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.