[Previous entry: "Thunderbirds begin playoff run"] [Next entry: "Shoremen Upset Warriors"]

01/31/2005: "Jacks Advance with a win over the Rough Riders."

The Minneapolis Lumberjacks opened the 2005 MFL playoffs as the number 2 seed finishing with a 7-1 regular season record. After having 3 weeks off and having to travel to Winona for the first round, due to field complications, the scene was set for an upset. The Jacks, shorthanded with players, overcame some obsticles and prevailed 32-27.

Offensively the Jacks used all their weapons. Behind the strong arms of Wil Staple and Nate Middleton, receivers Ike Brown, Ben Seiben and Ed Reed all where able to take advantage of openings in the coverage. Robbie Johnson and Paris Moore also caught passes out of the backfield. With the Jacks spreading it out it opened up things for a strong running game. Anchored by the strong play of Brad Kerkhoff the Offensive Line opened up holes for Moore and Johnson all day. The offense was able to start most off their drives in great field position thanks to the speacial teams play highlighted by the running of Riza Mahmoud.

Defensively the Jacks were short handed. Jay Kotz, Dante Jenkins and The defensive line of Chris Mcgregor, Ray Craft, Jamel Mclemore and Brian Cipala were able to apply pressure and Dion Wilson was able to collect three picks. Quincy Jones added another interception. In the end the Jacks had to contain a very aggresive Rough Rider offense that was highlighted by a strong arm QB and hard running backs.

With the victory the Jacks move on to the second round to face the Twin Cities Titans. This game should be a very hard nose game between two teams with a lot of talent. Game time is set for Saturday Sept 24th @ 7:05pm at Holy Angels in Richfield.