ashmore led the receivers with 5 catches for 37 yards and a TD. The Dragons will finish the regular season hosting the Los Angeles Avengers.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
AFL: Sale Nets 1,000, But San Jose Falls to Albany, 17-14
SAN JOSE-Alan Sale became the first (and most likely only) player to reach 1,000 rushing yards this AFL season. But despite his best efforts, and the rest of the San Jose Sabercats, it wasn't enough as the Albany Firebirds pulled out a 17-14 victory in Week 15 of the AFL season.
San Jose moved into scoring position on their first drive, but Ethan Wycoff's 40-yard field goal attempt went up in flames as a bad snap caused Darin Powers to throw an incomplete pass to Brent Spano. The teams would trade punts into the second quarter when Albany got a chance to score after Austin Carle recovered a Sale fumble at the Sabercats 34-yard line. But Dom Wenning missed a 49-yard field goal attempt. The Firebirds would finally catch a break when Wayne Davison picked off Andre Stanfill at the Albany 48-yard line. After an 8-play, 52-yard drive, Sinbad Gargaro hit Scooter Colby for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give the Firebirds a 7-0 lead with 22 seconds to go in the half. Elson Saxon fielded a short kickoff and returned it 23 yards to the San Jose 41. Then, after a 34-yard pass from Stanfill to Ramon Counce, Wycoff kicked a 42-yard field goal at the buzzer to make it 7-3 at the half.
Early in the second half, Albany moved 54 yards on 5 plays, and Wenning kicked a 24-yard field goal to go up 10-3 with 10:25 remaining in the third quarter. The teams would trade punts, then San Jose would drive 52 yards on 7 plays. Wycoff would finish it off with a 33-yard field goal to make it 10-6 with 54 seconds to go in the third.
Both teams exchanged punts, and then the Firebirds went on a 9-play, 62-yard drive. Gargaro finished it off with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Garry Farr to make it 17-6 with 7:21 left in the fourth quarter. The Sabercats would answer with a 4-play, 63-yard drive. Stanfill ended it with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Sale, and a 2-point conversion to make it 17-14 with 5:05 remaining in the fourth. After a Firebirds punt, the Sabercats would get turned away on fourth down in the last two minutes, and Albany broke a six-game losing streak.
Albany (6-9) gained 307 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 75 yards on 25 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 39 yards on 15 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-37 passing for 267 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Teddy Harley caught 5 passes for 72 yards. Colby caught 5 passes for 39 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will finish off the regular season hosting the Arizona Rattlers.
San Jose (10-5) gained 285 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 90 yards of 26 carries. Sale led the team with 50 yards on 13 carries and 5 receptions for 28 yards and a TD. As mentioned earlier, Sale is the first 1,000-yard rusher this season (1,014 yards on 226 carries and 9 TD. He's also caught 34 passes for 268 yards and 4 TD). Stanfill was 18-of-29 passing for 225 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 30 yards. The Sabercats will visit the Detroit Drive to finish out the regular season.
San Jose moved into scoring position on their first drive, but Ethan Wycoff's 40-yard field goal attempt went up in flames as a bad snap caused Darin Powers to throw an incomplete pass to Brent Spano. The teams would trade punts into the second quarter when Albany got a chance to score after Austin Carle recovered a Sale fumble at the Sabercats 34-yard line. But Dom Wenning missed a 49-yard field goal attempt. The Firebirds would finally catch a break when Wayne Davison picked off Andre Stanfill at the Albany 48-yard line. After an 8-play, 52-yard drive, Sinbad Gargaro hit Scooter Colby for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give the Firebirds a 7-0 lead with 22 seconds to go in the half. Elson Saxon fielded a short kickoff and returned it 23 yards to the San Jose 41. Then, after a 34-yard pass from Stanfill to Ramon Counce, Wycoff kicked a 42-yard field goal at the buzzer to make it 7-3 at the half.
Early in the second half, Albany moved 54 yards on 5 plays, and Wenning kicked a 24-yard field goal to go up 10-3 with 10:25 remaining in the third quarter. The teams would trade punts, then San Jose would drive 52 yards on 7 plays. Wycoff would finish it off with a 33-yard field goal to make it 10-6 with 54 seconds to go in the third.
Both teams exchanged punts, and then the Firebirds went on a 9-play, 62-yard drive. Gargaro finished it off with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Garry Farr to make it 17-6 with 7:21 left in the fourth quarter. The Sabercats would answer with a 4-play, 63-yard drive. Stanfill ended it with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Sale, and a 2-point conversion to make it 17-14 with 5:05 remaining in the fourth. After a Firebirds punt, the Sabercats would get turned away on fourth down in the last two minutes, and Albany broke a six-game losing streak.
Albany (6-9) gained 307 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 75 yards on 25 carries. Abdul Fowler led the team with 39 yards on 15 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-37 passing for 267 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked four times, losing 35 yards. Teddy Harley caught 5 passes for 72 yards. Colby caught 5 passes for 39 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will finish off the regular season hosting the Arizona Rattlers.
San Jose (10-5) gained 285 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 90 yards of 26 carries. Sale led the team with 50 yards on 13 carries and 5 receptions for 28 yards and a TD. As mentioned earlier, Sale is the first 1,000-yard rusher this season (1,014 yards on 226 carries and 9 TD. He's also caught 34 passes for 268 yards and 4 TD). Stanfill was 18-of-29 passing for 225 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 30 yards. The Sabercats will visit the Detroit Drive to finish out the regular season.
Friday, February 3, 2017
AFL: Rampage Beat Avengers, 30-18
LOS ANGELES-The Grand Rapids Rampage defeated the Los Angeles Avengers 30-18 in a Week 15 AFL game.
Los Angeles punted to start the game, then Grand Rapids moved the ball 58 yards on 7 plays. Curtis Wayne finished the drive off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to give the Rampage a 7-0 lead with 10:47 to go in the first quarter. On the Avengers' next possession, Juan York was intercepted by Bobby Harpole who took it 12 yards to the Los Angeles 38-yard line. After seven plays netted 29 yards, George Tibbs connected on a 26-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 10-0 lead with 6:47 left in the first. The teams would trade punts, and the Avengers had a chance to score, but Carmon Grimes would miss a 43-yard field goal attempt late in the first quarter.
The Rampage would punt to start the second quarter, but York would get picked off again, this time by Rodd Clift who ran 28 yards to the Avengers 9-yard line. Toby Harrell scored on a 9-yard touchdown run on the next play to extend the Grand Rapids lead to 17-0 with 13:13 remaining in the half. Los Angeles would finally get on the board following a 10-play, 83-yard drive that ended with Grimes kicking a 22-yard field goal to make it 17-3 with 7:22 left in the second quarter. The Rampage answered with a 9-play, 36-yard drive that ended with Tibbs kicking a 51-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 2:21 remaining in the second. The Avengers went 49 yards on 7 plays, and Grimes kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 20-6 with 36 seconds to go in the half. But Grand Rapids got the last laugh going 38 yards on 4 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 38-yard field goal on the last play of the half to give the Rampage a 23-6 lead.
The second half began with both teams punting, and the Rampage then moved the ball 80 yards on 8 plays. Wayne finished it off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Hudie Naylor to make it 30-6 with 4:05 left in the third quarter. The Avengers got into position for Grimes to attempt a 47-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Artie Borden. The Rampage appeared ready to extend their lead, but Bobo Cushing fumbled and Carlisle June recovered and took it 7 yards to the Avengers' 29-yard line early in the fourth.
Following the fumble, Los Angeles drove 71 yards on 12 plays, and York finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ken Lavue. The Avengers missed a 2-point conversion attempt, and were down 30-12 with 9:31 left in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles failed an onside kick, but Grand Rapids P Geraine Norman was blocked and recovered by Roman Costigan at the Rampage 38-yard line. Four plays later, York fired a 38-yard touchdown pass to Keifer Dance. Once again, the 2-point conversion was no good, and the Avengers were down 30-18 with 7:07 left in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles recovered the onside kick that time, but York was picked off by Orville Brill who returned it 22 yards to the Rampage 47-yard line. After a Rampage punt, York would get picked off again by Brill, and Grand Rapids would run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (10-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 100 yards on 31 carries. Harrell led the team with 36 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wayne was 16-of-28 passing for 231 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 14 yards. Naylor (53 yards, TD), Joe Foss (41 yards) and Cushing (29 yards) each caught three passes in the game. The Rampage will wrap up the regular season hosting the Colorado Crush.
Los Angeles (5-10) gained 356 yards of total offense. The Avengers were held to 58 yards rushing on 19 carries. Igor Keough gained 16 yards on 8 carries. York gained 16 yards on 4 carries. He also went 23-of-43 passing for 322 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 24 yards. Chip Kindrick was LA's leading receiver with 6 catches for 63 yards. The Avengers will visit the New York Dragons to close out their regular season.
Los Angeles punted to start the game, then Grand Rapids moved the ball 58 yards on 7 plays. Curtis Wayne finished the drive off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Lester Gartman to give the Rampage a 7-0 lead with 10:47 to go in the first quarter. On the Avengers' next possession, Juan York was intercepted by Bobby Harpole who took it 12 yards to the Los Angeles 38-yard line. After seven plays netted 29 yards, George Tibbs connected on a 26-yard field goal to give Grand Rapids a 10-0 lead with 6:47 left in the first. The teams would trade punts, and the Avengers had a chance to score, but Carmon Grimes would miss a 43-yard field goal attempt late in the first quarter.
The Rampage would punt to start the second quarter, but York would get picked off again, this time by Rodd Clift who ran 28 yards to the Avengers 9-yard line. Toby Harrell scored on a 9-yard touchdown run on the next play to extend the Grand Rapids lead to 17-0 with 13:13 remaining in the half. Los Angeles would finally get on the board following a 10-play, 83-yard drive that ended with Grimes kicking a 22-yard field goal to make it 17-3 with 7:22 left in the second quarter. The Rampage answered with a 9-play, 36-yard drive that ended with Tibbs kicking a 51-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 2:21 remaining in the second. The Avengers went 49 yards on 7 plays, and Grimes kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 20-6 with 36 seconds to go in the half. But Grand Rapids got the last laugh going 38 yards on 4 plays, and Tibbs kicked a 38-yard field goal on the last play of the half to give the Rampage a 23-6 lead.
The second half began with both teams punting, and the Rampage then moved the ball 80 yards on 8 plays. Wayne finished it off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Hudie Naylor to make it 30-6 with 4:05 left in the third quarter. The Avengers got into position for Grimes to attempt a 47-yard field goal, but it was blocked by Artie Borden. The Rampage appeared ready to extend their lead, but Bobo Cushing fumbled and Carlisle June recovered and took it 7 yards to the Avengers' 29-yard line early in the fourth.
Following the fumble, Los Angeles drove 71 yards on 12 plays, and York finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ken Lavue. The Avengers missed a 2-point conversion attempt, and were down 30-12 with 9:31 left in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles failed an onside kick, but Grand Rapids P Geraine Norman was blocked and recovered by Roman Costigan at the Rampage 38-yard line. Four plays later, York fired a 38-yard touchdown pass to Keifer Dance. Once again, the 2-point conversion was no good, and the Avengers were down 30-18 with 7:07 left in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles recovered the onside kick that time, but York was picked off by Orville Brill who returned it 22 yards to the Rampage 47-yard line. After a Rampage punt, York would get picked off again by Brill, and Grand Rapids would run out the clock.
Grand Rapids (10-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 100 yards on 31 carries. Harrell led the team with 36 yards on 12 carries and a TD. Wayne was 16-of-28 passing for 231 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 14 yards. Naylor (53 yards, TD), Joe Foss (41 yards) and Cushing (29 yards) each caught three passes in the game. The Rampage will wrap up the regular season hosting the Colorado Crush.
Los Angeles (5-10) gained 356 yards of total offense. The Avengers were held to 58 yards rushing on 19 carries. Igor Keough gained 16 yards on 8 carries. York gained 16 yards on 4 carries. He also went 23-of-43 passing for 322 yards, 2 TD and 4 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 24 yards. Chip Kindrick was LA's leading receiver with 6 catches for 63 yards. The Avengers will visit the New York Dragons to close out their regular season.
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