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09/27/2005: "Jacks win defensive battle 10-7 over the Warriors"

Holy Angels Academy in Richfield was the site for another battle between two top teams in the MFL. The 5-1 Lumberjacks took on the 5-1 Warriors. The game seemed to fly by as both teams kept the ball on the ground. Both defenses were able to play solid games but in the end the Lumberjacks came out on top 10- 7.
It didn't take long for fireworks to start as return man Riza Mahmoud took the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Giving the Jacks the early lead. The Jacks offense was able to put together a 13 play drive and a 9 play drive in the first half that ate up a lot of clock but was unable to get in the end zone. The other lone score for the Jacks came on a 38 yard field goal by Kevin Erickson in the second half.
The Jacks Defense had another solid performance highlighted by Free safety AJ Johnson's two interceptions. Johnson was on numerous big hits as well. Defensive backs Lamont Powers and Quincy Jones also collected interceptions with Jones's proving to be the nail in the coffin. This game marks the 5th out of 6 games that the defense forced 4 or more turnovers.
The bright spot to the Lumberjacks offense was the 4 headed monster they have called their running backs. Robbie Johnson led all Rushers with 71 yards on 9 carries, all came in the first half. Also Paris Moore, Keith Williams and Riza Mahmoud chipped in 76 yards .
The Lumberjacks now have their site on last years defending champions, who beat the Jacks in the Championship game, the Midwest Pioneers. Although this years Pioneers have struggled this game will surely be a big hitting, exciting affair. This will conclude the regular season for the Jacks as they have the next two weeks off, after the Pioneers, to prepare for the MFL playoffs.