QF WEEKEND- TOP SEEDS FALL EARLY AT HOME

PFL Post-season | Play-off Quarter-finals

The Quarter-final weekend was a memorable one, with four interesting games. We ended the dreams of four teams, leaving us with the final four teams for next weekend.

QUARTER FINAL 1:

HALLAS STARS	32	AET
NEW CHESTER KNIGHTS	35

The Hallas Stars suffered another devastating home defeat as the Knights came from behind to win on the road. Chase Hand had a great first half with the Stars, but they faded, especially in the fourth quarter. The Knights came back from 32-17 and 29-24 to take the lead late on.

The Stars levelled things up at the death, so an additional period was called for. In ET, the Stars went three and out, leaving the Knights to march downfield and Potter kicked the game winning field goal from 24 yards out.

QUARTER FINAL 2:

LANDOR 96ERS	27	F
BRISTOW BEARS	29

The number 8 seeds pulled off a huge upset on Saturday night as the came from behind to beat the heavily favoured Landor 96ers in the capital.

Bears QB Brad Robinson was in tremendous form on Saturday.

The number one seeds had beaten the Bears in both divisional matchups this season, so it was third time that was the charm for Bristow. The Sixers led 17-16 at the half and 20-19 after three, with Frank Bowman getting two scores on the ground, before Kurt Sierra found Asante Brown for a TD in the final period. The 96ers led 27-26 with 2:18 left to play.

QB Brad Robinson threw for 256 yards and 2 TDs. He was instrumental on the final drive, producing the field position for kicker Rick Bell to kick his fifth , and game winning field goal. The team from the Capital bowed out in a historic night for the Bears.

QUARTER FINAL 3:

CALIGARA BULLDOGS	35	F
OAKLAND RAVENS	20

The Ravens blew a 14 point first quarter lead to the number 2 seed Caligara Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. Dante Fulcher scored on a 76 yard screen pass and then a 4 yard run as Oakland stormed out in front.

The Bulldogs comeback began in the second quarter with a 88 yard drive, capped off with a 2 yard Tony Franklin run. Zack Slater then threw TD passes to Mark Martinez and Dennis Morales. It was 21-14 at the break. Ravens QB Tayvon Coles was intercepted at the end of the half.

The Bulldogs attack is cool in the face of pressure.

In the second half , the Ravens could only muster up two field goals, whilst the Bulldogs scored two more touchdowns, via Franklin and a Seth Slater reception.

QUARTER FINAL 4:

ADELPHIA PHOENIX	31	F
BALLYMORE TIGERS	17

Ballymore got off to a great start in Adelphia , with Tito Hawkins busting out a 49 yard touchdown run in the first minute. The Phoenix equalised when Matt Kelly connected with Anchor (TE) Patrick Schwartz from 2 yards out. Both teams traded touchdowns and field goals, with it tied at 14-14 at the half, 17-17 after three.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Matt Kelly hit Kyle Walters to take their first lead of the game. On the subsequent drive, Tigers’ QB Cam Rogers threw a pick-six to Phoenix defender Adrian Sheppard (39 yards). That was it for the Tigers.

Matt Kelly threw for 323 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the win.

Semi-Finals
That means that, following rule changes for 2020-21 onwards, the re-seeding occurs as the no.1 team were eliminated. The revised bracket means home games for Adelphia and Caligara.

Caligara Bulldogs vs Bristow Bears
Adelphia Phoenix vs New Chester Knights.

The winners will face off in the Crystal Bowl at Adelphia’s DIY Depot Arena.

PFL Draft 2020

PFL University Graduates | Players Draft 2020

The first round selections for the 2020 PFL Draft took place on Friday 5th June in the city of Chakota.

There were a few trades, including the number two and number five pick, but the teams picked mostly as predicted.

Michago’s highly rated End Tony Boswell was selected first by the Iomagh Steelers. He is expected to bring an intensity and pass rush that has been lacking for the steel men.

Next up, new entrants the Bristow Bears (replacing Tallassea Oilers) traded their selection to the Harteford Hawks for their bookend Lock (Offensive Tackle) Paul Ortiz. This is Ortiz’s third team in only four seasons! With that selection, the Hawks picked End Eugene Webber from Alberta. Quick and great in pursuit, he is a great addition for the Hawks.

The Eregon Eagles boosted their forward line with Sam Grayson, a Lock (Offensive Tackle) from Stamford. He will be expected to immediately replace retired veteran Reggie Cobb.

Melboro surprised a few in the fourth pick on day one, they needed a good running back and it was between Oakland’s Eric Foster and Granada’s Kylian Floyd. The Giants thought that Foster’s running style suited them best so selected him. This meant that the Adelphia Phoenix were immediately on the phone to Harteford, who held the no. 5. After agreeing a swap of first round picks and a few further later picks, Adelphia held the number five pick and chose Kylian Floyd. They now have two good ball carriers in the backfield.

Another Granada graduate went next, as Winger Andre Peters was chosen by the San Andreas Sharks. Lock Mike Sanders from Alberta followed, by the Rochester Trojans.

The Ballymore Tigers boosted their ageing midfield core with Madison’s Alfred Foster, before the New Chester Knights used their acquired pick from the Ravens to get lineman Marcus McDougal (Oakland State) and then their next pick was End Harrison Walters (O’Connell).

The Hawks picked at 12, acquired in  the deal with the Phoenix. Granada’s QB Aaron Murphy was their choice. Another first-round QB to try and turn the team around.

Selection thirteen was Clementine’s Guard Kyrie Gibson, who will be spending his days blocking for the San Angelo Miners. Gibson is a hot-headed but skilled lineman. Another lineman followed at 14, where the Hallas Stars chose Cody Jackson to block for Chase Hand.

The Wasps and champion Bulldogs closed out the first round. Chakota Wasps picked DB Nate Hanks out of Oakland State’s defensive backfield. He can play anywhere in the back four spots.  The Caligara Bulldogs chose Ohara’s outstanding outside Midfielder Jerious Faulk, who they will be very pleased to have got at the end of the first round. A year ago, he was projected as a potential top five pick by some experts.

The Complete First Round:

#	Team	Player	Pos	University	Notes
1	Steelers	Tony Boswell	DE	Michago
2	Hawks	Eugene Webber	DE	Alberta	From BEARS
3	Eagles	Sam Grayson	L	Stamford
4	Giants	Eric Foster	RB	Oakland
5	Phoenix	Kylian Floyd	RB	Granada	from HAWKS
6	Sharks	Andre Peters	WR	Granada
7	Trojans	Mike Sanders	L	Alberta
8	Tigers	Alfred Foster	MF	Madison
9	Knights	Marcus McDougal	G/L	Oakland State	From RAVENS
10	Knights	Harrison Walters	DE	O’Connell
11	96ers	Darren Roberts	QB	Eregonia State
12	Hawks	Aaron Murphy	QB	Granada	From PHOENIX
13	Miners	Kyrie Gibson	G	Clementine
14	Stars	Cody Jackson	OT	Ohara
15	Wasps	Nate Hanks	DB	Oakland State
16	Bulldogs	Jerious Faulk	AMF	Ohara

Crystal Bowl 50: Bulldogs leave it late to snatch victory

Crystal Bowl 50 | PFL Championship

CHAKOTA WASPS  24
  CALIGARA BULLDOGS  25

	1	2	3	4	ET	FT
CHAKOTA	7	3	7	7	–	24
CALIGARA	6	3	3	13	–	25

1st Quarter:
CAL   FG Wright 41; 3-0
CAL   FG Wright 44; 6-0
CHA  Harris 46 pass to Tucker (Wall kick); 6-7
2nd Quarter:
CAL   FG Wright 37; 9-7
CHA  FG Wall 39; 9-10
3rd Quarter:
CAL   FG Wright 31; 12-10
CHA  Harris 27 pass to Blackmon (Wall kick); 12-17
4th Quarter:
CAL   Slater 8 pass to Morales (Wright Kick); 19-17
CHA  Harris 12 pass to Rogers (Wall kick); 19-24
CAL   Slater 36 pass to Slater (Conver failed); 25-24

The Caligara Bulldogs required two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter from QB Zack Slater to come from behind to gian redemption from last year’s title game loss.
Slater had an uncomfortable first half, completing only six of thirteen passes. RB Jeremy Franklin had gained nearly 100 yards to keep the Bulldogs competitive.

The Wasps had a good performance from Trent Harris at the helm, gaining 274 yards through the air and three touchdowns. Harris overcame a second quarter interception, to lead the team to 10-9, 17-12 and 24-19 leads. His second interception effectively ended the game with 00:54 remaining.

Going into the fourth quarter, trailing 17-12, the Bulldogs regained the lead on an 8 yard pass from Slater to Morales. The lead didn’t last long, as Harris drove the Wasps downfield through the air, completing the drive with a 12 yarder to Shyrone Rogers.

The Bulldogs, with six minutes remaining needed another drive. Franklin gained two quick first downs on draw plays. Slater then found his namesake Seth on 9 and 11 yard gains. The Wasps were in their prevent defence and it was seeping gains (Ken Anderson limped off and Stephen Schmidt was playing hurt.

With 3:47 left on the clock, Zack found Seth- the Slater-to-Slater combination once more on a quick bubble screen. Seth evaded Schmidt and ran the remaining 36 yards for the score. The Bulldogs led by one point, so they attempted a two point conversion. Slater to Martinez didn’t work this time, so it remained a one point lead.

The Wasps final drive, needing just a field goal to win, ended when Kyle Neal intercepted a pass intended for Blackmon.

In just his second year as a Head Coach, Jon Palmer has topped the Mountain, an incredible achievement.

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Coaching Casualties after Reg. Season Ends

Several Teams have announced Coaching releases following the conclusion of the 2019-20 PFL Regular Season

 

IOMAGH STEELERS

General Manager Brian Watkins decided to retain Head Coach Chuck Johnson. Following conversations on Sunday night and through Monday, both coordinators have left by mutual agreement.

Fired – Attack Coordinator: Den Simpkins
Defence Coordinator: Simon Davies

 

MELBORG GIANTS

Giants management retained Head Coach Neil Fagan, but he let both his coordinators go and will announce their replacements soon.

Fired- Attack Co-ordinator: Fred Quinn, Defence Co-ordinator: Bill Brocker

 

ROCHESTER TROJANS

Owner John Michael Westerly and Chief Executive Kerry Marshall reportedly met with General Manager Cary Young and Head Coach Will James. They have fired Coach James, along with Deputy Coordinator Dory Lewis and Defensive Coordinator Ian Rudolph

Fired- Head Coach: Will James, Deputy Offensive Coordinator: Dory Lewis and Defensive Coordinator: Ian Rudolph.

 

 

 

Final week: Who needs what to happen?

As we approach the final weekend of the PFL regular season, there are a few things still to be settled as the 8 playoff spots will be claimed. Starting off in the PFL East, there’s potential for a three-way tie involving the Phoenix, Knights and 96ers. If the Phoenix beat the 96ers on Sunday, they will have the edge, based on divisional record. All three will qualify. If the Phoenix lose, they will be needing other results to go their way.

In the Central, the Wasps can confirm the no.3 spot if they beat the Ravens- who need to win to get in, along with the Sharks, Phoenix and/or Sharks losing! If the Wasps lose, as do the 96ers- they still get seed no.3.

Playoff Picture- 2 weeks to go!

PFL 2019-20 PLAYOFFS |

With just two weeks remaining, the top teams have made some room in three of the four divisions. It looks like the PFL West will be decided on Prime Time TV, with the Miners hosting the Stars on Saturday 1st Feb. The Sharks, who finish at the Eagles are in control of their own destiny. Win both games and definitely in. lose one and maybe still in- lose both and quite likely to stay home.

In the East the 96ers took the lead, preventing a three-way tie at the top by beating the Knights. Instead, they hold a one game advantage over the Adelphia Phoenix. Landor are still in the wild card spots.

The Central is headed by the Wasps, who have clinched their division. The Ravens and Trojans meet this coming weekend, with the loser, at 8-9 likely to be out of the running.

The Chakota Bulldogs once again have railroaded the North division. Defending CB Champs the Ballymore Tigers are sitting just outside at 9-7. They need others to lose to get back in.

The playoff picture, at a glance:

Playoff picture after Week 17

With three games each to go (all divisional match-ups), there are eleven teams in contention for the eight playoff spots.

The division champions all get a home game. The next best four teams will complete the bracket. Rankings, similarly to the NFL are by record. In the PFL Central it looks like the Ravens and Trojans are both requiring to win out- they face each other in week 19. The Wasps and Bulldogs have already both secured the division titles in the Central and North, respectively.

In the West, the Miners and Stars are equal at 11-4. The Sharks cannot win the division, as tiebreakers already head against them.

The PFL East has three strong teams. a few weeks ago, the Phoenix and 96ers were jostling for top spot. Now, the Landor Knights are right up there at 9-6, equal with the Phoenix. The 96ers have a one game lead. All play against one another, so it will be an interesting climax to the season.

 

Boxing Day Bowl Games bring the Rematch for Championship

NUSA- UFB | University Football

The Boxing Day bowls included the two semi-finals for the National Championship- the  Champions Bowl. The Granada Bulldogs and Ohara Scarlets will stage a rematch from last years final, where the Scarlets won 31-17 to bag back-to-back titles. Yes UFB fans, a threepeat is on!

 Cherry Bowl:
#3 OHARA  SCARLETS  41-24  #2 MADISON BULLDOGS

Crystal Bowl XLIX – Tigers claim win in defensive showpiece

Crystal Bowl XLIX (49) | PFL Championship 2018-19

1st Quarter:

Quarter-Finals: A legend bows out, Bulldogs best champs, semi-finals set.

PFL PLAYOFFS 2018 | Road to the Crystal Bowl

The quarter-finals are in the bag and we are down to the final four teams.  With one Sunday left to prove the teams worthy of the Crystal Bowl, it is time to step up!

Rochester Trojans 30- 27 Chakota Wasps

We may have seen the end of an era, with Billy Humphrey, 42, perhaps playing in his last PFL game. His opposite number, Ryan Bruce led a commanding performance in the Wasps’ Nest. Completing 20 of 30 for over 300 yards and three scores, Bruce showed the playoff poise that he has lacked in his previous attempts. If he can do this in Hallas, the Trojans will be going to the big one!