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09/16/2005: "Lumberjacks putting the pieces together"

Augsburg was the site of Sunday's MFL game between the Minneapolis Lumberjacks and the Rough Riders of River City. The Lumberjacks looked for improvement in all three phases of the game and that is what they received. The Lumberjacks, sprear-headed by a dominant defense, rolled to a 50-0 victory and gained added momentum heading into a stretch where they will have to take on the Maulers, the undefeated Thunderbirds and the Warriors.
The defense stood strong delivering big hits and forcing 5 interceptions, 2 by Norm Alston. Leading Tacklers Tony Dupree, Tommy Waltman and Alan Johnson took advantage of a defensive line that clogged up holes allowing them to roam free to make tackles. Lamont Powers, Alan Johnson and Montae Bailey all added interceptions with Bailey's being returned for a Touchdown. Bailey's touchdown came 3 plays after a punt return of 62 yards that he had following a wall of blockers.
The offense saw probably the best performance of the year from its offensive line. They line opened up big holes for runningbacks Robbie Johnson and the fleet footed Riza Mahmoud and gave great protection for Will Staple and Nate Middleton. The first touchdown of the game came on a 6 yard TD run by Mahmoud that was the finish to a 70 yard drive led by Middleton. In the second quarter Staple hooked up with leading receiver Edwin Reed (3 catches 108 yards, 2 TD's) for a remarkable one handed grab in the back of the end zone.
The Jacks only led 14-0 at halftime but the second half the flood gates open with the defense scoring and Bailey's 62 yard Punt Return for a score topped off by a TD run from Robbie Johnson and TE Brian Ollison dragging two defenders 5 yards into the endzone after a big hit. With the running time the offense was only able to run 9 plays in the second half but the final of the 9 was electric when Staple hooked up again with Reed for a 51 yard TD catch and run.
The Lumberjacks now set their sites on league rival the Minnesota Maulers. The Maulers and Jacks have always played each other tough and this year will be no different. The game time is set for 7pm at Augsburg College.