Empire Football League

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Shock cruised to a 44-0 victory over the Montreal Voyageurs Saturday night at Sunnycrest Field in the EFL Game of the Week. The Shock scored 30 points in the second half, stifling the Voyageur offense throughout the evening. Syracuse backup quarterback Bryan Simer threw three touchdowns in the second half leading the Shock to their second victory of the season. Syracuse improved their record to 2-0, while Montreal fell to 1-2.

A somewhat sluggish start by the Shock was pretty much forgotten early in the second half, when returner Dewayne "Flash" Gordon let a punt trickle to the one yard line before picking up the ball and taking it back 99 yards for the touchdown. Gordon was sprung by a devastating block as he sliced through the Montreal coverage, easily outrunning all defenders. Syracuse head coach, Ken Anderson knows he has a special player in Gordon, "I know it's early in the year but Flash Gordon is our MVP and he's probably one of the best players in semi-pro football on the east coast." Anderson plans to get Gordon touches anyway possible, "When he touches the ball he's exciting to watch and we try to get him the ball however we can. He is one heck of an athlete who can strike at anytime as we saw on the 99 yard return." The longest play of the 2011 season gave the Shock a 21-0 lead with 11:53 remaining in the third quarter.

The highlight by Gordon was preceded by two Shock second quarter touchdowns after a scoreless first quarter. Following a fumble recovery by Syracuse defensive back Depaul Crowell on the Montreal 15 yard line, Simer scooted around the left side scoring the game's first touchdown on a four yard keeper at the 12:28 mark. Penalties and turnovers bogged down the first half, but were highlighted by a strong 52 yard touchdown by Syracuse running back Justyn Hardwick. On second and ten from the Montreal 48 Hardwick took a toss around the right side and beat all the Montreal defenders to the corner, breaking one tackle down the Montreal sideline. With 4:46 remaining in the half Syracuse held a two touchdown lead, 14-0.

The score could have easily been 28-0 at halftime but two Syracuse touchdowns were called back because of penalties in the first half as Simer took time adjusting, throwing two interceptions, both inside the red zone. Simer went 3-7 for 29 yards and two interceptions in the first half. The missed opportunities didn't hurt the Shock thanks to Hardwick's punishing running. Anderson knew it would take time for his players to comfortable with Simer, "Brian knows the offense it just took him and the players some time to get acclimated, but he did a great job for us in the second half." Simer was filling in for starter Cedric Stevens who missed the game due to a work obligation. "Brian is a very steady player and with the talent around him Brian just need to be Brian and he'll be successful," Anderson continued. There were a combined four turnovers in the first half as the Shock took the 14-0 cushion into the break.

Montreal received the ball to start the second half, but was forced to replace starting quarterback Mathew Rene due to an injured right arm. Not that Rene faired very well in the first half, going 3-11 for 35 yards and one interception. The Voyageur offense was ineffective most of the night as the Shock defense swarmed the Montreal ball carriers. The Shock defense caused four turnovers picking off the Montreal quarterbacks three times. Montreal's running game was stymied as well, deploying a running back-by-committee attack. At least five different Montreal players carried the ball, but compiled less than 50 yards rushing. Montreal suited up about 20 players, losing three at the border due to a passport conflict. The hiccups in the travels didn't break their spirit however, battling the entire game. "You have to give Montreal credit for fighting all evening after making the trip down," said Anderson. "I think they lost a few players on the border and only suited up a hand full of guys, but they played for all 60 and you got to give them credit for that."

Simer's transformation began with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter. Simer found week one's Rookie of the Week, Tyrone Burke, who took a quick screen 52 yards for the touchdown. Burke caught the pass near the Syracuse sideline, broke a tackle and outraced everyone to the end zone.  Burke dropped a wide open touchdown pass on the previous play, as the ball just escaped his fingertips, but redeemed himself with the 52 yard catch and run. The Shock extended their lead to 28-0 following the point after attempt. Following an interception by defensive back CJ Moore, Simer connected with receiver Tyler Gage on a beautiful play action pass down the left hash. Simer laid the ball perfectly in Gage's hands as he glided in for the 47 yard toss and catch.

Montreal, backed up to their own three yard line intentionally conceded a safety, as they let the snap fly out the back of the end zone, giving Syracuse a 37-0 lead heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter saw little action as the Shock attempted to run the clock. Until the final minute when Simer threw his third touchdown of the half finding tight end Nick Layou on a 15 yard out to cap off the scoring. Simer finished the second half going 4-9 for 129 yards and three touchdowns, making a complete 180 from the first half.

Coach Anderson has a confident group, but he knows they have to keep working. "We learned we can win with either quarterback tonight, but we have to continue to get better," he noted. Anderson also wants his team to get off to a better start, "We can't wait until the third quarter to get started, and we have to be ready to play at kickoff."

Syracuse posted the first shut out of the 2011 EFL season, holding the Montreal to well under 100 yards of offense. Justyn Hardwick racked up over 100 yards for the first time this season, posting his second touchdown of the season. Tyler Gage caught four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. CJ Moore picked off two passes for the Shock, while fellow defensive back Leron Brown also snagged an interception. Safety Wesley Joseph had an interception for Montreal and defensive lineman Ricardo Willis recorded a fumble recovery.

Syracuse will host Amsterdam next week at Sunnycrest Field; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Amsterdam is coming off a 38-7 win over Elmira Saturday evening. Montreal will travel to Glens Falls, who suffered a disappointing 24-14 loss at Albany last night.

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EFL Communications – July 9, 2011

eflcommunications@gmail.com

Lawson's three second half touchdowns leads Albany past Plattsburgh 19-10

ALBANY, N.Y. – On an evening where both teams displayed a bit of rust in the season opener, the Albany Metro Mallers used a solid defense and quality play from veteran quarterback Scott Lawson to push past visiting Plattsburgh, Saturday night at Bleecker Stadium. In the EFL Game of the Week, the defending champions fought furiously all night, but an 80 yard touchdown connection from Lawson to receiver CJ Tarver with 1:39 remaining, sealed their fate.

The Albany defense allowed the Mallers to stay in the game, going into the half only down three, succeeding a 24 yard field goal to North Stars kicker, Mitch Ryder. The second half was when the switch was made. Lawson replaced starting quarterback Emmanuel Isaac, but got off to a rough start. On his second pass attempt, the ball sailed over his receiver's head and into the hands of North Stars safety Joey Painter. Painter led all EFL defenders with six interceptions in 2010. On the ensuing possession the Maller defense showed its strength once again, pressuring Stars quarterback Ken Stay and stripping him of the ball forcing their second turnover of the game.

Following another Stars turnover, their second of the half, Lawson found his favorite target down the Mallers sideline hitting Tarver on a precisely ran corner route, setting Albany up at the Plattsburgh three yard line. After the Stars stuffed two run attempts, Lawson used a well executed play action pass to find Dorrio Henderson in the corner of the end zone for the Mallers first points. With 3:54 remaining in the third quarter the Mallers took their first lead 6-3 of the game and looked to add on more.

To begin the fourth quarter, Lawson led his team on a drive that lasted almost half the quarter. Using four first downs, three of them through the air, the Mallers put their second touchdown on the board. Lawson zipped a pass through the middle of the Stars secondary finding Ismael Green for the 23 yard touchdown. As Albany took a nine point lead with just over eight minutes to play, Plattsburgh dug in for a hard fought finish.

The North Stars used a shot gun, four-wide formation to spread out the Mallers' defense. Under steady pressure all night, Stay was able to find receivers in some of the Albany holes. Stay employed his entire stable of receivers hitting six different players throughout the game. Starting the drive at their own 13, Stay completed two consecutive passes, getting the Stars out to the 32 yard line. After a holding penalty and an Albany sack, the Stars were facing a 2^nd and 28, when stay found the coaches son Jordon Keleher for 30 yards and the first down. With the scoreboard reading 7:00, the Stars continued to press the Mallers' defense.

Another Albany sack forced the Stars into a 4^th and 8 on their own 47, but Stay once again displayed resolve, scrambling for 13 yards, keeping the Stars drive alive. Consistent Maller pressure forced a 3^rd and 13 with just under four minutes remaining. Stay dropped back and found Lawrence Coolidge down the Albany sideline for 30 yards, setting up Plattsburgh at the Albany 4 yard line. A few plays later, Stay found Keleher on a four yard square out to bring the Stars within two, 12-10.

With three minutes left the Albany offense was not looking to take their foot off the pedal. The Mallers threw the ball twice in the final minutes, instead of choosing to run the ball and eat clock. In turns out that decision was a good one, head coach Chris Brown saw that the Stars two deep zone was bailing on his slot receiver, CJ Tarver. Following the two minute warning Lawson found Tarver on a five yard crossing route that he turned into an 80 yard touchdown and a Maller victory.

As expected in the season opener, both teams were riddled with penalties and turnovers in the first half. In the first quarter alone there were a combined two missed field goals and two turnovers. Along with several penalties on both sides of the ball, the first half witnessed each team attempting to establish the running game. The defensive fronts for both squads were as noted by each coach prior to Saturday's game as being stout. Neither team was able to get anything going on the ground in the first half.

Lawson eclipsed the 40,000 yard mark for his career on the 80 yard touchdown to Tarver. Lawson is the first semi-pro player ever to throw for over 40,000 yards. He finished the game going 12-19 for 208 yards and three touchdowns. The combination of Sylvester Cooperwood and Anthony Rice gave the Mallers 98 yards on the ground. Tarver caught four passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. The Maller defense forced three North Star turnovers and registered five sacks.

For Plattsburgh Ken Stay went 18-36 for 165 yards with a touchdown and one pick. Several of those throws coming in final minutes as the North Stars battled to the last second. Jordon Keleher had a game-high seven reception for 107 yards and a touchdown. The Plattsburgh running game was unable to get any momentum on the ground as they compiled just 19 yards rushing.

Missed chances by Plattsburgh allowed Albany to come away with the victory. The Stars had four opportunities in the red zone and couldn't take advantage of them. On a night where both teams play hard, Albany head coach Chris Brown reminds everyone that its just one game. "It's nice to get this victory over a great team like Plattsburgh, but its only one game and we have to move on and get ready for next week."

---

Plattsburgh     0     3     0     7     —     10
Albany            0     0    6    13     —     19

2nd Quarter
P- Ryder 25 FG, 10:44.
3rd Quarter
A- Henderson 2 pass from Lawson (kick failed), 11:06.
4h Quarter
A- Green 23 pass from Lawson, (kick failed) 4:44.
P- Keleher 3 pass from Stay (Ryder kick), 11:49.
A- Tarver 79 pass from Lawson (Peterson kick), 13:21.

Other Scores Around the EFL:

Syracuse 76, Elmira 19

Glens Falls 27, Amsterdam 6

Note: Stats from the Albany, Plattsburgh game were provided by Courtney Lewis of the Press Republican.

A Hall of Famer, period

Albany Times Union  

The American Football Association Hall of Fame of Semi-Pro Football. Yes, the induction late last month was in Canton, where they have the busts for Brown and Montana and Lambert and Namath and all those other guys. http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/A-Hall-of-Famer-period-1459690.php

Gorton joins AFA Hall of Fame Glens Falls Post-Star

By GREG BROWNELL -- brownell@poststar.comThe Post-Star | Posted: Sunday, July 10, 2011

For Terry Gorton, semipro football was his NFL. The Greenjackets were his Green Bay Packers.

He played for the Jackets from 1976 through the 1990 season, then tacked on a couple of seasons with a team in Johnstown. He threw a ton of touchdown passes and played in a lot of memorable games.

There was the triple-overtime win over Watertown in 1976 that eventually led to an Empire Football League championship. http://poststar.com/sports/article_81f67dfc-aab2-11e0-bbed-001cc4c03286.html

North Stars drop EFL opener

Plattsburgh Press Republican  

Lawson threw three touchdowns in the second half to spur the Mallers to a 19-10 victory Saturday in the Empire Football League opener at Bleecker Stadium. The quarterback went 12-for-19 for 208 yards and one interception. "Well, that's Scott Lawson. http://pressrepublican.com/0300_sports/x999479701/North-Stars-drop-EFL-opener

EFL set to kick off 42nd season tonight with three game slate

Defending champion Plattsburgh heads to Albany in EFL Game of the Week

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The Empire Football League (EFL) will kick off its 42nd season Saturday night with six teams in action, including defending champions, the Plattsburgh North Stars, as they travel to Albany to take on the Metro Mallers. The other two games on the schedule have the Glens Falls Greenjackets visiting the Amsterdam Zephyrs and the Elmira Evolution hosting the Syracuse Shock. Watertown and Montreal both have a bye during week one.

In the EFL Game of the Week, Plattsburgh looks to defend their first-ever EFL Championship against return member, the Albany Metro Mallers. The Mallers join the EFL after spending last season in the North American Football League (NAFL).

Plattsburgh went 10-1 last season, and has not lost a game since last August, when they fell to Vermont 20-10. The North Stars won their final six games on the way to the EFL Championship. Plattsburgh defeated the Watertown Red & Black, 13-10, in a repeat matchup of the 2009 title game. In preparation for Saturday's opener, Plattsburgh has played two non-league games which head coach Pat Keleher's has been able to evaluate his team. "We started in mid-May and have had good numbers since," said Keleher. "We worked hard in the preseason and got everyone in the games and were able to evaluate a lot of players." Keleher's team won both non-league games handily giving his team confidence heading into week one.

The North Stars aerial attack will look to continue in 2011 as Plattsburgh returns the leagues best receiver last season, Trevor St. Clair. "Offensively, I like to be balanced," Keleher stated. "Last year people thought we were a passing team, but we were forced to throw because teams were stacking the line." In 2010, St. Clair led the EFL with 10 touchdown receptions and 441 yards receiving. St. Clair paired with Chris Fish gives Keleher much confidence in his receiving corp, "(Chris) Fish is a two-way tight end, he can get out and run and be a run blocker when needed…he could be one of the best tight ends in the league."

Led by third-year starting quarterback Ken Stay, 20 of the Plattsburgh's 28 touchdowns came through the air. "Ken (Stay) has matured nicely and he's really starting to get it…he could have a really good season this year." On the ground the Stars used a running back-by-committee philosophy last season as four different backs carried the ball at least 40 times. The defending EFL champions were led by Zach Block, who rushed for 427 yards on 82 carries, getting in the end zone three times. "We have a lot of depth in the backfield adding Akeem Williams from Vermont in addition to Zach (Block) and Harry Rascoe, who really carried us in the second half of the championship game."

A stingy North Star defense that held Watertown to ten points in last year's championship game will be led by the league's top tackler BJ Godfrey and Joey Painter, who had six picks to lead the EFL in 2010. The Stars boasted a defense that held opponents to 10.4 points per game and had three different players with at least 50 tackles on the season.

"On the defensive side of the ball we are a base 4-3, but we have the ability to adapt to teams who want to spread us out," Keleher continued. "We have depth at both the second and third levels, our linebackers are probably our strongest unit. Our two bigs in the middle return, (Kelsey) Lenny and (Mike) Moran and we have a bunch of talent in the secondary with Jay Mahl and Kris Ross."  

As for the game against the Mallers, Keleher knows his team will come out and compete, saying, "I know we will go out there and battle, I expect a dog fight and we just want to play our game and hopefully things will bounce our way."

Albany, a franchise that has had a storied history in the EFL, returns with a veteran-laden team as head coach Chris Brown looks to Scott Lawson at quarterback and Sylvester Cooperwood in the backfield to lead his offense. Albany has won four EFL titles and a USFA/MLFN National Title in 2008. The Mallers went 2-8 last season in the NAFL, but will look to find success again in the EFL.

The transition for the Mallers has been interesting according to head coach Chris Brown, "Preseason has gone well, we've consistently had 40-50 players, but the transition with some of the guys who haven't played in the EFL before has been slow at times." The combo of Lawson and Cooperwood paired with a stout front four on defense gives Brown a team ready to compete, "Our players are eager and ready to respond, we want to reestablish our presence in the EFL."

Offensively, Brown wants to ground and pound while keeping his opponents off balance. "I want to run the ball, but with Scott (Lawson) its hard at times, but we have the ability to adjust to our opponents." Lawson, who returns under center for the Metro Mallers after playing briefly with the Amsterdam Zephyrs' in 2010 is one of semi-pro football's most prolific passers. Lawson is just 150 yards away from eclipsing the 40,000 yard plateau. Brown is stocked with former All-Americans at the tailback position with Cooperwood and receiver Culture Branch. Brown is optimistic about his offensive personnel, "We have a lot of former All-Americans out there with plenty of experience, they kind of make it easy for us as coaches"

Defensively the Mallers also plays a base 4-3 defense. Brown will rely heavily upon his two big guys in the middle Jeremy Boyd (6'2, 320) and Dwayne Murdock (6'2, 250). "Most teams will be hard pressed to move those two in the middle," Brown reiterated. Albany will look to stop the run with their front four and force teams to pass the ball into their athletic secondary.   

Brown knows the North Stars will be ready to play, "Plattsburgh is a well coached team with a bunch of good guys over there, they execute on every play." As noted by Keleher, Brown too expects the game to be physical, "I know one thing, it will be a very hard hitting game, I'm sure both teams are eager to get after each other."

Both teams are confident in their front four, particular the defensive tackle position. It will be interesting to see who will gain the advantage on the ground. The defending champions want to prove they are for real and earn respect around the league. "It's a matter of respect," said Keleher. "We want to prove last year wasn't a fluke and be considered in the upper echelon of the EFL." Albany will look to spoil the reigning EFL champion's season opener in which should be a hotly contested matchup.

NOTE: According to semipro.org, Lawson will be the first quarterback to ever throw for over 40,000 yards in a career. Lawson has 1,205 more yards than long-time Scranton Eagles quarterback John Kennedy and is an all-time leader in attempts, completions and touchdowns. 

Wash gives title bid one last shot
WatertownDailyTimes.com
He also plans to step away from the Watertown Red and Black at the end of this season, and will do so as the semipro football team's all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. For all that Wash has accomplished, one thing still eludes him, ... http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110707/SPORTS01/307079981/-1/sports

Red & Black goals remain sky high

WatertownDailyTimes.com

Watertown has played in the Empire Football League championship game in each of the last two seasons, beating Plattsburgh for the title in 2009, and losing to the same team in last year's title game.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110707/SPORTS01/307079937/-1/sports

Stars set to begin title defense

Plattsburgh Press Republican

Nine months to the day after defeating the Watertown Red and Black in the Empire Football League championship game, the Plattsburgh North Stars will start all over.

http://pressrepublican.com/0300_sports/x981129787/Stars-set-to-begin-title-defense

Stars open EFL season

Plattsburgh Press Republican

The 2005 and 2006 Empire Football League champion Albany Metro Mallers left the EFL in 2007 for the North American Football League. http://pressrepublican.com/0300_sports/x981130092/Stars-open-EFL-season

Greenjackets to begin season Saturday night

Glens Falls Post-Star

The Glens Falls Greenjackets will begin their 2011 season in the Empire Football League with at the Amsterdam Zephyrs on Saturday night.

http://poststar.com/sports/article_84bc38de-a9df-11e0-a74c-001cc4c03286.html

SCHEDULE, Week One:

Plattsburgh at Albany, 7:30 p.m.

Glens Falls at Amsterdam, 7:30 p.m.

Syracuse at Elmira, 7:30 p.m.