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Gamblers beat the Crusaders 97-69 an unexpected game at Throwoff 2003

May 18, 2003- Once again, this is Sean W., #65 of the Victory Fear, and welcome to the Fear Factory. Yesterday, May 17th, was a day that will go down in BFL for two things:

FEAR FACTORY #2- "THE GAME THAT WASN’T, THE GAME THAT WAS."

I. The Game That Wasn’t
II. The Game That Was
A. Game Summary
B. Gamblers’ Performance
C. Crusaders’ Performance
D. Corey’s (QB) Performance
III. A Look Ahead
A. Next Games for Crusaders/Gamblers
B. Quick Looks at the Remaining Week One Games
IV. Closing

I. The Game That Wasn’t

The BFL field had been painted meticulously. The video package had been made. The pregame show had been done. The announce team was ready. The fans were ready. The Icebergs were ready. It was time for Throwoff 2003!

But, there was one slight problem.

The Old Stage Sand Storm, the Icebergs’ opponents, were stranded on the New Jersey Turnpike with a flat tire.

Commissioner Ken thus had to make a judgment call. The Icebergs/SandStorm game would be played Sunday at 1 PM. Further, there would be a new Throwoff 2003. The Gamblers and Crusaders, both in attendance, agreed to play one another.

And thus, for all of you fans who order the tapes, THAT is why the second game of the season will have the Throwoff 2003 video package.

II. The Game That Was

With almost no preparation, and in their street clothes, Rich and Mark K.l went to war in front of a record-setting BFL audience of sixteen people, which unfortunately dwindled as the game went on. Despite calls to possibly not count the game early, it turned into a nip-and-tuck affair through three quarters, until the Gamblers once again proved why they are the best fourth quarter team in the league.

A. Game Summary
The Gamblers struck first, and quickly, as Corey threw a touchdown strike. The Crusaders responded in turn, but after another Karpel touchdown, could not convert on a third and one near the goal line, allowing Markl to take over with a barnburner and go up 21-7. The Crusaders recovered and got the ball back, but Mark picked the ball off, and drove to score, making it 28-7.

Unbelievably, the Crusaders rallied at the end of the half, pulling off a touchdown and two point conversion, followed by an electrifying onside throw, and another touchdown to cut the lead to eight at the half.

However, the Gamblers were too strong in the end. Riding a BFL record setting FOUR interceptions, and two of those returned for touchdowns, Mark put up a mind boggling 97 points, good for third all time, while the Crusaders mustered 69.

Final Score: Gamblers 97, Crusaders 69

B. Gamblers’ Performance

Simply put, Mark played one of the most perfect games in BFL history. He was in sync with the quarterback, played tight defense, and generally was a machine today.

If he plays like this the rest of the year, he WILL be the BFL Champion.

Mark’s keys to victory yesterday were his barnburners, with which he was able to out-run and out-jump Rich, good defense, and of course, four big picks.

C. Crusaders’ Performance

In light of all of the praise of the Gamblers, it has to be said that Rich did not play a bad game at all. 69 is a very respectable point total in the BFL. His only true error was the missed third and one in the first half. The four interceptions were not his (or the QBs really for that matter) fault, but rather awesome defensive plays by Mark on hard thrown balls that tended to carom up in the air.

The Crusaders’ defense also showed something to be desired, but they have never been a BFL defensive powerhouse.

Look for the Crusaders to use this loss as a learning experience, and come back ready to roll.

D. Corey’s Performance

One of the major questions surrounding Throwoff 2003 was how the new quarterback would function. In warm-ups, Corey quickly dispelled all doubt. With a cannon for an arm, he leaped into the fray, throwing touchdown after touchdown to both teams.
He tends to throw the ball with a lot more velocity than Howie Go-Go, making for some nice catches on tough plays, where he is able to force the ball into tight spots. This ball speed also causes the ball to ricochet off players’ hands at times, causing the four interceptions, and nearly an interception by the Crusaders as well.

Bottom line is that Corey is now number two all time on our list of quarterbacks. Congratulations to him, as he looked good out there in his first day on the job!

III. A Look Ahead

With Throwoff 2003 in the books, let’s take a look at what we’ve got coming up in the BFL season, for both our two Throwoff teams, and the rest of our week one matchups.

A. Next Games for Crusaders/Gamblers

The Crusaders will be looking to make up for this week’s effort in their Week Two game against the SandStorm. Meanwhile, the red-hot Gamblers will take on the Fear. When told of this, Karpel simply laughed, and asked if he could win by forfeit instead of playing.

B. Quick Looks at the Remaining Week One Games

Old Stage SandStorm vs. Snowhill Icebergs

Throwoff 2003 v.2, if you will. What I said on Throwoff 2003’s pre-game still holds, Mark C. pro-style offense will be too much for the slimmer, trimmer Charlie.

Norton Black Knights vs. Congress Bulldogs

Offense vs. Defense. With the Bulldogs deprived of one of their only records, look for Andy to come into this game trying to set new ones, and pull a shocking upset.

Victory Fear vs. Pelham Sparrows

The defending BFL Champions take on the Fear, in the only regular season matchup between active commentators this season. No prediction, it’s my game, after all.

IV. Closing

In short, Throwoff 2003 was a day of surprises, records, and all out tenacity. It will be remembered as much for the flat tire as it will be for the debut of Corey at QB. Mark’s four interceptions and 97 points have made their way into the annals of BFL history, as have Rich’s amazing catches, and diving, crawling run into the end zone. This has been the Fear Factory. Tune in later to catch the Icebergs play the SandStorm.

BFL Publications 2003
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