Playoff Preview: Quarterfinal Matchups

July 29,2014



By CONOR VOLPE
Football is a team sport. Throughout a long season, every member of a roster makes contributions, big or small, that help determine the success or failure of the unit. That’s the beautiful thing about team sports – no one individual is solely responsible. The whole group must come together to win.
But when playoff time rolls around, things get a little different. The best of the best in the Arena Football League are set to square off this weekend and the margin for error is slim. In these hotly contested games, oftentimes one matchup can be that little difference that pushes a team over the edge. Whether it’s one unit against another, or two players battling on every snap, there are important matchups in every game that play a huge factor in the outcome.
Below are some of the key matchups in this weekend’s quarterfinal playoff contests where games will be won and lost.

Philadelphia Soul at Cleveland Gladiators

Key Matchup: Dan Raudabaugh vs. Cleveland Pass Defense

When: Saturday, August 2nd, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
TV: CBS Sports Network
Despite an up and down season, Philadelphia has consistently played the Cleveland Gladiators very tough. The Soul lost to the Gladiators by one point in Week 15 and by two in Week 11, both on the final plays of the game. A huge part of those impressive showings from the Soul has been the play of quarterback Dan Raudabaugh. Though he has been inconsistent at times this season, Raudabaugh has looked excellent in the two matchups against Cleveland, totaling 463 yards and nine touchdowns to only one interception while completing 72 percent of his passes. His steady play kept Philadelphia in each contest, and allowed Derrick Ross to do his thing down at the goal line, as the fullback has five touchdowns in those same two games. If Raudabaugh plays well again, there’s no reason that the Soul won’t have another opportunity to beat the Gladiators.
Of course, Cleveland would rather not have to squeak out another close win against Philadelphia. Though the Gladiators have made it something of a signature to pull out tight victories, sweating out every last second of a playoff game isn’t too fun. That’s where Marrio Norman, Dominic Jones, LaRoche Jackson and the rest of the Gladiators’ pass defense come in. If Cleveland wants a smoother first round contest, they’re going to need to knock Raudabaugh out of his comfort zone, because he’s certainly comfortable when he plays the Gladiators. The good news is that they’ve had success against the rest of the League and rank fourth in defensive pass efficiency so it’s not as if they don’t have the talent. Cleveland will rely on their secondary to rattle Raudabaugh a bit so the Gladiators’ fans don’t have to endure another nail-biter of an ending.

Spokane Shock at San Jose Sabercats

Key Matchup: Spokane Offensive Line vs. San Jose Pass Rush

When: Saturday, August 2nd, 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: SAP Center, San Jose, CA
TV: ESPN3
The Spokane Shock are a very complete team, but their offensive line has been their Achilles’ heel all season long. Since Erik Meyer’s return from an injury, they’ve been on a roll, averaging 65.5 points over the last four games Meyer started. The reigning MVP’s mobility has helped cover up some of the weaknesses up front, and as a result, the offense looks to be back and booming.
But San Jose looms in the first round, and they love to get after the quarterback. The pass rush has generated 39 sacks this season, which ranks second in the AFL. Sixteen of those came in the three times San Jose played Spokane. Meyer’s scrambling ability helps negate some of the pass rush, but in the two games he’s played against San Jose, the SaberCats have sacked Meyer 10 times. If the Spokane offensive line can fend off San Jose’s ferocious pass rush, the Shock will be in a great position to pull off the upset.

Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators

Key Matchup: Bernard Morris vs. Arvell Nelson and James Bryant

When: Sunday, August 3rd, 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: CFE Arena, Orlando, FL
TV: ESPN3
In three consecutive wins over Iowa, New Orleans, and Arizona, Bernard Morris has accounted for 25 touchdowns. In that streak to end the season, he also owned a stellar 20:2 touchdown to interception ratio and totaled 137 yards rushing with five rushing touchdowns. To say Morris is hot would be quite the understatement. He has gotten his Predators offense rolling, averaging 64 points per game in those last three contests. As of late, he seems to be the perfect blend of passer and runner, arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the AFL.
It will be up to Pittsburgh Power linebackers James Bryant and Arvell Nelson to stop him. While Morris has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses as of late, Nelson and Bryant have made a habit of driving opposing offenses crazy all year. Nelson has picked off five passes from the Jack linebacker position and Bryant has notched 8.5 tackles for loss and nine quarterback hurries this season. Together, the duo has done plenty to give quarterbacks League-wide some serious headaches. But Morris will surely be their toughest task, as it will be the linebackers’ responsibility to keep him from running wild this weekend. Containment will be key, and anything else they can do to knock Morris off his groove would be great for the Power. If they can’t contain him, Pittsburgh’s first ever playoff game might not go so well.

Portland Thunder at Arizona Rattlers

Key Matchup: Portland Defensive Backs vs. Arizona Wide Receivers

When: Sunday, August 3rd, 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
TV: ESPN3, Cox 7
Nick Davila is well on his way towards a Hall of Fame career in the AFL, but there’s no denying he has been surrounded by talent, particularly on the perimeter. With Rod Windsor, Tysson Poots and Maurice Purify catching passes, the argument could be made that Davila is throwing to three guys who could all be number one targets on any other team. Among the three, they have 293 catches for 3,948 yards and 100 touchdowns.
It’s safe to say that Portland’s secondary is going to have their hands full. Though Windsor has been the primary target this season, Davila and the Rattlers have been able to spread the ball around plenty. They’ll just go to whoever’s open. The good news for Portland is that the secondary is their strong suit. Between rookie Varmah Sonie and veterans Eric Crocker and Dwight McLean, they might just be able to matchup against the Rattlers’ receiving trio. The defensive backs are a huge reason Portland ranks sixth in passing defense efficiency and fifth best in passing yards allowed. Perhaps more importantly, they’re great at generating turnovers. In the games Davila and company have struggled, a large part of that has been due to interceptions. In the three games Arizona has lost this season, they’ve thrown five picks total. In their 15 wins combined, Davila has thrown seven. If Portland hopes to pull of the improbable, look for those Thunder defensive backs to do the implausible.

AFL Announces Week 20 Award Winners Five players awarded for weekend's highlights

July 29,2014




AFL Communications
CHICAGO – Jacksonville Sharks quarterback R.J. Archer has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Pittsburgh Power defensive back Virgil Gray has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and San Jose Sabercats wide receiver Reggie Gray has been awarded J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 20 of the 2014 NET10 Wireless Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. The Cutters Catch of the Week has been awarded to San Jose’s Reggie Gray, while the AFL Highlight of the Week has been awarded to Orlando Predators wide receiver Larry Brackins.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Archer (6-2, 220, William & Mary) completed 25-of-36 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns in Jacksonville’s 53-36 victory over the LA KISS in Week 20. The fourth-year pro led the AFL with eight 300-yard passing performances on the year.
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Gray (5-10, 185, Rhode Island) led the Power with seven tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions in Pittsburgh’s 64-34 victory over the Philadelphia Soul in Week 20. Gray now holds the single-season franchise record for interceptions with 11 in 2014.
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK / CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Gray (5-10, 185, Western Illinois) recorded 229 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in San Jose’s 72-43 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in Week 20. As a receiver, Gray caught five balls for 62 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He added a fourth score on a 58-yard kickoff return touchdown with a minute left in the game as well. He will be awarded a timepiece crafted by J. Lewis Small for his efforts. “Big Play” also earned Cutters Catch of the Week honors for a spectacular diving touchdown grab in the second quarter of the game. He will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch.
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Brackins (6-5, 225, Pearl River CC) hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass with 42 seconds to play in Orlando’s 56-50 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in Week 20. After catching the ball at the 14-yard line, Brackins made multiple Rattlers miss on his run to the end zone. He finished the game with seven catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s Shane Austin, Orlando’s Bernard Morris, Pittsburgh’s Tommy Grady, San Antonio’s Matt Bassuener, San Jose’s Nathan Stanley and Spokane’s Rashaad Carter.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s Dominic Jones, Jacksonville’s Xavier Brewer, Orlando’s Tracy Belton, Portland’s Bryce Peila, San Antonio’s Kelvin Rodgers and San Jose’s Joe Sykes.
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s LaRoche Jackson, Jacksonville’s Jared McGriff-Culver, Orlando’s Larry Brackins, Pittsburgh’s Arvell Nelson, Portland’s Jamar Howard and San Antonio’s Clinton Solomon.
The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include Pittsburgh Power Jack linebacker Arvell Nelson, San Antonio Talons defensive back Kelvin Rodgers and San Jose Sabercats defensive end Joe Sykes. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 30. The winner will be announced on Thursday, July 31.

Record-Setting Gladiators Top Final AFL Field Pass vPower Rankings

July 28,2014





AFL Communications
CHICAGO – The Cleveland Gladiators (17-1) claimed the No. 1 spot in the final AFL Field Pass vPower Rankings of the 2014 season after setting the AFL record for most wins in a single season with 17. The Gladiators held off the Tampa Bay Storm (8-10), 56-49, last week. The AFL’s “Kardiac Kids” return home this Saturday to host the Philadelphia Soul (9-9) in the AFL Quarterfinals. Cleveland beat Philadelphia twice in the regular season, securing victories in dramatic fashion with game-winning touchdowns on the final play of both contests. This week’s “NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday” matchup is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Not to be outdone by their East Division rivals, the Pittsburgh Power (15-3) also set an AFL record last weekend by ending the regular season with 12 consecutive victories, the most by any team to close out a regular season in League history. Pittsburgh, who finished the year at No. 2 in the vPower Rankings, will hit the road this week to challenge the South Division champion Orlando Predators (11-7) in the AFL Quarterfinals. Kickoff from “The Jungle” is set for 2:00 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN3.
A big win by the San Jose Sabercats (13-5) in Week 20 propelled the Pacific Division champs up two spots to No. 3 in the vPower Rankings. San Jose knocked off Iowa, 72-43, in Des Moines last week. The SaberCats return home this week to host the Spokane Shock (11-7) in the AFL Quarterfinals. This will be the fourth meeting between the two squads this season, but the first time the division rivals have ever met in the postseason. Kickoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN3.
The back-to-back defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers fell one spot to No. 4 in the vPower Rankings following a 50-56 loss to Orlando last weekend. The loss was the Rattlers third in the last four games and their first defeat at the hands of the Predators, who moved up to No. 6 in the vPower Rankings, since 2005. However, the West Division champs still roll into their AFL Quarterfinal against the Portland Thunder (5-13) with a great deal of confidence, having swept the first-year franchise with three wins in the regular season. Kickoff for the Quarterfinal contest is set for 6:00 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN3.
Despite rolling to five straight victories to close out the regular season, the Spokane Shock (11-7) fell one spot to No. 5 in the vPower Rankings. One week removed from a season sweep of the Portland Thunder, the Shock will aim to take out the other Pacific Division foe, this time in the playoffs as they travel to San Jose. A Spokane victory would put the Shock back in the National Conference championship game for the second straight year and third time in the last five seasons.
AFL Field Pass is the online fan club of the NET10 Wireless Arena Football League. The AFL vPower Rankings are calculated on AFLFieldPass.com using vPower™, a scoring system based on winning percentage, strength of schedule, scoring percentage, and win-streak. The scale is normalized from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest).

July 28 AFL vPower Rankings
RANK	TEAM	RECORD	WIN PCT	SCORING	STREAK	vPOWER	LAST
1.	Cleveland Gladiators	17-1	0.944	10.4707	0.09	100	1
2.	Pittsburgh Power	15-3	0.833	10.7630	0.09	91.6	2
3.	San Jose Sabercats	13-5	0.722	10.6960	0.05	73.1	5
4.	Arizona Rattlers	15-3	0.833	10.4716	0.00	71.1	3
5.	Spokane Shock	11-7	0.611	9.8658	0.09	68.4	4
6.	Orlando Predators	11-7	0.611	9.4396	0.05	66.7	7
7.	Jacksonville Sharks	7-11	0.389	9.4396	0.05	38.7	9
8.	Philadelphia Soul	9-9	0.500	9.6553	0.00	38.6	6
9.	Tampa Bay Storm	8-10	0.444	8.9865	0.00	30.9	8
10.	Iowa Barnstormers	6-12	0.333	8.4503	0.00	18.9	10
11.	San Antonio Talons	3-15	0.167	7.7339	0.07	16.3	12
12.	Portland Thunder	5-13	0.278	8.3913	0.00	13.8	11
13.	New Orleans VooDoo	3-15	0.167	7.7547	0.00	1.4	13
14.	LA KISS	3-15	0.167	7.4194	0.00	0	14

 

Playoff Field Set for 2014 AFL Postseason

July 27,2014





AFL Communications
CHICAGO – The 2014 AFL Playoff field is officially set as eight teams have qualified to compete in the AFL Quarterfinals this coming weekend.
The East Division champion Cleveland Gladiators (17-1) will kickoff the action on CBS Sports Network by hosting the Philadelphia Soul (9-9), a team they defeated twice this season in exceptionally dramatic fashion on the final play of the game. The No. 1 overall seed in the AFL Playoffs set the League record for wins in a season with 17, while the Soul overcame a sluggish start to the year with a late-season rally, clinching their third straight playoff berth in Week 20. Kickoff for the “NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday” matchup is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Pacific Division champion San Jose Sabercats (13-5) will also host the No. 3 seed Spokane Shock (11-7) Saturday night on ESPN3. This will be the fourth meeting between the two clubs this year; however, it will be their first-ever meeting in the postseason. Kickoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET Saturday.
Two more matchups are scheduled for Sunday afternoon on ESPN3.
The South Division champion Orlando Predators (11-7) will host the No. 3 seed Pittsburgh Power (15-3) at 2:00 p.m. ET Sunday afternoon. The two squads met once this season in a down-to-the-wire thriller on May 24 that saw the Power come away with a 62-61 win on the final play of the game. This will be the Power’s first-ever postseason contest, while it is the Predators’ first home playoff game since the 2006 season.
The Quarterfinals come to a close Sunday night as the two-time defending ArenaBowl champion Arizona Rattlers (15-3) host the Portland Thunder (5-13) at 6:00 p.m. ET. The No. 1 seed Rattlers locked up the West Division title back on June 1, swept the season series against the Thunder, who clinched the first-year franchise’s first-ever playoff berth two weeks ago.
The winners of the four Quarterfinal matchups will meet in their respective Conference Championship games on August 8-9. One Conference Championship game will be televised on CBS Sports Network while the other will be shown on ESPN2.
The American Conference and National Conference champions will square off in ArenaBowl XXVII at 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday, August 23 on ESPN.

Predators Upend Rattlers, 56-50 Orlando ends the regular season in style with an upset victory over Arizona, as QB Bernard Morris tosses six touchdown passes

July 27,2014




Orlando Predators Press Release
ORLANDO – The Orlando Predators (11-7) made a statement in the team’s regular season finale, earning a spectacular 56-50 victory over the defending ArenaBowl Champion Arizona Rattlers (15-3) in front of a sold out crowd of 8,550 at CFE Arena on Saturday evening. The win marks just the second time in the last 11 seasons the Predators have finished the regular season with 11 or more victories.
Trailing 50-48 late in the fourth quarter, QB Bernard Morris dropped back to pass lofted a completion over the middle to WR Larry Brackins. With the reception secured, Brackins eluded defenders and cut back across the field before barreling through defenders on his way to a 30-yard touchdown. Orlando successfully recovered an onside attempt on the ensuing kickoff and proceeded to run out the clock to seal the win.
Morris finished the night throwing for 284 yards and six touchdowns while adding 28 yards and another score on the ground. Brackins hauled in seven passes for 104 yards and three scores, while WR Khalil Paden led all receivers with 137 yards and two touchdowns on five catches.
The offense fired out of the gates with a quick score as WR Khalil Paden beat a defender deep for a 42-yard touchdown reception on the second play from scrimmage. Arizona QB Nick Davila connected with WR Tysson Poots on two first quarter scores, but Orlando managed to build a 21-14 lead at the conclusion of the opening stanza. Bernard Morris carried the ball for a one-yard score and tossed a pass over the middle to Brackins, who secured the catch and raced 24 yards up the middle of the field for the touchdown.


Arizona regained possession to start the second quarter and managed to drive the ball to the goal line before Orlando’s defense swiftly halted the series. Facing 1st-&-Goal, Davila attempt to take a shot to the end zone, but had the pass deflected at the line of scrimmage. The loose ball bounced off the nets and newly-acquired Predators DL Meshak Williams came down with the rebound to complete the interception. Morris swiftly converted the turnover into points, as he launched a 41-yard touchdown pass to Khalil Paden. Davila found WR Rod Windsor on a 23-yard score on the following drive, but WR Larry Brackins took another short completion and turned it into a 27-yard touchdown. Arizona managed to score on a two-yard throw at the end of the quarter, give Orlando a 35-28 advantage at the midway point. The Rattlers tied the game 35-35 at the start of the third quarter, as Davila found WR Kerry Reed from 11 yards out. Orlando would respond by building a two-score lead, beginning with a touchdown reception by WR Kendal Thompkins, who broke through a tackle before sprinting 21 yards to the end zone. Two plays later, DB Tracy Belton picked off a pass attempt by Davila and raced up the right sideline for a 15-yard score to put Orlando ahead, 48-35.
Arizona would rally from that point, posting four unanswered scores to take a 50-48 lead before Brackins put Orlando up for good.

Sharks Top KISS, 53-36 Jacksonville finishes the season with a victory, led by QB R.J. Archer's six touchdowns and 318 yards passing

July 27,2014



Jacksonville Sharks Press Release
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks closed out the 2014 season on a high note on Saturday night, taking down the Los Angeles KISS by a 53-36 count in front of 11,084 on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Jacksonville (6-11) took control of a close game in the second half. After a one-yard rushing touchdown by fullback Jared McGriff-Culver in the final minute of the second quarter gave the Sharks a 26-24 lead, the Sharks’ defense opened the second half with a defensive stop. Los Angeles (3-15) turned it over on downs when Jacksonville Jack linebacker Charlie Hunt tackled receiver Donovan Morgan shot of the first down marker. On the very next play, R.J. Archer hit Jomo Wilson for a six-yard score to put the Sharks ahead, 32-24.

Though the KISS responded with a touchdown of their own, Jacksonville came right back with an answering score. On second down, Archer fired a 17-yard strike to Jeron Harvey for the first of their two touchdown connections of the game. The extra point gave Jacksonville the game’s first two-score lead, 39-30, early in the fourth quarter.

The Jacksonville defense followed that score with another stop. On a first-down play from the KISS’ own 22, defensive lineman Jerry Turner broke through to take down Raterink for a sack. With tight coverage, the Sharks’ secondary then forced Raterink into three straight incompletions, as Keiron Jones knocked down a fourth-down pass that allowed the Sharks to get the ball back via a turnover on downs. On the very first play of the ensuing drive, Archer hit Jomo Wilson in the corner of the end zone for an 18-yard score that put Jacksonville on top by a 46-30 count.

Trailing by 16 points, Los Angeles did have a chance to get back into the game after Raterink connected with Morgan for an eight-yard touchdown. But Jones intercepted the two-point pass, allowing the Sharks to maintain a two-score lead. The rookie defensive back wasn’t finished, as he recovered the KISS’ ensuing onside kick. Getting the ball at the Los Angeles 11, the Sharks cashed in on the short field. On third-and-goal from the eight, Archer hit Harvey in traffic for a touchdown that proved to be the game’s final score.

Leading by three scores, the Sharks sealed the game with a bar ball recovery, as Fabrizio Scaccia’s kickoff banged off the iron and was recovered by Jones. Archer then ran a quarterback sneak forward to run out the clock and end the game.

Earlier, the first half progressed in back-and-forth fashion, as neither team led by more than four points prior to halftime. McGriff-Culver was Jacksonville’s offensive catalyst before the break, as the hauled in a 24-yard catch-and-run touchdown on the game’s opening possession and then barreled his way in for a pair of rushing touchdowns in the second quarter.

For the Sharks, Archer finished the season with a 25-for-36 performance, throwing for 318 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. Hughley paced the Sharks with nine catches for 106 yards, racking up a total of 158 all-purpose yards in the game. Wilson (seven receptions, 99 yards) and Harvey (four receptions, 44 yards) each found the end zone twice, while McGriff-Culver totaled six rushes for 11 yards and two scores to go along with his touchdown catch.

Defensively, Brodrick Brown led the Sharks with 4.5 tackles, while Xavier Brewer totaled 2.5 stops, recorded a pass breakup and intercepted a pass on the KISS’ opening possession. Up front, Turner and James McClinton each notched a sack, as McClinton finished the season with a team-high total of 9.0 sacks.

For the KISS, Raterink went 14-of-29 for 142 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Fullback Sam Campbell racked up 16 rushing yards and two scores, while Morgan led the way at receiver with five grabs for 65 yards and a touchdown. On defense, J.C. Neal racked up a game-high total of 7.5 tackles, while Darryl Cato-Bishop and Ayo Idowu each notched a sack.

Cleveland Outlasts Tampa Bay, 56-49 The Gladiators finished the regular season with an AFL-best 17 victories, and clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs

July 27,2014




Cleveland Gladiators Press Release
TAMPA BAY - Never trailing, the Cleveland Gladiators (17-1) topped the Tampa Bay Storm on the road Saturday night by a 56-49 score, earning the best record in the Arena Football League for the 2014 season, clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and setting a new AFL record with 17 victories in the regular season. Shane Austin completed 24 of 33 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns to propel the Gladiators to their eighth consecutive victory. Thyron Lewis led Gladiators receivers with 10 catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns, while Dominick Goodman had seven catches for 82 yards and added a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win. The Gladiators defense swung momentum in Cleveland’s favor by forcing a turnover on downs late in the third quarter after the two teams had matched each other score-for-score well into the second half.

The ground game gave the Gladiators the upper-hand in the first quarter as a one-yard Jason Jones touchdown run capped off a three-play drive for the Gladiators just 1:47 into the contest. After Tampa answered with a Joe Hills receiving touchdown, Goodman’s first rushing touchdown, from three yards out, gave the Gladiators a 14-7 lead that held through the end of the first quarter.

Six total touchdowns were scored in the second quarter, three from each side, and the Gladiators passing game took flight. Lewis found the end zone twice; once on a 17-yard pass to give the Gladiators a 21-14 lead with 11:27 left in the second quarter, and once on a quick shovel pass to the left with seven seconds left in the quarter to give the Gladiators a 35-28 halftime lead. Royce Pollard also found the end zone on a four-yard pass from Austin, his former University of Hawaii teammate, in the second quarter.

Tampa Bay continued to match the attack of the Gladiators into the second half. Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard punched in a touchdown from a yard out with 9:35 left in the third quarter following a bizarre sequence of events to start the half. On the previous play, Hippeard completed a pass to Storm receiver Michael Lindsey who fumbled. Gladiators defensive back LaRoche Jackson recovered the fumble, and then fumbled inside the five-yard line. Tampa Bay recovered, and pieced together the drive that was finished by Hippeard’s first rushing touchdown, which left the game in a 35-35 tie with 9:35 remaining in the third quarter.

On the Tampa Bay possession following Collin Taylor’s eight-yard touchdown catch with 6:03 left in the third quarter, the Gladiators defense forced a turnover on downs; the first time in the game a team took the upper-hand in the possession battle. The turn of events led to the Gladiators capturing the first two-score lead of the game with Goodman’s two-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the third quarter.

Tampa Bay outscored the Gladiators 14-7 in the fourth quarter, but were not able to overcome the deficit. The Gladiators held on, with Lewis adding another touchdown catch that proved to be the difference-maker.


The Gladiators begin the playoffs Saturday at 7:00 PM at Quicken Loans Arena when they host the Philadelphia Soul. Philadelphia lost to Pittsburgh 64-34 on Saturday, but the Gladiators victory in Tampa eliminated the Storm from contention, paving the way for the 9-9 Soul to enter the playoff picture and take the fourth and final seed in the American Conference. The Gladiators won each of their two meetings against Philadelphia this season, winning each game on the final play of regulation time.

Ford and a stellar defence help Riders take care of Argos

 

 

Posted: July 26,2014 08:58PM

Updated: July 27,2014 01:42AM

 

 

 

 

CFL.ca Staff
#TORvsSSK
REGINA -- Will Ford ran for 114 yards and three touchdowns in his first game as a Rider as Saskatchewan took care of the Toronto Argonauts 37-9 Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
The Argonauts and Roughriders entered their Week 5 matchup looking like very different teams from when Toronto trounced Saskatchewan 48-15 in Week 2.
The Riders were going with a new addition to the team in the backfeild after signing Ford and released Hugh Charles earlier in the week in hopes that they could find that solid running back they had been looking for. The Argos were without their three biggest offensive contributors in that Week 2 game as Chad Owens, Jason Barnes, and Andre Durie were all sidelined with injuries.
Factor all of the aforementioned changes in and this one would start very differently.
The Argos came out looking to get momentum started as they tried to silence Rider Nation but instead they fired the fans up in Regina even more.
On the first drive of the game Ray through an interception, only his second of the year, that was taken by Tyron Brackenridge and returned 43-yards giving the Riders great field position. Saskatchewan took advantage scoring the first touchdown of the game on a 10-yard run by QB Darian Durant.
Momentum remained on the side of the Riders in the next Toronto drive after Ricky Ray was sacked and stripped by Tearrius George, once again putting the Riders in Argos territory.
This time the Riders would give the ball to their newest addition in Ford, who ate up yardage on his way to a 20-yard touchdown run to put Saskatchewan up 14-0 early in the first frame.
The Argos defence began to step up in an attempt to help the offence find their way back into the game and did so when Jamie Robinson broke into the backfield to tip a Darian Durant pass that was intercepted by Thaddeus Gibson, his first career interception.

Related: Argos at Riders
» View Game Stats » Images: Toronto vs. Saskatchewan » Preview: Argos, Riders close out Week 5

Ray led the offence down the field but could not put the Argos into the endzone as Swayze Waters kicked a 17-yard field goal for Toronto’s first points of the game.
The Argos defence came through once again on the Saskatchewan drive forcing a two-and-out and giving the offence another chance.
Once again Ray would lead the drive down the field with a 46-yard pass to Anthony Coombs but could not get the ball into the endzone settling for a 16-yard field goal.
The first quarter ended with the Riders up 14-6 but still trying to get things going on offence after Durant finished the quarter without a complete pass.
After the defences took over in the beginning of the second quarter, Durant began to find his groove and in their third drive began connecting with his favourite receiver; throwing a 35-yard strike to Taj Smith to put the Riders on the 3-yard line. That set up a Ford touchdown to extend Saskatchewan’s lead to 21-6.
The Argos could not answer and gave the ball back to the Riders who once again were led by a big pass and catch this time from Durant to Dan DePalma for 56 yards. The Riders looked to their new addition again as Ford ran for his third touchdown of the night, this time from 2-yards out.
Getting the ball back down 28-6, the Argos looked to Ray to lead another drive down the field but their next drive ended with Ray’s second interception of the night, double his total interceptions for the season, to Marc LeGree.
The Riders drove down the field again with time ticking away, but would not manage to put points on the board before the half, which was matched by the Argos who ended the half down 28-6.
Going into the locker rooms after the first half the Riders were clearly in control but saw Durant taking a little extra time on the sidelines after a 7-yard scramble saw the quarterback seemingly injured and leaving many to wonder if he was going to return for the second half of the game.
The Boatmen had some work to do at half with uncharacteristic turnovers hurting them and giving the Riders too many opportunities.
As they got the ball back for their first drive of the half, Toronto began putting together a good drive until a fumble by Ray handed the ball back to the Riders.
Following the turnover, the Riders took advantage again with Chris Milo kicking a 39-yard field goal to increase the Rider lead to 31-6.
The Argos showed some life throughout the quarter but penalties continued to halt the Argos offence and the boatmen settled with another Waters field goal, this time from 40-yards away to make the deficit 31-9.
The third quarter ended with the Riders comfortably ahead and the Argos continuing to falter on offence in a game that looked like the exact opposite of their Week 2 meeting.
The fourth quarter saw the defences take over as the teams looked to their backups in a game that was out of hand.
The Riders added to their lead kicking two field goals, 38 and 43-yards by Milo, as they increased their lead while they continued to stifle the Argonauts offence.
As the game came to an end it was a familiar site from the Week 2 match-up but a reversal of fortunes with the Riders taking the 37-9 win earning some redemption for their 48-15 loss in the first meeting between the two teams.  
Toronto will look to regroup from this loss as they head to Montreal for their first Eastern Division game of the season while the Riders try to build on the win when they travel to Ottawa for the second home game of the newest CFL franchise.

LeFevour lifts Tiger-Cats to home win over REDBLACKS

 

Posted: July 26,2014 10:00PM

Updated: July 26,2014 10:13PM

 

 

 

CFL.ca Staff
#OTTvsHAM

HAMILTON – Dan LeFevour passed for over 300 yards and ran for over 100 more in a 33-23 Tiger-Cats win over Henry Burris and the Ottawa REDBLACKS Saturday night in Hamilton.

The game was the first of at least two held on the campus of McMaster University while the Ticats await the opening of Tim Hortons Field on the old Ivor Wynne Stadium grounds.

The subplot in the first meeting between these two clubs was the return of Henry Burris, Chevon Walker and John Delahunt to Hamilton.  Burris’ exit from Steeltown was well-documented but the latter two left via the 2013 Ottawa Expansion Draft.

If anyone was expecting a conservative start to this one, they were in for a wakeup call.  Two teams that have yet to score on their opening drives in 2014 came out on fire with the first three possessions of the game counting for majors.

Hamilton scrimmaged first under the leadership of LeFevour in his first career start.  The Central Michigan product was announced the starter after splitting time with Jeremiah Masoli as Zach Collaros recovers from a concussion.

Related: REDBLACKS at Ticats
» View Game Stats » Images: OTT at HAM » LeFevour on-point in first career start » Video: Banks Tight-Ropes for 53-Yard TD » Video: Gable Rumbles 47 Yards for Major » Video: Dan LeFevour Post-Game Reaction » Video: Kent Austin Post-Game Reaction » Remember Me?: A look at Burris' returns » Preview: Ottawa at Hamilton

On the first play from scrimmage, LeFevour found Sam Giguere for a 24-yard gain and then operated some trickery.  The rangy pivot faked a handoff to receiver Luke Tasker and flipped the ball to Brandon Banks.  The speedy slotback turned up-field, tight-roped the sidelines and accelerated 53 yards for the game’s opening major.

Looking to answer was Burris who was making his first appearance back in Hamilton after setting franchise passing records and leading the Ticats to a Grey Cup last season.  Released in the off-season in favour of Collaros, Burris was looking to stick it to his old club despite saying all the right things during the week.

The 15-year vet wasted little time answering Banks’ touchdown, connecting with Marcus Henry, Walker and Delahunt en route to a 14-play, 96-yard drive that was finished off with a quick strike to Matt Carter.  The possession covered over 6 minutes and tied things up at 7.

The tie would not last long though, as LeFevour, who has been heralded for his mobility, took a quarterback option down the middle of the Ottawa defence for a 34-yard gain.  Two plays later, he pitched the pigskin to sophomore running back CJ Gable who broke through for a 47-yard touchdown scamper to re-take the seven-point lead.

Down by seven and stripped of momentum, issues were compounded for the REDBLACKS on the ensuing kickoff when veteran Justin Phillips had his left leg rolled up on while holding a block.  Ottawa’s special teams captain was carried off on a cart and did not return.

The teams traded defensive stops as the first quarter ended but the second quarter began the same way as its predecessor.  Burris marched the REDBLACKS with ease as a part of an 11-play, 57-yard drive which was finished off with another impressive pass to Henry who took in a 19-yard touchdown.

With the game tied at 14, Burris went back to work after Ottawa earned a stop.  He once again moved his club just inside Hamilton territory before the drive stalled.  Punting from the Ticats 48-yard line, punter Brett Maher saw a hole in the coverage and scampered to find Patrick Lavoie for 25-yards on a fake.  The reigning Special Teams Player of the Week orchestrated his second fake punt in as many weeks before Burris found Walker for a 17-yard catch and run.  The Tiger-Cats defence came up big on the goal line with a pair of stops and Ottawa had to settle for a Maher field goal to give them the lead.

A near carbon copy scenario on Hamilton’s next drive on the strength of handoffs to Banks get inside the Ottawa five yard line but could not punch it in and settled for a Justin Medlock field goal.

Video

Banks Tight-Ropes 53 Yards For The Major

Burris and the REDBLACKS took over with 1:45 remaining in the half but an athletic play by safety Craig Butler quickly got Hamilton the ball back with Ottawa threatening.  Operating out of the hurry-up offence, LeFevour quickly completed passes to Andy Fantuz, Cary Koch and Tasker to help set up a 36-yard Medlock field goal.

Hamilton entered halftime with a 20-17 lead and needed to credit their ground game in doing so. A lot has been made about the Ticats evolving offensive line but between LeFevour, Banks and Gable, the Tiger-Cats posted 140 rushing yards in the first half alone.

The REDBLACKS were first to strike as the second half got underway.   Burris completed passes to Kierre Johnson for 15 yards and Wallace Mile for 17 yards to put Maher in position to tie the game back up, this time at 20.

A 50-yard pass from LeFevour to Koch set up an 18-yard Medlock field goal before the Tiger-Cats seemed primed to score again with just under two minutes remaining in the third.  A pass that was bobbled by Koch ended up in the arms of former Winnipeg Blue Bomber DB Jovon Johnson who came up with his first interception of the season.  It only resulted in a punt however.

Early on the pairing of Burris and Henry has caused some issues for opposing defences and on the REDBLACKS next scoring drive, the veteran pivot once again relied on his go-to target.  Burris found the 5-foot-6, 224-pound pass-catcher three times for gains of 24, 17 and 13 but could once again only get a field goal past Hamilton’s staunch defence to tie the game back up at 23.

Looking to break the seesaw nature of the contest, LeFevour looked to one of his favourite targets to aid the offence in putting the next major up.  LeFevour handed off to Gable who navigated his way through blocks and broke free for a 47-yard gain down to the Ottawa three yard line.  LeFevour punched it in from there in short yardage and gave Hamilton a 30-23 advantage.

The REDBLACKS had a chance to even things up but in a rather unconventional call, Ottawa chose to gamble on third-and-two with 2:35 still on the clock.  The couldn’t execute and the Ticats promptly put another field goal on the board with 50 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Hamilton remains at home to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers while Ottawa returns to Lansdowne to host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their second game at TD Place.

Hajrullahu, Bombers leg out a win over Lions

 

Posted: July 26,2014 01:00AM

Updated: July 26,2014 01:03AM

 

 

 

 

 

CFL.ca Staff
#FNF | #WPGvsBC  
VANCOUVER -- Backed by a dominant defensive performance and five field goals from Lirim Hajrullahu, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers took down the red-hot BC Lions 23-6 on Friday night at BC Place.
Clarence Denmark scored the game’s only touchdown on a 37-yard catch-and-run, while Hajrullahu provided the rest of the offence as the Bomber defence feasted on the Lions quarterbacks to the tune of six sacks and three turnovers.

Related: Winnipeg vs. BC
» View Game Stats » Images: Winnipeg at BC » Preview: Bombers look to cool off Lions

It was the perfect response for a team looking to respond to its first loss of the season last weekend, as the Bombers were in control from start to finish seemingly cementing their status as one of the CFL’s elite teams. For the Lions it was a disappointing result, on a night the team honoured all-time CFL receiving leader Geroy Simon by retiring his number 81.
Drew Willy threw for 250 yards on 18-26 for the Bombers with one touchdown and an interception, while former Lion Nick Moore had a game-high 99 yards on seven catches. Nic Grigsby meanwhile had a tough time against a physical Lions defence, accumulating just 19 yards on 15 rushing attempts.
Kevin Glenn may have had it the toughest however, as he completed 18 of 31 passes for 232 yards and a pair of interception in the face of intense pressure from the Bombers' defensive line all night.
After opening with seven straight two-and-outs last weekend against Edmonton, this game started similarly for the Bombers as the teams swapped two-and-outs early in the first quarter. But on their second possession the Blue and Gold got it going, as Willy hit Moore on a hitch screen to move the offence up to midfield.
A Grigsby first down put the Bombers in field goal range, and they’d wind up settling on a three-pointer from Hajrullahu to take the early lead. The rookie kicker added three more shortly after, as the Lions continued to struggle to move the ball against the Bombers’ Gary Etcheverry-led defence.
Near the end of the first quarter the Lions threated to finally get on the board, but an interception by Maurice Leggett put the Bombers on the assault again as they’d look to add to their lead. A stingy Lion defence tightened up however, and the Bombers were again forced to settle for three points and a 9-0 lead just inside the second quarter.
The Lions added a Paul McCallum chip shot to make it a one-score game , then as the Bombers moved deep into BC territory the Lions appeared to catch a bit of a break and a possible momentum swing when they snuffed out a third-down gamble to take over possession.
Glenn then hooked up with Courtney Taylor for a 27-yard catch and run to put the Lions in field goal range, but the clock was their enemy at the end of the half as McCallum was forced back out on the field to cut the deficit to 9-6 heading into halftime.
The Lions seemed to be figuring out Winnipeg’s defence to start the third quarter, as Glenn moved the offence back into Bomber territory thanks to a timely completion on second and long to Emmanuel Arceneaux. But again the drive ended prematurely, as Glenn forced the issue and was picked off by linebacker Ejiro Kuale, ending the threat.

Career night for the rookie kicker
Lirim Hajrullahu hit all five field goal attempts, including a career-high 51-yarder, to provide most of the Bombers' scoring in their win over the Lions on Friday night. » View Career Stats

Willy responded right after when he found fullback Carl Fitzgerald on a route out of the backfield for a 38-yard gain, but again the Lions defence tightened up. Instead of punting the Bombers went with the strong leg of Hajrullahu, who connected from 51 for his longest career field goal to add to the lead.
Lions head coach Mike Benevides, looking for a response from his offence, switched to backup quarterback John Beck for a couple of possessions. But Beck was sacked on his first possession, then on the second try after he completed a pass to Ernest Jackson over the middle, the veteran receiver had the ball stripped by linebacker Teague Sherman.
The Lions lost possession and that put an end to Beck’s night, as Glenn returned to the game.
In the meantime the Bombers opened the game up finally. As they loomed closer to scoring, Denmark became the game-breaker after he caught a short hitch screen on first down, then found a gaping seam and hit it hard on the way to a 37-yard touchdown.
Winnipeg added another field goal, this time a 49-yarder from Hajrullahu to make it 23-6 for the Bombers heading into the fourth quarter. That rounded out the scoring however, as Glenn and the Lions never could figure out the Bombers’ dominant defence.
The win marks the Bombers' fourth in five games this season, and their perfect road record remains in tact as they move into a tie with the Edmonton Eskimos for secondin the West Division. They'll pay a visit to Hamilton for a meeting with the Tiger-Cats next Thursday night.
The Lions meanwhile look to win their third game in four tries next weekend when they visit Calgary for a pivotal early-season West Division duel with the Stampeders.

Advantage Calgary: Stamps remain perfect in win over Esks

Recap: Calgary 26,Edmonton 22

 

 

Posted: July 25,2014 12:20AM

Updated: July 25,2014 09:43AM

 
CFL.ca Staff
#CGYvsEDM
EDMONTON – And then there was one.  The Calgary Stampeders remain the only unbeaten team in the CFL after taking down the Edmonton Eskimos 26-22 in round one of the Battle of Alberta Thursday night in front of 40,066 at Commonwealth Stadium.

The rivalry between the two teams has tapered off slightly in recent years, but there was no doubting what was the most anticipated game on the schedule in Week 5.  Both teams entered unbeaten and on top of the West Division, with the winner taking sole position of first place in the CFL.

The teams will meet two more times this season.

After announcing that their starting tailback and reigning Most Outstanding Player, Jon Cornish, was placed on the six-game injured list with a concussion, the Stampeders continued along with Matt Walter in the backfield.  It was another stalky tailback making plays early however.

Eight year veteran Rob Cote made the first of many big plays on special teams for the Stampeders when he pounced on a loose ball off a punt.  Cote’s fumble recovery set up a 37-yard Rene Paredes field goal to get the scoring started.

Related: Stampeders at Eskimos
» View Game Stats » Images: CGY at EDM » Video: MacDougall Blocks, Scoops, Scores » Video: Fake Punt Attempt Haunts Eskimos » Video: Esks Stop Leads to Chambers TD » Preview: Battle of Alberta renewed

Thinning out the Stampeders depth at tailback even more was the fact that Walters left early with an injury.  Jock Sanders took over the rushing duties for the remainder of the game.

After the Eskimos’ Grant Shaw countered with a 31-yarder of his own to tie it up, the Calgary Stampeders struck again.  Third-year linebacker Kennan MacDougall broke through on an Edmonton punt and got a hand on Shaw’s attempt.  He scooped up his own block and ran untouched into the end zone for the first major of the game and a 10-3 Calgary lead with just over six minutes remaining in the opening frame.

After surrendering two scores off special teams, the Edmonton offence looked to make some ground on their next possession.  Mike Reilly entered Week 5 as the league’s third-leading passer but he had to share the next drive with backup Pat White.  The two combined to get the ball into the hands of Adarius Bowman, Fred Stamps and rookie TB Kendial Lawrence for first downs.  White then heaved a pass for rookie slotback Devon Bailey which fell incomplete but drew a pass interference call.

White then plunged forward on the next play to cap off the drive with a major and tie the game at 10 early in the second.

As the second quarter rolled along, the defences on both sides hunkered down.

Defensive back Aaron Grymes led an Eskimos secondary that was keeping everything underneath them, forcing Calgary’s punt team to take the field.  As good as Chris Jones’ defence was and has been, it was Calgary’s ‘D’ that came up with the next big play.

Always around the ball, Fred Bennett undercut an Edmonton route and picked off a Reilly pass for another Stampeders forced turnover.  Mitchell then completed passes to Jeff Fuller and Brad Sinopoli to set up another Paredes field goal.

The Esks answered with another field goal off the foot of Shaw and the teams were tied at 13 with halftime on the horizon.

An unconventional play however would lead to Calgary taking the lead before the teams hit the break.

With 16 seconds left, it was decision time for Jones.  Scrimmaging inside their own 10, Edmonton had the option to either kick the ball away and potentially give the Stamps instant field position or concede a safety as well as the tie.  Jones went with an even loftier option, electing to fake the punt – Shaw set up deep inside his own end zone, he flipped the ball after receiving the snap to Grymes who turned wide to his left and went up field.  He was tackled roughly a yard short of the first down and the Stampeders took over at the Edmonton 16 yard line.

Mitchell and the Stamps made Edmonton pay for their missed gamble on the next play, throwing a touchdown strike to Fuller in the back of the end zone for the 16-yard major.

Capitalizing gave the Stamps a 20-13 lead at half after gaining all of their points off of Edmonton turnovers. The changes in possession spoke volumes for how the first half unfolded as great field position was all Calgary needed to maintain the lead despite still trying to figure out Edmonton’s secondary.  No more evident in the fact that Mitchell produced just 33 yards passing in the first half.

If forcing turnovers and quickly acting on them was the mantra of the night, the Esks obliged as the second half got underway.

Video

MacDougall's Punt Block and Score

With the Stampeders set up inside their own end, John Hufnagel’s club gambled on third-and-inches from their 32-yard line.  Backup QB Drew Tate fell forward but was spotted short as the Eskimos defence returned the favour with a stop.  Similar to Mitchell, Reilly wasted little time finding the endzone after that, spotting a wide open Shamawd Chambers down the sidelines on a slant-and-go route for the Esks first passing major of the game.  The Toronto native’s score was his first of the season and tied the game back up at 20.

The ensuing Stampeders possession saw Mitchell orchestrate a long and methodical drive but was only able to get a field goal out of it as once again the Eskimos defence held their own.  The 10-play march was finished off with a 31-yard Paredes field goal to lift Calgary to a 23-20 lead.

Paredes would add another field goal, from 30 yards, to extend the lead to 26-20 with 8:55 left after a pair of pass interference calls and a spectacular 26-yard leaping grab by Fuller put the Stamps in position to do so.

The Eskimos had a trio of possessions down the stretch but couldn’t finish the job, dropping their first game of the season heading into a bye week.

The Stampeders now head into a Week 6 battle against BC at McMahon Stadium a perfect 4-0 for the first time since 1996.

Notes: With the win Bo Levi Mitchell tied Jeff Garcia for the most consecutive wins as a starter in franchise history with 7 … A carry over from Edmonton’s last home game, the 50/50 charity total in the stadium on Thursday was over $345,000.

Updated CFL Scoreboard for the games of Week 5,and July 26,2014 and Schedule for Weeks 6-8,from CFL.CA

Week 5
Thu Jul 24	Calgary	26	Edmonton	22	9:00 pm	Highlights	View Stats	Game Recap	40,066	Gamecast
Fri Jul 25	Winnipeg	23	BC	6	10:00 pm	Highlights	View Stats	Game Recap	25,321	Gamecast
Sat Jul 26	Ottawa	23	Hamilton	33	7:00 pm	Highlights	View Stats	Game Recap	6,500	Gamecast
Sat Jul 26	Toronto	9	Saskatchewan	37	10:00 pm	Highlights	View Stats	Game Recap	32,621	Gamecast
	Week 6
Thu Jul 31	Winnipeg	0	Hamilton	0	7:00 pm		TSN
Fri Aug 01	Toronto	0	Montreal	0	7:00 pm		RDS,TSN
Fri Aug 01	BC	0	Calgary	0	10:00 pm		TSN
Sat Aug 02	Saskatchewan	0	Ottawa	0	7:00 pm		TSN
	Week 7
Thu Aug 07	Saskatchewan	0	Winnipeg	0	8:30 pm		TSN
Fri Aug 08	Edmonton	0	Montreal	0	7:00 pm		RDS,TSN
Fri Aug 08	Hamilton	0	BC	0	10:00 pm		TSN
Sat Aug 09	Ottawa	0	Calgary	0	7:30 pm		TSN
	Week 8
Tue Aug 12	Winnipeg	0	Toronto	0	7:30 pm		TSN
Fri Aug 15	Edmonton	0	Ottawa	0	7:30 pm		TSN
Sat Aug 16	Calgary	0	Hamilton	0	3:00 pm		TSN
Sat Aug 16	Montreal	0	Saskatchewan	0	7:00 pm		RDS,TSN
Sun Aug 17	BC	0	Toronto	0	7:30 pm		TSN