Latest gamesFour games to review; going to be much lighter than last one.
Alpine @ Maine SnailsThe 2nd and 9th seeds had their opening game yesterday; a rematch of their ladder game earlier in the day. The first big moment of the day came on Maine's second drive; they were in Alpines red zone but HB DeMarco Murray coughed up the ball handing Alpine a reprieve (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/797606 ). After a 3 and out Maine then drove back down to the 5 yard line and had 3 shots at the TD. They seemingly had to settle for the FG but K Ivan Hendrix missed the easy 28 yd field goal (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/797808 ).
Alpine continued to struggle on offense and after another short series Maine was back on the field. Again they drove down the field and capped it off with a nice 17 yd passing TD (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/798047 ). Alpine tied the game on the next drive though moving the ball well through the air (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/798202 ). Alpine's offense was now clicking and when they returned to the field with the ball they again moved well. David Lime finished the drive with his 2nd TD pass of the game (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/798496 ).
Alpine were now up 14-7 and there were no further additions to the score before half time. Maine would have been very disappointed in their first half with 3 trips into the opponents red zone for 7 points. If they could convert on their visits in the 2nd half then we were in for a very close game.
Alpine received the ball to start the second half and continued their air attack with a currently convtroversial inside run from the spread formation finishing the drive off (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/798822 ). Maine answered instantly with a TD of their own, moving quickly and efficiently (this nice completion moving them into the red zone being the highlight
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/798896 ) down the field to move the score to 21 - 14. The teams traded quick possessions with very little ball movement until Alpine found their groove again and managed a FG to make the gap two scores.
With just 9:50 on the clock Maine needed a quick response which they duly provided. Another clinical drive with only a single 3rd down saw Maine move within striking distance 24 - 21. Alpine surprised everyone when they continued to pass on their ensuing possession. There was only 4:40 on the clock surely some running would potentially secure them the game! "As would a TD" coach PML97 told reporters after the game. Although he was correct an intercept on the third play of the drive could have been fatal (
http://glb2.warriorgeneral.com/game/replay/20333/799508 ).
However Maine continued with their consistent inconsistency with a 3 and out which effectively ended the game with Alpine winning 24 to 21. That missed FG in the opening quarter of the game proved to be the deciding factor. Alpine are a hot team right now and move into the early lead of Group B. Maine now visit the Reapers tomorrow hoping that they won't squander chances in a similar fashion. Alpine have a few days rest before Portland Ronin visit which will be a top of the table clash after Portlands high octane win over OG.
Sunday Funday @ Iowa RoguesThis was a highly anticipated game before the tournament even began. Iowa were a semi-controversial inclusion however with only 1 significant loss on their record were looking to show they could match it with the best. Then Sunday Funday rolled into town and the rest is history.
Sunday piled almost 600 yards of offense on Iowa with 500 coming through the air. The game was never in doubt with SF leading 21-0 at the end of the first quarter and continued to pile on the pain finishing 52-7. Iowa now have several days to dust themselves off and come up with a new plan of attack against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. Sunday Funday will be hoping they can continue rolling when they travel to TT's Wolfpack of One on Tuesday; the bigger question is will they have to face DD in a ladder game for the fourth time this year!?
