Heredia’s late TD catch derails the Nighthawks
CDFL Week 1-Game 1 recap–By John Kelly
The CDFL couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. A Thursday Night Draft at the Doubletree Hotel in Mahway resembled an NFL-like setting. Players showcased flashy suits, jewelry, and of course the entourage of family and friends anticipating their selection. However, there was no lucrative shoe contract or signing bonus on the horizon, just a second chance to play the game of football, and to continue on to the college level. After three days of practices these men suited up again on Sunday hoping to continue their dream. Amongst clear skies, warm temperatures, and jitters among players, coaches, and founder George St. Lawrence the first day’s action was a slam dunk. In the opening contest Tyrone Landrum’s breath taking performance provided a tasty appetizer for the crowd’s pallets at Joseph St. Lawrence Community, Sports, and Health center. It is not everyday that a leagues first overall selection throws the leagues first touchdown pass and first game winning score in the opening game while eluding numerous defenders like an antelope from a predator. For all the great NFL plays made over the years, this first score from scrimmage meant more. Landrum’s touchdown transformed founder George St. Lawrence into a kid at Christmas. The thrilling opening game provided heart stopping entertainment for the crowd amongst numerous miscues. The league’s number one player proved that these players are legit and every game will hopefully provide future blue chippers and entertainment. I guess the CDFL has the football gods on their side.
Heredia’s late TD catch derails the Nighthawks
By John Kelly
Tyrone Landrum’s legs captured the awe of the crowd while James Heredia’s hands provided the glory. Heredia’s 3 yard touchdown catch off a naked bootleg in the right corner of the end zone put the Spirit ahead for good 19-13 with under a minute to go.
After Willie Calhoun’s 5 yard touchdown pass, the wind seemed to be taken out of the Spirit’s sails, but a crucial defensive stop on a Nighthawks two point conversion brought those howling winds back.
“The team really seemed down after they tied the game”, said Head Coach Gus Ornstein. “That defensive stop really seemed to change the momentum.”
Amongst the false starts, illegal substitutions, and personal fouls 5 possessions told the game’s story.
It didn’t take long for Tyrone Landrum, the leagues first overall pick, to live up to his billing. On the Spirit’s second drive Landrum eluded 6 defenders in pursuit and fired a 64 yard touchdown strike to J.P. Fox. The touchdown gave the Spirit an early lead and calmed some nerves in the process.
“I was a little nervous for the first game of the CDFL”, said Tyrone Landrum. “Once the butterflies cleared it was about playing football and that play I think really calmed the team.”
The Nighthawks also struck on their second possession when Anthony Carillo connected with Willie Calhoun for 38 yards in the back of the end zone. Carillo finished 9-20 with 99 yards and threw two scores. Calhoun grabbed 4 balls for 69 yards and two tds.
Bobby Mangro would pound it in from four yards out to give the Spirit a 14-7 lead. Carillo and the Nighthawks answered on their next drive capping a 7 play drive with a 5 yard td toss to Calhoun.
The next drive would ultimately decide the game and require several runs by Landrum to keep it going. The Spirit were faced with a 3rd and goal from the Nighthawk 3. Landrum’s used his heart and fleet footed ability to avoid a serious pass rush and tossed the leagues first game winning touchdown pass.
“I told the guys it was all or nothing,” said Landrum. “We have to go out there and get the victory”
The win put the spirits record at 1-0 and dropped the Nighthawks to 0-1. Both teams will face the winner and loser of Sunday’s games.
TDs by Davis, Burnett, and Fernandez and stout D power Bergen over Rockland
TDs by Davis, Burnett, and Fernandez and stout D power Bergen over Rockland-game recap by John Kelly for Football Reporters Online
Marcus Davis and Mike Fernandez found the end zone with their legs and Terrel Burnett took a kickoff to the house powering the Bears over the Rattlers 19-6. The second contest featured an identical amount of miscues and jitters but the overall performance had the approval coach.
“I am happy with the win and the guys played well all 4 quarters”, said Coach Beamon. “First games you are always going to have jitters but I am just happy we got out with a win.”
Colin Doyle was ineffective despite three big passing plays going 9-20 passing and a Td. The Bergen defense yielded only 6 points and stymied Rockland all evening.
“They held them to 6 points”, said Bergen Quarterback Mike Fernandez. “The defense won the game for us.”
We all knew coming in that Mike Fernandez had excellent speed, rushing for 70yards on 15 carries and a TD. His coach believed he showed more than that.
“He really stepped up his game running and throwing”, said Coach Beamon. “He took control of the offense when he had to”.
Bergen struck first in this contest on a Marcus Davis 2 yard touchdown run Colin Doyle rallied his offense two drives later connecting on a 7 yard picture perfect fade pass in the left corner of the end zone to Lynell Suggs.
The momentum seemed to be in Rockland’s hands but a blocked extra point and Burnett’s 96-yard kickoff return to the house let it out of their grasp. From then on Fernandez added a rushing touchdown from 5 yards out late to stretch the Bergen lead out to 13. The Bears never looked back after that.
Colin Doyle had several fourth down opportunities to stick the magic bean in the end zone but could not convert including overthrowing Walker on 4and 5 with 3 minutes to go.
Coach Beamon is content with the 19-6 win amongst several miscues and pregame jitters. Pounding the football and playing strong defense he hopes are the blueprint towards bringing his team to the championship.
“I am just happy to get the first win and let out the jitters”, said Coach “A strong running game and defense wins championships”, said Coach Beamon.
“We hope to keep this up every week”, said Beamon. At this rate if they do they will find themselves playing August 9th.
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