[Previous entry: "QB mistake costly for the Shoremen"] [Next entry: "TBirds vs Pioneers: Recap - Thunderbirds Still Undefeated"]

09/22/2005: "Jacks gaining momentum"

The Minneapolis Lumberjacks battled the Minnesota Maulers Saturday. The game was televised on Channel 12 and I think some would say the Jacks and Maulers did not disappoint any viewers. The Lumberjacks although trailing 14-7 early in the third quarter came back to win 33-21.
Both teams came out with high emotions as these two teams have been rivals since the leagues creation. Both defenses in the first half perform great as they only yielded 14 points between the two giving the half time score 7-7. The Minnesota Maulers struck quick coming out of the half behind the arm of Todd Shackelford. The Lumberjacks did not throw in the towel in this hard hitting game, Wil Staples and Nate Middleton led a strong offense in the second half that posted close to 275 yards in the second half. The offensive line played probably their best game as a unit. Both running backs Riza Mahmoud and Robbie Johnson had electrifying runs and both found pay dirt in the second half. Mahmoud also had a mouth dropping punt return for a touchdown that left the crowd in awe and the game out of reach. Other offensive highlights was Jacks leading receiver Edwin Reed catching a pass delivered from Staple that ended in an 85 yard touchdown. Middleton also found pay dirt in the second half on the ground.
The defense stole the show with two goal line stands one that began 1st down on the 3. The upfront personal of Chris McGregor, Ray Craft, Jamel Mclemore and Brian Cipala clogged holes leaving linebackers Tony Dupree, David Smith and Jay Kotz to make big plays. Overall the defensive unit performed as it has all season...solid.
The Lumberjacks will now take their 5-0 record on the road to take on the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds who also remain undefeated have a great defense and a offense that is capable of scoring on ever play. Game time set for 3pm, Sunday 14th at St John's University.

Stats for the game.

Passing
5 Staple 9-14/211 2 TD
10 Middleton 1-6/ 7 1 int

Rushing
33 Mahmoud 10-74 yards 1 td
6 Johnson 9-89 yards
5 Staple 2-12 yards
10 Middleton 2-16 yards 1 td
total 23-191 yards 2 tds

Receiving
2 Brown 2-15 yards
84 Reed 2-92 yards 1 td
3 Seiben 4-93 yards 1 td
89 Ollison 1-15 yards
6 Johnson 1-3 yards
total 10-218 yards 2 td

Kick Return
33 Mahmoud 1- 37 yards; 9 Jones 1-20 yards

Punt Return
33 Mahmoud 2- 79 yards 1 td; long 47 yard TD

Defensive Stats
46 Dupree 6 Tackles 1 for loss 2 fumble recoveries
25 Smith 9 Tackles 1 caused fumble
42 Johnson 6 Tackles
41 Cipala 6 tackles
93 Mclemore 2 tackles
96 Craft 2 tackles
23 Waltmon 10 Tackles
55 Dupree 1 Tackle 1 caused fumble
9 Jones 3 tackles 1 INT
26 Alston 1 tackle
11 Powers 5 Tackles 1 INT
90 McGregor 3 Tackles 1 sack 1 tackle for loss
99 Vance 4 tackles
58 Rob 2 tackles
8 Kotz 7 tackles 1 int 1 fumble recovery
77 Johnson 2 tackles 1 sack 1 tackel for loss
88 Davis 1 tackle
6 Johnson 1 tackle
24 Evans 1 Tackle

Scoring summary
Maulers 0 7 7 7 21
Jacks 7 0 20 6 33

1st Quarter
Jacks 33 Mahmoud 3 yard TD run (Erickson Kick Good)

2nd Quarter
Maulers Shackleford TD Pass to Brown (kick Good)

3rd Quarter
Maulers Shacklefor TD Pass to Brown (Kick Good)
Jacks Seiben 4 yard TD Catch from Staple (Erickson kick Good)
Jacks Middleton 10 yard run (attempt failed)
Jacks Reed 85 Yard TD catch from Staple (Erickson kick Good)

4th Quarter
Mauler Touchdown ?
Jacks 33 Mahmoud 47 yard Punt Return for Touchdown (attempt failed)