LAS VEGAS’ Stapler throws for three TDs and McLeod intercepts Redfield twice in Bandits win.
In Las Vegas, one of the most talked-about games of the weekend ended in a surprising victory at home for the Bandits. While neither team necessarily dominated on the offensive side, Redfield uncharacteristically threw for three interceptions - two of which were caught by Roger McLeod (Tarsier - CB - teammate Ricardo McLeod is also on the team) and returned for scores. In a game where the Las Vegas secondary defense dominated and showed their true colors, Carson and McLeod shined bright - and should continue to shine as the Bandits head to Abilene for Week 8.
Final Score: Bandits 35, Ponies 17
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NEW YORK is redemptious in scoring off Dons turnovers, and takes over in the second half to win at home.
At the Polo Grounds in New York, California left much to be desired as the offense sizzled out despite a 17-point second quarter. The lead at halftime quickly disappeared, when the Titans marched down the field and made a couple fourth-down conversions to keep the drive alive and score on a Robert Higgins catch. The following drive, Darnell Paige was sacked by Ted Goercke and fumbled the ball to Titans’ Everett Simms. Two plays later, Cameron found his receiver to take over the lead late in the third quarter. Despite a last-minute drive that took the Dons down to the redzone of the Titans, the coaching staff’s poor decision to try a surprise run was snuffed out quickly, and an incomplete pass ended the game. Titans fans were very happy, to say the least!
Final Score: Titans 24, Dons 17
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ABILENE stays strong as the Waves struggle to get the ball close enough to score… as it seems.
In what was an otherwise uneventful day in the Abilene heat, the Lancers kept their dream recovery alive and won at home against the ailing Downriver Waves. The Lancer’s defensive line prevailed today, totalling in six sacks - and despite a quiet day from both team’s secondaries, the Waves were unable to score points on three separate occasions due to the weather conditions that K Draco Zingora was urged by his coaching staff to deal with. Finishing with 1 of 4, Draco took his frustrations to Tweeter after the loss. Tight End Karl Kratt scored a key touchdown that would seal the deal for the revitalized Lancers; Samantha Castora also notched 100+ rushing yards and a score in the defeat.
Final Score: Lancers 21, Waves 9
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EASTON shows up and kicks a game-winning field goal in the 4th quarter to get the road win.
On a clear and sunny day in Tallahassee, the North Florida secondary was trampled by the talents of the Easton wide receivers, as Patrick Bryan (Brazilian terrier, WR) secured the lone touchdown of the afternoon. Meanwhile, North Florida struggled to get open and led the kickers to the field to get their scores. It was a field goal showdown - Trent Velazquez vs Kris Clueton - and although Velazquez was perfect on the day, 4 of 4, Clueton was the key winner, as he kicked the score-leading field goal with seven minutes left in the 4th quarter (he was 2 of 3 on the day.) QB Ritter’s shining performance and Clueton’s hoof gave the Bald Eagles a much-needed win on the road.
Final Score: Bald Eagles 13, Renegades 12
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GRAND RAPIDS stuns the league with a shut-out win against Chicago that led to riots and arrests.
Chicago’s struggle to secure a lead quarterback due to the injuries of Darius Smith and Roy Dejesus was most prevelant Sunday, when rookie QB Alfredo Cash stepped in as their “last attempt” of sorts to get the ball rolling for their team. Unfortunately, the offensive line struggled to contain the raging Grand Rapids defensive line, and several attempts to run the football in response to Cash’s struggles were also quickly stopped. QB Terence Curran, who won the other game of the season for the Dragons, stepped back into rhythmic form and threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Toby Otternator was also relentless, notching 7 tackles. Post-game, the disgruntled fans gathered at the Dragons’ stadium exit point and harassed a bus driver, threatening to tip it over - several other incidents occurred that resulted in the arrests of seven individuals. At 2-5, Chicago is going to have to find another way to score to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Final Score: Dragons 29, Outlaws 0
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In another thriller, FARGO comes from behind to keep the Ramblers from getting their conference lead.
In Fargo, both the Axemen and the Texas Ramblers had an opportunity to take the conference lead on Sunday. The offensive play scheme of the Axemen seemed odd at first - QB Flip Penguinator remained in true form, but the Axemen were close to dead on the rushing side - 25 carries for 37 yards - and Ramblers used this to their advantage. The key players of this game were the Fargo Axemen defense, who prevented Texas from scoring touchdowns and settling for field goals instead. This would set up a surprise fourth-quarter comeback by Fargo, who - down 15-3 with less than four minutes to go - would take to the two-minute drill and score a much-needed touchdown to Bernard Randolph (score 15-10). The key play of the game was an onside kick by Fargo and recovered by Fargo’s Terra Eavens - Penguinator would then stun the Ramblers with another touchdown and 2-point conversion to take home the win. Axemen fans were relieved, but visibly the Ramblers were left scratching their heads and throwing their helmets.
Final Score: Axemen 18, Ramblers 15
