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Forum > European Pro League > Western Europe Conference > Mr. Al Daly - 'The Tourists' write-ups
Vlad Dracul
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Game #1

First game a blow-out, Pro League looking like a breeze - by Al Daly




Plans that are made and not realized normally end up in the hands of the government. The Rocks came into the game against the Richmond Renegades with optimism. With the Rocky Road Dome pumping the regular season stated with a bang.

Now, when the team scores faster than rabbit copulation we all would be here until the next week reading about it. So, just like the last blow out we will look at it quarter by quarter because I don't think my hands could take this kind of abuse.

So the first quarter found the Rocks putting on a show right away with multiple big plays. The pitch to Kevin Folk went 55 yards for a touchdown. Terry Acre threw a block that rocked the Renegades defense to its core. Speaking of defense, Jack "Old No.7" Daniel's was a monster in the 1st quarter racking up 4 sacks, 2 consecutively. Going back to the scoring it was off to the races again on the ground as new comer William Stone used another block by Acre to run 70 yards. JJ Jacobsen got into the mix as Folk got back into the endzone with 53.5 yard and 44 yard touchdown runs. Charlie Gunner and Thor Mili connected for a 45 yard touchdown.

Rocks 34 - Renegades 0

Second quarter the offense had some competition against the defense in the scoring department. Stone and Folk again rattled off TD runs of 20 and 51.5 and 34 yards and 11.5 and 70 yards respectively. Yes, that is 5 rushing touchdowns. The defense stepped it up by B Quick picking off a pass and going 34 yards for the touchdown. The Renegade QBs were under pressure all day by Jack "Old No.7" Daniel's, Pata Brown, and Stephen Namtup - who got 2 sacks in the 2nd. The end of the half saw Sean Anderson return the punt 91.5 yards for another score. "Long Foot" must have had a tired leg as this was his second miss PAT of the game.

Rocks 82 - Renegades 0

The second half doesn't make it look any prettier seeing as the Rocks scored 118 points. The Renegades offense never found the endzone and had minus 87 yards rush. -87 YARDS! Charlie Gunner and the offense had all day to run and do whatever they wanted.

Final: Rocks 200 - Renegades 0

Now there were some grumblings that the Rocks don't have an appropriate name. To them I saw tough toddles. The CHICAGO Rocks are here to stay.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself rocked!
Last edited Sep 28, 2008 12:07:12
 
Vlad Dracul
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Game #2

Rocks sacked by Vikings, cheerleaders escape untouched - by Al Daly

With the first game of the Pro League out of the way the Chicago Rocks felt good. With the Valhalla Vikings coming to the Rocky Road Dome the Rocks knew that they had a true test on their hands, one they promised to pass. Well just like my second marriages promises are broken easier than glass.

You could say you could see what the result would be after the first three offensive series. The Vikings came out looking to make a statement. That statement was you can't stop us because all it took was nine plays to get into the endzone. The drive was helped by passes of 18.5, 14, and 19 yards. The scoring drive found James McMahon handing off to fullback Nicho Void who entered the endzone untouched.

Rocks 0 - Vikings 7

The Rocks were forced into a 3 and out, a situation they are use to and not the other way around. With the ball back in their possession the Vikings took less time to score this time, using a 6 play drive. The Rocks seemed to have them stopped but a 13.5 yard passing play predicted the scoring play. Using a pass play that used cutting routes McMahon found Li-Li Wang Dong open outside the defense. Dong used his speed to keep just ahead of the Rocks D for the second score of the game.

Rocks 0 - Vikings 14

The next Rocks drive found Gunner getting sacked by Sans Testicles and that was enough to disrupt any of the flow. The Vikings looked again to some big plays, something that the Rocks should take notes on. Again the Rocks D gave up a big play, a 21.5 yard passing play from McMahon to Mahandzar Stickei. The Rocks D then clamped down on them forcing a field goal. That makes the total 17 unanswered points and a lot of swearing from me in the press booth.

Rocks 0 - Vikings 17

The Rocks responded, finally, with a huge play of their own. On the second play of the drive Charlie Gunner dropped back to pass. Seeing the blitzing corner coming right at him Gunner found Maksim Maksov and hit him in stride. 79 yards and the Rocks were finally on the board.

Rocks 7 - Vikings 17

With 2:17 left in the 1st, the Vikings took control of the ball. The Vikings used a 14 play drive to get the ball into the 2nd quarter. But just before the 1st ended Karim Johnson fought through the right tackle and sacked McMahon for a 6.5 yard loss. The Rocks D still couldn't find a way to halt the drive as it resulted in a field goal. Yeah, the Rocks were again down by 13.

Rocks 7 - Vikings 20

Once in the 2nd the Rocks and Vikings traded the ball back and forth. The Rocks D finally showed backbone. On the Vikings 3rd drive the Neon One stepped in front of the pass intended for Jason Gram. I guess defending against some weaker passers Neon Deon didn't figure on the velocity as he stepped out of bounds after catching it. The Rocks could only capitalize by having "Long Foot" come out and nail a 48 yard attempt.

Rocks 10 - Vikings 20

The Vikings got one play off before the half ended.

Now I can tell you that those apart of the Valhalla press core seemed overly smug about their chances and the score. I did my best to defend the honor of all Rock-heads but I needed the Rocks to back me up.

With the start of the 2nd half, it seemed like they were. The Rocks came out almost inspired, moving the ball like the Vikings. Gunner found Billy Wizz and Will Sanders in back to back passes for 17.5 yards apiece. The Viking defense didn't seem to know what to do as the Rocks looked like the Rocks of old. On the ninth play of the drive, facing a 3rd and goal from the 1, Gunner handled off to fullback Terry Acre who plowed the field and entered the endzone.

Rocks 17 - Vikings 20

The Vikings responded with a 6 play drive that extended the lead back to 10. The Rocks passing D was abused and used this drive as McMahon hit receiver Muhsin Muhamad for 15.5 yard gain. Two plays later McMahon found receiver Jason Gram moving away from Alex Wells and scored with the 29 yard gain. Wells looked lost and turned around on the play which means the defensive coordinator has some work to do.

Rocks 17 - Vikings 27

The Rocks and Vikings both began to play defense finally and traded the ball on punts. On the 3rd drive of the Rocks ended in a 3 and out MAx Singletary provided a spark of hope. Singletary forced the fumble on the punt return and Hitem Hard pounced on the loose ball giving the Rocks possession of the ball again on the Viking 20. Using the rush the Rocks moved the ball further into the endzone. On the 5th play of the drive JJ Jacobson took the handoff into the endzone. Jacobson used his blockers and broke the plane. Steve Charles had the PAT deflected thus making it a 4 point game.

Rocks 23 - Vikings 27

The Rocks actually forced a 3 and out on the Vikings. The Rocks looked to move the ball but had their plans derailed by another sack, this time by Uri Heiman who forced the punt. The punt took the game into the 4th quarter and now time was also the enemy of the Rocks.

The Rocks were able to halt the Vikings and received the punt at 12:59 left in the 4th. Unfortunately the drive was stopped by another sack, this time by Testicles, which forced the punt. All it took for the Vikings to put the game almost out of reach was one play, one stinking play. Again it was McMahon to Gram on a misdirection route that found him 10 yards past the defense. Gram went 54.5 yards for the score.

Rocks 23 - Vikings 34

The Rocks began a 14 play drive that ended well but also ate up a lot of clock. Starting off with a 19.5 yard run by William Stone the Rocks used medium gains to move down the field. on the 14th play of the drive Gunner dropped back to pass and found Maksov in the hole of the zone coverage in the endzone. Charles this time pushed the kick wide and he wasn't the only one sick over that one.

Rocks 29 - Vikings 34

The Rocks did what they needed to do in forcing a 3 and out on the Vikings. Even another sack by Testicles didn't seem to stop the Rocks. The second to last nail in the coffin came when the Rocks faced a 4th an 12 on their 41. Gunner fired a pass to Sean Anderson, the only receiver not covered. Anderson should have had it but he must have had that fleeting allergy to leather that I've heard some receivers get. That was a turn over on downs that gave the Vikings back the ball on the Rock 41 with 1:44 left in the game.

The Vikings wasted no time passing down the field. The final play of the game saw McMahon hitting Gram once again. Gram pulled off a move that left two defenders stuck in place and entered the endzone.

Final: Rocks 29 - Vikings 41

This game should be a wake-up call. I know that luck had a part in this game and that is something that you can't plan for. But this team has the talent to be a force in this league and needs to realize it.

The next game is against the Berlin Blitzkrieg. With the same kind of passing attack as the Valhalla Vikings hopefully the Rocks will know how to handle them.

Prediction: Rocks 21 - Blitzkrieg 20

A close game but one that can be won.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself rocked!
Last edited Sep 28, 2008 12:09:00
 
Vlad Dracul
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Game #3

Rocks unable to stop Blitzkrieg, kicked to side in 2nd loss of season. - by Al Daly


As the Rocks go deeper into the season here in the Pro League we knew that there would be tests and challenges on the way. Unlike our previous league we could almost steamroll every team played against with our worrying about the "close ones." If this game had anything to show us Rock-heads, it's that we now have to worry about the close ones.

Now before anyone jumps on me for being too negative this game was not horrible for the Rocks. The defense was able to hold the Berlin Blitzkrieg as well as anyone expected. But as most learn the only way a moral victory counts is if you learn from it, and that my friends has yet to be seen.

The game started out promising as the Rocks defender B Quick forced a fumble and Stephen Namtup recovered. The Rocks couldn't capitalize and had to punt. The Rocks were able to stop the Blitzkrieg twice, forcing the punt both times. Namtup and Sean Anderson had back to back sacks totaling 8.5 yards that forced the second punt. On the next series the Rocks found their stroke as Charlie Gunner hit Phil De'ath for a 20 yard gain. William Stone took the handoff and followed his blockers into the endzone.

Rocks 7 - Blitzkrieg 0

Berlin took the ball into the 2nd quarter. Ewiv Enor, QB of Berlin, hit a huge plas heading into the 2nd with a 29.5 yard gain. Once in the second the Rocks began to clamp down on the Blitz forcing a 45 yard attempt. Hiro Oka of the Blitzkrieg nailed it.

Rocks 7 - Blitzkrieg 3

One the Rocks next drive Gunner found a connection with new guy Weezy Baby, going to him three times for good yardage. Their connection resulted in 10 and 28 yards being racked up. On their third and last connection Gunner laid a perfect pass, normally not something I saw about Gunner very often, to Baby in the endzone.

Rocks 14 - Blitzkrieg 0

The Blitzkrieg then took the ball down the field as they tried to sustain a drive. Using mostly medium gains the Blitz moved down the field. Crossing the Rocks 30 the drive began to sputter and die. Facing a 4th and 2 around the 21 yard like, Oka came out and nailed the 38 yard field goal.

Rocks 14 - Blitzkrieg 6

The Rocks could only get off 4 plays before needing to punt. It took the Blitz to two plays to literally run over the Rocks. Zipper Head took the hand off and just sliced up the middle for 73 yards. The extra point pulled them within one.

Rocks 14 - Blitzkrieg 13

The Rocks took control with 1:58 left in the half. Turning to Gunner the Rocks flew down the field. With only 1 second left Steve "Long Foot" Charles came out with a 40 yard attempt lined up for him. The kick was boomed toward the uprights and at the last freaking second it flew left.

Half time was interesting. The beer in Berlin is a little strong than I'm use to so I may have done something inappropriate. From reports from some of our colleagues in the press room that also translated to the 2nd half.

The 3rd quarter started how the 2nd quarter ended. The Rocks drove down the field with Gunner, Kyle Morton, and Bruiser Jenkins eating up yards and time. This time, though, "Long Foot" only had a 32 yard attempt facing him this time. The line did not hold enough as the kick was deflected, falling just short of the crossbar.

The Blitz took the ball and began a 7:21 minute 16 play drive that took it to the 2:21 mark of the 3rd. Using the run to eat away the clock found the Blitz knocking on the door. The Rocks tried to treat them like Jehova's Witness and slam the door shut. Unfortunately the Blitz kicked the door down with a successful 35.5 yard field goal giving them the lead for the first time.

Rocks 14 - Blitzkrieg 16

The Rocks again were stopped with only a 4 play drive. The Blitz took the ball into the 4th quarter where Shadetree Jones ended the drive of the Blitz. How? By sacking Ewiv Enor. That was about it from the Rocks for the rest of the game. It was a back and forth battle as both defenses did their best to keep the other out of range for field goals and scores.

The only time the Rocks faltered was with 1:47 left in the game and the Blitz in field goal range. The 52 yard attempt by Oka was good and the nail was technically put in the coffin.

Rocks 14 - Blitzkrieg 19

The Rocks made an attempt to come back but it fell short by 30 yards as JJ Jacobson was stopped for a short gain through the air.

Now I know it' s not broke but something has to be fixed here. With every loss the Rocks fall further from the playoffs, something that hasn't happened since I joined.

With the Lake Charles Who Dats up next the team has to hunker down.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself rocked!

 
Vlad Dracul
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Game #4

Rocks find stroke against Who Dats - by Al Daly


I don't know what to expect from the Rocks this season. If kept to their normal ways, without comment, would they have won? Do my ranting and raving about their need to get better really work? All these things I do not know.

What do I know? Yeah, I can hear most of you say not much which isn't far from the truth. But that isn't the case here. I know that the Rocks just opened the gates and allowed the offense to run roughshod over the Lake Charles Who Dats, especially in the second half. The first half was an acutal defensive struggle that only saw the Rocks making the best of it.

The Rocks and Dats traded 3 and outs in the first two series of the game. Once back on offense the Rocks turned to William Stone. He was running like a man possessed but the Dats defense exorcised his demon and forced the fumble, taking over on their 38. The Dats tried moving the ball but the Rocks had other ideas. Dropping back to pass Randy Floyd was under immense pressure from Stephen Namtup but was able to hit Scout Sanders. Rocks defender Bruce Williams just unloaded on Sanders, making chicken outta roadrunner. Anthony Hearn jumped on the loose ball to give the Rocks da rock.

The Rocks couldn't capitalize as two plays went bad. First Charlie Gunner is sacked by Jason Taylor as Mandrich and Kevin Folk couldn't stop him. That brought out Steve Charles for a 57 yard attempt. I think we may have found his range. The kick was straight enough but just not long enough as it fell harmlessly into the endzone. The WDs had 9 play drive that amounted to a Rocks miss - a 47 yard field goal attempt that went wide right.

On their next drive the Rocks hit a HUGE play that allowed the momentum to carry into a score. On the 3rd play of the drive Gunner found Phil De'ath on a double cut route and hit him on the second cut. 42 yards and the Rocks were rollin. And no, I couldn't resist that phrase. Knocking on the door JJ Jacobson took the pitch to the left and entered the endzone untouched breaking the stalemate.

Rocks 7 - Who Dats 0

The Rocks weren't finished as Shadetree Jones forced a fumble and Hearn again picked it up. The Rocks took the ball into the 2nd quarter. JJ Jacobson took the pitch again and this time made Deion Slanders and Jason Taylor both miss with moves that would make Dancers jealous.

Rocks 14 - Who Dats 0

The rest of the 2nd was showcased by Hearn making a sack against Floyd, Folk trying to juke one tackler but getting him by another losing a fumble. Max Singletary capped off the end of the half by bring Floyd down for a 6 yard loss.

Halftime at the Dome is always special. The Rock-ettes are always special, maybe I could use another wife.

The 3rd quarter had two defensive plays worth noting. One is a sack that brought down Gunner. The other play was Hearn forcing a fumble this time. That was enough to disrupt the WDs to force the punt.

From here on out, I turn into Emeril because of the scoring. You ready? Here we go.

With 7:20 left in the game Kyle Morton hit De'ath on an out route for a 30 yard score. BAM!

Rocks 21 - Who Dats 0

Gunner back in the game finds Weezy Baby on an almost identical out route. 58.5 yards and another score. BOOM!

Rocks 28 - Who Dats 0

Morton back in and hits Maksim Maksov on a curl route. 14.5 yards and a dive makes another score and 35 unanswered points. ZING!

Rocks 35 - Who Dats 0

In the forth the WDs finally showed that they could put together a good drive and they broke the shutout as Channing Hedrick followed blockers into the endzone. DOH!

Rocks 35 - Who Dats 7

Jacobson on the next drive broke through the line and using only one cut rambled 44 yards for the score. ZOOM!

Rocks 42 - Who Dats 7

Tibo Vendome came in for the WDs and showed his competency. Vendome hit Speedy Hendrick as he blew past Neon Deon for a 48 yard score. DANG!

Rocks 42 - Who Dats 14

Morton took 3 plays to answer. Morton hit Lawrence Dawsey, who had been silent this year, as he got outside the defense. 52 yards and another score. OH YEAH!

Rocks 49 - Who Dats 14

Vendrome took 9 plays to score and even fought off a sack by Jack "Old No.7" Daniel's. Vendrome hit Scout Sanders on an up and out with Sanders making Williams miss. 42.5 yards and another score. NOOOO!

Rocks 49 - Who Dats 21

Two plays later Morton his Jacobson through the air. The missed tackle by free safety Péter Hanó allowed Jacobson a 79 yard TD reception. ZIP!

Rocks 56 - Who Dats 21

The last score of the game and the time for all of us in the press room and scoreboard came with the 4th play of the WDs last drive. Vendrome hit Sanders as he got outside the defense and ran 51 yards for the score. Thank god its over!

Rocks 56 - Who Dats 28

These desperation plays finally played out like a big time fight. Unfortunately you have to insert my second wife's favorite phrase here. Too little...and yes I finally get it. (cough Cialis).

The Rocks showed that they are still very dangerous and hopefully they will continue this streak.

This is Al Daly. Considered yourself rocked!
 
T-Noles813
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This thread fails, please stop
 
Vlad Dracul
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Love ya too. I wanna have your babies.

 
T-Noles813
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Originally posted by Vlad Dracul
Love ya too. I wanna have your babies.



I dont even have to edit this one to make u look gay
 
Vlad Dracul
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can u believe it?
 
Vlad Dracul
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Philharmonic lull Rocks into 3rd loss of the season. Outlook not sounding great. - by Al Daly



I watched the game. I was there and I still don't know how it happened. The Rocks out-gained the Paris Philharmonic by 200 yards and yet they still lost. If this in any indication as to how the Rocks stint in the Pro League is going to be it will be a long season. The biggest thing I see is that the Rocks need to learn how to finish these close games, on the positive side of the scoreboard.

The game started on the right foot as Stephen Namtup flew untouched to the quarterback. Two more plays and the Philharmonics, a name I never thought I would have to type - EVER, punted. Charlie Gunner was harassed and he was hurried. This was evident as he was sack on the first play by Paris player Omnipotent Nihility. Gunner was able to hit Billy Wizz by threading the needle for 16 yards. Eight plays later and Steve Charles lined up for a 47 yard attempt. One play broke it open for the Philharmonic. Steve Tarkenton hit tight end Igor Stravinsky for 44.5 yards. Neon Deon saved the play by making a diving stop. Aguda Monster took the hand off and plowed up the middle. Not a back breaker but definitely not a good sign.

Rocks 0 - Philharmonic 7

Next drive found Gunner hitting Lawrence Dawsey as he nailed the pause route for a 16.5 yard gain. The drive sputtered again, this time on the 37 making it a 54 yard attempt. "Long Foot" boomed a high and long kick that sailed wide right. Two attempts, two misses. Maybe Charles was distracted by all the pretty women, I know I was.

Tarkenton rolled out to pass. Bruce Williams timed the pass just right and brought the ball back into the Rocks hands. Taking the ball into the 2nd quarter the Rocks were looking for a different outcome. 9 plays into the 2nd and the outcome was different. After being stopped on the inch line, and after a lengthy review by officials, Charles came out and nailed the 17 yard attempt giving the Rocks their first points.

Rocks 3 - Philharmonic 7

The Rocks again responded by forcing a 3 and out against the Philharmonic. 7 more plays and the Rocks were on the board again. The key plays of the drive were when William Stone took a pitch for 15 yards and Gunner hit JJ Jacobson in the flats and gained 18 more. The drive stalled again but Charles was able to over come his early miscues and nailed the 21 yard attempt.

Rocks 6 - Philharmonic 7

The Neon one on the very first play of the next drive of the Philharmonic picked off the errant pass and ran it back 37 yards for the score.

Rocks 13 - Philharmonic 7

The Rocks forced a 3 and out and started a 14 play drive that ended just like those in the 1st quarter. With the drive stalled about the 23 yard line Steve Charles came out. Charles missed his third field goal attempt, nine points missed, as the ball again sailed right. I swear it had to be the women in section 140. The Philharmonic were able to get something going by the half ended with them on the Rocks 40.

This was the first halftime where my choices were brie cheese and wine. I originally asked for a hotdog and cold beer. Strange.

The Rocks started the second half with Phil De'ath catching a 19 yard pass and JJ Jacobson running out a 26 yard gain. That momentum extended the fragile lead as the 10th play hit. Fullback Terry Acre lowered his head and bulled into the endzone. Things looked up, but things also look deceiving too.

Rocks 20 - Philharmonic 7

The Philharmonic apparently saw the writing on the wall and didn't like what it said. They began a 9 minute 14 play drive that used medium gains to eat up yards and time. Monster on the 14th play took the hand off up the middle and dove over the line for the score. Moving that easily worried me.

Rocks 20 - Philharmonic 14

With Morton under center as the 3rd was ending you could see the end of the Rocks lead on the 2nd play of the drive. From the shotgun Morton looked to his receivers. Maksim Maksov made a great cut move but defender Whatever Whenever recovered to pick off the pass. Harmonic runner Williamson Tang, in the 4th, used moves illegal in 4 countries for being too perverse as he rambled 24.5 yards for the score.

Rocks 20 - Philharmonic 21

The Rocks and Harmonic traded the ball through punts on the next two drives. The Rocks luck ran out as on the first play of their next drive William Stone was slammed into hard enough to fumble and defender Ulrich von Liechtenstein, god was a long name, picked it up. 4 plays later and the Harmonics were kicking the field goal.

Rocks 20 - Philharmonic 24

The Rocks look never seemed to waiver as they drove down the field using medium gains and good clock management. The problem? Jacobson took the pitch to the right and headed for the endzone. He dodged one defender to only get lit up by Siegfried Kircheis. Walter von Schenkopp of the Philharmonic picked it up in the endzone and outran everybody for the 100 YARD SCORE! Weezy Baby had the chance to stop Schenkopp but he tripped over Maksov.

Rocks 20 - Philharmonic 31

The Rocks used one play to get within four points. Morton hit Will Sanders as he made his cut. 80 yards of dust and the Rocks pulled within 4.

Rocks 27 - Philharmonic 31

The Rocks forced a 3 and out to give themselves a shot. Unfortunately Gunner and the offense couldn't deliver. On the 9th play of the Rocks' final drive, Gunner dropped back to pass. Trying to force the ball into Baby's hands allowed Wolfgang Mittermeyer to pick it off.

The Rocks are better than their record. I've stated so to my bookie. It's these close ones that kill us and them.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself rocked!
 
Vlad Dracul
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Texas no match for Chicago. Rocks in 10th place. - by Al Daly


"You smell that? That particular odor in the air? That, my friends, is defense. I love the smell of defense in the morning."

Now, I'm not too sure if that was the pep talk of the 2-3 Chicago Rocks before facing off against the Fightin' Texas Aggies, but it had to be close. Why? I'll tell ya.

With the Aggies starting the game off the pride in the defense might seem to be misplaced. Maxwell Smart hit Speedy Merchant on the first play for 16.5 yards. Four plays later and Smart hits Bethel Taylor for 20. Its was just luck. The Rocks D started applying pressure like a union to a city official and forced them into a field goal situation. The Aggies were successful, but what is success truly measured by.

Rocks 0 - Aggies 3

The Rocks O had trouble getting started and was forced into a 3 and out. With two plays the Rocks luck would change. Smart dropped back to pass and was placed under pressure by Stephen Namtup. Hurrying the throw the ball did not have enough Umph to get to Taylor. Sean Anderson was there to take the gift 41 yards for the score. And since we were on our turf, SUCK IT AGGIES!

Rocks 7 - Aggies 3

You would think Smart would follow his name sake more than this. Again two plays and the Rocks rolled into the endzone. Smart again panicked as Poul Crew almost got him. The hurried pass fell right into the waiting arms of Neon Dieon who went 35 yards to the house.

Rocks 14 - Aggies 3

With the ball again, the Aggies were forced into a 3 and out. The Rocks got off six plays before punting with Charlie Gunner hitting Will Sanders for an 11 yard gain being the only play of notice. With 2:56 left in the 1st the Aggies leaped into the 2nd using the pass to more effect. The biggest gain was Smart hitting Merchant again for 23 yards. The Neon One made a diving tackle tripping up Merchant before any more damage could be done. On the 17th play Smart tried to hit Mantis Little Debbie in the back of the endzone. Kyle McKenzie lept at the right time defeating the scoring chance of the Aggies. The Rocks used the run to eat away at the yards and time. The biggest gain came as JJ Jacobson followed his blockers after the pitch for 21.5 yard gain. The drive stalled around the 26 making Steve Charles come out. For his first attempt everyone's breath was held as the kick was boomed. It was successful and "Long Foot" was back after the 43 yard attempt.

Rocks 17 - Aggies 3

The Aggies responded by having a 4 play drive that brought the game within seven points. After a big play of 26 yards through the air, Darren Dickey of Texas took the pitch 41.5 yards for the touchdown making Sam Dwyer miss his tackle.

Rocks 17 - Aggies 10

The Rocks were forced into a 3 and out. That is a lot better than throwing interceptions. Three plays later that is what Smart did. Smart tried to hit Merchant but McKenzie was in the flight path of the ball, bringing the rock back to the Rocks. Seven plays later and it became a 14 point game. The biggest play came with Gunner finding Phil De'ath for 19 yards. The money play had Gunner finding Thor Mili on a curl route using his big body to block the pass for the TD.

Rocks 24 - Aggies 10

With 1:43 left in the half the Aggies went to the air. Smart hit Merchant in back to back plays for 24.5 and 21.5 yard gains. That left 43 seconds and the Aggie kicking team came out for a 27.5 yard attempt. The kick was up and good.

Rocks 24 - Aggies 13

The Rocks ended the half with a 15.5 yard pass from Gunner to Jacobson. With halftime up, the Rocky Road Dome had that feel from last season. The swagger on the field was being matched in the stands.

The 3rd quarter started with a defensive stand as both the Rocks and Aggies were forced to punt. On the Aggies second drive of the half the Rocks D came up big again as Neon Dieon again showed up with another interception. Five running plays later and the Rocks were back in the endzone. Kevin Folk followed his blockers and was finally knocked down once in the endzone. That is what I call a run.

Rocks 31 - Aggies 13

The Aggies were forced to punt after four plays and the Rocks again made them pay. With the ball back in their hands the Rocks used five plays using the pass to great effect. The biggest play of this drive had Gunner hitting Lawrence Dawsey for a huge gain of 37.5 yards. On the next play Gunner hit De'ath on a out route in the front corner of the endzone. I started celebrating early.

Rocks 38 - Aggies 13

The Aggies next drive went six plays before they had to punt and the Rocks D was rockin'. With 1:28 left in the 3rd the Rocks used a five play drive to get into the 4th quarter. Having to punt to the Aggies, the Aggies used the run to move down field. On the eleventh play Jorvorskie Toombs of the Aggies took the hand off and dove over the line for the score trying to close the gap.

Rocks 38 - Rocks 20

Ten plays was all it took for the Rocks to get into scoring range. Using medium gains allowed the Rocks to eat away four minutes from the 4th quarter. I don't know what happened because I saw that the Rocks were going for the jugular. With the drive stalled on the 30 the Rocks once again turned to "Long Foot". I am happy to say that Charles was back going 3 for 3.

Rocks 41 - Aggies 20

After another round of punting the ball the Aggies had one last chance to make any headway. Seven pass plays and the Aggies were in.

Rocks 41 - Aggies 27

This is what I am talking about. When your offense can't get going, a complaint that my second wife had all the time, the defense has to step up until they can. A fact that my first wife never could understand. The defense not only stepped up but lead the scoring in the first half.

With the Aberdeen Wrecking Crew up next the pass defense will have another test, one I think they can pass.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself rocked!
 
Mike Rogers
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Nice write ups!

PS FTA really need to sort their act out, thats another game they lost because of something so simple.
 
Vlad Dracul
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I know Mike! They need to do something asap. we have great respect for them, and we admit they look better than us atm.
 
Vlad Dracul
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Missed kick dooms Rocks. Still in 10th. - by Al Daly




Special Teams. They can be a savior or a goat depending upon which side of the line they fall. The exact same kicking team that wins you a game can lose it for you the very next. For the Rocks it has been one bi-polar ride from one game to the next. The biggest problem seems to be with the kicking team from the protection all the way to Steve "Long Foot" Charles.

It has been the close games that have plagued the Rocks this season and this one seemed to be no different. With the Rocks winning the coin toss they started the game. Charlie Gunner lept the Rocks 15 yards with a successful pass to Phil De'ath. Two plays later and Crew member Jimmy Johnston took the inside track against 'Roid Mandarich to end the drive. Punting away the Aberdeen Wrecking Crew faced a pumped Rocks D. Getting 8 plays off the Crew had to punt. The Rocks were stalled with a 3 and out on their next drive. The Crew then went 80 yards on 14 plays. The Crew used medium gains and hit a 15.5 yard play on their way to the 2nd quarter. Keith Woodside of the Crew walked through the hole opened for him into the endzone on the 14th play.

Rocks 0 - Wrecking Crew 7

After the score the Rocks offense was again knocked off its game as Gunner was sacked on the first play by Edge Williams. The Crew with possession of the ball again took another 14 play drive to the promise land. What helped them move was Pimp Nerd hitting Speedie Gonzalez as he broke away from Kyle McKenzie for 16.5 yards. In an almost carbon copy of the previous scoring play Woodside entered the endzone untouched.

Rocks 0 - Wrecking Crew 14

The Rocks tried to respond. The biggest statement of the 6 play drive was a 21 yard pass. Gunner hit William Stone in the flats. Allowing his blockers to do their job sprung him for the big gain. Unfortunately for the Rocks the line again couldn't hold the block for long as Johnston again broke through for the sack that forced the punt. With 1:48 left in the half the Crew tried their best to score. Their 8 play drive had successful passing plays off 11.5, 13, and 12.5 yards.

The half ended as the Wrecking Crew crossed the 50 yard line. Speaking of cross, well cross-eyed, the head ref didn't like my editorial on his job.

The second half was just as big of a slugfest as the 1st half. The 3rd quarter had only one play worth mentioning here, and yes it is because I am highly biased here. Gunner dropped back looking to pass. Finding Weezy Baby behind the defense Gunner hit him for a 19.5 yard score. Charles came out and nailed the PAT.

Rocks 7 - Wrecking Crew 14

Once in the 4th quarter, this is where the need of the Special Teams to come through. The Rocks were able to get good play from their D as Tommy Harassment forced the fumble of Woodside and Stephen Namtup picked it up. That gave the Rocks the chance to tie up the game, much like my last date...still need to cancel those credit cards. Six plays and Gunner to Baby struck again. Gunner found Baby streaking away from the defense and hit him in stride for 66 yards. Charles and the Special Teams came through with the PAT.

Rocks 14 - Wrecking Crew 14

The Crew responded with one play. Nerd hit Gonzalez through the air for 10 yards. One move and he was gone for 63 yards.

Rocks 14 - Wrecking Crew 21

The Rocks tried their best to tie the game. 6 plays. Gunner was able to hit Stone for 27 yards. The flats seemed to be open. On the sixth play Gunner dropped back to pass. Finding De'ath cutting toward the corner Gunner fired the ball. Phil Ken Sebben of the Crew tipped the ball but De'ath gripped it by his finger tips for the score. On the extra point the snap was mis-played and Rick Allen was tackled. Steve Charles was not to blame for the missed point and the line needs to be better.

Rocks 20 - Wrecking Crew 21

The Crew tried to run out the clock but they were stopped. With 1:45 left in the game the Rocks tried to get in field goal range. Only having one play in the positive the Rocks drive and chance to win were squashed as Mandarich couldn't block Johnston. Johnston sacked Gunner back to back to end the drive on turnover on downs. That was that.

The offensive line needed to step up, make adjustments, and get the ball to the appropriate people. The good sign is that Steve Charles was able to hit the points he needed to when.

Hopefully the Rocks will follow their current trend and pull out a win against the Wembley Warriors. With a good passing game and rushing attack the Rocks need to prepare well.

This is Al Daly. Consider yourself worried.
 
shmingus
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These are pretty good. It puts a whole new spin on things, watching it from the other team's perspective. I like the little dramatic flourishes, like "The FG was tipped and JUST missed the crossbar." Good job Dracula. Or Vlad Dracul. Or Al Daly. But I'm pretty sure you're Dracula.
 


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