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TUFF Week 13
QB Mars Calixtro and the Honolulu Islanders saw their hopes for
an undefeated season come to an end when his 4th Down pass fell
incomplete, ending a last gasp desperation drive in the waning
moments of their surprising 27-19 home defeat to the red hot
Wisconsin Wreckers. Honolulu rallied earlier from a 12 point
deficit to take a 19-17 lead after three quarters, but the Wisconsin
Wreckers finished strong, outscoring the Islanders 10-0 in the 4th
Quarter. QB Howard Gatling’s 7 yard TD pass to Rogan sealed the
upset win for the visitors. At 12-1, Honolulu still holds a three
game lead over the Wreckers for the Continental Conference lead
with three weeks remaining in the season.
Next week the Islanders face the 12-1 Pittsburgh Bulls that will
actually mean little more than bragging rights. Both teams have all
but wrapped up home field advantage in their respective
conferences and should they meet again in the TUFF Bowl, it
would be at the neutral site in Albuquerque, NM. The Pitt Bulls
today beat the New York Vendetta 26-10 in the Big Apple, tallying
their 10th straight win. RB Felix Sierra led the way for the Pitt
Bulls with 130 yards rushing and 2 TDs on only 15 carries.
In Los Angeles the Chicago Skyline continues to be an enigma, but
managed to clinch the Central division title with a 28-23 win over
the Paladins. The Skyline did not play their MVP QB Chad Oxford
and nearly paid the price. QB Smith threw for 425 and 3 TDs but
had 4 Ints. Chicago outgained LA 591 to 228 and had 41 first
downs to LA’s 6, but trailed 23-14 in the 3rd Quarter before
rallying for the come from behind win.
an undefeated season come to an end when his 4th Down pass fell
incomplete, ending a last gasp desperation drive in the waning
moments of their surprising 27-19 home defeat to the red hot
Wisconsin Wreckers. Honolulu rallied earlier from a 12 point
deficit to take a 19-17 lead after three quarters, but the Wisconsin
Wreckers finished strong, outscoring the Islanders 10-0 in the 4th
Quarter. QB Howard Gatling’s 7 yard TD pass to Rogan sealed the
upset win for the visitors. At 12-1, Honolulu still holds a three
game lead over the Wreckers for the Continental Conference lead
with three weeks remaining in the season.
Next week the Islanders face the 12-1 Pittsburgh Bulls that will
actually mean little more than bragging rights. Both teams have all
but wrapped up home field advantage in their respective
conferences and should they meet again in the TUFF Bowl, it
would be at the neutral site in Albuquerque, NM. The Pitt Bulls
today beat the New York Vendetta 26-10 in the Big Apple, tallying
their 10th straight win. RB Felix Sierra led the way for the Pitt
Bulls with 130 yards rushing and 2 TDs on only 15 carries.
In Los Angeles the Chicago Skyline continues to be an enigma, but
managed to clinch the Central division title with a 28-23 win over
the Paladins. The Skyline did not play their MVP QB Chad Oxford
and nearly paid the price. QB Smith threw for 425 and 3 TDs but
had 4 Ints. Chicago outgained LA 591 to 228 and had 41 first
downs to LA’s 6, but trailed 23-14 in the 3rd Quarter before
rallying for the come from behind win.
Player of the Week:
QB Ken Esposito 30-51 507 yards 6 TD 3 Int
Baltimore Battalion
This is Ken Esposito showing that he still can play at the highest level. Forget any
thoughts you may have about this not being Baltimore’s year. If Esposito plays the
way he did today, the Battalion remains a huge threat to take home the title.
QB Ken Esposito 30-51 507 yards 6 TD 3 Int
Baltimore Battalion
This is Ken Esposito showing that he still can play at the highest level. Forget any
thoughts you may have about this not being Baltimore’s year. If Esposito plays the
way he did today, the Battalion remains a huge threat to take home the title.
Team of the Week:
Wisconsin Wreckers
You knock off an unbeaten, you get the honor. Miami did it earlier in the season, now
it’s Wisconsin’s turn. Wreckers are legit, no doubt about it. The Continental playoffs
just got a whole lot more interesting after this showing.
Wisconsin Wreckers
You knock off an unbeaten, you get the honor. Miami did it earlier in the season, now
it’s Wisconsin’s turn. Wreckers are legit, no doubt about it. The Continental playoffs
just got a whole lot more interesting after this showing.
Looking Ahead
Honolulu Islanders (12-0) @ Pittsburgh Bulls (12-1)
With the Islanders suffering their first defeat and not longer looking to go unbeaten, this game lost a lot of luster. Both teams are the clear favorites to meet again
in the TUFF Bowl, but the game carries no meaning whatsoever in the regular season scheme.
Baltimore Battalion (9-4) @ Boston Attack (9-4)
One of the few remaining meaningful games left on the docket. This one could go a long way in determining the first round matchups in the United Conference
playoffs.
British Columbia Lynx (7-6) @ New York Vendetta (4-9)
If the Lynx haven’t already sewn up a playoff spot, here’s their chance to do it.
Honolulu Islanders (12-0) @ Pittsburgh Bulls (12-1)
With the Islanders suffering their first defeat and not longer looking to go unbeaten, this game lost a lot of luster. Both teams are the clear favorites to meet again
in the TUFF Bowl, but the game carries no meaning whatsoever in the regular season scheme.
Baltimore Battalion (9-4) @ Boston Attack (9-4)
One of the few remaining meaningful games left on the docket. This one could go a long way in determining the first round matchups in the United Conference
playoffs.
British Columbia Lynx (7-6) @ New York Vendetta (4-9)
If the Lynx haven’t already sewn up a playoff spot, here’s their chance to do it.
Archives
In Vancouver, the British Columbia Lynx fought a back and forth battle
with the schizophrenic Miami Missiles and rallied with a pair of late
field goals by K Castera for a late 26-21 lead. Miami RB Bobby
Anderson, who already torched the Lynx with 3 touchdowns in the
game and close to 200 yards on the ground, gave the ball away twice
on fumbles inside Lynx territory in the game’s final four minutes to
allow BC to escape with the win.
The Sacramento Vipers claimed the Pacific Division crown with a 32-
27 win in Seattle against the Monsoon. Seattle took a 20-7 lead late in
the 2nd Quarter, but allowed 25 consecutive points to the Snakes.
Seattle scored late to draw to within 32-27 and then recovered the
onside kick but a sack by Ashby ended any hope for a miracle finish
for the Monsoon.
Finally, the perennial powerhouses Memphis Shock and Baltimore
Battalion met in Maryland. Battalion QB Ken Esposito was in classic
form, throwing for 507 yards and 6 touchdowns. Though he did have
two interceptions run back for scores in the 3rd Quarter, the Memphis
Shock had few answers on offense. The loss clinched the first ever
losing season for the Shock.
with the schizophrenic Miami Missiles and rallied with a pair of late
field goals by K Castera for a late 26-21 lead. Miami RB Bobby
Anderson, who already torched the Lynx with 3 touchdowns in the
game and close to 200 yards on the ground, gave the ball away twice
on fumbles inside Lynx territory in the game’s final four minutes to
allow BC to escape with the win.
The Sacramento Vipers claimed the Pacific Division crown with a 32-
27 win in Seattle against the Monsoon. Seattle took a 20-7 lead late in
the 2nd Quarter, but allowed 25 consecutive points to the Snakes.
Seattle scored late to draw to within 32-27 and then recovered the
onside kick but a sack by Ashby ended any hope for a miracle finish
for the Monsoon.
Finally, the perennial powerhouses Memphis Shock and Baltimore
Battalion met in Maryland. Battalion QB Ken Esposito was in classic
form, throwing for 507 yards and 6 touchdowns. Though he did have
two interceptions run back for scores in the 3rd Quarter, the Memphis
Shock had few answers on offense. The loss clinched the first ever
losing season for the Shock.
