Weekly Round Up's
WEEK 5
Birmingham @ Valley
Not as close as the score might suggest as Valley could not stop Russell Wilson in what turned out to be a career day as it all started wrong on the game’s opening drive as Wilson hit Ridley for 16 yard score, Valley punted, Birmingham turned the ball over downs only to Succop to kick a 31 yard field goal. Wilson 7 yard run capped a long ensuing drive for Birmingham, Valley faild on fourth down only to see Wilson punish them hitting Parker for the 10 yard touchdown. Another turnover on downs was again punished this time with a Crosby field goal for a 24-3 half time scoreline. Carr to Jones 10 yard score and then Wilson 20 yard scramble saw both team exchange touchdowns at the start of the second half. Valley punted only to have Crosby extend the lead to 24 with a 56 yard fied goal. Valley again failed on a fourth down attempt but this time were unable to capitalise with more points and punted. Three successive quick strike drives Gurley 2 yard run after Carr hit Woods for 24, Jones for 25 and Woods for 39 on successive plays. Short from Wilson to Allen before unleashing 43 yard bomb to Ridley. Birmingham tried an onside kick which Valley recovered and duly score from as Gurkey went in from the 1 Crosby kicked a 36 yard field goal as time expired to seal an emphatic 44-24 win.
Homestead @ Platte River
Turnovers and missed scoring opportunities in the end proved to the difference in these two sides. A tight first half which had the game tied at 10 Gonzalex field goal and a Freeman 8 yard run gave Platte River the lead only to see it pegged by Brees to Akins 3 yard pass and an Elliott field goal on the stroke of half time. Late in the third Howard picks off Foles at Homestead 11 and despite a challenge from the Platte River sideline the decision was upheld. The turnover proved costly as Homestead scored through a Gallman jr. run. On the ensuing drive Gonzalez hooked a 36yard attempt his second miss of the day and again they were made to pay as McKissic ran the ball for the touchdown, 24-10. Mathieu picked off Foles on the ensuing drive to secure a Homestead win.
Cincinnati @ Kutztown
The game’s opening drive sees Fournette scores on a 3 yard run to cap an impressive 77 tards in 13 plays for Kutztown with Davis and Jackson to Lamb combo doing most of the damage. The lead was reduced to one by a couple of Blakenship field goals, 6-7.. The kicker gave Cincinnati the lead on the second half’s opening drive and it wasn’t until the start of the fourth that Burrow cam out of the Kutztown defensive cocoon throwing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Brown and then ran it in for an 8 yard score to complete a couple of long time consuming drives. With time now against them Jackson hit Lamb for a 7 yard score to pull the deficit back to 10. Onside kick was over hit ny Myers and Cincinnati recovered and were able to run out the clock.
Moosic Mountain @ Savannah
A thrilling game of two halves that saw Moosic Mountain steal the win from Savannah 23-20 with a last minute field goal. Dominating the first half Savannah led 20-3 through Mahommes to Taylor opening drive 46 yard touchdown, A couple of Santos field goals and a Patterson 3 yard run, Carlson field goal for Moosic Mountain. Second half was a complete opposite Tannehill 70 yards to Evans and a Carlson field goal had the deficit down to 7 as the third quarter ended. Ekeler tied the game at 20 with a 1 yard run. With game looking to be heading into overtime Moosic Mountain ended the game’s longest drive at the Savannah 1 with 4 seconds left on the clock, for Carlson kicks the winner.
Durham @ Blue River
A couple of early Durham turnovers a Wilson jr. fumble and a Herbert 4th and 7 incompletion saw Blue River take the lead through veteran back Peterson’s 8 yard run. Falling behind seemed to be the kick start Durham needed to get their game going as Henry ran in two scores from 6 and 7 yards out, whilst Herbert hit Crowder from 5 yards and a Tucker field goal as they scored 24 unanswered points as the game neared the final quarter. Jones III 9 yard run reduced the deficit only to see Herbert hit Henry from 3 yards out and a Tucker field goal push the game out of reach for Blue River as Durham makes it three wins on the bounce.
Treviso @ Elysium
Treviso cruised to a 20 point half time lead as they capitalised on a couple of Elysium mistakes. Rodgers to Robinson for 4 and 18 yard touchdown passes along with a couple of Sanders fied goal. Despite conceding an early second half touchdown Murray 9 yard pass to Jones Treviso were never really threatened again despite not playing at their best, Rodgers to Hopkins 9 yard pass restored the gap and despite a late Jones 4 yard run the result was never really in doubt.
Florida @ Nebraska
Three Florida mistakes, two Allen interceptions and a fumble were punished by Nebraska with 17 points on the scoreboard. It all started two plays into the opening drive Allen was scrambling out of the pocket, was hit by Jack who forced the fumble and Jones recovered the loose ball, Cooper runs in from the 12 three plays later touchdown. Unable to move the ball Florida punted giving Nebraska possession at their own 7. Ten plays later Cousins hits Hockenson for the score and repeated the feat again this time connecting with Waller. A couple of field goals from Bass and Butker made it 24-3 at the half. A second Bass field goal reduced the deficit slightly, before Cousins hit Hockenson and Waller again, the Waller score coming off Allen’s third interception of the day. Allen redeemed himself with a consolation score to McLaurin with a 58 yard bomb with 13 seconds left on the clock.
London @ St. Louis
First half saw eight combined drives from London and St. Louis resulting in five touchdowns, two punts and end of half as both teams struggled to stop their opponents offense. Robinson and Kamara started it all off with a couple of touchdown runs 9 and 10 yards respectively. Two Brady passes 11 yards to Green and 9 yards to Beasley before Watson hit Thielen from the 6, 20-14 at the half with the possibility of Koo’s missed extra point coming back to haunt London. Brady and Beasley combined for a further score midway through the third and a late Koo field goal made it 30-14 London. The second half was a complete opposite to the first as both defense’s began to play though neither spectularly, each team had a sack each a Reddick stripped Watson and recovered the ball.
WEEK 4
Valley @ Treviso
Valley and Treviso came to this match as undefeated. Rodgers started in the worst way possible throwing an interception to former teammate Keanu Neal, on the first play of the game. Valley didn't capitalize on the turnover and give the ball straight back to Treviso. An unstoppable Treviso drive follows as Rodgers found Robinson for a 17 yards TD reception. First quarter closed with three punts, at the beginning of the second quarter Treviso found another TD on a dumped pass to Gibson. Treviso was 14-0 with seven minutes to go in the first half. Valley reaction came very quickly and methodically with Chubb run into the end zone six minutes later. Third quarter started with Valley receiving the ball, but nothing happened and Treviso increased the score, after a bomb to Robinson, Rodgers scrambled for a 13 yards touchdown. In the final quarter Treviso sealed the victory with a Sanders field goal and another Rodgers touchdown pass.
Savannah @ Homestead
Mahomes threw for one touchdown and another on a qb scramble. The game, however, was mostly dominated by Homestead. They recovered two fumbles and didn't allow the visitors to score until just under two minutes were left in the first half. Each time the Swampcats scored, Fitzpatrick moved the Greys downfield for a matching score. It might have been even more lopsided had not Elliott missed two field goals. Injuries were also a big factor, as Tartt and Casey were both carried off the field. Savannah will be without Tartt for 8 weeks, and Casey will miss 9 for Homestead. The Greys will also be without Hyde for next week's game.
Platte River @ Moosic Mountain
Tannehill completes 23 of 26 passes as he leads Moosic Mountain to a 17-10 win over Platte River in what turned out to be take your opportunity when it arose as Platte River ran and ran the ball in what turned out to be a low scoring game. Tannehill 43 yards to Samuel, Edwards-Helaire 4 yard run made it all tied at one. Carlson 53 yards and Gonzalez 55 yard field goals it made 10-10 at the start of the third only for Tannehill to break the deadlock with a 16 yard toss to Sample. Platte River left what might have been for those two missed field goals and the lack of passing game on that last drive 11 plays for 40 yards in five minutes stalling at the 6.
Kutztown @ London
London had four drives in the first half scoring on each as they opened up a 20 point lead, Koo kicked two field goals before Brady hit Beasley for 8 and Williams for 39 yard scores. All Kutztown could manage was a Jackson interception and a missed Myers 60 yard field goal attempt. The game was sealed on the first play of the second half when Robinson broke it long for a 74 yard run to put London at Kutztown 12, Brady to Williams touchdown. Myers kicked a 35 yard field goal for Kutztown. Koo responded for London to male it 30-3. With time running out in the gameKutzton through caution to the wind with four receiver sets and it paid dividends as Jackson found Moore for a 4 yard score. Two turnovers a Scott fumble and a second Jackson made it a miserable day all round. One bright spot was the performance of LB Cunningham who had 22 tackles, 1 pass defensed and 2 runs stuffed for a loss.
Blue River @ Florida
Blue River jumps out to an early 17 point lead over Florida through Peterson run, Goff to Meyers pass and a Gano field goal. Florida responded with two touchdown runs from Montgomery and Allen only to see Blue River match these two scores as Goff connects with Kelce and Meyers. A consolation touchdown from backup Minshaw to Ruggs who replaced Allen for the final three minutes of the game.
St. Louis @ Cincinnati
Cincinnati kept the threat of Kamara in check for the whole game forcing Watson into a passing attack and on the day he was not up to the task when it mattered in what was a close game that could have gone either way. Burrow converted a Watson interception into a score connecting with Brown only to repeat the feat again to the same receiver with a 3 yard pass, 14-0 at the half. Watson to Lockett for a 12 yard score made it a 7 point game. An incompletion on 4th and 10 game the ball back to Cincinnati who drove down field for a 4 tard Cook score. St. Louis responded as Watson hit Jones jr. for an 8 yard score, forcing Concinnati to punt Watson was picked off by Harmon. Despite the turnover they were still in the game as Cincinnati punted only for Watson to see his 4th and 3 pass to Jefferson fall incomplete.
Elysium @ Birmingham
Long touchdown throws one in each half from Murray to Engram 64 yards and 31 yards to Moore was not enough to see off Birmingham which in the end turned out to be a bit of rout for the home team. A rare Kittle 8 yard run opened the scoring for Birmingham which was followed up with two touchdown throws from Wilson to Allen and Drake 12 and 3 yards respectively. Crosby added four field goals as they ran out comfortable winners 33-14.
Nebraska @ Durham
The Durham revival continues as they inflict the second defeat of the season on reigning champions Nebraska 31-20, thanks to another impressive performance from rookie Herbert. The team is still firing on all cylinders but it is starting to score points freely. Herbert to Adams and a Tucker field goal made it 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. Cousins to Waller and Fuller with a Henry run in between made 17-14 at the half. Third quarter, Herbert and Adams duo extended the lead further with two scores, Butker field goal was Nebraska’s reply, 31-17. A Butker kick in the fourth was the only score for a 31-20 final.
WEEK 3
Elysium @ Kutztown
Kutztown failed to get into the endzone but it was still enough to see them record there first win of the season thanks to the leg of kicker Myers who hit 5 of 5 field goals. A late Murray scramble avoided an Elysium shut out.
St. Louis @Valley
A first half masterclass from Valley QB Carr proved the difference between the two teams as he ran in for a core and then connected with Thomas and Anderson, 21-0 at the half. Second half was totally different as St. Louis decided to make it a contest Kamara run made it 21-7. Chubb responded for Valley only to have it matched with Watson connecting with Lockett 28-14. Succop field goal before St. Louis ran out of time to further dent the score line and must be wondering “what if” .
Cincinnati @ Treviso
Treviso got an early break when Spencer bobbled a fair catch only for Scherffl to rev=cover and Cincinnati were made to pay for the mistake with Gibson running in a 6 yard score. This seemed to kick start the game into an end to end scoring fest, Burrow to Brown, 7-7. Rodgers sneak followed by Blankenship and Sanders field goals made it 17-10 at the half with five consecutive scoring drives. Into the second half and it seemed that Cincinnati had run out of offensive steam as Treviso opened up a 24 point lead thanks to a Sanders field goal, a Rodgers bomb to Gibson and then his second sneak of the day. Burrow to Cook made the scoreline a little more respectable only for Swift to run in a late score to demonstrate the team’s superiority over the opponents and why they are early season Superbowl favourites.
Platte River @ Nebraska
In a tight first qurter between these two divisional rivals saw Platte River Jones 17 yard run up by 1 as Butker had missed the point after for Nebraska, Singletary 4 yard run. Two Cousinns touchdown passes to Wallerfor 42 yards and then Fuller for 12 yards saw the game change in Nebraksa favour following a Williams sack on QB Jones, 20-7 at the half. Gonzalez 51 yard field goal was the closest Platte River got to reducing the deficit as Cousins hit Kupp for an 11 yard score. Despite an impressive drive in the fourth quarter Platte River were unable to get into Nebraska endzone as the defense played a stout game throughout with 5 sacks on Jones and two turnovers.
Moosic Mountain @ Durham
Herbert final gets his first win of the season but it was not one of those games that he will remember for his passing abilities as it was the Durham ground game, 5 touchdowns Wilson jr 1, Henry and Herbert 2each and its stifling defense proved to be the difference makers in this game and as they say a win is a win no matter how it comes about. Fourth quarter game all tied at 21, Moosic Mountain forced to punt three and out , Durham six minute plus drive with a Henry score, Moosic Mountain forced to punt another three and out, Durham with a nine minute plus drive and a Herbert 9 yard score game over.
Birmingham @ London
There is always game changing moment and in this one it came midway through the nothing special a punt which had London at their own 6. At the time Birmingham trailed by 7 as both teams had been exchanging field goal drives. Five runs from Robinson had London at midfield as the team was trying to run as much time off the clock as possible, two quick passes from Brady to Beasley and Byrd for the touchdown and the game is suddenly out of reach. That said and with two minutes left on the clock Birmingham turned the ball over on downs, after an intentional grounding call against Wilson.
Blue River @ Savannah
Savannah made it a clean slate in the first round of divisional games as thet beat Blue River, with Mahommes back to his MVP form of two seasons ago as he threw for 376 tards and 3 touchdowns in what turned out to be a bit of a rout. Blue River scored on the games opening drive Goff to Kelce as this turned out to be the one and only time they crossed the Savannah goal line. Mahommes to Cooks started it all off, followed by two Fant receptions and a Taylor run in between the touchdowns Gano and Santos kicked field goals, 34-13.
Florida @ Homestead
In an evenly matched game where both offenses dominated cmbining for 775 yards it comes as a bit of a surprise that there was only 3 touchdowns in the game, Gallman jr run for Homestead and two Allen passes to Smith and Brown. So what happened! Defenses held firm at key moments in a drive and forced the punt but even that does not explain this one, throw in no turnovers and it clouds the picture even more.
WEEK 2
Birmingham @ Cincinnati
The home fans witnessed rookie QB Burrow produce his first come from behind drive for Cincinnati in what turned out to be the game winner. Trailing 13-10 with the ball at their own 46 and with one minute thirty one seconds left on the clock Burrow threw six of seven passes the one that counted to Higgins from 12 yards out in just under a minute of play. Wilson still had an opportunity to repeat the feat but a lousy pass was picked by Mills along the sideline,Blankenship sealed the game with a field goal resulting from th eturnover, 13-20. Earlier Burrow had connected with Cook for a 36 yard score whilst Drake had ran in from the 2 with just over six and a half minutes left on the clock for the games only touchdowns and Birminghams only lead.
Elysium @ St. Louis
St. Louis hit a purple patch at the start of the second quarter in which Watson and Kamara seemed to be unplayable as they combined for 5 touchdowns and on the day 3 each. The highlight coming in the fourth quarter in which they combined for a 36 yard touchdown. Elysium had no answer to the pair though they did finish the game with an impressive scoring drive 13 plays 91 yards as Murray connected with Hill for the touchdown.
Blue River @ Platte River
In the battle of the River’s a pick six by Hill proved to be the game changer for Blue River as they go on for a 29-21 win in what was a close and tight encounter between the two teams. First quarter Gano field goal 3-0 Blue River, Jones touchdown passes to Diggs, 62 yard bomb and Edwards Helaire between which Peterson run and its 10-14 Platte River at the half. Edwards-Helaire run and then a Goff to Smith-Schuster toss made it 16-21 Platte River at the end of the third. Question being asked would the missed point after, come back to haunt Blue River as the game moved into the fourth quarter. Goff to Peterson touchdown though the two point conversion failed, 22-21 Blue River.
Savannah @ Nebraska
Savannah pulled off possibly the shock of the week as they upset Superbowl champions Nebraska 36-29 with a good ahead scoring 11 play 75 yard Mahommes to Johnson touchdown drive with just 44 seconds left in the game. Which proved to be much for Cousins lead offence to claw back as he was picked off by Simmons four plays later. Nebraska had been subdued for most of the game until late in the fourth quarter when they turned around the deficit to laed by 1, but when it mattered the defense was left wanting by Shenault jr. 43 yards sideline catch and run.
London @ Treviso
A missed opportunity midway through the second quarter doomed London to defeat against divisional rivals Treviso. Haack punted pinning Treviso at their own 13, Rodgers tried passing his way forward and after an incompletition his next pass was picked off by Johnson and returned to the 8. However London were unable to capitalise from the turnover and had to settle for a Koo field goal. The situation was further compounded when Rodgers lead Treviso downfield for the touchdown for 1 14-3 lead. Second half saw Treviso turn the screw further with his third passing touchdown of the day. Despite reducing the deficit late in the fourth quarter London succumbed to a killer punch when Mayfield stepping in for Rodgers hit Hopkins for the touchdown, 13-31. Treviso win as London must be wondering what might have been.
Florida @ Moosic Mountain
Establish a lead and force Allen to pass was a terrific gameplan for ownerless moosic Mountain and it worked wonders as they hold off Florida for a 27-17 win. After a boring first half for the capacity crowd in which defenses ruled it took a moment of Tannehill and Evans combination magic to change the complexion of the game, 2 catches for 44 yards before hitting Samuel for the score. The touchdown drive was the catalyst for one touchdown drive after another in the end time ran out for Florida as Allen failed to convert on a crucial 4th and 2 down conversion.
Homestead @ Durham
Durham are still working on how to utilise Herbert in their offense and as a result have moved away from the bread and butter of last season Derrick Henry, when they find that right combination they will click and stomp over their opposition. While this transition from Jackson to Herbert they are having to take some hits and today was one of those as Homestaed beat them 23-10 another team that is undergoing a transition period at QB with veterans Brees and Fitzpatrick. That said none of the quartebacks performed well and a rather lack lustre running games it was no surprise that saw both defense dominate the star being CB Howard for Hometead.
Kutztown @ Valley
Derek Carr appears to be the league MVP after two weeks of play with another a singlehanded four touchdown demolition job on opponents Kutztown as Valley run out comfortable winners 37-27. A score line which flatterd as Kutztown scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to show the fans that the investment in the trade for QB Lamar Jackson, three touchdowns on the day, was well worth it. After a cat and mouse first quarter it took a Carr to Woods 60 yard bomb to establish a lead that Valley did not surrender.
WEEK 1
Durham @ Florida
Durham gets called for 2 offsides late in the 4th quarter that leads to a Florida field goal as they go up 41-31 but with just over a minute Durham scores, going for the 2 point to make it a 3 point game Florida’s defense stops the attempt and then they recover the onside kick to seal the win. Josh Allen has a big game with McLaurib and Metcalf both having 100 plus receiving yards. Not to be out gunned Durham’s two headed QB, Ryan and rookie Herbert throw for over 400yds with Adams and Boyd also going over 100 yrads receiving.
Cincnnati @ London
Despite the flattering score line, this was a close game throughout,. Which saw some impressive displays from this years rookie class Burrow, Robinson and Young though it was veteran Brady who stole the show. After both teams punted a Slay interception at the Demons 9 resulted in a Koo field goal. Robinson 24 yards and Cook 5 yards exchanged touchdown runs before a couple more Koo field goals made it 16-7 at the half. Garopolo to Cook 1 yard and then Brady to Gesicki 45 yards maintaiined London’s 9 point lead as the game moved into the fourth quarter. Blankenship and Koo exchanged field goals and with time running out, Cincinnati opted to go for it on 4th and 20. Burrow’s pass fell incomplete. whilst on the next play Brady to Williams 34 yard touchdown put the game away for London.
Treviso @ Birmingham
A hugely entertaining game as Birmingham welcomed Treviso, an absolute All Star team boasted with studs everywhere. Somehow Birmingham managed to tie the game 21-21 with under 5 minutess left after Wilson cooked up a two point conversion to Allen. Treviso managed a field goal drive and then got a pick as Birmingham tried to heave it downfield in the dying seconds.
Valley @ Elysium
Elysium opened up a 14 point first quarter lead through a Murray run and a touchdown pass to Chark jr. After that they seemed to switch off offensively as Valley responded with 20 unanswered points as Carr mimicked Murray with a touchdown run and pass to Jones along with two Boswell field goals 20-14. Jones run saw Elysium retake the lead midway through the fourth quarter only for Boswell to kick what turned out to be the game winner as Verrett picked off Murray as Elysium were chasing the game.
St. Louis @ Kutztown
Jackson settled into his new role as starting QB for Kutztown following his trade fromm Durham as he connected with Tonyan. That was the only real highlight for Kutztown in the first half as they failed to convert on two 4th f=down attempts. As a result it gave the game impetuous back to St. Louis who scored through two Kamara runs and a Watson to Ertz pass, 21-7. A failed 4th down saw the game pendulum swing back in favour of Kutztown as Davis ran in the score. Fourth quarter and all to play for and it was St. Louis who stole the show with an impressive 6 play 94 yard drive with Watson connecting with Thielen. Kutztown responded with a scoring drive of their own Jackson to Tonyan but they ran out time to tie the game.
Moosic Mountain @ Homestead
Coachless Moosic Mountain provided little opoosition for Homestead as they ran out easy winners 28-12. After taking an early lead through a Carlson field goal, Tannehill was picked off by Watt from which the Grays scored Brees to Shepard. Not to be out done McKissic fumbled a Brees pass after a hit from Dantzer, Tannehill to Evans for the touchdown. Two more Brees touchdown passes to Gage made it 21-9 at the half. Third quarter Carlson reduced Homestead lead with a field goal only for Brees to put the game out of reach connecting with Smith jr. for the touchdown, 28-12 with no further scoring in the fourth.
Platte River @ Savannah
After going down to rookie Edwards-Helaire first ever career touchdown for Platte River it was all Savannah as they ran out comfortable winners in what was a dour game offensively, as both teams struggled to move the ball through the air. Johnson, Mahommes and Taylor ran in three touchdowns. Santos adding the field goal, 24-7.
Nebraska @ Blur River
Nebraska’s defense stifled Blue River into submission despite having a dose of Superbowl blues, as they scored 26 unanswered points and conceded a late touchdown when they substituted their starters. Butker kicked four field goals whilst Cousins threw two touchdowns to Waller and Fuller. Goff to Samuel was Blue River’s consolation score, however Leonard was a beast defensively with his 11 tackles, 3 stuffed for a loss and 1 pass defensed.