PHOENIX-Hamilton Berger made a crucial interception with 3 seconds left to give the Nashville Kats an 18-13 victory in Week 6 of the AFL season.
Arizona started with the ball, and pulled out a fake punt on fourth down with Adrian Alphin completing a 17-yard pass to Hack McDonald to the Nashville 40, but it went for naught as Gaston Berg intercepted Don Fawcett at the 21-yard line. The Kats moved the ball, but had to punt and Red Hull placed it on the Rattlers' 1-yard line. From there, Marv Boozer sacked Fawcett in the end zone for a safety to give the Kats a 2-0 lead with 9:01 to go in the first. The teams would trade punts, and Nashville looked to drive for another score, but Chris Harrell intercepted Brewster Brickhouse at the Arizona 4-yard line with 2:51 left in the first.
After that, the Rattlers would drive 96 yards on 10 plays, finishing with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Fawcett to Shelby Lerti to give Arizona a 7-2 lead with 14:02 remaining in the second. Nashville would respond with an 8-play, 30-yard drive that ended with a Daniel Stevenson 52-yard field goal to make it 7-5 with 9:55 remaining in the half. After Arizona punted, the Kats marched 69 yards on 10 plays, with Stevenson kicking a 28-yard field goal with 1:52 remaining in the half to give Nashville an 8-7 lead going into the locker room at halftime.
The third quarter was a slow affair. Nashville punted on their first possession, and Arizona had a chance to retake the lead, but Pancho Barrow missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Both teams then traded punts, and then the Kats went on an 11-play, 55-yard drive that ended with Chet Fondren scoring on a reverse from 12 yards out to extend the Kats' lead to 15-7 with 1:13 to go in the third.
Arizona punted early in the fourth quarter, and Nashville went 60 yards on 9 plays. Stevenson went out and kicked his third field goal, from 37 yards out to make it 18-7 with 8:39 remaining in the game. The Rattlers would respond with an 8-play, 78-yard drive that ended with Fawcett tossing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Arvil Stinson. The 2-point conversion failed, and Arizona was down 18-13 with 5:07 remaining in the game. Nashville went three-and-out and Arizona started their next drive from their own 20 with 3:27 to go in the game. The Rattlers got as close to the Kats' 8-yard line with 12 seconds left. Fawcett threw a pass just short of the end zone, and Berger came up with the pick at the 2 and returned it to the 16-yard line with 3 seconds to go to cement Nashville's third straight win.
Nashville (3-3) gained 297 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 81 rushing yards on 26 carries. Davis Weems led the team with 66 yards on 15 carries. Brickhouse was 20-for-35 passing for 220 yards and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Vittorio Swane led the team with 6 receptions for 82 yards. The Kats will host the San Jose Sabercats next week.
Arizona (1-5) gained 396 yards of total offense. The Rattlers ran for 39 yards on 13 carries. Melvin Jones led the team with 30 yards on 4 carries. Fawcett was 29-for-43 passing for 342 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 2 yards. Will Meads led the Rattlers with 7 receptions for 126 yards. The Rattlers are on the road against the Georgia Force next week.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
AFL: Dragons Beat Mustangs, 17-13
MILWAUKEE-The New York Dragons intecepted JC George four times and scored 17 unanswered points to defeat the Milwaukee Mustangs 17-13 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Milwaukee opened the game going three-and-out and punted to the Dragons, but Cecil Hyde sacked Dragons QB Faron Emerson, and James Lang recovered for the Mustangs at the Dragons 12-yard line. Two plays later, George hit C.C. Cage on a 3-yard touchdown pass to put Milwaukee up 7-0 with 12:53 remaining in the first. The remainder of the first quarter was dominated by punts from both sides.
Near the end of the first quarter, Milwaukee started on an 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 21-yard field goal with 9:14 to go in the second to put the Mustangs up 10-0. New York fumbled on their next possession as George Larron lost the ball at his own 29, and Travis Gargas recovered for Milwaukee. After going 14 yards on 5 plays, Philbrook kicked a 32-yard field goal to take a 13-0 lead with 4:45 left in the half. New York then punted, and Milwaukee appeared to be driving for another score when Dusty Mills intercepted George and returned it to the Mustangs 29-yard line. Six plays later, Emerson threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore with 18 seconds left in the half to cut the gap to 13-7. George threw another pass late in the half but was intercepted by Sinbad Howe, and the teams went into the locker room with the score at 13-7 in favor of the Mustangs.
The second half started with Emerson throwing two incomplete passes, then he threw a perfect strike to Ashmore covering 79 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 14-13 lead with 14:29 to go in the third. George was then intercepted for the third time, this time by Omar Wheeley at the Milwaukee 35-yard line. After four plays covered six yards, Burt Hamrick kicked a 46-yard field goal with 11:44 remaining in the third to put the Dragons up 17-13.
There was no more scoring during the game. George scrambled and fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Scott Van Horne at the Dragons' 44-yard line. New York went three-and-out and punted. Both teams exchanged punts, and then Vance Bicker intercepted George early in the fourth quarter. New York didn't do much in the fourth, and Milwaukee was turned away twice on fourth down.
New York (4-2) gained 238 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 52 yards on 27 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 28 yards on 7 carries. Emerson was 11-for-21 passing for 215 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Ashmore led the Dragons with 5 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TD. The Dragons will host the Chicago Rush next week.
Milwaukee (4-2) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 119 yards on 33 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 63 yards on 10 carries. George was 24-for-43 passing for 201 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was not sacked. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 54 yards. Cage caught 7 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Grand Rapids Rampage,
Milwaukee opened the game going three-and-out and punted to the Dragons, but Cecil Hyde sacked Dragons QB Faron Emerson, and James Lang recovered for the Mustangs at the Dragons 12-yard line. Two plays later, George hit C.C. Cage on a 3-yard touchdown pass to put Milwaukee up 7-0 with 12:53 remaining in the first. The remainder of the first quarter was dominated by punts from both sides.
Near the end of the first quarter, Milwaukee started on an 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Rock Philbrook kicking a 21-yard field goal with 9:14 to go in the second to put the Mustangs up 10-0. New York fumbled on their next possession as George Larron lost the ball at his own 29, and Travis Gargas recovered for Milwaukee. After going 14 yards on 5 plays, Philbrook kicked a 32-yard field goal to take a 13-0 lead with 4:45 left in the half. New York then punted, and Milwaukee appeared to be driving for another score when Dusty Mills intercepted George and returned it to the Mustangs 29-yard line. Six plays later, Emerson threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ardell Ashmore with 18 seconds left in the half to cut the gap to 13-7. George threw another pass late in the half but was intercepted by Sinbad Howe, and the teams went into the locker room with the score at 13-7 in favor of the Mustangs.
The second half started with Emerson throwing two incomplete passes, then he threw a perfect strike to Ashmore covering 79 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 14-13 lead with 14:29 to go in the third. George was then intercepted for the third time, this time by Omar Wheeley at the Milwaukee 35-yard line. After four plays covered six yards, Burt Hamrick kicked a 46-yard field goal with 11:44 remaining in the third to put the Dragons up 17-13.
There was no more scoring during the game. George scrambled and fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Scott Van Horne at the Dragons' 44-yard line. New York went three-and-out and punted. Both teams exchanged punts, and then Vance Bicker intercepted George early in the fourth quarter. New York didn't do much in the fourth, and Milwaukee was turned away twice on fourth down.
New York (4-2) gained 238 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 52 yards on 27 carries. Freddy Ashercraft led the team with 28 yards on 7 carries. Emerson was 11-for-21 passing for 215 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Ashmore led the Dragons with 5 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TD. The Dragons will host the Chicago Rush next week.
Milwaukee (4-2) gained 320 yards of total offense. The Mustangs ran for 119 yards on 33 carries. Nigel McClain led the team with 63 yards on 10 carries. George was 24-for-43 passing for 201 yards, 1 TD and 4 INT. He was not sacked. Heinie Clausen led the Mustangs with 8 catches for 54 yards. Cage caught 7 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Next week, the Mustangs visit the Grand Rapids Rampage,
Friday, September 23, 2016
AFL: Barnstormers Hold Off Firebirds, 20-10
DES MOINES, IA-The Iowa Barnstormers held off a second-half rally to defeat the Albany Firebirds 20-10 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Albany started the game going three-and-out, and the Barnstormers moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Ev Blansett finished the drive with a 21-yard pass to Flip Cravens to put Iowa up 7-0 with 10:22 left in the first. Sinbad Gargaro threw an interception to Seth Waltrip on Albany's next possession, but the Barnstormers were forced to punt. The exchange of punts continued until late in the quarter, when Garry Farr fumbled a catch and Early Tune recovered for the Barnstormers at the Albany 45. Nine plays later, Powell Ramos swept through the left side for an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:08 remaining in the second to put Iowa up 14-0.
Not much of note happened in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts until Waltrip intercepted Gargaro for the second time with 29 seconds remaining in the half. Iowa took two plays to go 24 yards, and SB Rhoads kicked a 37-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining to put the Barnstormers up 17-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Iowa played a ball-control game and moved the ball 49 yards on 13 plays. Rhoads kicked his second field goal, a 33-yarder, to make it 20-0 with 8:24 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts, and the Firebirds then moved the ball 46 yards on 11 plays. Dom Wenning ended the drive with a 30-yard field goal to edge closer, 20-3 with 2:23 to go in the third.
Iowa punted on their next possession, and the Firebirds would drive 71 yards on 10 plays. Pinky Gardner would score on a reverse from 14 yards out to get within 20-10 with 12:55 left in the game. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff to the Firebirds' 44-yard line, but Rhoads missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. Albany would punt, and Iowa's Jean Butler would answer with a 77-yard punt downed at the Firebirds' 2-yard line with 7:46 remaining. Albany would go 59 yards on 14 plays, and Wenning was sent out to attempt a 56-yarder with 2:27 left to try to get within a touchdown. But he missed it, and the Barnstormers would run out the clock.
Iowa (4-2) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 121 yards on 39 carries. Ramos led the team with 62 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Blansett was 14-for-29 passing for 132 yards, 1 TD and was not sacked. Burke Fraser led the Barnstormers with 5 catches for 30 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Albany (3-3) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 52 rushing yards on 21 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 18 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 20-for-44 passing for 253 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Teddy Harley led the Firebirds with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds host the Dallas Desperados.
Albany started the game going three-and-out, and the Barnstormers moved the ball 41 yards on 6 plays. Ev Blansett finished the drive with a 21-yard pass to Flip Cravens to put Iowa up 7-0 with 10:22 left in the first. Sinbad Gargaro threw an interception to Seth Waltrip on Albany's next possession, but the Barnstormers were forced to punt. The exchange of punts continued until late in the quarter, when Garry Farr fumbled a catch and Early Tune recovered for the Barnstormers at the Albany 45. Nine plays later, Powell Ramos swept through the left side for an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:08 remaining in the second to put Iowa up 14-0.
Not much of note happened in the second quarter. Both teams traded punts until Waltrip intercepted Gargaro for the second time with 29 seconds remaining in the half. Iowa took two plays to go 24 yards, and SB Rhoads kicked a 37-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining to put the Barnstormers up 17-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Iowa played a ball-control game and moved the ball 49 yards on 13 plays. Rhoads kicked his second field goal, a 33-yarder, to make it 20-0 with 8:24 to go in the third. Both teams traded punts, and the Firebirds then moved the ball 46 yards on 11 plays. Dom Wenning ended the drive with a 30-yard field goal to edge closer, 20-3 with 2:23 to go in the third.
Iowa punted on their next possession, and the Firebirds would drive 71 yards on 10 plays. Pinky Gardner would score on a reverse from 14 yards out to get within 20-10 with 12:55 left in the game. Caleb Whitlock returned the ensuing kickoff to the Firebirds' 44-yard line, but Rhoads missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. Albany would punt, and Iowa's Jean Butler would answer with a 77-yard punt downed at the Firebirds' 2-yard line with 7:46 remaining. Albany would go 59 yards on 14 plays, and Wenning was sent out to attempt a 56-yarder with 2:27 left to try to get within a touchdown. But he missed it, and the Barnstormers would run out the clock.
Iowa (4-2) gained 253 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 121 yards on 39 carries. Ramos led the team with 62 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Blansett was 14-for-29 passing for 132 yards, 1 TD and was not sacked. Burke Fraser led the Barnstormers with 5 catches for 30 yards. The Barnstormers visit the Detroit Drive next week.
Albany (3-3) gained 300 yards of total offense. The Firebirds were held to 52 rushing yards on 21 carries. Scooter Colby led the team with 18 yards on 7 carries. Gargaro went 20-for-44 passing for 253 yards and 2 INT. He was sacked once, losing 5 yards. Teddy Harley led the Firebirds with 6 catches for 58 yards. Next week, the Firebirds host the Dallas Desperados.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
AFL: Rampage Thwart Rush, 31-19
ROSEMONT, IL-Nikolai Vilmer's two first-quarter touchdowns helped propel the Grand Rapids Rampage past the Chicago Rush 31-19 in a Week 6 AFL game.
Chicago started with possession, but Arman Drummond fumbled after being sacked by Bobby Harpole, who recovered the ball at the Chicago 14-yard line. Four plays later, Curtis Wayne hit Vilmer for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13:05 left in the first to put the Rampage up 7-0. Both teams then traded punts, until the Rampage drove 84 yards on 3 plays. A 64-yard pass to Vilmer set up a 15-yard TD from Wayne to Vilmer on the following play to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 1:21 remaining in the first.
Chicago punted the ball away as the second quarter began, but Wayne threw an interception by Niko Simon at the Rampage 46-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond ran in on a QB keeper from 10 yards out to make it 14-7 with 13:06 to go in the half. The Rampage would punt, and Chicago got into scoring position again, only for Dete Justen to miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. The following Rampage drive resulted in a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by George Tibbs, and the half ended with Grand Rapids up by a touchdown.
Grand Rapids started the second half with a 14-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Hudie Naylor with 7:39 remaining in the third to put the Rampage up 21-7. The Rush answered with a 12-play, 57-yard drive culminating with a 42-yard field goal by Justen to make it 21-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third. Grand Rapids punted as the third quarter drew to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago went on a 7-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 47-yard field goal with 11:58 left in the fourth to cut the gap to 21-13. Grand Rapids answered with a 9-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Toby Harrell scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:39 left in the fourth to put the Rampage up 28-13. The Rush then moved the ball 70 yards on 8 plays. Drummond ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain. Justen missed the extra point*, and the Rush were down 28-19 with 4:15 to go in the game. Chicago attempted an onside kick, and Lester Gartman recovered for the Rampage at the Rush 42-yard line. After a 7-play, 32-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:08 left to make it 31-19 in favor of the Rampage.
Grand Rapids (3-3) gained 419 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 90 yards rushing on 33 carries. Harrell led the team with 54 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Wayne went 26-for-38 passing for 329 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT and was not sacked. Bud Tyrer led the Rampage with 5 receptions for 58 yards. Vilmer caught 4 passes for 84 yards and 2 TD. The Rampage host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Chicago (1-5) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 76 yards on 22 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 40 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 20-for-36 passing for 275 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Marty Margerum led the Rush with 10 receptions for 140 yards. The Rush will visit the New York Dragons next week.
*A quick little mini-rant about the missed extra point: When a team is down 15 when they score a touchdown, it seems to be a generally accepted theory to go for two to make it a 7-point game. I don't see it that way myself. My take is to kick the extra point to get within 8, then worry about going for two if the team scores another TD. At least you'd still be within one possession of a tie. If you go for two and miss it, you still have to score twice. Long story short (too late), making a kick is more of a sure thing (almost 96% conversion as of this writing) than going for two in that situation.
Chicago started with possession, but Arman Drummond fumbled after being sacked by Bobby Harpole, who recovered the ball at the Chicago 14-yard line. Four plays later, Curtis Wayne hit Vilmer for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13:05 left in the first to put the Rampage up 7-0. Both teams then traded punts, until the Rampage drove 84 yards on 3 plays. A 64-yard pass to Vilmer set up a 15-yard TD from Wayne to Vilmer on the following play to put Grand Rapids up 14-0 with 1:21 remaining in the first.
Chicago punted the ball away as the second quarter began, but Wayne threw an interception by Niko Simon at the Rampage 46-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond ran in on a QB keeper from 10 yards out to make it 14-7 with 13:06 to go in the half. The Rampage would punt, and Chicago got into scoring position again, only for Dete Justen to miss a 50-yard field goal attempt. The following Rampage drive resulted in a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by George Tibbs, and the half ended with Grand Rapids up by a touchdown.
Grand Rapids started the second half with a 14-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wayne to Hudie Naylor with 7:39 remaining in the third to put the Rampage up 21-7. The Rush answered with a 12-play, 57-yard drive culminating with a 42-yard field goal by Justen to make it 21-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third. Grand Rapids punted as the third quarter drew to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago went on a 7-play, 41-yard drive that ended with Justen kicking a 47-yard field goal with 11:58 left in the fourth to cut the gap to 21-13. Grand Rapids answered with a 9-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Toby Harrell scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run with 7:39 left in the fourth to put the Rampage up 28-13. The Rush then moved the ball 70 yards on 8 plays. Drummond ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ward Despain. Justen missed the extra point*, and the Rush were down 28-19 with 4:15 to go in the game. Chicago attempted an onside kick, and Lester Gartman recovered for the Rampage at the Rush 42-yard line. After a 7-play, 32-yard drive, Tibbs kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:08 left to make it 31-19 in favor of the Rampage.
Grand Rapids (3-3) gained 419 yards of total offense. The Rampage gained 90 yards rushing on 33 carries. Harrell led the team with 54 yards on 16 carries and a TD. Wayne went 26-for-38 passing for 329 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT and was not sacked. Bud Tyrer led the Rampage with 5 receptions for 58 yards. Vilmer caught 4 passes for 84 yards and 2 TD. The Rampage host the Milwaukee Mustangs next week.
Chicago (1-5) gained 335 yards of total offense. The Rush ran for 76 yards on 22 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 40 yards on 11 carries. Drummond was 20-for-36 passing for 275 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Marty Margerum led the Rush with 10 receptions for 140 yards. The Rush will visit the New York Dragons next week.
*A quick little mini-rant about the missed extra point: When a team is down 15 when they score a touchdown, it seems to be a generally accepted theory to go for two to make it a 7-point game. I don't see it that way myself. My take is to kick the extra point to get within 8, then worry about going for two if the team scores another TD. At least you'd still be within one possession of a tie. If you go for two and miss it, you still have to score twice. Long story short (too late), making a kick is more of a sure thing (almost 96% conversion as of this writing) than going for two in that situation.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
AFL: Desperados Edge Drive, 28-27
DALLAS-For the second week in a row, the Dallas Desperados kept their opponents out of the end zone at the very end to preserve a 28-27 victory over the Detroit Drive in a Week 6 AFL game.
The first quarter started out slowly, with both offenses feeling out the opposition. Eventually, Detroit moved down the field, going 68 yards on 13 plays. Patch Brolie ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:16 left in the second quarter to put the Drive up 7-0.
On the subsequent Dallas drive, the Desperados moved the ball 50 yards on 8 plays, settling for a 46-yard field goal by Greg Hall to make it 7-3 with 10:34 left in the half. Detroit would go three-and-out, and Dallas got the ball at Detroit's 43-yard line. But after three plays netted only seven yards, Hall kicked his second field goal of the game, a 53-yarder, to close the gap to 7-6 with 7:29 left in the second quarter. Detroit struck back with an 11-play, 71-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass by Lou Couch to Vern Kelly with 3:39 remaining in the half to put the Drive up 14-6. Now, it was the Desperados' turn to strike back, as they embarked on a 9-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Heinie Voorhees hitting Clem Shaffer for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Dallas successfully made a 2-point conversion to tie the game with 52 seconds left in the half, and the game was tied at 14 going into halftime.
Detroit began the second half with Couch being intercepted by Otto Scholl at the Drive's 31-yard line. Eight plays and 18 yards later, Hall kicked a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Desperados up 17-14 with 11:29 remaining in the third. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 80 yards on 14 plays, the highlight of which was a fake field goal attempt that became an 18-yard pass from Indiana Thornley to Smokey Packer for a first down at the Desperados' 14-yard line. That set up a 14-yard touchdown pass by Couch to Ahmed Sohn on the next play to give Detroit a 21-17 lead with 6:26 left in the third. Dallas' next drive would go 57 yards on 10 plays, with Hall kicking another 30-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 1:11 remaining in the third.
Detroit was forced to punt early in the fourth quarter, and Dallas took advantage, driving 80 yards on 11 plays. Voorhees ended the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes. Dallas converted another 2-point conversion to go up 28-21 with 7:39 left in regulation. Detroit quickly attempted to tie the game, but Diron Imboden intercepted Couch's long pass at the Dallas 6-yard line. The Desperados went three-and-out, but a short punt and a solid return by Dave Huntley, coupled with a personal foul on Dallas for piling on, put the ball on the Desperados' 18-yard line for the Drive. Six plays later, Couch hit Huntley for a 5-yard touchdown pass. But Cletis Frayer, who had earlier missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, would miss the extra point, and Detroit trailed 28-27 with 2:36 remaining in the game. The Drive kicked deep, hoping the defense would stop Dallas, and Detroit would get the ball back. After giving up a first down, Detroit did force Dallas to punt and the Drive were at their own 41 with 42 seconds left. Detroit managed to get to the Dallas 46 with 4 seconds left. Rather than attempt a 63-yard field goal, Detroit threw it deep and Sohn caught the pass at the 8, but could advance no farther, and the Desperados escaped with the win.
Dallas (4-2) gained 333 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 95 yards on 28 carries. Elson Gregson led the team with 59 yards on 13 carries. Voorhees was 23-for-32 passing for 257 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Shaffer caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a TD. Hawes caught 5 passes for 58 yards and a TD. The Desperados are on the road against the Albany Firebirds next week.
Detroit (4-2) gained 437 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 80 yards on 21 carries. Lovell Denson gained 31 yards on 6 carries to lead the team. Brolie ran for 25 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Couch went 29-for-45 passing for 376 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 37 yards. Sohn led the Drive with 7 receptions for 127 yards and a TD. Huntley caught 6 passes for 53 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 66 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
The first quarter started out slowly, with both offenses feeling out the opposition. Eventually, Detroit moved down the field, going 68 yards on 13 plays. Patch Brolie ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 14:16 left in the second quarter to put the Drive up 7-0.
On the subsequent Dallas drive, the Desperados moved the ball 50 yards on 8 plays, settling for a 46-yard field goal by Greg Hall to make it 7-3 with 10:34 left in the half. Detroit would go three-and-out, and Dallas got the ball at Detroit's 43-yard line. But after three plays netted only seven yards, Hall kicked his second field goal of the game, a 53-yarder, to close the gap to 7-6 with 7:29 left in the second quarter. Detroit struck back with an 11-play, 71-yard drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown pass by Lou Couch to Vern Kelly with 3:39 remaining in the half to put the Drive up 14-6. Now, it was the Desperados' turn to strike back, as they embarked on a 9-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Heinie Voorhees hitting Clem Shaffer for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Dallas successfully made a 2-point conversion to tie the game with 52 seconds left in the half, and the game was tied at 14 going into halftime.
Detroit began the second half with Couch being intercepted by Otto Scholl at the Drive's 31-yard line. Eight plays and 18 yards later, Hall kicked a 30-yard field goal, his third of the game, to put the Desperados up 17-14 with 11:29 remaining in the third. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 80 yards on 14 plays, the highlight of which was a fake field goal attempt that became an 18-yard pass from Indiana Thornley to Smokey Packer for a first down at the Desperados' 14-yard line. That set up a 14-yard touchdown pass by Couch to Ahmed Sohn on the next play to give Detroit a 21-17 lead with 6:26 left in the third. Dallas' next drive would go 57 yards on 10 plays, with Hall kicking another 30-yard field goal to make it 21-20 with 1:11 remaining in the third.
Detroit was forced to punt early in the fourth quarter, and Dallas took advantage, driving 80 yards on 11 plays. Voorhees ended the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Hawes. Dallas converted another 2-point conversion to go up 28-21 with 7:39 left in regulation. Detroit quickly attempted to tie the game, but Diron Imboden intercepted Couch's long pass at the Dallas 6-yard line. The Desperados went three-and-out, but a short punt and a solid return by Dave Huntley, coupled with a personal foul on Dallas for piling on, put the ball on the Desperados' 18-yard line for the Drive. Six plays later, Couch hit Huntley for a 5-yard touchdown pass. But Cletis Frayer, who had earlier missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, would miss the extra point, and Detroit trailed 28-27 with 2:36 remaining in the game. The Drive kicked deep, hoping the defense would stop Dallas, and Detroit would get the ball back. After giving up a first down, Detroit did force Dallas to punt and the Drive were at their own 41 with 42 seconds left. Detroit managed to get to the Dallas 46 with 4 seconds left. Rather than attempt a 63-yard field goal, Detroit threw it deep and Sohn caught the pass at the 8, but could advance no farther, and the Desperados escaped with the win.
Dallas (4-2) gained 333 yards of total offense. The Desperados ran for 95 yards on 28 carries. Elson Gregson led the team with 59 yards on 13 carries. Voorhees was 23-for-32 passing for 257 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Shaffer caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a TD. Hawes caught 5 passes for 58 yards and a TD. The Desperados are on the road against the Albany Firebirds next week.
Detroit (4-2) gained 437 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 80 yards on 21 carries. Lovell Denson gained 31 yards on 6 carries to lead the team. Brolie ran for 25 yards on 7 carries and a TD. Couch went 29-for-45 passing for 376 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked six times, losing 37 yards. Sohn led the Drive with 7 receptions for 127 yards and a TD. Huntley caught 6 passes for 53 yards and a TD. Kelly caught 5 passes for 66 yards and a TD. The Drive will host the Iowa Barnstormers next week.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
AFL Week 5 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 4 | 1 | 0 | 121 | 105 |
| New York Dragons | 3 | 2 | 0 | 122 | 96 |
| Albany Firebirds | 3 | 2 | 0 | 99 | 111 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 2 | 3 | 0 | 104 | 110 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 3 | 2 | 0 | 108 | 94 |
| Georgia Force | 2 | 3 | 0 | 152 | 126 |
| Nashville Kats | 2 | 3 | 0 | 124 | 141 |
| Orlando Predators | 1 | 4 | 0 | 97 | 144 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 4 | 1 | 0 | 139 | 103 |
| Dallas Desperados | 3 | 2 | 0 | 127 | 115 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 3 | 2 | 0 | 173 | 113 |
| Chicago Rush | 1 | 4 | 0 | 117 | 147 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Colorado Crush | 3 | 2 | 0 | 115 | 109 |
| San Jose Sabercats | 3 | 2 | 0 | 124 | 110 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 2 | 3 | 0 | 106 | 116 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 1 | 4 | 0 | 80 | 168 |
Grand Rapids 20, Detroit 17
New York 31, Albany 3
Nashville 22, Tampa Bay 14
Georgia 39, Orlando 7
Dallas 20, Chicago 16
Iowa 20, Milwaukee 17 (OT)
Arizona 27, Los Angeles 17
Colorado 23, San Jose 10
WEEK 6 Games
Detroit (4-1) at Dallas (3-2)
Grand Rapids (2-3) at Chicago (1-4)
Albany (3-2) at Iowa (3-2)
New York (3-2) at Milwaukee (4-1)
Nashville (2-3) at Arizona (1-4)
Tampa Bay (3-2) at Los Angeles (2-3)
Georgia (2-3) at San Jose (3-2)
Orlando (1-4) at Colorado (3-2)
AFL: Crush Pick Six, Down Sabercats, 23-10
SAN JOSE-The Colorado Crush intercepted Timmy Carey six times en route to a 23-10 victory over the San Jose Sabercats in a Week 5 AFL game.
The pick parade started early as Curley Wentworth picked off a pass on San Jose's opening drive and returned it 20 yards to the Sabercats' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Howton Thom threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley and Colorado took a 7-0 lead with 12:55 to go in the first. San Jose moved down the field on their next drive, but Carey's arm betrayed them again, as Cal Zhugaibi intercepted him and returned it 21 yards to San Jose's 46. The Crush couldn't make anything out of it, however, as Earl Ginger missed a 37-yard field goal. The Sabercats went on a drive of their own, but Ethan Wycoff missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. The Crush tried to drive again, but Ginger missed another field goal, this one from 48 yards. Late in the quarter, Carey was intercepted again, this time by Upton Peace at the Colorado 34-yard line.
After Carey's third pick, Thom hit Regis Duck on a screen pass that gained 57 yards to the Sabercats' 9-yard line, which set up a 27-yard field goal by Ginger to go up 10-0 with 14:09 remaining in the second. San Jose moved down the field again, but Peace picked off Carey for the second time (and Carey's 4th of the game!) at the Crush 14-yard line. But the Sabercats' pass defense would strike back, as Russ Bird picked off an errant pass by Thom at the Crush 41-yard line. Eight plays later, Carey threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 5:55 left in the half. Colorado would take one play to strike back, however, as Valentine Millstone ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 17-7 with 5:33 left in the second. Both teams would punt on their next drive, and the Sabercats would then drive 48 yards on 6 plays. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal on the final play of the half to get San Jose within a touchdown at 17-10.
The third quarter opened with a San Jose punt, then Rod Gaines intercepted Thom and returned it 19 yards to the Sabercats' 44-yard line. The Sabercats moved the ball until Alan Sale fumbled and Wentworth recovered at the Crush 30-yard line. The Crush would punt to San Jose's 5-yard line. The Sabercats would drive to Colorado's 45 where Carey was sacked by Bruce Chambers and fumbled. Guy Handy recovered for the Crush. From there, the Crush drove 24 yards on 5 plays with Ginger kicking a 38-yard field goal with 14:32 remaining in the fourth to go up 20-10. During the drive, Thom was knocked out of the game and replaced by Ervin Castin. The injury will not keep Thom out of next week's game against Orlando, but he's not expected to start the game.
San Jose again moved the ball well on their ensuing drive, until Carey was intercepted for the fifth time. This time, Eric Adcock returned it 16 yards to the Sabercats 42-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 20-yard field goal with 4:30 to go in the game to make it 23-10 in favor of the Crush. Carey would throw his sixth interception, this one to Deron Putman to put an end to any serious comeback threat San Jose may have had.
Colorado (3-2) gained 375 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 130 rushing yards on 28 carries. Millstone tied a single-game record with 120 yards of 15 carries and a TD (sharing the mark with Elson Gregson of Dallas). Thom was 17-for-30 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Castin went 1-for-2 for 15 yards, and was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Millstone led the Crush with 3 catches for 40 yards. The Crush host the Orlando Predators next week.
San Jose (3-2) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 140 yards on 20 carries. Sale led the team with 103 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 23-for-40 passing for 257 yards, 1 TD and 6 INT. He was sacked 4 times, losing 34 yards. Stacy led the Sabercats with 7 catches for 93 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose hosts the Georgia Force.
The pick parade started early as Curley Wentworth picked off a pass on San Jose's opening drive and returned it 20 yards to the Sabercats' 25-yard line. Four plays later, Howton Thom threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Sandy Kelley and Colorado took a 7-0 lead with 12:55 to go in the first. San Jose moved down the field on their next drive, but Carey's arm betrayed them again, as Cal Zhugaibi intercepted him and returned it 21 yards to San Jose's 46. The Crush couldn't make anything out of it, however, as Earl Ginger missed a 37-yard field goal. The Sabercats went on a drive of their own, but Ethan Wycoff missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. The Crush tried to drive again, but Ginger missed another field goal, this one from 48 yards. Late in the quarter, Carey was intercepted again, this time by Upton Peace at the Colorado 34-yard line.
After Carey's third pick, Thom hit Regis Duck on a screen pass that gained 57 yards to the Sabercats' 9-yard line, which set up a 27-yard field goal by Ginger to go up 10-0 with 14:09 remaining in the second. San Jose moved down the field again, but Peace picked off Carey for the second time (and Carey's 4th of the game!) at the Crush 14-yard line. But the Sabercats' pass defense would strike back, as Russ Bird picked off an errant pass by Thom at the Crush 41-yard line. Eight plays later, Carey threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Stacy to make it 10-7 with 5:55 left in the half. Colorado would take one play to strike back, however, as Valentine Millstone ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run to put the Crush up 17-7 with 5:33 left in the second. Both teams would punt on their next drive, and the Sabercats would then drive 48 yards on 6 plays. Wycoff kicked a 23-yard field goal on the final play of the half to get San Jose within a touchdown at 17-10.
The third quarter opened with a San Jose punt, then Rod Gaines intercepted Thom and returned it 19 yards to the Sabercats' 44-yard line. The Sabercats moved the ball until Alan Sale fumbled and Wentworth recovered at the Crush 30-yard line. The Crush would punt to San Jose's 5-yard line. The Sabercats would drive to Colorado's 45 where Carey was sacked by Bruce Chambers and fumbled. Guy Handy recovered for the Crush. From there, the Crush drove 24 yards on 5 plays with Ginger kicking a 38-yard field goal with 14:32 remaining in the fourth to go up 20-10. During the drive, Thom was knocked out of the game and replaced by Ervin Castin. The injury will not keep Thom out of next week's game against Orlando, but he's not expected to start the game.
San Jose again moved the ball well on their ensuing drive, until Carey was intercepted for the fifth time. This time, Eric Adcock returned it 16 yards to the Sabercats 42-yard line. After a 9-play, 55-yard drive, Ginger would kick a 20-yard field goal with 4:30 to go in the game to make it 23-10 in favor of the Crush. Carey would throw his sixth interception, this one to Deron Putman to put an end to any serious comeback threat San Jose may have had.
Colorado (3-2) gained 375 yards of total offense. The Crush gained 130 rushing yards on 28 carries. Millstone tied a single-game record with 120 yards of 15 carries and a TD (sharing the mark with Elson Gregson of Dallas). Thom was 17-for-30 passing for 249 yards, 1 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 10 yards. Castin went 1-for-2 for 15 yards, and was sacked once for a 9-yard loss. Millstone led the Crush with 3 catches for 40 yards. The Crush host the Orlando Predators next week.
San Jose (3-2) gained 363 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 140 yards on 20 carries. Sale led the team with 103 yards on 14 carries. Carey was 23-for-40 passing for 257 yards, 1 TD and 6 INT. He was sacked 4 times, losing 34 yards. Stacy led the Sabercats with 7 catches for 93 yards and a TD. Next week, San Jose hosts the Georgia Force.
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