WEEK 10 - DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
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| Minnesota's Aqib Talib intercepts two Kurt Warner passes in victory over Los Angeles |
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
WEEK 7 - GAME OF THE WEEK
Woodbridge 35 - Michiana 28
The Gunslingers came to Woodbridge fired up for their inter division game, but the Barons jumped out to an early 10-0 lead , the half ended with Woodbridge up 10-7 as the defenses rose to the challenge ... the second half was a different story . .. the Gunslingers stuck to their running game as J. Stewart continually pounded the Baron defense wearing them down .. a J. Stewart TD run put Michiana up 14-10 , the Barons answered with a Jones -Drew TD run going back up 17-14.. Michiana came right back with a L.Polite TD plunge putting the Gunslingers back in front 21-17 , so much for the defenses .... then came a break for Michiana , R.Rice fumbled the ball and J.Harrison fell on it at the Woodbridge 38 yd line ... that cumulated in J.Stewart's 3rd TD run of the game , a 26 yd burst while fatigued ... this puts the Gunslingers up by 11 , 28-17 with 7:30 left in the game ... P.Rivers leads the Barons deep into Michiana territory only to settle for a FG making it 28-20 with 4:48 left ... the Barons kickoff and are hoping to get a three and out , on 3rd and 10 J.Cutler drops backs and everyone is covered but scampers for 10 yds and a first down ,BUT wait there is a flag ...it's the ever annoying off setting penalty bringing the play back [ the Barons had a 68 yd TD pass to T.Owens brought back earlier on a off setting penalty ] on the redo J.Cutler throws incomplete to a doubled S.Jackson and the Gunslingers have to punt ... the Barons start on their own 22 yd line with with about 2 1/2 minutes left with 3 time outs, P.Rivers leads an improbable drive to the Gunslinger 8 yd line with 15 seconds left in the game .... P.Rivers then connects with T.Gonzalez making it 28-26 .... with the game on the line the Barons handed the ball to R.Rice .. he redeemed himself for the fumble running it in for 2 points and a tie game ...The Barons opt to kickoff and the Gunslingers bring it out to the 37 yd line with ONE SECOND left and overtime looming.... J.Cutler kneels down BUT WAIT it's a FAKE before his knee touches he stands back up and throws a bomb to to J.Avant , everyone in the stadium is fooled except C.Finnegan who intercepts the ball and returns it 67 yds for a game ending TD ! When questioned after the game , Baron head coach said " in all my years in this game I've never seen anything like this , have you ? "
Sunday, November 14, 2010
WEEK 6 - GAME OF THE WEEK
GOOSE BAY, NEWFOUNDLAND
In the self-proclaimed game of the week, the Goose Bay Raiders held off the Las Vegas Storm 24-17 in Goose Bay. There was little scoring in the first half as both teams played the game of field position. The Storm scored first on a QB sneak by Jason Campbell with 3:36 left in the 1st quarter. The Raiders answered back with a long drive and a 16 yard run by Chris Johnson on a 3rd and 3, which sparked a heated coaching argument between Marty Schottenheimer, the Storm head coach and Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops. Stoops had called a short yardage defense but was called off by Schottenheimer. The Raiders would strike again on a methodic two minute drive ending with a Brees six yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen with 1:22 left in the first half. On the ensuing drive, a poor Dan Koppen snap to Jason Campbell gave the ball back to the Raiders. The Raiders were looking to take a 10 point lead, but a 3rd down pass to a double-teamed Steve Smith with 0:22 seconds left was picked off by Tracy Porter and returned 96 yards for a TD. A huge turnaround which tied the score at 14 apiece.
The second half scoring started first with the Phil Dawson hitting a 46-yard field goal, which was set up by a nifting run by Jason Campbell on a 3rd and long. As the "Other Highlights" show on the boxscore, the second half was a sparring match between two solid teams, each trying to gain field position. Time and time again the Storm would try to get to Brees (roll the D dice) and he would hit a receiver for yardage (dump pass). With six minutes left in the 3rd quarter, a 3rd and long screen pass to Fred Jackson looked to result in a first down for Las Vegas, but a bone chilling hit by Clint Session, caused the Storm fumble, resulting in a turnover. This was the second lost fumble for the Storm on the day. Goose Bay would use this fortitutious play to move down the field and score on a Chris Johnson 3-yard run. Again there was heated discussion between Stoops and Marty's son on the side line over a positioning of the safety on the key of Chris Johnson. This kind of mismanagement was a deathknell for the Storm on this day.
Stymied by the Raiders defense and solid special teams led by punter Ben Graham, the Storm were penned on their side of the field again and again. Goose Bay used this to their advantage scoring a field goal from Connor Barth with 8:24 left. The Storm gave one last push driving from their own 20 after the Goose Bay score down to the Goose Bay 10 yard line with a little under 3 minutes to go in the game. Again, a Jason Campbell scamper put Las Vegas in great field position to the tie the game. However, this was not the 2009 Goose Bay Raiders. A run stop on first down made it 2 and goal from the 11. On the next play, a swing pass to Fred Jackson was read again by the Raiders defense. Clint Session a ball hawk knocked the ball from Jackson. On 3rd and goal, the Storm called a pass play to Jackson in the end zone, but Tyson Clabo was too slow for Julius Peppers, resulting in a huge sack for the Raiders. Why Clabo was on Peppers and not Roos was another poor example of management by the Storm. On 4th down from the 17, the Storm gave one last attempt at the end zone, but failed.
The Raiders move to 5-1, tied with the Storm, atop the Landry East Division. The Storm play Alta Loma (4-1) and Raiders go to Los Angeles (2-3) in Week 7.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
WEEK 5 - GAME OF THE WEEK
Dallas 20, 2009 Utica 27
Utica Coach Brian Fullem played to win. "We had a heckuva time shutting down the vaunted Dallas attack and Santonio Holmes burned perrenial ALL Pro Champ Bailey twice for 57 yarders, so we had to go for it on 4th down" The Spartans went 3 for 3 on 4th down, including a crucial 4th and goal from the 1 with under 6:00 to go in the game, up by 3 as Jerome Harrison scampered into the end zone to put the Uticians up by 10. Coach Fullem added "Tommy "The Man" Manna is one of the best coaches in TFL history and we knew a 6 point lead meant nothing" In fact Dallas marched right down but stalled and kicked the FG to get within 7 but the onside kick failed and Rodgers took a few knees to end the game.
Dallas 20, 2009 Utica 27
Utica Coach Brian Fullem played to win. "We had a heckuva time shutting down the vaunted Dallas attack and Santonio Holmes burned perrenial ALL Pro Champ Bailey twice for 57 yarders, so we had to go for it on 4th down" The Spartans went 3 for 3 on 4th down, including a crucial 4th and goal from the 1 with under 6:00 to go in the game, up by 3 as Jerome Harrison scampered into the end zone to put the Uticians up by 10. Coach Fullem added "Tommy "The Man" Manna is one of the best coaches in TFL history and we knew a 6 point lead meant nothing" In fact Dallas marched right down but stalled and kicked the FG to get within 7 but the onside kick failed and Rodgers took a few knees to end the game.It was a very clean game with Dallas accounting for the only 2 penalties and Utica accounting for the only turnover.
The Dallas defense harrassed Aaron Rodgers all game and they completely shut down Greg Jennings. Each team recorded three sacks. Flacco outplayed Rodgers but once again the Utica ground atttack kept the defense honest and Rodgers contributed a 35 yard scamble as the Spartans racked up almost twice as many rushing yards than the Texans. Manny Lawson was defensive player of the game as the Texan led the game in tackles and recorded 1 of the 3 sacks that Dallas put on A Rod.
Always a pleasure to play Tommy, extremely gracious regardless of the outcome.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
WEEK 4 - GAME OF THE WEEK
STATEN ISLAND 34 - NORTHWEST 31
"That game had more twists and turns than an Oliver Stone film" said Coach Rockwell when asked about his teams victory of Northwest. "We've got a string of division games coming up and we have to play better."
Roethlisberger hit Devery Henderson on a 62 yard bomb, guess right, with two men in zone on a 12 roll and it was suddenly 34-31 with 1:45 to play. Northwest recovered the ensuing onside kick and moved to the Fox Valley33 with 15 seconds remaining.
Josh Scobee lined up the 50 yard attempt, having already hit from 51 yarder in the 1st quarter. The home crowd screamed "Noonen" in unison just ask Scobee struck the ball and his small reaction to the insanity led him to pull the ball just left ending the rally.
STATEN ISLAND 34 - NORTHWEST 31
"That game had more twists and turns than an Oliver Stone film" said Coach Rockwell when asked about his teams victory of Northwest. "We've got a string of division games coming up and we have to play better."After trading opening field goals, Fox Valley jumped out to a 17-3 lead on a Cedric Benson 40 yard run and a Manning to Mason 27 yard pass.
The game changed dramatically midway through the 2nd. Punting from its own 28 Northwest's Jeff Feagles got off a 35 yard punt that Stefan Logan returned 8 yards to the Neanderthal 45. The Strat Gods unloaded the dreaded offsetting penalties and on the ensuing punt, Feagles unloaded a bomb, Logan fumbled and Northwest was in business at the Fox Valley 29. Norwest scored five plays later on a Roethlisberger run
The visitors then took the opening drive of the 2nd half 69 yards on 10 plays covering 6:18 seconds capped by a Dustin Keller two yard TD catch on 4th and goal to tie the game. Teh home crowd sat in stunned silence.
As Ladarius Webb had done in an earlier game, Stefan Logan made amends for his fumble and returned the ensuing kick off to the Northwest 14. Three plays later Antonio Bryant caught a manning pass and the Firebirds were up 24-17 and the Cauldron was rocking again.
Fox Valley extended the lead to 31-17 before the worm turned again. Midway through the 4th, Roethlisberger hit Berrian for a 5 yard touchdown to make it a 1 score game onc
e again. Fox VAlleyu responsed with a 9 play 45 yard drive to make it a two score game and then all heck broke loose.Roethlisberger hit Devery Henderson on a 62 yard bomb, guess right, with two men in zone on a 12 roll and it was suddenly 34-31 with 1:45 to play. Northwest recovered the ensuing onside kick and moved to the Fox Valley33 with 15 seconds remaining.
Josh Scobee lined up the 50 yard attempt, having already hit from 51 yarder in the 1st quarter. The home crowd screamed "Noonen" in unison just ask Scobee struck the ball and his small reaction to the insanity led him to pull the ball just left ending the rally.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
PHOENIX MOVING TOWARD EXTINCTION
Weather inside the domed Pleistocene Stadium at kickoff was 41-degrees with a dry gusty wind from the end zone blowers around 26 mph. It was the third straight home game for the Mammoth Hunters.
The game started off relatively normal, with the Assassins taking an early lead on their first possession after a Mammoth Hunters Matt Turk punt by driving 87 yards for a TD. After that a whole heaping spoonful of Twilight Zone weirdness crept into the game. It all started mysteriously when star Phoenix DE Brian Orakpo left with a minor injury after getting the wind knocked out of him, an injury where the player is expected to return next quarter or next half, but he never did. Even after the game the PA announcer asked the departing crowd to look under their seats for him, as he seemingly disappeared into thin air. He was one of four Mammoth Hunters starters to leave the game on the night. Afterward, team owner Eric Morgan opined that his team was built for cold weather and it was “just too darned warm inside here tonight.”
The game was exciting, despite the low score, because of all the turnovers and ill-timed penalties that sabotaged each team’s scoring drives. It turned into a battle of field position, with each team taking turns being either pinned deep in their own end of the field or getting the ball punted to them already at midfield. It didn’t matter, the capricious Strat die was dealing out turnovers like it was Halloween candy.
At half, L.A. led 10-0 with Phoenix’s offense completely out of sync. Phoenix QB Matt Moore, star of last week’s loss in which he finished with a QB rating of 125.0, finished this game with a QB rating of 26.2. Phoenix QB Coach Shane Falco, former QB of the Washington Sentinels, suggested Moore try throwing with his left hand next time since Falco himself found it easier to throw that way.
Phoenix Guest Head Coach Bobby Petrino was asked repeatedly if he would stick around to try to rally this team, and he assured reporters that the game was close and could be won.
Phoenix kicked off to start the 2nd half without their Guest Head Coach, he’d somehow gotten past stadium security and made it to his parked car. It turned out he had taken a job during half time with a UFL team. Mike Zimmer was not available for comment.
The 3rd quarter was lost in a haze of turnovers, until near the end when Matt Moore was benched and Matt Cassel took the team down the field for Phoenix’s only TD, primarily due to the tough running of Mammoth Hunters HB Marion Barber III. There was a brief hope that the Mammoth Hunters could get back in this game and maybe get their first win of the season, but Fate is a muther (bleep)-ing (bleep), to quote Nathan Explosion. Barber was actually injured for the rest of the game at the end of that drive, and as an extra bonus young rookie kicker Graham Gano shanked the extra point, leaving Phoenix down four instead of three!!! The score was 10-6 at the start of the 4th quarter.
The two team continued to trade punts in the fourth, neither able to move the ball effectively. With 5:06 left in the game, Matt Turk punted for his 8th and last time. L.A. moved the ball down the field, stringing together a mix of run and pass. Hoping they’d hold them, Phoenix used a timeout, but L.A. was on the move. Switching tactics, IN ONE OF THE STUPIDEST MOVES IN A REALLY LONG TIME, the Footballtron-128k (Phoenix Mammoth Hunters Emergency Backup Head Coach) calculated that Phoenix should let L.A. score so as to get the ball back with time left on the clock. So, the bent-don’t-bend-over Phoenix defense relaxed and L.A. scored a TD two plays later. There was 2:00 left on the clock! Only once the extra point was kicked, was it realized on the Phoenix bench that that score put them down 9 points instead of 8!!!
So, the Phoenix Mammoth Hunters lost their third straight home game. Afterward, owner Eric Morgan reported that Footballtron-128k’s job was safe and he would not consider a coaching change in the middle of the season.
As usual, Phoenix Mammoth Hunter game recaps and highlights will be seen on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
Weather inside the domed Pleistocene Stadium at kickoff was 41-degrees with a dry gusty wind from the end zone blowers around 26 mph. It was the third straight home game for the Mammoth Hunters.
The game started off relatively normal, with the Assassins taking an early lead on their first possession after a Mammoth Hunters Matt Turk punt by driving 87 yards for a TD. After that a whole heaping spoonful of Twilight Zone weirdness crept into the game. It all started mysteriously when star Phoenix DE Brian Orakpo left with a minor injury after getting the wind knocked out of him, an injury where the player is expected to return next quarter or next half, but he never did. Even after the game the PA announcer asked the departing crowd to look under their seats for him, as he seemingly disappeared into thin air. He was one of four Mammoth Hunters starters to leave the game on the night. Afterward, team owner Eric Morgan opined that his team was built for cold weather and it was “just too darned warm inside here tonight.”
The game was exciting, despite the low score, because of all the turnovers and ill-timed penalties that sabotaged each team’s scoring drives. It turned into a battle of field position, with each team taking turns being either pinned deep in their own end of the field or getting the ball punted to them already at midfield. It didn’t matter, the capricious Strat die was dealing out turnovers like it was Halloween candy.
Phoenix Guest Head Coach Bobby Petrino was asked repeatedly if he would stick around to try to rally this team, and he assured reporters that the game was close and could be won.
Phoenix kicked off to start the 2nd half without their Guest Head Coach, he’d somehow gotten past stadium security and made it to his parked car. It turned out he had taken a job during half time with a UFL team. Mike Zimmer was not available for comment.
The 3rd quarter was lost in a haze of turnovers, until near the end when Matt Moore was benched and Matt Cassel took the team down the field for Phoenix’s only TD, primarily due to the tough running of Mammoth Hunters HB Marion Barber III. There was a brief hope that the Mammoth Hunters could get back in this game and maybe get their first win of the season, but Fate is a muther (bleep)-ing (bleep), to quote Nathan Explosion. Barber was actually injured for the rest of the game at the end of that drive, and as an extra bonus young rookie kicker Graham Gano shanked the extra point, leaving Phoenix down four instead of three!!! The score was 10-6 at the start of the 4th quarter.
So, the Phoenix Mammoth Hunters lost their third straight home game. Afterward, owner Eric Morgan reported that Footballtron-128k’s job was safe and he would not consider a coaching change in the middle of the season.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
WEEK 2 - GAME OF THE WEEK
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| Zach Miller scores winning TD for Los Angeles |
In a chess match full of zigs and zags by both coaches, Los Angeles pulled out a close game with a clutch drive in the final minutes to put the game away.
It was a low-scoring affair in the first half with Arizona moving the ball consistently but settling for two field goals, while L.A.'s quick-strike offense scored a touchdown on its second possession with a four-play drive completed by a 31-yard Kurt Warner to Zach Miller touchdown pass.
A key moment came near the end of the first half with Los Angeles facing a 4th and 2 at the Arizona 9 with about 1:30 left. Instead of taking the safe field goal, L.A. went for it and tried a fade route into the corner of the end zone for Donnie Avery, but Darren Rogers-Cromartie sniffed it out and shut down the play.
L.A. went into the locker room with a 7 to 6 lead.
The second half got off to a good start for L.A. with a long touchdown drive on its second possession of the half to go up 14 to 6.
From there, it was all Arizona. Matt Schaub kept dinking and dunking to his receiving trio of Johnson, Fitzgerald and Witten, while Ryan Grant broke away enough solid runs to keep the L.A. defense on its heels.
A late 3rd quarter field goal brought Arizona closer to 14 to 9, then on the very next possession, Quintin-Mikell stepped up with an interception deep in L.A. territory to set up another quick field goal and cut the L.A. lead to 14 to 12.
A late 3rd quarter field goal brought Arizona closer to 14 to 9, then on the very next possession, Quintin-Mikell stepped up with an interception deep in L.A. territory to set up another quick field goal and cut the L.A. lead to 14 to 12.
The momentum stayed with Arizona into the early fourth quarter. Backed up on his own 3-yard line with about 10 minutes left in the game, Arizona coach Scott Wilken engineered a masterful drive that took the Air Raid all the way to the L.A. 15-yard line, but the L.A. defense continued to bend without breaking, and Arizona settled for its fifth field goal of the night. Robbie Gould's 42-yard field goal gave Arizona the 15 to 14 lead with 6:36 left in the game.
After being shut down on three straight possessions since early in the 3rd quarter, L.A. had to generate a scoring drive to win the game. Justin Forsett and Steve Slaton made a couple of key grind-it-out runs and Warner made just enough completions to keep the drive going.
L.A. ate up more than 5 minutes of the 6:36 left on the clock and drove deep into Arizona territory. Knowing that at least a field goal was certain, Arizona started calling timeouts to buy themselves a chance to get another drive.
Instead of running to eat the clock and force more timeouts, L.A. went for the kill. Warner found Zach Miller in the end zone, and L.A. converted the two-point conversion to give the Assassins a 22 to 14 lead with 1:15 left in the game.
Arizona still had two timeouts and moved the ball into L.A. territory with a 4th and 10 conversion, but Schaub couldn't hit on any of his big bombs to Johnson and Fitzgerald, and the Air Raid ran out of time.
Really clean game with not too many turnovers and penalties deciding the outcome.
Both teams are 1-1 going into Week 3.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
VEGAS LINES - WEEK 2
Minnesota (0-1)
@ Staten Island (1-0) - 6 1/2
Arizona (1-0)
@Los Angeles (0-1) +3
Pittsburgh (1-0)
@Fox Valley (1-0) -2 1/2
Michiana (0-1)
@Northwest (0-1) PK
Cleveland (1-0)
@Utica (1-0) -2 1/2
Goose Bay (1-0)
@Phoenix (0-1) + 4 1/2
Motor City (0-1)
Woodbridge (0-1) -7 1/2
Las Vegas (1-0)
Southern (0-1) -2
Miami Valley (0-1)
Maricopa County (0-1) - 10 1/2
Alta Loma (1-0)
Dallas (1-0) -3
Favorites were 6-4 in Week 1
Minnesota (0-1)
@ Staten Island (1-0) - 6 1/2
Arizona (1-0)
@Los Angeles (0-1) +3
Pittsburgh (1-0)
@Fox Valley (1-0) -2 1/2
Michiana (0-1)
@Northwest (0-1) PK
Cleveland (1-0)
@Utica (1-0) -2 1/2
Goose Bay (1-0)
@Phoenix (0-1) + 4 1/2
Motor City (0-1)
Woodbridge (0-1) -7 1/2
Las Vegas (1-0)
Southern (0-1) -2
Miami Valley (0-1)
Maricopa County (0-1) - 10 1/2
Alta Loma (1-0)
Dallas (1-0) -3
Favorites were 6-4 in Week 1
Saturday, October 9, 2010
WEEK 1 TRADITION FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Utica 23 Woodbridge 21
Utica 23 Woodbridge 21
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| Harrison led the Spartans with 172 yards and two td's |
Jerome Harrison, Tim Hightower and Michael Bush combined for 301 yards and Shayne Graham hit a short FG with 15 clicks left to give the Spartans a huge win at home. Dave was brilliant all night and did not deserve to lose. He completely shut down the vaunted Utica passing attack and his offense led by New Rochelle, NY and Rutgers grad Ray Rice and the unstoppable Philip Rivers (and oh, by the way, Maurice Jones Drew is the backup!!!! Tired of starch? Have some MJD beeotch). Utica converted 2 key 4th down conversions and dodged a huge fumble that could have ended the game but luckily TE Tony Stewart was hustling down the field and pounced on the ball to keep the Utica game winning drive alive.
Friday, October 1, 2010
VEGAS LINES - WEEK 1
Alta Loma (6-10)
@ Phoenix (6-10) -2 1/2
Los Angeles (10-6)
@ Dallas (9-7) + 3 1/2
Woodbridge (13-3)
@ Utica (11-5) Pickem
Staten Island (13-3)
@ Michiana (7-9) +8 1/2
Miami Valley (5-11)
@ Arizona (5-11) -4 1/2
Las Vegas (8-8)
@ Maricopa County (7-9) -1
Pittsburgh (7-9)
@ Motor City (4-12) -2
Southern(10-6)
@ Goose Bay (5-11) +3 1/2
Minnesota (10-6)
@Fox Valley (9-7) -3
Cleveland (8-8)
@Northwest (7-9) +4 1/2
Alta Loma (6-10)
@ Phoenix (6-10) -2 1/2
Los Angeles (10-6)
@ Dallas (9-7) + 3 1/2
Woodbridge (13-3)
@ Utica (11-5) Pickem
Staten Island (13-3)
@ Michiana (7-9) +8 1/2
Miami Valley (5-11)
@ Arizona (5-11) -4 1/2
Las Vegas (8-8)
@ Maricopa County (7-9) -1
Pittsburgh (7-9)
@ Motor City (4-12) -2
Southern(10-6)
@ Goose Bay (5-11) +3 1/2
Minnesota (10-6)
@Fox Valley (9-7) -3
Cleveland (8-8)
@Northwest (7-9) +4 1/2
Saturday, September 11, 2010
2010 TRADITION FOOTBALL DRAFT
Friday, September 17, 2010
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| Arizona Air Raid 1st Pick |
- Arizona Air Raid Calvin Johnson WR
- Utica Spartans Dwight Freeney DE
- Motor City Madmen Brett Favre QB
- Utica Spartans Clay Matthews Jr OLB
- Phoenix Mammoth Hunters Brian Orakpo OLB/DE
- Alta Loma Beagles Brian Cushing OLB
- Michiana Gunslingers Rashard Mendenhall HB
- Pittsburgh Diesel Weasels Michael Oher OT
- Maricopa County Bandits David Harris ILB
- Northwest Neanderthals Hines Ward WR
- Utica Spartans David Stewart OT
- Fox Valley Firebirds Jay Ratliff NT
- Cleveland Comets Shaun O'Hara C
- Dallas Texans Arian Foster HB
- Los Angeles Assassins Jim Leonhard SS
- Woodbridge Barons Kyle Cook C
- Southern Gray Michael Crabtree WR
- Goose Bay Raiders Bernard Pollard SS
- Southern Gray Percy Harvin WR
- Las Vegas Storm Tracy Porter CB
Sunday, April 11, 2010
. DALLAS CLARK MOVES TO MARICOPA COUNTY
MARICOPA COUNTY - After Miami Valley traded TE Dallas Clark to Maricopa County for Sean Locklear, Cedric Griffin and Desmond Clark, the star tight end released a statement through his publicist: "I can't wait to join the Bandits and their outstanding corps of pass catchers - Vincent Jackson has always been somebody I've enjoyed watching, Santana Moss - that guy is still so reliable after his 30th year in the league, Pierre Garcon - my teammate during my second job with the Colts who has so much potential, even Jabar Gaffney had a career year last year. I'm not sure who is going to be throwing the passes to us, but I'm sure management has something in mind." Clark was referring to an unsettled QB situation with only Trent Edwards, Shaun Hill, and Mike Vick on the roster. Bandits fans can only hope a decent signal caller is available when it comes time for their team to pick in the first round of the draft.
Friday, March 26, 2010
2010 LEAGUE CHANGES
Please take the time to review and the opportunity to remark on this blog for the following changes in 2010.
1) MOVE FROM GOOD/GOOD DEFENSE CARDS TO AVERAGE/AVERAGE. Is it me or has the good-good rating seemed to dramatically reduce the offense in the league this year? I think we need to adjust that somehow to either average-average or one good rating. Its more fun to have higher scoring games than defensive battles.
2) ONE GAME A WEEK FORMAT.
3) REDUCED SIMMING. Simming needs to be reduced but that will happen on its own with active coaches in our ranks. In the holiday season, we should still add extra time (Such as 1 1/2 weeks or 2 weeks to get a Christmas/New Years Game in.)
4) UNLIMITED ROUNDS IN DRAFT. In past years, teams could draft as long as they wanted. The draft was not limited to 10 rounds and 2 supplemental as it was this year. I like the unlimited rounds (with the caveat that you can't cut who you draft) so that all teams get up to 53 players. Let's people get rid of all the dead wood that they want. Starting with round 11 or 12, the draft would be completed by an email list, not on the clock.
5) LIVE FIRST ROUND DRAFT... all owners would be present for the 1st round of Draft. This could foster league cohension developing a tradition that we do each year. It's a great way owners could meet and greet.
6) REALIGN based on time zones. Once we have 20 teams, I have a proposal in mind.
Please take the time to review and the opportunity to remark on this blog for the following changes in 2010.
1) MOVE FROM GOOD/GOOD DEFENSE CARDS TO AVERAGE/AVERAGE. Is it me or has the good-good rating seemed to dramatically reduce the offense in the league this year? I think we need to adjust that somehow to either average-average or one good rating. Its more fun to have higher scoring games than defensive battles.
2) ONE GAME A WEEK FORMAT.
3) REDUCED SIMMING. Simming needs to be reduced but that will happen on its own with active coaches in our ranks. In the holiday season, we should still add extra time (Such as 1 1/2 weeks or 2 weeks to get a Christmas/New Years Game in.)
4) UNLIMITED ROUNDS IN DRAFT. In past years, teams could draft as long as they wanted. The draft was not limited to 10 rounds and 2 supplemental as it was this year. I like the unlimited rounds (with the caveat that you can't cut who you draft) so that all teams get up to 53 players. Let's people get rid of all the dead wood that they want. Starting with round 11 or 12, the draft would be completed by an email list, not on the clock.
5) LIVE FIRST ROUND DRAFT... all owners would be present for the 1st round of Draft. This could foster league cohension developing a tradition that we do each year. It's a great way owners could meet and greet.
6) REALIGN based on time zones. Once we have 20 teams, I have a proposal in mind.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
TRADITION CHAMPIONSHIP
Staten Island 26 vs Richelieu 24
The match-up between Richelieu (12-6) and Staten Island (15-3) pitted two of the best defenses in the league. Both coaches were expecting a low scoring game where the special teams might be the difference in determining the Championship. Richelieu’s JJ Arrington and Staten Island’s Clifton Smith were arguably the two best returners in the 2009 TFL. Richelieu won the toss and JJ Arrington did not make the crowd wait long taking the opening kick-off back for 92 yards for pay dirt. Staten Island GM Murdock felt some pay back from the Conference Championship when Gems' Clifton Smith opened the game against Utica with a KR for a TD. "You live by the sword, you die by the sword. But to quote Monty Python, I'm not quite dead yet."
Staten Island's first drive resulted in one first down and a punt. Richelieu put together 30+ yards on the next drive but Jason Campbell's deep effort was picked off by FS Brian Dawkins and returned for 25 yards to the Staten Island 44 yard line. The Gems capitalized on the short field for 7 on a Garrard to Matt Jones 5 yard TD connection to tie the score at 7-7.
Richelieu put together a 6 play drive but only netted 12 yards. Then the scoring started. Staten Island put together a short 35 yard drive to the Richelieu 32. Facing 4th and 2, Staten Island opted for the 49 yard FG attempt and Mason Crosby answered to put Staten Island up 10-7. Richelieu answered right back with their own 65 yard drive capped by a Jason Campbell-Floyd 10 yard TD pass (Rich 14-10). Staten Island roared back with a 55 yard drive including a big Garrard-Jones 33 yard connection. The drive was punctuated by a Sammy Morris rushing TD. (SIG 17-14) Feeling pressure to answer back, Campbell again forced a pass and this time Staten Island's Gamble picked it off and returned it 25 yards. The Richelieu stepped up and forced a Staten Island FG. (SIG 20-14) With time running out in the half, Campbell found Steve Smith for 55 yards to the Staten Island 8 with :01 left in the half. Richelieu added three as time wound down on the half. Staten Island 20 - Richelieu 17 at half.
Then the scoring stopped. The first 7 drives of the 2nd half resulted in a total of 5 first downs and ended with punt-punt-punt- punt-punt- punt-punt. Early in the 4th, Staten Island put together an 11 play 84 yard drive which stalled inside the Richelieu 5. Staten Island GM decided to take the sure FG as offense on both sides of the ball was scarce. SIG 23-17
Richelieu tried to answer back but turned over the ball on downs at the Staten Island 45. Staten Island went right out, punted back and Richelieu had the ball, down 6, on their own 20 yard line with 8:06 remaining. Richelieu put together the drive of the game, 15 plays, 80 yards, capped with Billy Miller 3 yard TD reception with 2:00 remaining. Sylvain commented that he may have scored too quickly. From Staten Island's point of view, facing the Richelieu defense, it seemed like the game was over. But then again, this is Strat so you never know.
Staten Island had all three time outs and 2:00 minutes to answer back. Garrard to Coles came to live. Staten Island moved methodically up the field and inside the Richelieu 10 as the clock wound down. Staten Island got roll after roll. Crosby lined up and connected from 23 to give Staten Island the 26-24 lead with :08 left.
Staten Island opted not to let Richelieu return the ball on a kick return and tried the onside kick. Richelieu recovered but had :01 left from the Staten Island 44 yard line. Too far for three, Campbell faced a 5-6 defensive formation. The pressure was too much. Campbell took off but only made it 8 yards down field before being tackled. The clock ran out with Campbell on the turf.
This was a great game. Back and forth. Staten Island got a few more rolls late. Could have eaily gone either way. Very even play calling. I thank Sylvain for the game and the classy way that he plays, coaches and interacts.
Staten Island 26 vs Richelieu 24
The match-up between Richelieu (12-6) and Staten Island (15-3) pitted two of the best defenses in the league. Both coaches were expecting a low scoring game where the special teams might be the difference in determining the Championship. Richelieu’s JJ Arrington and Staten Island’s Clifton Smith were arguably the two best returners in the 2009 TFL. Staten Island's first drive resulted in one first down and a punt. Richelieu put together 30+ yards on the next drive but Jason Campbell's deep effort was picked off by FS Brian Dawkins and returned for 25 yards to the Staten Island 44 yard line. The Gems capitalized on the short field for 7 on a Garrard to Matt Jones 5 yard TD connection to tie the score at 7-7.
Richelieu put together a 6 play drive but only netted 12 yards. Then the scoring started. Staten Island put together a short 35 yard drive to the Richelieu 32. Facing 4th and 2, Staten Island opted for the 49 yard FG attempt and Mason Crosby answered to put Staten Island up 10-7. Richelieu answered right back with their own 65 yard drive capped by a Jason Campbell-Floyd 10 yard TD pass (Rich 14-10). Staten Island roared back with a 55 yard drive including a big Garrard-Jones 33 yard connection. The drive was punctuated by a Sammy Morris rushing TD. (SIG 17-14) Feeling pressure to answer back, Campbell again forced a pass and this time Staten Island's Gamble picked it off and returned it 25 yards. The Richelieu stepped up and forced a Staten Island FG. (SIG 20-14) With time running out in the half, Campbell found Steve Smith for 55 yards to the Staten Island 8 with :01 left in the half. Richelieu added three as time wound down on the half. Staten Island 20 - Richelieu 17 at half.
Then the scoring stopped. The first 7 drives of the 2nd half resulted in a total of 5 first downs and ended with punt-punt-punt- punt-punt- punt-punt. Early in the 4th, Staten Island put together an 11 play 84 yard drive which stalled inside the Richelieu 5. Staten Island GM decided to take the sure FG as offense on both sides of the ball was scarce. SIG 23-17
Richelieu tried to answer back but turned over the ball on downs at the Staten Island 45. Staten Island went right out, punted back and Richelieu had the ball, down 6, on their own 20 yard line with 8:06 remaining. Richelieu put together the drive of the game, 15 plays, 80 yards, capped with Billy Miller 3 yard TD reception with 2:00 remaining. Sylvain commented that he may have scored too quickly. From Staten Island's point of view, facing the Richelieu defense, it seemed like the game was over. But then again, this is Strat so you never know.
Staten Island had all three time outs and 2:00 minutes to answer back. Garrard to Coles came to live. Staten Island moved methodically up the field and inside the Richelieu 10 as the clock wound down. Staten Island got roll after roll. Crosby lined up and connected from 23 to give Staten Island the 26-24 lead with :08 left.
Staten Island opted not to let Richelieu return the ball on a kick return and tried the onside kick. Richelieu recovered but had :01 left from the Staten Island 44 yard line. Too far for three, Campbell faced a 5-6 defensive formation. The pressure was too much. Campbell took off but only made it 8 yards down field before being tackled. The clock ran out with Campbell on the turf.
This was a great game. Back and forth. Staten Island got a few more rolls late. Could have eaily gone either way. Very even play calling. I thank Sylvain for the game and the classy way that he plays, coaches and interacts.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
LOMBARDI CHAMPIONSHIP
Staten Island 30 @ Utica 10
The Conference Championship game between Staten Island and Utica marked the fifth time this season that GM Murdock and GM Fullem were matching up. The season record sat at 2-2 for each. Murdock had beaten Utica (12-5) twice this season: once with Staten Island and once pinch coaching with Orlando. Fullem provided two of Staten Island's (14-3) three losses on the season with victories for Utica and as a pinch coach for New England.
Thanks again for the game, Brian. Next time we play, you will be tan.
Staten Island 30 @ Utica 10
The Conference Championship game between Staten Island and Utica marked the fifth time this season that GM Murdock and GM Fullem were matching up. The season record sat at 2-2 for each. Murdock had beaten Utica (12-5) twice this season: once with Staten Island and once pinch coaching with Orlando. Fullem provided two of Staten Island's (14-3) three losses on the season with victories for Utica and as a pinch coach for New England. On the opening kick-off, Staten Island's Clifton Smith took it 94 yards to the house. 18 seconds in without running a play and Staten Island drew first blood.
After exchanging punts, Utica put together a 7 play, 78 yard drive to even the score at 7. Greg Jennings caught the 4 yards TD pass from Aaron Rodgers and it was tied up at 7.
GM Fullem had his defense going. The first three Staten Island drives netted 9 total yards and no first downs. But Staten Island's defense was up to the challenge. Forcing a punt early in the second quarter, Staten Island's Clifton Smith took a punt return 64 yards to the house. Staten Island had no first downs but (Clifton Smith) was leading 14-7. GM Murdock thanked the strat gods that he drafted Clifton Smith this year.
After a drive where Staten Island got 1 first down (its first and only), Utica took over. Rodgers pressed a little too hard and Staten Island's Chris Gamble got the pick and 22 yards to get into field goal range. Another three and out by Staten Island but Crosby was able to tack on three more for a Staten Island 17-7 lead. (One Staten Island 1st down, 17 points.)
Utica put together another 50+ yard drive late in the second quarter but stalled inside the Staten Island 10 and were forced to settle for 3 and a 17-10 deficit at the half.
The Staten Island squad came to life in the second half. An 8 play, 40 yard drive resulted in another Crosby field goal to make it a two score game again. The Staten Island defense withstood two 4th down conversion attempts deep in their own zone (both from the Staten Island's own 40) and turned both of these stops into points (one another Crosby FG and a 12 yard Garrard - Coles connection for 7) while running 11:24 off the clock on these two drives. Staten Island was up 30-10 midway through the 4th which was a deficit too hard to overcome for Utica.
Staten Islan'ds Clifton Smith again was the key factor in the game. He added two more return TDs to his regular season total of four. I believe that 5 of the 6 return TDs this season were against Utica's Fullem. Utica also turned over the ball three times to none for Staten Island.
After 4 close battles with Brian this season, it was disappointing that we didn't have another classic game. Staten Island wins the best out of 5 tournament at 3-2. Staten Island got the big rolls on special teams which was the deciding factor tonight.
After winning the SuperBowl last year and in the Conference final this year, we know Utica's Brian Fullem has a good team and is an top-level coach. Utica will only get better as he has 2 first round picks in 2010.
LANDRY CHAMPIONSHIP
Richelieu Berzerkers 23 @
Flagstaff Savages 20 OT
After putting up only 16 points in the first 3 quarters both teams exploded for 24 in the final quarter to send the game into overtime. With Berzerkers at the edge of field goal a key penalty against Savages made it an easy 34 yards winning field goal for Olindo Mare. Berzerkers got in field goal range by running the ball on every play of the winning drive.
Richelieu took a 17-6 lead at the 10:30 mark of the 4th quarter on a 38 yards Leon Washington touchdown run. Justin Gage took matter in his own hands and brought Flagstaff back with two long receptions for touchdowns. 55 yards with 7:48 left to close the gap to 17-12 after a missed 2 points conversion attempt then on a 34 yards catch with 0:52 left to put Flagstaff ahead 18-17 which was extended to 20-17 when DeAngelo Williams ran for the 2 points conversion.
A pair of Matt Prater field goals in the first quarter gave Flagstaff an early 6-0 lead but Richelieu came back on a 3 yards touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to Billy Miller to take a 7-6 halftime lead.
Richelieu extended that lead to 10-6 in the middle of the third quarter on a 23 yards Mare field goal.
DeAngelo Williams carried 27 times for 163 yards while Matt Ryan passed for 301 yards in 46 pass attempts with Gage catching 5 of those for 145 yards.
In an ironic twist, first game pariah J.J. Arrington was injured on the first series of the game for Richelieu.
Strangely in the first game Flagstaff was decimated by injuries now it was Richelieu's turn with Arrington, Todd Heap, Amani Toomer and Chris Hope being felled by injuries and testing Richelieu's depth.
Good game Chris...tough way to lose on that long hail Mary...hang in there as you should have a pretty good team next year.
Richelieu Berzerkers 23 @
Flagstaff Savages 20 OT
After putting up only 16 points in the first 3 quarters both teams exploded for 24 in the final quarter to send the game into overtime. With Berzerkers at the edge of field goal a key penalty against Savages made it an easy 34 yards winning field goal for Olindo Mare. Berzerkers got in field goal range by running the ball on every play of the winning drive. Mare had sent the game in overtime with a 43 yards field goal as time ran out. The tying score was set up by a 55 yards bomb to Malcom Floyd.
A pair of Matt Prater field goals in the first quarter gave Flagstaff an early 6-0 lead but Richelieu came back on a 3 yards touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to Billy Miller to take a 7-6 halftime lead.
Richelieu extended that lead to 10-6 in the middle of the third quarter on a 23 yards Mare field goal.
DeAngelo Williams carried 27 times for 163 yards while Matt Ryan passed for 301 yards in 46 pass attempts with Gage catching 5 of those for 145 yards.
In an ironic twist, first game pariah J.J. Arrington was injured on the first series of the game for Richelieu.
Strangely in the first game Flagstaff was decimated by injuries now it was Richelieu's turn with Arrington, Todd Heap, Amani Toomer and Chris Hope being felled by injuries and testing Richelieu's depth.
Good game Chris...tough way to lose on that long hail Mary...hang in there as you should have a pretty good team next year.
| New England Destroyers New Owner (Richard Jensen's) Roster |
| Team Roster | |||
| Name | Position | Year | Key Stat |
| Marc Bulger | QuarterBack | 2008 | QB Rating: 71.4 |
| Kevin Kolb | QuarterBack | 2008 | QB Rating: 21.8 |
| Brian Griese | QuarterBack | 2008 | QB Rating: 69.4 |
| Heath Evans | FullBack | 2008 | Run Avg: 2.1 |
| Matt Forte' | HalfBack | 2008 | Run Avg: 3.9 |
| Brandon Jackson | HalfBack | 2008 | Run Avg: 5.5 |
| Kolby Smith | HalfBack,FullBack | 2008 | Run Avg: 2.9 |
| Owen Daniels | Tight End | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 12.3 |
| Tony Scheffler | Tight End | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 16.1 |
| Robert Royal | Tight End | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 10.6 |
| Mike Furrey | Flanker,Split End,Punt Returner | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 10.1 |
| Jason Hill | Split End,Flanker | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 10.6 |
| Brandon Lloyd | Flanker,Split End | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 14.0 |
| Bryant Johnson | Split End | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 12.1 |
| Wes Welker | Split End,Punt Returner | 2008 | Rcv Avg: 10.5 |
| Sam Baker | Off Tackle | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,3 |
| Khalif Barnes | Left Tackle | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,3 |
| Kevin Shaffer | Right Tackle | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,4 |
| Pork Chop Womack | Right Guard | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,3 |
| Jahri Evans | Right Guard | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 5,7 |
| Stephen Neal | Right Guard | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 5,0 |
| Jamaal Jackson | Center | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,5 |
| Dominic Raiola | Center | 2008 | Off Run,Pass: 4,3 |
| O.J. Atogwe | Free Safety | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 6,0 |
| Fakhir Brown | Right CB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,0 |
| Ken Hamlin | Free Safety | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 5,0 |
| Nick Ferguson | Strong Safety | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Marquand Manuel | Strong Safety | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Brian Witherspoon | 1st Defensive Back,Punt Returner,KO Returner | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Stanford Routt | 1st Defensive Back | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Nate Clements | Left CB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 5,0 |
| Nick Barnett | Middle LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 5,0 |
| Chike Okeafor | Left LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,8 |
| Bryan Thomas | Left O LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,8 |
| D.D. Lewis | LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,0 |
| Ryan Nece | Left LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,6 |
| Jamar Williams | LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Gerris Wilkinson | LB | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Kris Jenkins | Nose Tackle | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 6,4 |
| Tommy Kelly | Right Tackle | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,8 |
| Mathias Kiwanuka | Right End | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,9 |
| Aaron Smith | Left End | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 6,6 |
| Matt Toeaina | Def Tackle | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 0,0 |
| Damione Lewis | Right Tackle | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,4 |
| Andy Lee | Punter | 2008 | punter |
| Jason Hanson | Place Kicker | 2008 | place kicker |
| Ryon Bingham | Def End,Nose Tackle | 2008 | Def Run,Pass: 4,1 |
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