Sunday, August 30, 2009

EFL Post Game Press Coverage August 30

R&B delivers crusher

ANOTHER ROUT: Watertown draws praise from Massena

By MATT CORDOVA

TIMES SPORTSWRITER

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

ARTICLE OPTIONS

POTSDAM — A season that was frustrating enough already for the Massena Silver and Black seemed to get even longer Saturday night, thanks to the Watertown Red and Black.

T.J. Williams carried 10 times for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns at Sandstoner Park as Watertown rolled past Massena 48-0 for an Empire Football League victory.

The Red and Black (7-1) reached the end zone on six of its seven offensive drives, racking up 312 rushing yards. Running back Anthony Noel caught touchdown passes of 16 and 27 yards and also ran for a one-yard score.

Massena (0-7), trailing 21-0, received the ball to start the second half, but, two plays later, as Watertown safety Adam Bossinger flipped into the end zone after a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Silver and Black lost any hope of making it competitive.

"Every play of every game is a challenge," Watertown head coach George Ashcraft said. "It's just we're playing so well together right now."

Opponents are taking notice.

"They're definitely one of the premier teams," Massena coach Jim Compeau said of Watertown. "Especially after seeing what they did to Plattsburgh. Their defense is great, and they have a pretty balanced offense."

Dylan Kirker and Demetric White each paced the Red and Black's second consecutive shutout — and third of the year — with 11 tackles.

Ben Call recorded eight tackles, while Dan Robl added six stops and a fumble recovery to help Watertown remain the league's stingiest defense.

"It's going to take a really solid effort from some team and some kind of breakdown to beat us," Kirker said. "Hopefully it doesn't happen."

Buddy Compeau led the Silver and Black with 85 yards on the ground, but Massena's only significant trip into Watertown territory was on its final possession.

Compeau, the league's third leading rusher, provided the few bright spots for a Massena team that has dropped several close matchups heading into next week's league-wide bye for Labor Day.

Losses of one, two and six points have Massena's players believing their team is on the right track, yet they remain winless.

"We've been close this year and that's big," coach Compeau said. "We're building on things, and hopefully we'll get one this year. We're going into every game thinking we can win. As long as we keep that attitude we'll be good."

The impending two-week break leaves Watertown to prepare for what will likely be the most important game of the regular season. Quebec, which is responsible for the Red and Black's one loss, visits the Fairgrounds on Sept. 12.

Five turnovers during that Aug. 15 matchup foiled Watertown's efforts for a perfect season, and holding on to the ball will likely be the main focus during practice for the next 14 days.

"We know we have to do a better job than we did the first time," Ashcraft said.

 

Published August 30, 2009 12:22 am - Broome County pulls out 35-34 win in Empire Football League play.

Stars fall in fourth

BINGHAMTON — Following a dominating offensive performance and a 27-14 lead after three quarters, the Plattsburgh North Stars gave up 21 points in the final stanza in a 35-34 loss to Broome County Saturday night.

Plattsburgh had a chance to dodge the loss with a final drive with three minutes remaining, but a bobbled snap on a field goal attempt inside the 20-yard line prevented a chance for the game-winning kick.

The Stars converted on multiple fourth downs to keep the drive alive.

"The offense played pretty well all night, 34 points on the road is pretty good," Plattsburgh head coach Pat Keleher said. "We just fell apart on defense in the fourth quarter."

It was Plattsburgh second-straight loss as the team drops to 6-2 in Empire Football League play and 8-2 overall.

"We have a bye week next weekend and then play Vermont at home the following week," Keleher said. "We've got to right the ship."

Broome County 35, Plattsburgh 34

7 10 10   7 - 34

0  7   7  21 - 35


Saturday, August 29, 2009

For Noel, personal goals don't get in way; North Stars take long road

For Noel, personal goals don't get in way
WILLING TO SHARE: Red & Black's leading rusher just one option
TIMES SPORTSWRITER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009
ARTICLE OPTIONS
Anthony Noel possesses the type of selfishness that typically spurs an offensive player's achievements, and he's not afraid to admit he wants more carries, more yards, and more touchdowns.
But there's no room this season in the Watertown Red and Black's offensive backfield for any "just give me the damn ball" personalities.
The Washington state native is OK with that, too. It's one of the main reasons the veteran running back has emerged over the past several years as one of the Red and Black's most consistent, most respected performers.
"He took the back seat when he had to," head coach George Ashcraft said. "But when he finally became a starter, he's been one ever since."
Noel's numbers don't reflect those of a back who carries the offensive load with four other runners.
His 553 yards and 7.9 yards per carry are both tops in the Empire Football League, and would likely be even better if the Red and Black wasn't so fortunate to be loaded at the running back position.
Last week T.J. Williams led the way with 123 yards, and Noel, who has been the starter since 2004, is happy to share those touches.
"Since I've been with the team, I've always wanted to have a 1,000-yard season. With four quality backs this year, I'm probably not going to get that many carries," Noel said after Thursday's practice. "It's frustrating sometimes, but we learn to deal with it. As long as we win, that's all that matters. It hasn't hurt us yet."
Noel made championship game appearances with Watertown in 2003, '06 and '07, yet still longs for the championship ring Watertown has been pursuing since 1980.
That quest hit a low point last season when the team finished 3-7. Noel's frustrations were compounded, even though he rushed for a career-high eight touchdowns, as he accepted the quarterback role for several games. He had never before played the po sition.
"If that's not showing leadership, nothing else will," Ashcraft said. "And then he was able to come right back this year as a running back. He's just a versatile ball player, and that's why he's leading the league in rushing."
He's taken full advantage of the carries he does get in becoming the league's most productive runner, highlighted by a 177-yard, three-touchdown outing Aug. 1 at Vermont.
"Coming back this year, I knew I was going to be a running back. I've been here six years now. I wanted to come out and show people I'm a leader on this team," said Noel, who has logged 2,802 yards and 30 touchdowns since 2005. "I've felt more comfortable this year and ready to get out there running the ball hard. Every time I=2 0get it, I want to score."
 
 
Published August 29, 2009 12:48 am - Plattsburgh visits Broome County tonight in its longest trip of Empire Football League season.

North Stars take long road
BINGHAMTON — After a tough road loss in Watertown which ended the Plattsburgh North Stars undefeated run, the team takes its longest road trip of the regular season tonight when it faces the Broome Country Dragons in Binghamton.

Plattsburgh (6-1 Empire Football League, 8-1 overall) got its first win and handed the Dragons their first loss of the season in July, as the Stars scored on a punt return, passing and rushing play.

Quarterback Ken Stay completed one touchdown and two interceptions in the game, going just 7-for-20 for 44 yards.

However, Stay has throw eight touchdowns and four picks since that game, and the rushing game has improved since week one with the addition of fullback Kyle Nolan and the development of halfback Zach Blocker, in addition to backs Brandon Keleher and Elija Parks.

"We did a good job running against (Broome County) earlier this year," Plattsburgh head coach Pat Keleher said. "We didn't throw the ball very well but Ken has come a long way since then."

Despite the fact that it faced a very tough defense in Watertown, Plattsburgh will need to be much better running the ball than it was last week.

The Stars totaled just 35 yards on the ground. Brandon Keleher got hurt early in the game and Blocker had to go from his usual change-of-pace position to the primary rusher.

Stay did pile u p 165 yards but Plattsburgh couldn't convert a field-goal attempt or two red zone passes that were overthrown.

Plattsburgh can solidify a home playoff game with a win in Binghamton and can, at worst, garauntee the No. 2 seed if it wins its final three games.

"As far as I'm concerned (Broome County) is a must-win," Keleher said.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Dragons beaten on late, long TD pass

Dragons beaten on late, long TD pass
Staff report • August 23, 2009
BINGHAMTON -- The Quebec Titans struck for a last-minute touchdown Saturday night to defeat the Broome County Dragons 28-24 in an Empire Football League game at Binghamton Alumni Stadium.
Trailing 21-7 at halftime, the Dragons opened the second half with 17 points but Quebec used a 42-yard touchdown pass with 54 seconds left to pull out the win and improve to 5-1.
"That's tough to swallow after four quarters of fighting," said Tom Manny, head coach of the Dragons, who fell to 3-3.
Quarterback Adam Good finished with 230 yards passing and one touchdown, as well=2 0as three interceptions, according to Dragons statistics. He hit Domonique Henderson with a 38-yard touchdown pass to put the Dragons on the board in the first half.
In the second half, tailback Joe Johnson helped lead the comeback, scoring twice. He finished with 66 yards on 16 carries.
Manny also credited the defense with turning things around after halftime, saying: "They got us back in the game -- getting turnovers, giving the offense field position."
Willie Everett had a fumble recovery and an interception, and Ahmeel Curtain finished with five assists and three solo tackles for the Dragons, who next play Saturday at home against Plattsburgh.

 Dragons fall to Titans

Adam Good is a Windsor grad, and now is the quarterback of the BC Dragons.

Tonight they're taking on the Quebec titans, and the Titans not confused at all with the small field, well compared to Canadian football standards.

In the 2nd, coach and QB Geoff Brown completes the throw to Thierry Fontin, who is not touched, and gets up to run some more. All together it's a 45-yard gain, and it would set up this.

The Brown and Fontin connection again, this time for six, it's 7-0 Quebec, but don't count out those Dragons.

They're looking to make it three wins in a row, and with plays like this they might be on their way. Good finds Bill Smith for 68-yards, not a TD, he fell at the two.

Two plays later, good nails Dominque Henderson with the fade, sweet grab.

The final is 28-24, Quebec wins.  
VIEW VIDEO
 
 
 
 

EFL Post Game Press Release August 23, 2009

R&B deadly efficient

CONVINCING WIN: Watertown hands Plattsburgh first loss
TIMES SPORTSWRITER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2009
JUSTIN SORENSEN / WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
Watertown's Dustin Houppert sacks Plattsburgh's Ken Stay during Saturday night's game at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds.
JUSTIN SORENSEN / WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
Watertown< SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #333333; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN">'s T.J. Williams runs over Plattsburgh's Ken Ruwett during Saturday's 21-0 Empire Football League victory.
One side of the scoreboard at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds remains stuck at zero, and that's not good news for the rest of the Empire Football League.
Playing its third home game of the regular season Saturday in front of a near-capacity crowd, the Watertown Red and Black rode a dominant running attack and impenetrable defense to a 21-0 EFL victory over the Plattsburgh North Stars.
More importantly, the Red and Black (6-1), which hasn't surrendered a point at home, took a giant step toward a first-place, regular-season finish and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Last week's 14-2 loss to Quebec seemed like it happened years ago to head coach George Ashcraft, whose team handl ed previously unbeaten Plattsburgh (6-1) with relative ease.
"Good teams bounce back and improve after a bad game," he said. "And that's what we did. It was a great team effort."
Watertown controlled the clock, and kept Plattsburgh's offense on the bench, by orchestrating long drives to wear down the defense. T.J. Williams ran for 123 yards and a score on 14 carries, while Anthony Noel took over the league lead in rushing with 75 yards and touchdown runs of 37 and six yards.
"I wasn't even getting touched in the backfield," said Williams, who missed two weeks because of a family reunion in Italy. "So it's all the O-line and good blocking by the receivers. When the blocking is on point, everything comes easy."
If losing to Quebec exposed any lack of focus, Watertown has surely cured it by now. The defense seemed to know what the North Stars were going to do as soon as the snap was delivered on most plays.
"Our defense is always strong at home," linebacker Mike Dumaw said. "We didn't let them alter what we wanted to do. We knew they like to run, and that they'd have to mix it up with some passes.
"We had a couple of very intense practices this week, and won as a team. (Plattsburgh) really didn't have an answer for anything we did."
The North Stars entered the game having allowed the least amount of points in the league, with the EFL's top passer in Ken Stay, and the top rusher, Brandon Keleher. But they hadn't yet faced a defense like Watertown's.
Plattsburgh's final, 10-play drive in the fourth quarter, when it already20trailed by three touchdowns, was its longest. Stay finished with 134 yards passing, but he threw for 52 on that last series.
Watertown limited Keleher to negative-seven yards, and the North Stars gained just 19 on the ground.
"Their linebackers ran free all night, and when that happens it causes problems," Plattsburgh coach Pat Keleher said.
"We got so caught up in Watertown's running game, that we didn't play assignment football. The last thing I thought we'd give up was a big pass play, and we gave them two."
They were the only two throws — both to Lester Cole — quarterback Brian Williams completed for Watertown, but each one set up scoring runs.
Cole, who has played most of this year at cornerback, returned to the offensive huddle Saturday. He's built a reputation the past four seasons for hauling in long passes, and his 58-yard grab directly preceded the six-yard scamper Noel completed to give Watertown the 21-0 edge.
The play was just enough to make Plattsburgh protect, at least a bit, against the pass for the rest of the night.
"We showed we can put the ball in the air," T.J. Williams said. "The best running teams can pass the ball, too. Brian Williams showed that tonight. This is definitely a championship-caliber team."
VERMONT 13, MASSENA 7
Despite snagging three interceptions, Massena couldn't overcome the Ice Storm's early scores from Rob Joy and Austin Partain, falling in an EFL game in Burlington, Vt.
Partain scored on a 24-yard pass f rom Matt Paul, and Joy caught a 16-yard pass for Vermont (2-5).
Andy Deon punched in a 1-yard run for Massena (0-7).

Sunday, August 16, 2009

North Stars crush Silver and Black

Published August 16, 2009 12:54 am - The Plattsburgh North Stars compiled 422 yards on offense in a 40-6 blowout victory over Massena Saturday night at Plattsburgh High School and remain undefeated in league play.

North Stars crush Silver and Black


By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh North Stars compiled 422 yards on offense in a 40-6 blowout victory over Massena Saturday night at Plattsburgh High School.

The win, along with last weekend's 40-0 road victory over the Silver and Black, improves the Stars to 6-0 in Empire Football League play and 8-0 overall.

"Well, I can say, it's the first time we've been 8-0 since I've been here," Plattsburgh head coach Pat Keleher said. "That's pretty exciting."

Stars quarterback Ken Stay completed 12 of 22 pass attempts for 211 yards in Saturday's game, including a 60-yard touchdown strike to Kelly Gordon. Stay and Gordon continued to show good chemistry, connecting for 105 yards through the air.

Stay also scored the game's first touchdown on a quarterback keeper.

Brandon Keleher had a big night for Plattsburgh, scoring on a 60-yard run and tallying 127 yards on the ground. He also found the end zone on a 3-yard rush.

Fellow halfback Zach Blocker gained 78 rushing yards and scored for Plattsburgh, as well.

"We have a real good group of fullbacks between Kyle (Nolan), Elija (Parks) and James Blocker," Keleher said. "Elija made some textbook blocks tonight that set off some big gains."

Zach Blocker and Jordan Keleher brought back a handful of big kickoff and punt returns, as they've been doing all season long.

"Zach and Jordan do such a good job of setting up the offense and demoralizing the other team with field position," Keleher said.

Unfortunately, Plattsburgh was unable to capitalize on two of those big returns because of false start, illegal shift and holding penalties. On one drive, the Stars started a series in the red zone and found themselves first-and-30 a minute later.

Massena scored its only touchdown on a 49-yard fumble recovery return by Daniel Colbert.

Nolan recorded the game's final points on a 2-yard run and Brandon St. John made the last meaningful play with Plattsburgh's only interception late in the fourth quarter.

The Stars travel to Watertown next weekend to face the Red and Black in a battle of EFL heavyweights. Bragging rights, as well as possible home field advantage in the pla yoffs will be on the line.

"We're going to go into Watertown like it's a playoff game," Keleher said.


Plattsburgh 40, Massena 6

Massena     0 6 0 0—6

Plattsburgh 7 13 13 7—40

Scoring summary
First quarter
P- Stay 3 run (Ryder kick), 5:44.

Second quarter
P- B. Keleher 55 run (PAT no good), 5:42.
P- Stay 60 pass to Gordon (Ryder kick), 10:49.
M- Colbert 49 fumble recovery (PAT no good), 14:02.

Third quarter
P- B. Keleher 3 run (PAT no good), 11:56.
P- Blocker 7 run (Ryder kick), 3:22.

Fourth quarter
P- Nolan 2 run (Ryder kick), 11:58.

Individual statistics
Rushing
Plattsburgh- B. Keleher 11-127 2 TDs, Z. Blocker 12-78 TD, Nolan 4-18 TD, Stay 2-7 TD, Parks 2-15.
Massena- Compeau 8-22, Lamb 2-2, Deon 7-37, Mason 3-(-14), Hirshey 1(-9).

Passing
Plattsburgh- Stay 12-22-211-1-2.
Massena- Mason 6-13-80-0-1.

Receiving
Plattsburgh- B. Keleher 1-14, Parks 1-7, 2-31, Gordon 4-105 TD, Fish 2-39, J. Keleher 2-15.
Massena- Hirshey 2-17, James 2-14, Sinclair 1-8, Compeau 1-42.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

EFL Pre Game Press Coverage August 15, 2009

Defense does its part: Red and Black's unit creates havoc, forces turnovers

TIMES SPORTSWRITER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009
ARTICLE OPTIONS
Rushing the ball against the Watertown Red and Black has proven to be a hard enough task. But there haven't been too many opportunities through the air, either.
That's because Anthony Tyrkala and Adam Bossinger have helped the Red and Bl ack's defensive backfield become the Empire Football League's most theft-happy group. Heading into tonight's game at Quebec, the team's fifth, Watertown has already recorded 10 interceptions.
 
"Our front seven have been amazing," said Tyrkala, who leads the league with four picks. "Us d-backs know we're going to get tested."
 
The fact that Tyrkala has enjoyed the most successful season of any EFL cornerback is likely a surprise even to him.
 
The Tampa, Fla. native never played organized sports before last spring, when he joined the Red and Black. Like millions of football-crazed Americans , Tyrkala watches TV and reads papers to follow the professional game.
 
But, competitively, he'd only dabbled in intramural leagues. 2008 marked the first time he ever strapped on a football helmet.
 
"We were both in the same unit out at Fort Drum, and he actually got me to play," said Bossinger, also in his second year. "He's an excellent defensive back, and has great anticipation."
 
Watertown's formula for creating takeaways is simple. It relies on pressuring the quarterback every play, and plugging running lanes quicker than opposing running backs can find them.
 
Building comfortable leads has helped, as well. By the time Tyrkala scored last week against Vermont, the Red and Black were already ahead by 23 points.
"When you know what they're going to do, it takes away the guesswork," defensive coordinator Rich Potter said. "The linemen and linebackers are doing a great job against the run, and forcing teams into situations where they have to throw."
 
If turning the ball over wasn't frustrating enough for opponents, Watertown is also producing plenty of points each time it intercepts a throw or picks up a fumble.
The Red and Black has produced a league-best six defensive touchdowns, four by interception. Mike Dumaw and Jake Smith have also scored directly off turnovers for Watertown.
 
"We have been fortunate for that," said Bossinger, a 2003 South Jefferson graduate. "You see the open field, make a couple moves, and you're off."
 
Tyrkala credited coach Potter and assistant coach Brandon Doherty for his quick transformation from casual observer to game changer. Any advantage an opposing wide receiver may have had over Tyrkala's football youth has disappeared.
 
"They pulled me aside early and taught me some fundamentals," Tyrkala said. "I knew nothing about football until last year, except for what I saw on TV. I just never had the chance to play before."
 
Published August 15, 2009 12:03 am - The unbeaten Plattsburgh North Stars host Massena tonight.

Stars look to stay unbeaten
By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — For the sixth straight time this season, the Plattsburgh North Stars will enter a game with an unbeaten record.

And if last week's 40-0 victory over Massena was any indictation of what is to come tonight when the Stars host the winless Silver and Black at 7:30 at Plattsburgh High School, that number will likely be seven.

However, head coach Pat Keleher isn't about to let his team take the Empire Football League matchup lightly.

"We're approaching everything the same way — Massena is a better team than the score indicated," Keleher said. "We played very well in that game, but they have very good potential. I do not want our guys in any way thinking this game is in the bag. It could very well come down to a dog fight."

Plattsburgh (7-0 overall) is 5-0 in league play, as an Ottawa forfeit counts on their record.

Quarterback Ken Stay fell into a groove last weekend, tossing three touchdown scores, no interceptions and connecting on 12-of-19 passes for 172 yards. The first-year signal caller had made a habit of starting off slow and getting better later in the in the team's first six games, but that was not the case last Saturday.

Keleher expects less early-game rust and better play out of the gate from Stay as he continues to get comfortable with the offense.

"He understands our offense now and (offensive coordinator) Scott (Aguglia) has done a great job bringing him along," Keleher said. "The other half of it is playing experience. The game is slowing down for him."

Plattsburgh's depth all around has been critical, as well.

Kyle20Nolan's return to the team, along with Elija Parks, gives Plattsburgh two solid fullbacks in front of a 1-2 punch in Brandon Keleher and Zach Blocker at halfback.

Defensively, Kyle Babbie has played more of a linebacker role instead of his prior spot at defensive end. Babbie, however, still moves up to the line in four down linemen sets and is part of a linebacker group that can rush and play coverage.

Plattsburgh also added Shane Racette in to the mix with Jamil McCray and Josh Nephew in the extra-back/strong safety spot.

The defensive blend Keleher has put together demands chemistry and selflessness, both of which the Stars have seemed to have in its front seven and eight.

"The D-line is doing a good job stalling up front," Keleher said. "They're very unselfish, not worrying about sacks." He added that quarterback pressure has still been a good as ever despite fewer sacks than a majority of EFL teams.

The Stars' success has gained them gained national attention — they're in the top 25 in all three major semi-pro football national polls. This week Plattsburgh is ranked No. 11 in the Minor League Football News poll, 18 in the National Football Events Coaches' Poll and 24 in the Semi-Pro BCS Poll.

A win tonight would garauntee Plattsburgh a winning record and f uel the fire in an already anticipated matchup against undefeated Watertown on the road next weekend.

"My message to the team is still one game at a time," Keleher said. "But I'm very pleased about where we're at right now."

Sunday, August 09, 2009

EFL Post Game Coverage August 8, 2009

Red & Black follows formula to home rout

JUSTIN SORENSEN / WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
Watertown's Anthony Noel tries to pull away from Vermont's Jed Randall on Saturday. To see more photos, go to http://watertown.dotphoto.com/CPListAlbums.asp
 

 

JUSTIN SORENSEN / WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
Watertown's Anthony Tyrkala, left, guards Vermont's Rob Joy as the scoreboard shows Watertown ahead by 31 in the second quarter at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds.

 

TIMES SPORTSWRITER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009
The Watertown Red and Black is tearing through this 2009 football season by embracing one of life's most practical concepts. It's sticking with what works.
The Red and Black put together another potent rushing performance Saturday night at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, racking up 346 yards en route to a 43-0 Empire Football League victory over the Vermont Ice Storm.
 
Anthony Noel again led all runners with 138 yards, highlighted by a 58-yard touchdown jaunt in the second quarter.
 
But the dominant offensive line isn't partial to just Noel. Joe Brennan finished with 90 yards, and quarterback Bria n Williams carried six times for 49 and a score.
Williams completed just one pass — an 18-yard touchdown connection to Nate Bryant — as Watertown improved to 4-0 despite the lack of a serious air threat.
But Watertown seems to be viewing the pass much like a seasoned carpenter might look at a modern tool box: why use a nailgun when a hammer can do the same job?
 
"We're not going to try to fix something that's not broke," head coach George Ashcraft said of Watertown's running strategy.
 
And why should they? Watertown's blockers have opened 1,100 yards worth of running lanes in20the past three games.
 
Brennan broke free for a 24-yard gain, while Williams's first rush covered 20 and Noel's 37. Sixteen of the Red and Black's first 17 plays were handoffs, and Ernie Miller and Williams provided the first two Watertown touchdowns.
 
"The O-line did the job," said Noel, who had 177 yards last week. "Without them nobody runs anywhere. And we've got four quality backs that we can utilize."
The defensive unit has proved pretty dependable, too, having scored a touchdown in each game this season.
 
Watertown cornerback Anthony Tyr kala intercepted a Matt Paul pass in the second quarter, only to have it negated by an offside penalty.
 
But he was confident he'd have another chance for a big play, and a few minutes later, he out-muscled Vermont receiver Rob Joy and raced 48 yards for the end zone.
 
Tyrkala said playing against the Ice Storm (1-4) last week made it easy to make adjustments.
 
"Having them two weeks in a row, we knew they'd want to run a lot of outs and curl routes," he said. "We decided to go man-to-man this week, after we played them mostly zone last time. We know we have a great D-line, and that always makes a QB hesitate and make mistakes."
And mistakes were too common an occurrence for Vermont.
 
Troy Canada, just before halftime, dropped a high Mike Dumaw punt, allowing Jake Smith to pounce on it for Watertown's final points. The Ice Storm finished with just 69 yards of total offense, and never ventured into Watertown territory.
 
"They didn't do anything unexpected," first-year Vermont coach Darren Hayes said. "We've struggled against the run this year. A coach's worst nightmare is when their strength is our weakness. We started slow with no intensity and they made us pay for it."
 
Dylan K irker and Dustin Houppert each contributed five tackles, while Garrett Kline added four and a sack.
 
Ashcraft said the team's efforts in preparations for each game is the main reason for the undefeated start to the season.
 
"We have five coaches here putting in hours and hours of work on our game plans," Ashcraft said. "And it's working."
 
PLATTSBURGH 40, MASSENA 0
A 61-yard touchdown pass from Ken Stay to Matt St. Clair highlighted Plattsburgh's shutout triumph over the Silver and Black at Sandstoner Park in Potsdam.
Kyle Nolan, Brandon Kelleher, Kris Fish, Kelly Gordon and Elija Parks all scored short-yardage touchdowns for the North Stars (4-0).
Ryan Mason completed only three passes for 32 yards, while Andy Deon led the rushing attack with 47 yards on 13 carries for Massena (0-5).

Stay leads unbeaten Stars

August 09, 2009 03:23 am

MASSENA — The Plattsburgh North Stars focused on the passing game during their bye week, and it showed when they returned to action Saturday.

Quarterback Ken Stay tossed three touchdown passes — including a 62-yard score — to help the Stars shut out the Massena Silver and Black 40-0 in an Empire Football League game.

The Stars improved to 4-0 in league play.

Stay finished 10-for-18 for 151 yards and no interceptions.

"One of the things we did during the bye week was work hard on the passing game, letting Ken see the field,"=2 0Stars coach Pat Keleher said. "He's really had two good (games) in a row now. He's starting to understand the offense. The game's slowing down for him; he's starting to see the field. He played very well tonight."

The Stars' offense was kickstarted by the special teams, specifically Zach Blocker's kick returns.

"He set us in their territory a couple times," Keleher said. "He had a 50-yard opening return to start the game. That put us inside their 30, and bam, three plays and we're up 7-0."

Blocker totaled 137 return yards and added 22 rushing yards.

Stay connected with Matt St. Clair for a 62-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 and found Kelly Gordon for a 6-yard score before the end of the first quarter.

The Stars went into halftime ahead 27-0.

St. Clair finished with a team-high 75 receiving yards, and Gordon totaled three catches for 27 yards. Chris Fish had a 9-yard touchdown reception.

Brandon Keleher led Plattsburgh's ground game with 12 carries for 101 yards and the opening touchdown. Kyle Nolan had a 23-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter, and Elija Parks scored from the 6-yard line in the fourth.

The Silver and Black's best chance to get on the board came late in the game.

"They had a first-and-goal from the six, and we held," Pat Keleher said. "They didn't gain any yards. They went 0-for-4 from the six. That was really the only time they threatened.

"I think we're very solid up front defensively, and that allows what I believe is a very talented group of linebackers to run free, make plays. The secondary was solid (Saturday). They didn't give up any home-run balls."

Massena, which visits Plattsburgh next week, dropped to 0-5 on the season.

Plattsburgh 40, Massena 0
Plattsburgh  20  7 7 6—40
Massena       0  0 0 0—0

Scoring summary
First Quarter
P- B. Keleher 5 run (Fish kick).
P- Stay 62 pass to St. Clair (Fish kick).
P- Stay 6 pass to Gordon (kick failed).

Second quarter
P- Stay 9 pass to Fish (Fish kick).

Third quarter
P- Nolan 23 run (Fish kick).

Fourth quarter
P- Parks 6 run (kick failed).

Individual Statistics
Rushing
P- B. Keleher 12-101, TD; Nolan 3-24, TD; Z. Blocker 5-22; Parks 3-19, TD; J. Blocker 1-4. Totals: 24-170, 3 TDs.

Receiving
P- St. Clair 2-75, TD; Gordon 3-27, TD; B. Keleher 1-16; Fish 1-9, TD; Talley 1-9; J. Keleher 1-8; Z. Blocker 1-7. Totals: 10-151, 3 TDs.

Passing
P- Stay 10-18-151-3-0.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

North Stars face win-starved Massena

Published August 07, 2009 11:22 pm - The Plattsburgh North Stars take their 3-0 record on the road against the winless Massena Silver and Black today.

North Stars face win-starved Massena
MASSENA — After a 3-0 start to the Empire Football Leauge season (5-0 overall) and a bye week to work out whatever kinks they still have, the Plattsburgh North Stars return to the field Saturday in Massena to take on the Silver and Black.

While Plattsburgh remains unbeaten, Massena stands winless at 0-4 and will be hungry after losing its last three games by eight or fewer points.

Massena dropped close games to Binghamton and Vermont, losing 14-13 and 14-12, respectively, following a season-opening blowout defeat to=2 0Watertown.

The Silver and Black lost to Quebec, 20-12, last week while Plattsburgh was off.

The Stars look to first-year quarterback Ken Stay to continue directing an offense that has produced 73 points in three league games, second in the EFL behind Watertown.

Stay's main target through the air has been Kelly Gordon. The two have connected for 132 yards and four touchdowns.

Plattsburgh's running backs have put in their share as well. Brandon Keleher, Zach Blocker and Elija Parks have combined for 540 yards and three touchdowns in the three games.

Good penetration from the inside of the defensive line and steady pressure outside has made Plattsburgh's linebacking corps one of the best in the league, allowing the 'backers to successfully chase down the running back or help the secondary in pass coverage.

BJ Godfrey leads the team in tackles with 21, and Jamil McCray already has an interception for a touchdown.

The secondary has combined for seven interceptions in league play as Joey Painter, Matt St. Clair and Brandon St. John have two apiece.

Plattsburgh returns home next weekend to host Massena before going on the road two weeks in a row.
 

Sunday, August 02, 2009

'Poor Man's Joe Namath' Reigned in Minor League Football (AFA Hall of Fame Class of 1982)

If you would like to subscribe to this email, click here
American Football Association AFA Newsletter August 03, 2009
In This Issue: August 03, 2009 
•   AFA Hall Of Fame Induction Announced October 22 – October 25, 2009
   PROSPER Is Back and Better Than Ever
•   AFA Member League News Clips
•   Misrepresentations of the AFA
•&nb sp;  Elmhurst Travelers Semi-Pro Football Team 40 Years Existence
•   Central Florida´s Newest Football Team To Hold Local Tryouts, Launch Reality TV Series
AFA Hall Of Fame Induction Announced October 22 – October 25, 2009
Hold the date of October 22 – October2025, 2009. Bloomingdale, Illinois will be the site for the American Football Association's 29th Annual Induction Dinner Weekend at the Indian Lakes-Hilton, 250 West Schick Road.

AFA Golf Tournament Sponsored By the Elmhurst Travelers Football Alumni Association
Place: Indian Lakes Hilton
250 W. Schick Road
Bloomingdale, Il 60108
Date: October 24, 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 12 Noon
Price: $30 per Golfer which includes Greens Fees and Cart for 9 Holes of Golf

Golf Club Rentals Are Available At Club House

Reservations: Mail Checks to
Roman Strzala
AFA Class of 2002
202 Ashley Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Feel free to call with questions at 630-295-6436

Please also note that consistent with our process from previous years, Hall of Fame nomination ballots will go out to all active AFA Alumni the 1st week of September.
American Football Association
AFA Member League News Clips
AFA Hall of Fame Class of 1982
'Poor Man's Joe Namath' Reigned in Minor League Football
Washington Post
At the time, Jim Corcoran was a backup quarterback at the U-Md. He would go on to become the most famous minor league football player of all time. From the beginning, he was flamboyant, brash and utterly unforgettable. He was a showman, an unapologetic ...http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/01/AR2009080102187.html
King Corcoran - Post Mortem - Obituaries from The Washington PostAug 2, 2009 ... Jim "King" Corcoran is one of the most fascinating and frustrating, charismatic and callous people I have ever had the pleasure -- for ...
htt p://voices.washingtonpost.com/postmortem/2009/08/king_corcoran.html
July 26, 2009
Eagles' all-time "almost" QB King Corcoran is gone at 65....
On the eve of the official opening of training camp, it is perhaps fitting to note the passing of a Philadelphia-area legend who spent a lot of time in Eagles' camps trying to make the team but never quite made the grade. James Sean Patrick Corcoran, aka "The King", died suddenly a few weeks back of cardiac arrest at the age of 65. King Corcoran's final NFL experience was with the Philadelphia Eagles when he was released on the final cut of the 1971 training camp. http://mvn.com/eagleseye/2009/07/eagles-all-time-almost-qb-king-corcoran-is-gone-at-65.html
King Corcoran - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Sean Patrick "King" Corcoran is a former quarterback in the Atlantic Coast Football League, World Football League, and briefly in the American ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Corcoran
http://www.helmethut.com/WFL/Corcorantales.html

Northern Power Football League - Minor League Football
The Northern Power Football League. "Team Owned and Operated". MISSION STATEMENT : The NPFL seeks to enrich the lives of coaches, players, staff, ...
ht tp://www.hostedfootball.net/NPFL/call_page.asp?page=League_News&affiliation=HostedFootball&username=NPFL
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Post-Bulletin - Rochester,MN,USA
MINNETONKA The Rochester Giants were no match for the South Metro Dragons on Sunday in the Northern Power Football League semi-professional championship ...
http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=22&a=409907

Madison Mustangs
Isthmus - Madison,WI,USA
The Mustangs own the best record in the Ironman Football League and are ranked fourth nationally by coaches of semi-pro teams. Their narrowest margin of ...
http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=26512
Amateur football: Unbeaten Mustangs post another shutout
Wisconsin State Journal
The effort helped the Mustangs defeat the Muskego Hitmen 35-0 in an Ironman Football League game Saturday night at Breitenbach Stadium. ...
See all stories on this topic Football: Mustangs get another big win
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/other/460521
Football: Mustangs get another big win
Wisconsin State Journal
... six touchdowns in game— five passing, one rushing — during a 70-0 rout of the Milwaukee Venom in an Ironman Football League game at Breitenbach Stadium. ...http://www.madison. com/wsj/home/sports/other/459664

Community Notes: Gun Club Fires Up Historic Showing
American Chronicle - Beverly Hills,CA,USA
Semipro football The Virginia Crusaders would like to forget about Saturday's ... "We're the defending champs of the Mason-Dixon League but we were playing ...
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/133467433
AFA
Elmhurst Travelers Semi-Pro Football Team 40 Years Existe nce
Aside from the AFA National Association's concerns for bringing recognition to today's market of semi-pro type teams and leagues - its desire to keep alive the memories of those who were associated with this level of the sport for the past 100 years has come to the forefront in the formation of the AFA's Alumni Clubs. Operating under the umbrella of the AFA's non-profit tax exempt corporation, the American Football Association has begun issuing "Charters" to team, regional and state alumni organization who qualify for official Alumni Club status.

During their first 38 years of existence, the Elmhurst Travelers forged a record of 292 wins, 79 losses, 29 ties and 11 undefeated seasons; they averaged 8 wins per season. In 1967 after 40 years of existence, George Kulton (AFA HoF Class of '86) owner and coach of the Elmhurst Travelers semi-pro football team retired and sold the franchise to Rockford, Illinois then becoming the Rockford Rams. The Elmhurst Travelers' held a reunion in November 6, 1982 with 150 team members in attendance.

At the present time there are 18 Elmhurst Travelers in the American Football Association's Semi-Pro Hall of Fame:
- George Kulton Class of 1986 (Deceased)
- Joey Wolf Class of 1997
- Neal Anderson Class of 1998
- Ken Stone Class of 2000
- Don Johnson Class of 2001
- Roman E. Strzala Class of 2002
- Pat O'Brien Class of 2004
- Al Klaeren Class of 2005
- Norm Nissen Class of 2005
- Mike Cain Class of 2006
- Fitz Fiorelli Class of 2007
- Bill Meyer Class of 2007 (Deceased)
- Gary Thomas Class of 2007
- Larry Schmidt Class of 2008
- Pat Albanese Class of 2008
- Jerry Schropp Class of 2008
- Don Busch Class of 2008

In May 2008, Elmhurst Travelers Alumni Association was established with 32 active alumni as part of their coveted fraternity. This alumni association is a chartered AFA Alumni Association with the following officers:
- Roman Strzala – President
- Jerry Schropp – Vice President
- Larry Schmidt – Secretary
- Jack Perry – Treasurer
- Neal Anderson – Director
- Joey Wolfe – Director
- Norm Nissen – Director
- Al Klaeren – Director

We want to congratulate the chartered Elmhurst Travelers Alumni Organization which was organized by Roman Strzala romanstrzala@juno.com, Hall of Fame Class of 2002. This newly formed alumni club has established a set of by-laws and has developed a process for submitting nominees to the AFA's Hall of Fame. We use this organization as a model and best practice for how to establish A lumni Clubs. A separate website is being setup to recognize20Alumni Clubs as we continue to grow our network of semi pro alumni.
AFA
PROSPER Is Back and Better Than Ever
We are pleased to20inform you that Prosper has completed their SEC registratio n and are open to borrowers and lenders once again. Notes offered by prospectus filed with the SEC.

Prosper Loans Marketplace RT @walletpopper Blogtalk radio: All about Peer-to-Peer Lending http://bit.ly/ZlkKm
Blogtalk radio: Now that Prosper.com is back from its quiet phase complete with SEC registration and a secondary market for loans, CEO Chris Larsen took some time to talk to WalletPop about Peer to Peer Lending.Tune in ...http://bit.ly/6Rrpw
Prosper
Misrepresentations of the AFA
It continues to be brought to our attention that not only is there a tournament being touted as being sponsored by American Football News, but there is now a Ron Real Trophy is being promoted. We are flattered by some of these initiatives, but please be advised that NONE of these have been approved by the AFA or the family of the late Ron Real. This would be the typical practice regarding "The Right of Publicity" or control/use of an individual's image or likeness.

As a result of this and previous incidents, the AFA and family of the late Ron Real want to formally state for the record that these groups/initiatives are unauthorized. Additionally, they have nothing to do with the AFA's American Football News™ created by the late Ron Real, founder of the AFA.

This messag e will continue in an effort to alert the national media, to further protect the organization, the Real Family, and to protect the general public at large.
AFA
Central Florida´s Newest Football Team To Hold Local Tryouts, Launch Reality TV Series
Orlando, FL - Do you have what it takes? That´s=2 0the question the Florida Crusaders, Central Florida´s newest football team, is asking this Saturday, August 1. Coach Lou Briggins will put 100 of Central Florida´s top high school and college players through the first of three tryouts at Winter Park´s Showalter Field. And players aren´t there just to impress the coaches with their skills. Cameras will be rolling as the Crusaders launch a reality TV documentary series, Second Chance Football, aimed for national distribution.

"This is real football," said Briggins, who has coached football for nearly 20 years. "We are looking for guys that can play NFL rules football at the next level."

Briggins, a Central Florida semi-pro coaching staple, will put players through their paces starting at 9am., with sign-ups at 8:30. Only the first 100 players will be able to try out per session; additional tryouts are scheduled for August 8 and 15. But the focus won´t be entirely on 40 times, pass patterns and footwork. Team co-owner and TV and film veteran Rick Warren is looking for players with a story to tell.

"What makes the background of semi-pro football so engaging are the gifted athletes that will go to any length to realize their dream of playing beyond high school and college," said Warren. "While Coach Briggins will first and foremost be assembling the finest group of players in Central Florida to win a league title, along the way our film crews will be=2 0uncovering what makes this team -- and these players -- tick."=2 0

Continuing the strong legacy of minor league football in Central Florida, the Florida Crusaders were created to provide opportunities for football players of all ages to showcase their skills beyond high school and college. The team is a member of the Southern States Football League, with teams from Tallahassee to Key West, and is also a member of the American Football Association. The Crusaders will be the subject of a reality TV documentary series, to be produced in 2010.

For more information visit http://www.floridacrusaders.com, http://www.myspace.com/floridacrusaders, or become a fan on Facebook
Florida Crusaders
About the American Football Association: The American Football Association is a national 501(c) (3) non-profit, tax exempt corporation in its 29th year of operation and is dedicated to the advancement of adult (semi-pro) football from coast-to-coast. Our slogan is Semi Pro & Proud®. We are not affiliated with any other national semi-pro/minor league organization (Minor League Football News, Minor Pro Hall of Fame, etc). The AFA, Hall of Fame, American Football News™ and AFA logo design are registered trademarks of the American Football Association. All other AFA-related trademarks are trademarks of the American Football Association.  American Football Association
Vacation Certificate: $300 In Gas Rebates.  Click to Redeem

American Football Association
Thanks For Your Support

Expiration Date: 09/02/09

  | Update Profile | Confirm | Forward

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Free Web Site Counter
Free Website Counter