laf

The LAF Report, May 21, 2005

Playoffs

Wildcard Games

Macon

Maryland

Waves: RB Moe Lester 9 rushes 79 yards, 2 catches 17 yards.
Monroes: RB Igor Beaver 9 rushes 98 yards, 1 catch 21 yards.

Monroes Top Waves

Maryland's first trip to the playoffs since 1997 (when they were Pontiac) proved a success, at least in their first contest. The Monroes confirmed their regular season victory over Macon, and despite the latter's better record, advanced at the expense of the East's 3rd seed. The game was, as expected, a rushing showdown, between two great running back tandems: Maryland's Hugh Jarse and Igor Beaver, and Macon's Hugh Bastard and the East Newcomer of the Year and number one draft pick, Moe Lester. But Monroe also tilted things to the rush by shutting down Macon's passing game, led by QB Boyd Bwane, who was held to only 120 yards passing and intercepted 3 times. And while Monroe QB Jethro Upp threw for 162 yards and 2 TDs, he also got in on the rushing game, tallying 78 yards and a TD, on a 26-yard scramble. Maryland WR Dresden Black led all receivers with 7 catches for 86 yards and a TD. Jarse rushed for 69 yards and had 4 catches for 36. Maryland will travel to Montgomery next, their win sending Boston to Manhattan.

Wichita

Monterey

Linemen: WR Ringo Fire 8 catches 108 yards.
Jacks: RB Buster Hymen 10 rushes 127 yards 1 TD, 4 catches 32 yards 1 TD.

Jacks Snap Back at Linemen

In their division meeting just two weeks ago, these two teams loaded with offensive talent produced an ugly game with little fireworks, and a surprisingly low score, Wichita knocking Monterey out of the division title race 7-6. Monterey shut down Wichita and All-West QB Payne Indiass, and Wichita shut down Monterey's spearhead, RB Buster Hymen. This time, there was plenty of scoring, and Wichita could not contain Hymen, nor for that matter, Monterey QB Heller Highwater, who completed 22 of 36 passes for 178 yards and 2 TDs, and rushed for 60 yards and a TD, topping Indiass every which way. While Wichita WR Ringo Fire gave Monterey trouble, there was little else, save a more meager dose of Indiass antics, and some opportunistic play, such as an interception that led to a quick Wichita score, the first of the second half. Still, despite their inability to impede the Monterey juggernaut, Wichita made it a game, especially when they drove 66 yards in 11 plays to start the 4th quarter, scored on RB Boots Walken's 7-yard run, and then pulled within 3 by way of a 2-point play, a 3-yard pass from Indiass to WR Adolph de Flore. That made it 28-25, Monterey. The Jacks pulled away with two field goals, including a 56-yarder by K Orson Beanbag following an interception of Indiass. Monterey will face Idaho next.