2014: Week 5 Rundown

The play-by-play results can be read here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4U-iCgmiyKNNjF1cEk0Zm4tSms&usp=sharing

FARGO uses its cleverness to divert the Dons to a second-straight loss.

In Fargo, the scene was unnerving - both California and Fargo vying for the top spot in the conference. It seemed to be in the hands of California, who were leading 16-7 at halftime. However, rough as it may have been, Joe Bowers’ three interceptions did not bode well for the team. A relatively quiet day on defense (minus Don’s Willard) gave Fargo an opportunity to score - and with Koriun Masquarde's 100+ receiving yards, it was all Axemen in the end.

Final Score: Axemen 21, Dons 16

TEXAS wins a third-straight match-up in Fort Worth against a silent Chicago offense.

Where were the Outlaws? Where was Darius Smith’s pass-happy receivers? How did Texas pull it off? First off - the acquisition of Dane Atkins for Chicago due to an injury did not turn out well - only 4 rushing yards on 6 attempts, and a few too many incomplete passes by Smith. Chicago has not played well on the road thus far, and Texas was able to find another rhythm - Jacqie Knight with a commanding touchdown catch, and Calder finally settling in as Texas’ lead quarterback.

Final Score: Ramblers 24, Outlaws 3

BALTIMORE out-right slams Easton into oblivion with Redfield’s 341 yards vs Ritter’s 92.

Much of what has kept Easton in contention thus far has been special teams luck - the hyper-activity of Kris Clueton last week was diminished - Clueton did not kick in the game, but Easton’s Bruce Staples did take one to the house on a kickoff return. After this, however, Baltimore did not look back. Aspen Redfield completed 31/40 for 341 yards, and Austin Pool ran in two extra scores in addition to catching one from Redfield. Easton was sent back across the border, and it’ll be a long week ahead as they face New York next weekend.

Final Score: Ponies 35, Bald Eagles 14

LAS VEGAS’ defense commands the game and holds on to win in an offensive struggle.

With rumors circulating that the coaching staff of North Florida has been in a whirlwind, the Bandits defense capitalized on seven sacks between the team, a forced fumble by Coby Carson, and an interception by Lewis Groetzer. The team picked on Leonard Winters, a rookie out of Canada, and apparently the nervousness cost his team four of those seven sacks. Although the offense was generally unsuccessful, a single touchdown to Nemarru Bakari gave the Bandits the win at home. NF’s Trent Velazquez had a miserable day, and cost the Renegades the game.

Final Score: Bandits 7, Renegades 6

ABILENE works for a desperate overtime victory versus the ailing Dragons.

There was much to say about both teams coming in at the bottom of the conference, but it was looking pretty good for Abilene after one half of play - but the Achilles’ heel of Abilene has been their inconsistent defensive scheme, and the Dragons’ third quarterback on the season - Kerry Calloway - took advantage. The teams were all tied at 21 at the end of regular play. An interesting coaching strategy by Abilene, they chose not to kick any field goals in the game. Even in overtime, the teams looked to be exhausted, but a concerted 45 yards by Dallas Larkin on the final drive gave Abilene the win they have been seeking this whole year.

Final Score: Lancers 27, Dragons 21 (OT)

DOWNRIVER thanks Castora for giving the Waves an important win over New York.

While much is still debated about this matchup, the work ethic of both teams seems to be stronger than any other. Andy Wright’s lack of success in the passing department led to a reliance on the running backs - and Samantha Castora delivered with 26 carries for 155 yards. Without New York’s veteran Efren Frank in the lineup, the Titans struggled to match their rushing efforts, and Cameron was partially successful but could not find the endzone. New York’s sole touchdown came from an interception return by Thomas Sanders; a total of six missed field goals between the teams gives the game a +/- 9 point margin. This begs the question: What could it have been?

Final Score: Waves 19, Titans 10