ROSEMONT, IL-Timmy Carey threw three touchdown passes and the San Jose Sabercats were able to hold off the Chicago Rush 27-20 in a Week 12 AFL game.
The Sabercats got started right away with an 8-play, 73-yard drive. Carey finished it off with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Fernando Findley to go up 7-0 with 11:03 to go in the first quarter. After a Rush punt, San Jose went on a 5-play, 25-yard drive. Ethan Wycoff kicked a 51-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 6:58 to go in the first. After Chicago went three-and-out, San Jose wet 52 yards on 7 plays, and Wycoff booted a 29-yard field goal to go up 13-0 with 1:38 to go in the first quarter.
Chicago punted again, but Wycoff missed a 25-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter. The Rush would then drive 50 yards on 8 plays. Dete Justen ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to close the gap to 13-3 with 8:03 left in the half. After a San Jose punt, the Rush moved 38 yards on 8 plays, and Justen drilled a 50-yard field goal at the two-minute warning, making it 13-6 Sabercats at the half.
The third quarter did not see much action. Chicago would punt on their first possession, and Carey had a pass intercepted by Niko Simon. The Rush punted again, and Wycoff missed a 37-yard field goal. Chicago drove into position for Justen to attempt a 51-yard field goal, but it was blocked.
Following the block, San Jose moved the ball 55 yards on 6 plays. Carey ended the drive by hitting Findley for a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 20-6 with 12:56 to go in the fourth quarter. Chicago answered with a 7-play, 83-yard drive. Arman Drummond put the Rush on the board with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Marty Margerum and Chicago was down 20-13 with 8:44 to go. The Sabercats were quick to respond with a 6-play, 53-yard drive. Carey threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Turk Costigan to make it 27-13 with 6:11 left in the game. Chicago answered with a 13-play, 76-yard drive. Drummond scrambled in from three yards out to make it 27-20 with 1:34 to go in the game. The Rush kicked deep, hoping to stop San Jose and get the ball back, but the Sabercats converted a first down, and ran out the clock.
San Jose (8-4) gained 435 yards of total offense. The Sabercats ran for 127 yards on 30 carries. Alan Sale led the team 66 yards on 15 carries. Carey was 23-of-38 passing for 332 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 24 yards. Festus Blanks caught 7 passes for 107 yards. Costigan caught 7 passes for 80 yards and a TD. San Jose will host the Arizona Rattlers next week in a rematch of a 30-10 Sabercats victory in Week 1.
Chicago (4-8) gained 344 yards of total offense. The Rush were held to 40 yards rushing on 21 carries. Lonnie Clements led the team with 19 yards on 7 carries. Drummond went 24-of-40 passing for 341 yards and a TD. He was sacked four times, losing 37 yards. Roscoe Garrett led the receivers with 6 catches for 76 yards. Margerum caught 5 passes for 86 yards and a TD. Zach Allen caught 5 passes for 67 yards. Next week, the Rush will visit the Milwaukee Mustangs, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 34-20.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
AFL: Dallas Holds Off Los Angeles in OT, 12-6
DALLAS-In a tense defensive struggle, the Dallas Desperados defeated the Los Angeles Avengers in overtime during Week 12 of the AFL season by a final of 12-6.
The first half, to put it gently, was not one to write home about. Early in the first quarter, Carmon Grimes missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Otherwise, the punters completely dominated the first half. Finally, at the start of the second half, the Desperados drove 65 yards on 12 plays, ending with a 26-yard field goal by Greg Hall to give Dallas a 3-0 lead with 8:12 left in the third quarter. The Avengers would punt the ball, and Hall then a had a 26-yard field goal attempt blocked late in the third quarter.
The Avengers would move down the field, but Igor Keough's fumble was recovered by Guy Dodson at the Dallas 28-yard line. A subsequent pass by Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Courtney Harrelson at the Desperados' 33-yard line. After a 5-play, 19-yard drive, Grimes kicked a 31-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 10:24 to go in the fourth. After a Desperados punt, Los Angeles went on a 7-play, 60-yard drive, ending with a 54-yard field goal by Grimes to give the Avengers a 6-3 lead with 3:07 remaining. The Desperados responded with a 6-play, 69-yard drive, ending with a 28-yard field goal by Hall to tie it at 6 with 53 seconds remaining. Dallas won the coin toss to start overtime, and drove 81 yards on 14 plays. Voorhees finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cord Rader for the 12-6 win at the 9:43 mark of overtime.
Dallas (9-3) gained 318 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 134 yards rushing on 32 carries. Voorhees led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. He also went 15-of-37 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Horace Evers led the Dallas receivers with 4 catches for 53 yards. Dallas will visit the Iowa Barnstomers next week, a team they defeated 36-16 in Week 1.
Los Angeles (3-9) gained 260 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 91 yards on 30 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries. Juan York was 16-of-26 passing for 185 yards. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Keifer Dance was LA's leading receiver with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week, a team Los Angeles defeated in Week 1, 27-19.
The first half, to put it gently, was not one to write home about. Early in the first quarter, Carmon Grimes missed a 42-yard field goal attempt. Otherwise, the punters completely dominated the first half. Finally, at the start of the second half, the Desperados drove 65 yards on 12 plays, ending with a 26-yard field goal by Greg Hall to give Dallas a 3-0 lead with 8:12 left in the third quarter. The Avengers would punt the ball, and Hall then a had a 26-yard field goal attempt blocked late in the third quarter.
The Avengers would move down the field, but Igor Keough's fumble was recovered by Guy Dodson at the Dallas 28-yard line. A subsequent pass by Heinie Voorhees was intercepted by Courtney Harrelson at the Desperados' 33-yard line. After a 5-play, 19-yard drive, Grimes kicked a 31-yard field goal to tie it at 3 with 10:24 to go in the fourth. After a Desperados punt, Los Angeles went on a 7-play, 60-yard drive, ending with a 54-yard field goal by Grimes to give the Avengers a 6-3 lead with 3:07 remaining. The Desperados responded with a 6-play, 69-yard drive, ending with a 28-yard field goal by Hall to tie it at 6 with 53 seconds remaining. Dallas won the coin toss to start overtime, and drove 81 yards on 14 plays. Voorhees finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cord Rader for the 12-6 win at the 9:43 mark of overtime.
Dallas (9-3) gained 318 yards of total offense. The Desperados gained 134 yards rushing on 32 carries. Voorhees led the team with 43 yards on 7 carries. He also went 15-of-37 passing for 213 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 29 yards. Horace Evers led the Dallas receivers with 4 catches for 53 yards. Dallas will visit the Iowa Barnstomers next week, a team they defeated 36-16 in Week 1.
Los Angeles (3-9) gained 260 yards of total offense. The Avengers ran for 91 yards on 30 carries. Chip Kindrick led the team with 55 yards on 15 carries. Juan York was 16-of-26 passing for 185 yards. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Keifer Dance was LA's leading receiver with 5 catches for 66 yards. The Avengers visit the Colorado Crush next week, a team Los Angeles defeated in Week 1, 27-19.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
AFL: Dragons Edge Kats, 17-15
UNIONDALE, NY-The New York Dragons held off the Nashville Kats in a Week 12 AFL contest by the score of 17-15.
The game started with George Larron fumbling the ball at the Dragons 32. Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats, and after a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 31-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:13 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Kats would move the ball 62 yards on 8 plays. Stevenson would kick a 35-yard field goal to give Nashville a 6-0 lead with 1:01 left in the first.
Both teams would punt again, and Hugh Stirckland returned it 30 yards to the Nashville 34-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr to give the Dragons a 7-6 lead with 9:34 to go in the half. The Kats went three-and-out, then Emerson had a pass intercepted by Verlin Winfrey at midfield. Stevenson would miss a 48-yard field goal attempt. Following another New York punt, Nashville moved down the field, going 55 yards on 11 plays. Stevenson finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Kats took a 9-7 lead into the locker room.
The Kats got the ball to open the second half, but Stevenson missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. New York then went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive, ending with Emerson throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Booker Starling to give the Dragons a 14-9 lead with 7:25 to go in the third quarter. Nashville went three-and-out, and New York was on the move again with a 12-play, 45-yard drive. Burt Hamrick ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to put the Dragons up 17-9 with 43 seconds remaining in the third.
Nashville answered with a 2-play, 72-yard drive. Brewster Brickhouse hit Vittorio Swane with a 62-yard pass to end the third quarter, then they connected again for a 10-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Kats missed a 2-Point Conversion attempt and were down 17-15 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Reynolds intercepted Emerson again and returned it 19 yards to the Kats' 49-yard line. But the Kats were forced to punt. The teams would trade punts until late in the game. The Kats drove into position for Stevenson to attempt to win the game with a 53-yard field goal with 1:01 left, but the kick sailed wide and the Dragons held on for the win.
New York (6-6) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 97 yards on 25 carries. Larron led the team with 68 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 17-of-30 passing for 183 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a rematch of a 23-17 victory for New York back in Week 1.
Nashville (5-6-1) gained 360 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 75 yards rushing on 28 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 52 yards on 18 carries. Brickhouse went 24-of-36 passing for 298 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 124 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats visit the Georgia Force, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 47-24.
The game started with George Larron fumbling the ball at the Dragons 32. Lando Reynolds recovered for the Kats, and after a 6-play, 18-yard drive, Daniel Stevenson kicked a 31-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 10:13 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts, and the Kats would move the ball 62 yards on 8 plays. Stevenson would kick a 35-yard field goal to give Nashville a 6-0 lead with 1:01 left in the first.
Both teams would punt again, and Hugh Stirckland returned it 30 yards to the Nashville 34-yard line. Six plays later, Faron Emerson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Barry Starr to give the Dragons a 7-6 lead with 9:34 to go in the half. The Kats went three-and-out, then Emerson had a pass intercepted by Verlin Winfrey at midfield. Stevenson would miss a 48-yard field goal attempt. Following another New York punt, Nashville moved down the field, going 55 yards on 11 plays. Stevenson finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds to go in the half, and the Kats took a 9-7 lead into the locker room.
The Kats got the ball to open the second half, but Stevenson missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. New York then went on a 6-play, 70-yard drive, ending with Emerson throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Booker Starling to give the Dragons a 14-9 lead with 7:25 to go in the third quarter. Nashville went three-and-out, and New York was on the move again with a 12-play, 45-yard drive. Burt Hamrick ended the drive with a 52-yard field goal to put the Dragons up 17-9 with 43 seconds remaining in the third.
Nashville answered with a 2-play, 72-yard drive. Brewster Brickhouse hit Vittorio Swane with a 62-yard pass to end the third quarter, then they connected again for a 10-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Kats missed a 2-Point Conversion attempt and were down 17-15 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Reynolds intercepted Emerson again and returned it 19 yards to the Kats' 49-yard line. But the Kats were forced to punt. The teams would trade punts until late in the game. The Kats drove into position for Stevenson to attempt to win the game with a 53-yard field goal with 1:01 left, but the kick sailed wide and the Dragons held on for the win.
New York (6-6) gained 256 yards of total offense. The Dragons ran for 97 yards on 25 carries. Larron led the team with 68 yards on 15 carries. Emerson was 17-of-30 passing for 183 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 24 yards. Ardell Ashmore was New York's leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards. The Dragons host the Grand Rapids Rampage next week in a rematch of a 23-17 victory for New York back in Week 1.
Nashville (5-6-1) gained 360 yards of total offense. The Kats gained 75 yards rushing on 28 carries. Oliver Osler led the team with 52 yards on 18 carries. Brickhouse went 24-of-36 passing for 298 yards and a TD. He was sacked twice, losing 13 yards. Swane was Nashville's leading receiver with 10 catches for 124 yards and a TD. Next week, the Kats visit the Georgia Force, a team they lost to in Week 1 by a score of 47-24.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
AFL: Predators Blow Out Firebirds, 47-13
ALBANY, NY-The Orlando Predators crushed the slumping Albany Firebirds 47-13 in a Week 12 AFL contest.
On Orlando's first possession, they drove 70 yards on 16 plays. Abel White completed the drive with a 23-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:19 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and the Predators moved 23 yards on 5 plays. White scored on a 24-yard field goal to make it 6-0 Orlando with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Albany would drive into scoring position, only for Dom Wenning to miss a 51-yard field goal.
After the teams traded punts, Orlando went on a 3-play, 45-yard drive, DJ Haji threw a 13-yard touchdown to Steven Thompson to put the Predators up 13-0 with 12:26 remaining in the half. From there, Orlando broke the game wide open. After Albany went three-and-out, RW Warden fielded the punt and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-0 with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Albany had a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 6:18 remaining in the half. But the Predators would answer with a 9-play, 80-yard drive. Haji finished the drive off with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Gene Crosby to put the Predators up 27-3 with 3:01 left in the second quarter. After antoher Albany punt, Orlando went 41 yards on 4 plays, ending with a 56-yard field goal by White making it 30-3 at the half.
In the second half, Albany went on a 8-play, 79-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley to make it 30-10 with 8:44 to go in the third quarter. Orlando answered with a 6-play, 27-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard field goal by White to make it 33-10 with 5:15 remaining in the third. Stud Springs returned the ensuing kickioff 62 yards to the Predators' 22-yard line, but Scooter Colby fumbled on the following play, and Silas Garris recovered for Orlando. Orlando went three-and-out, and Albany would then drive 39 yards on 6 plays. Wenning would kick a 39-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the third, to make the score 33-13.
Orlando punted early in the fourth, then Gargaro was intercepted by Denver Frakes at the Orlando 18-yard line. D.J. Giles finished the 9-play, 82-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to go up 40-13 with 6:36 to go in the game. Following a miserable Firebird punt, the Predators drove 14 yards on 5 plays. Ramon Roden, filling in for the injured Haji, snuck in from the 2 and made it 47-13 with 3:25 left in the game.
Orlando (5-7) gained 465 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 181 yards rushing on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 141 yards on 25 carries and a TD. Haji went 22-of-30 passing for 285 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Roden went 4-of-7 for 20 yards and 1 INT. Thompson led the receivers with 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Orlando will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week in a rematch of a 20-17 loss in Week 1.
Albany (5-7) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 46 yards on 15 carries. Colby led the team with 16 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-40 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 18 yards. Harley led the receivers with 8 catches for 135 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week in a rematch of a 31-28 loss in Week 1.
On Orlando's first possession, they drove 70 yards on 16 plays. Abel White completed the drive with a 23-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:19 to go in the first quarter. The Firebirds would fumble the ensuing kickoff, and the Predators moved 23 yards on 5 plays. White scored on a 24-yard field goal to make it 6-0 Orlando with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Albany would drive into scoring position, only for Dom Wenning to miss a 51-yard field goal.
After the teams traded punts, Orlando went on a 3-play, 45-yard drive, DJ Haji threw a 13-yard touchdown to Steven Thompson to put the Predators up 13-0 with 12:26 remaining in the half. From there, Orlando broke the game wide open. After Albany went three-and-out, RW Warden fielded the punt and took off 56 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-0 with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Albany had a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Wenning kicking a 25-yard field goal to make it 20-3 with 6:18 remaining in the half. But the Predators would answer with a 9-play, 80-yard drive. Haji finished the drive off with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Gene Crosby to put the Predators up 27-3 with 3:01 left in the second quarter. After antoher Albany punt, Orlando went 41 yards on 4 plays, ending with a 56-yard field goal by White making it 30-3 at the half.
In the second half, Albany went on a 8-play, 79-yard drive. Sinbad Gargaro finished it off with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Harley to make it 30-10 with 8:44 to go in the third quarter. Orlando answered with a 6-play, 27-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard field goal by White to make it 33-10 with 5:15 remaining in the third. Stud Springs returned the ensuing kickioff 62 yards to the Predators' 22-yard line, but Scooter Colby fumbled on the following play, and Silas Garris recovered for Orlando. Orlando went three-and-out, and Albany would then drive 39 yards on 6 plays. Wenning would kick a 39-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the third, to make the score 33-13.
Orlando punted early in the fourth, then Gargaro was intercepted by Denver Frakes at the Orlando 18-yard line. D.J. Giles finished the 9-play, 82-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to go up 40-13 with 6:36 to go in the game. Following a miserable Firebird punt, the Predators drove 14 yards on 5 plays. Ramon Roden, filling in for the injured Haji, snuck in from the 2 and made it 47-13 with 3:25 left in the game.
Orlando (5-7) gained 465 yards of total offense. The Predators gained 181 yards rushing on 30 carries. Giles led the team with 141 yards on 25 carries and a TD. Haji went 22-of-30 passing for 285 yards and 2 TD. He was sacked twice, losing 21 yards. Roden went 4-of-7 for 20 yards and 1 INT. Thompson led the receivers with 8 catches for 88 yards and a TD. Orlando will host the Tampa Bay Storm next week in a rematch of a 20-17 loss in Week 1.
Albany (5-7) gained 350 yards of total offense. The Firebirds ran for 46 yards on 15 carries. Colby led the team with 16 yards on 6 carries. Gargaro went 24-of-40 passing for 322 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked four times, losing 18 yards. Harley led the receivers with 8 catches for 135 yards and a TD. The Firebirds will host the Detroit Drive next week in a rematch of a 31-28 loss in Week 1.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
AFL: Rampage Thwart Force, 24-20
GRAND RAPIDS-Curtis Wayne accounted for three touchdowns in leading the Grand Rapids Rampage to a 24-20 victory over the Georgia Force in a Week 12 AFL game.
The Rampage started the game with a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Wayne finished off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss to take a 7-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first quarter. The Force went three-and-out, and Wayne was intercepted by Sputnik Havner at the Georgia 45-yard line. Following an exchange of punts, Georgia drove 79 yards on 12 plays. Norm Damron finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to tie the game at 7 with 13:36 to go in the second quarter.
Both teams traded punts, and eventually the Force drove 59 yards on 16 plays. Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 38-yard field goal with 35 seconds left in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Georgia up 10-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Georgia drove into position for Ahmad to kick a 31-yard field goal, but Ahmad's kick was blocked by Ranse Sykes. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Ervin Wheeler returned it 47 yards to the Grand Rapids 34-yard line. Yannel Gansz filled in for the injured Damron, and he finished the four-play drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Paden Bonewell to extend Georgia's lead to 17-7 with 8:01 to go in the third quarter. The Rampage came back with a 17-play, 80-yard drive, and Wayne completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foss to make it 17-14 with 1:16 left in the third.
Late in the third, Gansz was intercepted by Conroy Wind who returned it 32 yards to the Georgia 25-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 14:10 left in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia punt, Raymond Clements picked off Wayne and returned it 29 yards to the Rampage 25-yard line. After three incompletions, Ahmad kicked a 42-yard field goal to put Georgia up 20-17 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth. After another exchange of punts, the Rampage went on a 6-play, 40-yard drive ending with Wayne keeping it for a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead with 3:45 to go in the game. Georgia couldn't move the ball quick enough, and Grand Rapids won their fourth straight game.
Grand Rapids (8-4) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 133 yards on 32 carries. Wayne led the team with 61 yards on 8 carries for a TD. He was 16-of-31 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Nikolai Vilmer led the team with 4 catches for 74 yards. Clift Gregory caught 4 passes for 38 yards. The Rampage will visit the New York Dragons next week, looking to avenge a 23-17 loss to the Dragons in Week 1.
Georgia (7-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Force gained 63 yards rushing on 20 carries. Walter Halley led the team with 26 yards on 7 carries. Damron was 16-of-28 passing for 169 yards and a TD, and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. The injury he suffered was not serious, and he is expected to be back in the lineup next week. Gansz was 9-of-19 for 123 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Bonewell led the receivers with 9 catches for 135 yards and a TD. He is also the first receiver in the AFL to break 1,000 yards (1,006 yards on 80 receptions and 7 TD). Georgia will host the Nashville Kats next week in a rematch of a 47-24 win by the Force in Week 1.
The Rampage started the game with a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Wayne finished off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Foss to take a 7-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first quarter. The Force went three-and-out, and Wayne was intercepted by Sputnik Havner at the Georgia 45-yard line. Following an exchange of punts, Georgia drove 79 yards on 12 plays. Norm Damron finished it off with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Raven Bannon to tie the game at 7 with 13:36 to go in the second quarter.
Both teams traded punts, and eventually the Force drove 59 yards on 16 plays. Wilbur Ahmad kicked a 38-yard field goal with 35 seconds left in the half, and the teams went into the locker room with Georgia up 10-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Georgia drove into position for Ahmad to kick a 31-yard field goal, but Ahmad's kick was blocked by Ranse Sykes. The Rampage went three-and-out, and Ervin Wheeler returned it 47 yards to the Grand Rapids 34-yard line. Yannel Gansz filled in for the injured Damron, and he finished the four-play drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Paden Bonewell to extend Georgia's lead to 17-7 with 8:01 to go in the third quarter. The Rampage came back with a 17-play, 80-yard drive, and Wayne completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to Foss to make it 17-14 with 1:16 left in the third.
Late in the third, Gansz was intercepted by Conroy Wind who returned it 32 yards to the Georgia 25-yard line. After three plays gained two yards, George Tibbs kicked a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 with 14:10 left in the fourth quarter. After a Georgia punt, Raymond Clements picked off Wayne and returned it 29 yards to the Rampage 25-yard line. After three incompletions, Ahmad kicked a 42-yard field goal to put Georgia up 20-17 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth. After another exchange of punts, the Rampage went on a 6-play, 40-yard drive ending with Wayne keeping it for a 4-yard touchdown run to give Grand Rapids a 24-20 lead with 3:45 to go in the game. Georgia couldn't move the ball quick enough, and Grand Rapids won their fourth straight game.
Grand Rapids (8-4) gained 299 yards of total offense. The Rampage ran for 133 yards on 32 carries. Wayne led the team with 61 yards on 8 carries for a TD. He was 16-of-31 passing for 182 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked twice, losing 16 yards. Nikolai Vilmer led the team with 4 catches for 74 yards. Clift Gregory caught 4 passes for 38 yards. The Rampage will visit the New York Dragons next week, looking to avenge a 23-17 loss to the Dragons in Week 1.
Georgia (7-5) gained 317 yards of total offense. The Force gained 63 yards rushing on 20 carries. Walter Halley led the team with 26 yards on 7 carries. Damron was 16-of-28 passing for 169 yards and a TD, and was sacked once for a 10-yard loss. The injury he suffered was not serious, and he is expected to be back in the lineup next week. Gansz was 9-of-19 for 123 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked three times, losing 28 yards. Bonewell led the receivers with 9 catches for 135 yards and a TD. He is also the first receiver in the AFL to break 1,000 yards (1,006 yards on 80 receptions and 7 TD). Georgia will host the Nashville Kats next week in a rematch of a 47-24 win by the Force in Week 1.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
AFL: Drive Survive The Storm, 30-24
DETROIT-Throughout the season, the Detroit Drive have played more than their fair share of games. This week was no exception, as they kept the Tampa Bay Storm out of the end zone to preserve a 30-24 victory in Week 12 of the AFL season.
The game did not start out well for Detroit, as Lou Couch was intercepted by Blue Hanan who returned it 78 yards to the Drive 4-yard line. However, Johnny Quincey's field goal attempt was blocked at the 20-yard line. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 68 yards on 7 plays, and Cletis Frayer kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 8:27 left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay responded with a 3-play, 61-yard drive, and Orval Stanley completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst to give the Storm a 7-3 lead with 6:51 to go in the first.
After a Detroit punt, Tampa Bay would drive 56 yards on 9 plays. Quincey finished the drive with a 20-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 14:49 left in the second quarter. The Drive came back with their own scoring drive, moving 57 yards on 9 plays. Couch finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Rocky Adams to tie the game at 10 with 10:28 remaining in the half. The Storm would punt, but Hanan would intercept Couch again and return it to the Detroit 25-yard line. Two plays later, Stanley threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vinnie Kirksey to give Tampa Bay a 17-10 lead with 6:25 to go in the second quarter. Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff to the Storm 36-yard line. Two plays later, Couch threw a 37-yard touchdown strike to Ahmed Sohn tying the game at 17 with 5:23 remaining in the half.
After the Storm punted to start the second half, The Drive moved the ball 73 yards on 8 plays. Frayer finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to pull ahead 20-17 with 7:08 to go in the third quarter. The Storm moved into position for Quincey to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but Butch Bryant blocked the attempt and returned it 30 yards to the Storm 39-yard line. After a six-play, ten-yard drive, Frayer kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 23-17 with 1:18 to go in the third.
Stanley was intercepted on Tampa Bay's ensuing possession by Stan Florin who returned it 19 yards to the Storm 11-yard line. Three plays later, Couch hit Sohn for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 30-17 with 14:17 left in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay moved down the field, but were turned away on fourth down at the Detroit 4-yard line. The Drive would punt, and the Storm drove 60 yards on 7 plays. Stanley completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Thurman Stapleton to close the gap to 30-24 with 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit punted to the Tampa Bay 36-yard line with 1:09 to go in the game. The Storm managed to get to the Drive 11-yard line with 13 seconds left, but three straight pass plays fell incomplete to end the game.
Detroit (9-3) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 38 yards on 6 carries. Couch went 24-of-31 passing for 277 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Brolie led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. Next week, Detroit will visit the Albany Firebirds in a rematch of a 31-28 Detroit victory in the opening week.
Tampa Bay (5-6-1) gained 412 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 17 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 34 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 29-of-51 passing for 377 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Von Windle led the receivers with 8 catches for 144 yards. The Storm visit the Orlando Predators next week in a rematch of a 20-17 victory by the Storm in Week 1.
The game did not start out well for Detroit, as Lou Couch was intercepted by Blue Hanan who returned it 78 yards to the Drive 4-yard line. However, Johnny Quincey's field goal attempt was blocked at the 20-yard line. The Drive would subsequently move the ball 68 yards on 7 plays, and Cletis Frayer kicked a 29-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 8:27 left in the first quarter. Tampa Bay responded with a 3-play, 61-yard drive, and Orval Stanley completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Foster Warhurst to give the Storm a 7-3 lead with 6:51 to go in the first.
After a Detroit punt, Tampa Bay would drive 56 yards on 9 plays. Quincey finished the drive with a 20-yard field goal to go ahead 10-3 with 14:49 left in the second quarter. The Drive came back with their own scoring drive, moving 57 yards on 9 plays. Couch finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Rocky Adams to tie the game at 10 with 10:28 remaining in the half. The Storm would punt, but Hanan would intercept Couch again and return it to the Detroit 25-yard line. Two plays later, Stanley threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Vinnie Kirksey to give Tampa Bay a 17-10 lead with 6:25 to go in the second quarter. Renaldo Halter returned the ensuing kickoff to the Storm 36-yard line. Two plays later, Couch threw a 37-yard touchdown strike to Ahmed Sohn tying the game at 17 with 5:23 remaining in the half.
After the Storm punted to start the second half, The Drive moved the ball 73 yards on 8 plays. Frayer finished it off with a 24-yard field goal to pull ahead 20-17 with 7:08 to go in the third quarter. The Storm moved into position for Quincey to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but Butch Bryant blocked the attempt and returned it 30 yards to the Storm 39-yard line. After a six-play, ten-yard drive, Frayer kicked a 46-yard field goal to make it 23-17 with 1:18 to go in the third.
Stanley was intercepted on Tampa Bay's ensuing possession by Stan Florin who returned it 19 yards to the Storm 11-yard line. Three plays later, Couch hit Sohn for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 30-17 with 14:17 left in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay moved down the field, but were turned away on fourth down at the Detroit 4-yard line. The Drive would punt, and the Storm drove 60 yards on 7 plays. Stanley completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Thurman Stapleton to close the gap to 30-24 with 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. Detroit punted to the Tampa Bay 36-yard line with 1:09 to go in the game. The Storm managed to get to the Drive 11-yard line with 13 seconds left, but three straight pass plays fell incomplete to end the game.
Detroit (9-3) gained 371 yards of total offense. The Drive ran for 98 yards on 25 carries. Patch Brolie led the team with 38 yards on 6 carries. Couch went 24-of-31 passing for 277 yards, 3 TD and 2 INT. He was sacked once for a 4-yard loss. Brolie led the receivers with 6 catches for 67 yards. Next week, Detroit will visit the Albany Firebirds in a rematch of a 31-28 Detroit victory in the opening week.
Tampa Bay (5-6-1) gained 412 yards of total offense. The Storm were held to 42 yards rushing on 17 carries. Jefferson Taylor led the team with 34 yards on 9 carries. Stanley went 29-of-51 passing for 377 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for a 7-yard loss. Von Windle led the receivers with 8 catches for 144 yards. The Storm visit the Orlando Predators next week in a rematch of a 20-17 victory by the Storm in Week 1.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
AFL Week 11 Standings
| EASTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Detroit Drive | 8 | 3 | 0 | 299 | 248 |
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 7 | 4 | 0 | 277 | 226 |
| Albany Firebirds | 5 | 6 | 0 | 204 | 274 |
| New York Dragons | 5 | 6 | 0 | 262 | 259 |
| SOUTHERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Georgia Force | 7 | 4 | 0 | 314 | 234 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 5 | 5 | 1 | 232 | 231 |
| Nashville Kats | 5 | 5 | 1 | 238 | 264 |
| Orlando Predators | 4 | 7 | 0 | 227 | 251 |
| CENTRAL DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| Dallas Desperados | 8 | 3 | 0 | 289 | 224 |
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 7 | 4 | 0 | 267 | 240 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 5 | 6 | 0 | 298 | 249 |
| Chicago Rush | 4 | 7 | 0 | 291 | 303 |
| WESTERN DIVISION | W | L | T | PF | PA |
| San Jose Sabercats | 7 | 4 | 0 | 252 | 215 |
| Colorado Crush | 5 | 6 | 0 | 214 | 249 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 3 | 8 | 0 | 254 | 289 |
| Arizona Rattlers | 2 | 9 | 0 | 166 | 328 |
Detroit 30, Nashville 20
Grand Rapids 30, Tampa Bay 9
Georgia 24, Albany 10
Orlando 27, New York 20
Dallas 20, Arizona 10
Chicago 30, Los Angeles 18
Iowa 26, San Jose 16
Milwaukee 32, Colorado 12
WEEK 12 GAMES
Tampa Bay (5-5-1) at Detroit (8-3)
Georgia (7-4) at Grand Rapids (7-4)
Orlando (4-7) at Albany (5-6)
Nashville (5-5-1) at New York (5-6)
Los Angeles (3-8) at Dallas (8-3)
San Jose (7-4) at Chicago (4-7)
Colorado (5-6) at Iowa (5-6)
Arizona (2-9) at Milwaukee (7-4)
If the season ended today...
If the season ended today...
National Conference Playoff
Georgia at Detroit
American Conference Playoff
San Jose at Dallas
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