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Wednesday, September 28th

T-Birds breeze into title game

MFL Semi-Finals, Shoremen: Recap
T-Birds breeze into title game
2005-09-27
The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard against the Duluth-Superior Shoremen on Sunday, and didn't let the constant drizzle stop them from dominating the game.
The T-Birds scored once in the first quarter and twice in the second to take a 21-0 lead into halftime. The team added 15 more to the board while holding the Shoremen to a field goal to win the semifinal playoff game by a score of 36-3.
"I'm happy with the game," Coach Chad Baldwin said. "The defense played a great game and the offense showed they can score whenever they want to."
The T-Birds scored early when quarterback Chris Esterley completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Andy Bogenholm. In the second quarter, Eric Tarasewicz scored on a 2-yard run, and Esterley completed a 29-yard strike to Neuby Ras to go ahead 21-0. Mike Jacobs made all three extra point attempts.
The Thunderbird defense was just a successful in the half. Ray Reinhart recovered a fumble early in the second quarter, Randy Lee intercepted a Shoremen pass, and Chris Camacho recovered a fumble in the final seconds of the opening half.
"Our defense has been phenomenal all year long," Tarasewicz said. "Our defense has kept us in games. I can't say enough about our defense this year."
The two teams played relatively even in the beginning of the third quarter, but with three minutes to go, David Knutson blocked a Shoremen punt and it went through the back of the end zone, which led to a safety.
Knutson scored again in the fourth quarter when he caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Esterley.
The Shoremen's only points of the game came from a 13-yard field goal mid-way through the fourth quarter, but the T-Birds weren't about to let that be the end of it.
Lance Nelsen recovered an on-side kick, and Central Minnesota put a few more points on the board with a late touchdown run by Johnny Frank, which gave the T-Birds a 36-3 lead.
The game ended when Tony Norlander intercepted a Shoremen pass.
In Sunday's game, Esterley completed 12-of-24 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions.
"The ball was a little wet and we missed some plays because of it, but it's the same for both teams," Esterley said. "I'm just glad we have such a good running game. When it gets wet like that, we can run the ball."
Coach Baldwin said the weather did have some affect on the game.
"Some guys, when it rains they get more intense," he said. "Some guys, they get wet and uncomfortable and it goes to their head."
Tarasewicz, the team's leading rusher, rolled his ankle in the first quarter, which caused him to limp off the field. He had it re-taped and it didn't seem to bother him the rest of the game. He finished the afternoon with 27 carries for 207 yards and a touchdown.
"I was happy that he had such a good game," Esterley said. "He was a huge key. If you can't run the ball, you can't win the game. He's the best in the league."
While Baldwin was pleased with the overall play of the defense, he said there were some shortcomings. Occasional missed assignments and penalties led to a couple of big plays by the Shoremen and eventually led to the lone field goal. Baldwin said he will put additional pressure on the defense to eliminate mistakes in the future.
"I'm pleased with our ability to always do what we have to do to win a game," he said, adding that the final touchdown of the game was necessary to for the team to keep its standing in the national ratings.
Tarasewicz also admitted that the game was not flawless, but said it will all come together in time.
"We did struggle a little bit," he said. "We added a couple things in practice this week. As with anything, we're gonna have some growing pains."
Tarasewicz said that there are no major issues the team has to work on, just a few minor things.
"It's just little things that will come with a team that only practices once a week," he said. "When stuff happens, we're able to overcome it."
Tarasewicz said that this year's squad has a unique chemistry.
"I can't say enough about the camaraderie we have as a group," he said. "It's the true definition of team."
The Thunderbirds improved to 10-0 with Sunday's victory and now advance into the Mid-America Football League Championship game, which will be held at noon Sunday at Huskie Stadium on the campus of St. Cloud State University.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.28.05 @ 11:22 AM CST [...more]

The Sword was Mightier than the Axe

The Sword was Mightier than the Axe

9-25-05
By Mark Weiby

The famous saying, “When it rains, it pours” was the cliché on Saturday night in Richfield. The Twins Cities Titans came to play as they visited the Minneapolis Lumberjacks at Holy Angels under the lights! The game was a rematch of week 3, in which the Jacks stole a 19-14 victory.

It didn’t take long for the high-powered Titan offense to strike first. Titans DB Anthony Buckner picked off Jacks QB Willie Staple, setting up an easy touchdown run by Sam Blocker. Next, the Jacks took the ball down into Titan’s turf only to turn it over once again. Titan QB Neist lead the assault, hitting WR Cannaday for a 35-yard connection, positioning the offense in a goal situation. Charles Reed ran unscathed into the end zone for the early 14-0 lead after one quarter of play. After the Jack D held, the offense was able to work in the end zone. Jacks QB Middleton found a wide-open Ollison to bring the score to 14-7, Titans. The Jacks D got the ball right back after a stifling performance giving way to a rushing touchdown by RB Moore, knotting the game 14-14 at halftime.

The Titans came out of the break and rolled down the field to take the lead for good on a 5-yard run by FB Mead. Going into the 4th quarter, the Jacks trailed 21-14 and their turnover woes continued as QB Middleton gave it back. It wasn’t long before the Titans sealed the envelope and mailed it set-up by a fake punt. This worked in their favor as the already vulnerable Jacks D gave up a 39-yard touchdown run by RB Reed. The Jacks struck late to bring the contest to 28-21, but it was too late. Saturday proved that when a Titan meets a Lumberjack in the woods, a Sword is mightier than an Axe! Next week’s shootout is a rematch of the final regular season battle between the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds and the TC Titans; the T-Birds won 41-32. Kickoff is 12:05pm at St, Could State University. It’s a plane, no it’s a blimp, wait it’s a Thunderbird…ready to be slain!

Article written by Commissioner on 09.28.05 @ 09:36 AM CST [...more]

Tuesday, September 27th

Thunderbirds Soar, Shoremen Sink

Thunderbirds Soar, Shoremen Sink

9-27-05
By Mark Weiby

On yet another rainy and cold day, the MFL playoffs paired the Thunderbirds against the Shoremen on Sunday afternoon in St. Cloud. The Shoremen D didn’t hold for long as the T-Birds struck first on a 9-yard touchdown catch by Bogenholm making 7-0 early. In the opening minutes of the second quarter, Esterley and the offense stormed down the field, due in part to defensive penalties, and RB Tarasewicz snuck in from 2 yards out making it 14-0. The Thunderbirds offense wasn’t done flying yet, as QB Esterley hooked up with WR Ras for the 29-yard score. At the break it was T-Birds, 21-0.
Coming out of the break, the Shoremen got two quick first downs only to punt as the Thunderbirds D held. The snap sailed over the kicker’s head and into the end zone as the ball was knocked out of the zone for a safety bring the score to 23-0. As the rain continued into the fourth, the Shoremen finally got on the board with a 30-yard field, erasing the goose egg. After a few more T-Bird touchdowns the game ended with the Birds taking it, 36-3, continuing their unblemished record. Thunderbirds QB Esterley finished the afternoon 14/24 passing with 148-yards and 3 TDs. Running the ball strong was Tarasewicz with 207-yards on 27 carries and a touch. In the end the Thunderbirds soared high as the Shoremen remained lost at sea.
Next week Championship slates the claws of the Thunderbirds against the sword of the Titans on Sunday October 2 in St. Cloud at 12:05pm.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.27.05 @ 05:01 PM CST [...more]

Monday, September 26th

Fawcett Resigns from Shoremen

Duluth-Superior Shoremen head coach Terry Fawcett resigned at the conclusion of the Shoremen's playoff defeat to the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds. Fawcett led the Shoremen to a 15-8 record, an AFC North Division Title, and two conference championship appearances in his two seasons as head coach. Fawcett, who also coaches at Duluth East High School cited the time away from his family as the sole reason for resigning. "I cannot thank the Davis' enough for affording me the opportunity to coach young men and to bring semi-pro football to my hometown of Duluth. The opportunity to help shape young mens lives has been personally rewarding and fulfilling to me. I will miss the guys."
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 09.26.05 @ 08:03 PM CST [...more]

Saturday, September 24th

MFL Semi-Finals, Shoremen: Preview

MFL Semi-Finals, Shoremen: Preview
Playoff semi-finals are Sunday
2005-09-22
The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds will continue their championship quest Sunday when they host the Duluth-Superior Shoremen in Mid-America Football League semifinal action.
The Thunderbirds played the Shoremen earlier this season and came away with an easy 49-0 victory. In that game, quarterback Chris Esterley completed 16 passes for 261 yards and five touchdowns. While the offense was dominant, the defense was just as solid and held the Shoremen scoreless.
Even with the big shutout in their last meeting, the Thunderbirds aren’t expecting to glide through Sunday’s game quite as easily.
“I think this game will definitely be closer than last time because they have all their players in now,” said nose tackle Ray Reinhart. “I don’t foresee this being a 49-0 game.”
The Shoremen are coming off a big quarterfinal victory over the Minnesota Valley Warriors, and will be looking to knock-off the unbeaten Thunderbirds on Sunday.
“I think we match up better against them because what they like to do is what we have trouble stopping,” Coach Chad Baldwin said.
In last week’s Mid-America Football League quarterfinals, the Thunderbirds routed the Midwest Pioneers by a score of 60-0. Due to the lopsided game, the T-Birds had trouble staying focused and playing with intensity. Baldwin said that will need to change in order to come away with a victory on Sunday.
“We’ll need a little more intensity because they’re a better football team,” he said.
Baldwin said the Shoremen have a lot of depth and talent, which should lead to some good football entertainment for the fans.
Baldwin said that even though he isn’t taking Sunday’s game lightly, the Shoremen will have to pull a few tricks out of their sleeves to win.
“For them to have some success, they’re going to have to come in and do some pretty impressive things,” Baldwin said. “That’s just where we’re at right now.”
The Thunderbirds are 9-0 this season and will host the Shoremen Sunday at 3 p.m. The game will be held at St. John’s University.
“I expect this will be a closer game than the first one, but I still feel we’re the better team and we should win the game,” Reinhart said.
Sunday’s game should be a good one if the T-Birds offense and defense play to their full capability, like they did in the last meeting between the two teams.
“We’ve got great acceleration,” Baldwin said. “We’re coming wide open.”

Article written by Commissioner on 09.24.05 @ 01:35 PM CST [...more]

Friday, September 23rd

Two Shoremen Nationally Honored!

Duluth-Superior Shoremen running back David Corbitt and center Jon Jazdzewski were honored by Minor League Football News as National Players of the Week for their performances in the Shoremen's 35-13 playoff victory over the Minnesota Valley Warriors in Prior Lake, Minnesota on September 17th, 2005. Corbitt rushed 28 times for 142 yards and two TD's, while Jazdzewski anchored a line that dominated the line of scrimmage. Corbitt played his college football at South Carolina State University, while Jazdzewski played for the Bulldogs of Minnesota-Duluth.
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 09.23.05 @ 11:27 AM CST [...more]

Thursday, September 22nd

Shoremen Present Annual Awards

The Following players were recognized on September 21st at the 2nd Annual Shoremen Awards Banquet for their outstanding play in the 2005 season (as voted on by their peers):

MVP offense- running back Kyle Vedder
Co-MVP's Defense- DE Dan Turcotte, Jr. & LB Nick Farrell
MVP Special Teams- Rob Smith
Team MVP- SS Rob Smith

DT Dan Peterson was the recipient of the Coaches Award, which is presented annually for the player that most exemplifies teamwork, hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship, and serves as a role model for others!
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 09.22.05 @ 08:44 AM CST [...more]

Tuesday, September 20th

Rough Riders Fall Short

By John Huggenvik / Winona Daily News

One too many mistakes — that was the demise of the River Cities Rough Riders amateur football team.

The Rough Riders closed their season with a 32-27 loss to the Minneapolis Lumberjacks in the first round of the Mid-America Football League playoffs at Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium Saturday.

"(Minneapolis) is a tough team," River Cities coach Paul Anderson said. "We came in here with a lot of pride and played out very best,

but they have too many good athletes."

The Rough Riders sent the Lumberjacks into halftime with something to think about thanks to a 22-yard touchdown strike from Tory Lockington to Carlos Clayburn

and an interception-return for a touchdown from defensive linemen Willie Stephen from 32 yards out.

"I can't say enough about these guys," Anderson said . "We came up a little short in the end there but they played their hearts out on every single play."

All that emotion turned into a big loss of yards for both teams, both being assessed plenty of penalty yards and the Rough Riders losing one player to an ejection.

The Lumberjacks committed seven penalties for 70 yards, inducing a statement from defensive coordinator John Dewey to his players about saving the violence for after the game.

The Lumberjacks (8-1) came out with a pair of receiving touchdowns by Edwin Reed in the third quarter to make the score 26-13 and give them a two-score cushion again after taking the early 12-0 lead thanks to a rushing touchdown by both Robbie Johnson and Jose Cortez.

Lockington answered with a 35-yard pass to Aaron Woelfel to put the River Cities back within six on the first play of the third quarter, but Cortez broke the plane for the second time to put Minneapolis back in front by 30-12.

Lockington tossed his third TD-strike of the game in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, hitting Deejay Spencer from eight yards out while a Lumberjacks player hung from his waist.

Lockington finished 13 for 30 for 149 yards, with four interceptions.

"Tory might have made a couple mistakes, and some of those might have been the play calling," Anderson said. "But, those touchdown throws were all him."

The Rough Riders got one last shot in the final minutes of the game after forcing a punt from Minneapolis, but Lockington's fourth interception came with 1:13 on the clock and that was the end.
Article written by Commissioner on 09.20.05 @ 09:25 AM CST [...more]

T-Birds Crush Pioneers 60-0

MFL Playoffs Round 1, Pioneers: Recap
T-Birds Crush Pioneers 60-0
2005-09-19
The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds had no trouble getting by the Midwest Pioneers in the opening round of the Mid-America Football League playoffs on Sunday. The Thunderbirds scored early and they scored often en route to a 60-0 shutout victory.
The Pioneers went 0-8 in the regular season and were up against the 8-0 T-Birds. Due to the foreseen mismatch, the Pioneers had a team of less than 30 members with many players playing both offense and defense.
Coach Chad Baldwin said he tried to keep his team focused by working on the game plan and preparing for the bigger opponents to come.
"It's not a very fun game to coach because you spend a lot of time trying to motivate," he said.
Baldwin said that all the Thunderbirds players got into the action on Sunday, and those who were injured were given time off to heal.
"Our second string played a solid game," Baldwin said. "That was probably the most important thing. I think we learned a lot today."
Eric Tarasewicz started the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Mike Jacobs made the extra point and the T-Birds led 7-0.
Only a few minutes later, the Thunderbirds put six more points on the board when quarterback Chris Esterley found James Singer for a 24-yard touchdown pass.
The Esterley/Singer combination was golden later in the first quarter when the two combined for a 37-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the T-Birds were ahead 19-0 when the first quarter came to an end.
Tarasewicz found open field in the second quarter and ran 40 yards into the end zone. A conversion pass from Esterley to David Knutson was right on, and the T-Birds went ahead 27-0.
The Esterley/Knutson connection proved to work again and again as Knutson caught two touchdown passes (of five and 16 yards) before halftime to put the T-Birds up 40-0 at the break.
Knutson said that because the game was such a blowout, it was difficult to get excited.
"It was hard for us to get our stuff going," he said, adding that the team lacked aggression early in the game.
In the MFL, once a team gets ahead by 35 points or more, the clock begins to run. This made for a quick second half, but didn't stop the T-Birds from adding points to the board.
In the third quarter, Esterley found Singer for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Jacobs was good with the extra point and Central Minnesota's lead stretched to 47-0.
Lance Nelson replaced Esterley in the quarterback role and completed a 44-yard pass to Knutson, giving the receiver his third touchdown of the game. With the extra point from Jacobs, the T-Birds went up 54-0.
In the fourth quarter, Nelson scored on a quarterback keeper from 2-yards out, which gave the T-Birds a 60-0 lead they held until time expired.
Singer, who went with an afro hairstyle for the playoffs, said he was happy with his three-touchdown performance. Even with the new look, he said it was hard for the team to remain upbeat in a game that was so lopsided.
"We knew we were going to win," Singer said, adding that the team used the game to work on its plays and prepare for the games ahead. "We just didn't play with very much emotion."
Baldwin credited the play of the Pioneers, who gave it their all regardless of the situation.
"They had guys who were going both ways and they didn't get chippy," he said. "Hats off to them, they did a great job."
Esterley completed 11 of 17 passes for 166 yards and five touchdowns. Nelson was 2-for-2 passing for 55 yards and one touchdown. Tarasewicz had 16 carries for 157 yards, which put him above the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season.
Jeremiah Duvall and Damion Patterson had interceptions in the game. Mike Illies added a sack.
With the win, the Thunderbirds (9-0) advance to the semifinals of the MFL playoffs. Central Minnesota will host the Duluth-Superior Shoremen at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John's University. The Shoremen defeated the Minnesota Valley Warriors 35-13 in the opening round.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.20.05 @ 09:15 AM CST [...more]

The Battle of the Titans…

The Battle of the Titans…

When a wet, soggy and chilly night fell in Richfield the Minnesota Maulers came to battle the Twin Cities Titans in week one of the MFL playoffs. After one quarter of play, the game was knotted at 7. It didn’t take long for Titans QB Alex Neist to regain his natural form by throwing a bomb of 70-yards to WR Joseph Mapson for a 14-7 lead, early in the second quarter. The lead didn’t last long as Maulers QB Craig Moyer found a wide-open Charles Klug in the corner of the end zone to lock the game at 14 all. Neist and the Titans took control with another toss to WR Damien Cannaday for a 21-14 lead. With under 25 seconds remaining before halftime the Maulers punted. The short kick was taken by Titans LB Corney Ferrell then pitched to DL Robert Clay at the Maulers 45, who streaked untouched into the end zone as time expired, thus putting a dagger into the heart of the Maulers season, leading 28-14 at the break. This would be the lead the Maulers could not overcome as the Titans struck once again on their first possession of the third quarter, cushioning their lead to 35-14. The Maulers however scored twice in the fourth quarter licking their wounds to make it a game and QB Craig Moyer finished the day with 3 TD passes in the season finale. In the end, the Minnesota Maulers were the ones who got mauled coming up one touchdown short, 35-28 at Holy Angels Academy. Next Saturday poises a rematch of week 3 between the Minneapolis Lumbers hosting the TC Titans at Holy Angels, kickoff 7:05pm. The Lumberjacks took the first contest in a defensive battle 19-14!<
Article written by Commissioner on 09.20.05 @ 09:11 AM CST [...more]

Monday, September 19th

Shoremen Upset Warriors

The #5 seeded Duluth-Superior Shoremen traveled to Prior Lake on Saturday night and soundly defeated the #4 Minnesota Valley Warriors. Shoremen quarterback Nathan Smithson threw for 3 TD's (two to WR Cedric Taggart-2 catches 114 yards), while RB David Corbitt rushed 28 times for 142 yards and 2 TD's. The Shoremen defense was very strong, led by LB Nick Farrell. The Shoremen now travel to face the undefeated Central Minnesota Thunderbirds on Sunday at St. Johns University. The Shoremen would like to acknowledge the great job that the Warriors did this year, Coach Ryan Sanborn, and GM Jason Blomer.
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 09.19.05 @ 03:15 PM CST [...more]

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.
Article written by Minneapolis Lumberjacks on 09.19.05 @ 09:11 AM CST [...more]

Friday, September 16th

Thunderbirds begin playoff run

MFL Playoffs Round 1, Pioneers: Review
Thunderbirds begin playoff run
2005-09-16
The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds will begin their Mid-American Football League championship run on Sunday, when they host the Midwest Pioneers in the opening round.
The Thunderbirds clinched the regular-season title last weekend when they defeated the Twin Cities Titans 41-32 to remain undefeated at 8-0 this season.
But the game wasn't one of the team's best performances.
"I think last week we had a letdown from previous weeks," defensive back Ramon Burroughs said. "After the last game, I think the defense needs to start believing in each other a little more. A couple tweaks here and there and we'll be all right."
Sunday's playoff game matches the top-seeded Thunderbirds with the Pioneers, who have yet to win a game this season. The two teams went head-to-head in early August, with the Thunderbirds coming away with a 37-6 victory. But Coach Chad Baldwin isn't taking the rematch lightly.
"There's a lot of uncertainty in the game," he said.
Baldwin said that because of the Pioneers' 0-8 record, they'll be going all-out with nothing to lose.
"They're not gonna come out and lie down," he said.
For the Thunderbirds, a victory Sunday is of utmost importance as the team tries to remain in the top 10 of the national rankings. The T-Birds are currently No. 8 in the North American Football League power ratings, and fifth in national polls.
Baldwin said that in order to get a solid shot at going to nationals, a team needs to have 10 victories.
"It's very important game," he said. "We absolutely have to win this game. We have to play wide open and we have to win big just like we did in every other game this season."
Burroughs had two interceptions in last week's victory over the Titans. He also had a pair of interceptions the last time the T-Birds battled the Pioneers. Burroughs said he isn't concerned about the team's ability to rebound from last week's mistakes.
"We'll bounce back with no hesitation," he said.
The Thunderbirds will host the Pioneers at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John's University. The winner will advance to the semifinals of the league playoffs.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.16.05 @ 09:11 AM CST [...more]

Tuesday, September 13th

Shoremen Head to Prior Lake for a Rematch!!

The Duluth-Superior Shoremen (6-4)(4-4) head to Prior Lake, Minnesota on Saturday and take on the Minnesota Valley Warriors (7-3)(4-3) in a rematch of their August 6th game in which the Shoremen dominated every aspect of the game, except the outcome, as the Warriors won, 20-17. The Shoremen outyardaged the Warriors 352-87 and held the Warriors to 0-15 passing. Shoremen DE Kevin Szczyrbak led that game with four quarterback sacks. The Warriors are led by former Division II All-American and All-NCC player Jordan Malone from Minnesota State-Mankato. Kick-Off time is 7:05 p.m. The winner will likely travel to St. Cloud for a semi-final game with the undefeated Central Minnesota Thunderbirds.
Article written by DuluthSuperior Shoremen on 09.13.05 @ 02:31 PM CST [...more]

Thunderbirds’ Offense Soars Past Titans

Thunderbirds’ Offense Soars Past Titans

By Keith Gilbert

The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds and the Twin Cities Titans had a good old fashioned shoot-out Saturday night at Holy Angels Academy in Richfield. In the end, though, five turnovers proved to be too much for the Titans to overcome, and the consistent Thunderbirds offense rolled to a 41-32 victory.

Quarterback Chris Esterley threw three first half touchdown passes and had a fourth quarter TD run, finishing the day going 18 for 30 with 191 yards, 4 total TD’s and 2 INT’s. He was complimented nicely by the steady and effective running of Eric Tarasewicz, who’s final numbers were 22 carries for 101 yards, and 1 TD. Esterley completed passes to seven different receivers, the most productive of which was Neuby Ras (4-82, 1 TD), who hauled in a beautiful 42 yard TD pass in the first quarter. David Knutson and Tim Larmouth also scored for the T’Birds, and Lance Nelson had four catches, as well. Defensively for the Thunderbirds, there were several standouts. Most notably was the play of cornerback Ramon Burroughs, who had 2 interceptions. Josh Schleusner and Jeremiah Duvall each had a pick, too, and LB Rob Baumgarn and DL Ray Reinhart each made several big plays for the defense.

The game was a frustrating one for the Titans and their fans. They trailed only by two (21-19) at the half, and that was after missing two extra points, and giving up a 17 yard TD pass on the very last play of the half. The score stayed that way until the fourth quarter. The Titans turned it over on their first two possessions of the quarter, resulting in two Thunderbirds’ touchdowns. Turnovers and penalties absolutely killed the Titans in the game. QB Alex Neist (18-37 191 yds. 2TD’s, 4 INT’s) was under constant pressure and was often not able to deliver the ball to his dangerous band of receivers. He did hook up with Wesely Hill (5-52, 2 TD’s) for his two scoring passes, and Joseph Mapson had 6 catches for 56 yards. Jim Bean, once again, carried the load for the Titans on the ground. He finished with 19 carries for 110 yards, and 1 TD. Defensively, Tell Hammerstrom had an interception and several tackles, and Courtney Ferrell, Robert Clay, and Brian Doyle all had good games, as well.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.13.05 @ 08:51 AM CST [...more]

Friday, September 9th

Thunderbirds vs Titans: Preview

Thunderbirds vs Titans: Preview
Number 1 seed on the line
2005-09-08
When the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds head to Richfield to take on the Twin Cities Titans on Saturday, there will be a little more on the line than a typical regular season game.
Saturday's game will be the final regular-season game for both teams, and will determine seeding in the Mid-American Football League playoffs, which begin the following weekend.
The Thunderbirds are undefeated at 7-0 this season, while the Titans stand at 6-1. A Thunderbird loss would leave the teams even in league play and they would have to go to the tiebreaker to determine which team would receive the No.1 seed.
Thunderbird Coach Chad Baldwin said his team would not only have to lose, but lose big in order to be knocked out of the top spot. But he isn't about to let it come down to the details.
"I'm really comfortable in thinking that we can beat them," he said. "I don't think we have to play a miraculous game, but we have to play a good game."
Also at stake is the Thunderbirds' position in the national rankings. As an undefeated team, the T-Birds sit fifth in the power ratings (according to the North American Football League). A loss would likely bump them right out of the top 10.
"For us to win this game is huge on many, many levels," Baldwin said, adding that a victory would give his team added confidence going into the playoffs, would help in the national ratings and would assure the T-Birds the No.1 seed for the MFL playoffs.
That top seed is something the Thunderbirds are shooting for because it will give them the home field for the playoffs, and put them up against lesser-ranked teams in the playoff bracket.
"It's a very big advantage to be number one," Baldwin said.
As for this week's opponent, Baldwin said the Titans' strength lies in a star quarterback and talented running back. The Titans' offensive line is very athletic and their receiving core is talented, as well.
"It definitely puts our defense in a situation where we have to play a really good game to keep them under control," Baldwin said."Our offense is very high powered and is going to give them a lot of trouble, as well."
Strong safety Todd Western said he expects a good game on Saturday. He said that if the team would happen to struggle early, it will bounce back even harder.
"I expect things to go well," he said. "We're the kind of team that once we get hit in the mouth, we tend to fight back a little stronger."
Western said Saturday's game will be a good one for two reasons: the Titans will be looking to knock off an undefeated team; and an undefeated team will be looking finish the regular season unbeaten.
Baldwin said that in the end, the outcome of the game lies in the players.
"I think it's going to come down to execution and controlling plays," Baldwin said. "It's gonna come down to the guys. We definitely have a very talented football team, and we have a full coaching staff, which really helps."
Central Minnesota's last MFL title came back in 2001, but the T-Birds have reached the semifinals in each of the previous three seasons.
Western's first season with the Thunderbirds was the championship season of 2001, and he said he's ready to do it again.
"I think that first year we won it, we were hungry," Western said. "This year, we've got the talent and we can execute. The coaches are well organized this year. All we have to do is show up and perform."
This year, no one on the team is going to settle for second best.
"Our destiny is in our own hands right now," Baldwin said.
Saturday's game between the Titans and Thunderbirds is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Holy Angels High School in Richfield.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.09.05 @ 02:33 PM CST [...more]

Friday, September 2nd

Rough Riders - Giants

Published - Sunday, August 28, 2005
Jepsen's return not a happy one for Rough Riders
By Rick Solem / Winona Daily News
.
Curt Jepsen made his homecoming a successful one Saturday night at Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium.

The former Winona State University running back, who was the complement to All-American Kevin Curtin in 2003, rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries to lead the Rochester Giants to a 20-3 win over the River Cities Rough Riders amateur football team.

The Rough Riders defense was hard on Jepsen most of the game, but a key drive in the third quarter — capped off by his 35-yard touchdown run — put it out of reach.

"These guys hit hard," Jepsen said.

Jepsen had just 16 carries for 36 yards before that drive in the third. What changed was his confidence in the offensive line.

"When I played here, we had the cutback installed in the offense," said Jepsen, a graduate of Rochester Mayo. "With this team, I'm not sure about cutting back because I don't know if my line is holding the backside block. But they told me they had it, and that's when it all changed."

The Rough Riders offense had a hard time getting anything going. That was obvious as 280-pound quarterback Tory Lockington led the team in rushing.

Deejay Spencer had it going early, but as the Rough Riders (2-5 overall) fell behind, it was up to Lockington to do it in the air, and Rochester teed off on the big man.

It's hard to bring down a 280-pound quarterback, but Rochester sacked him three times and usually had him wrapped up.

Lockington, however, is so big and well-balanced that he could keep the defenders from pulling him down and throw the ball away.

Lockington finished 12-for-27 with three interceptions and 134 yards — 50 coming on a Hail Mary to Chris Landsome as time ran out.

Aside from that play, the highlight of the day for the Rough Riders — or perhaps the blooper of the day — came on a fourth-and-15.

Rochester (11-1) sent the blitz and had Lockington wrapped up when he coughed up the ball.

"I fumbled it straight up," said the 32-year-old, "and everyone stopped tackling me to look for the ball. It came right back to me and I saw (Carlos Clayburn) open so I threw it."

The play resulted in a 23-yard gain and first down, but the Rough Riders couldn't put the ball in the end zone.

River Cities fell behind early when John Hauser found Andre Hernandez behind the zone for a 49-yard touchdown.

The poised Hauser went for 13 of 21 for 159 yards and added a 1-yard TD run. Hernandez led all receivers with 85 yards.

The only score for the Rough Riders was Nathan Weess' 39-yard field goal to make it 6-3 in the third quarter.

Rochester 6 0 6 8 — 20

River Cities 0 0 3 0 — 3

First quarter: Rochester—Andre Hernandez 49 pass from John Hauser (kick fail), 9:16.

Third quarter: RR—Nathan Weess 39 field goal, 10:28. Rochester—Hauser 1 run (kick fail), 3:13.

Fourth quarter: Rochester—Curt Jepsen 35 run (D. Porter pass from Hauser), 11:02.

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Rushing: Rochester—Jepsen 24-102; RR—Tory Lockington 10-33, Deejay Spencer 11-26. Passing: Rochester—Hauser 13-21-159-1; RR—Lockington 12-27-134-3. Receiving: Rochester—Hernandez 5-85; RR—Chris Landsome 1-50, Aaron Woelfel 5-34.

Total yards: Rochester: 83-159—242; RR: 56-134—190.

Article written by Commissioner on 09.02.05 @ 10:08 AM CST [...more]

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