Re: Source: Seahawks GM Ruskell won't return « Result #1 Today at 12:23am »
OMG!!! Wouldn't this be big big news!
With rumors circulating about "the Big Four" ex-head coaches, PFW identifies likely scenarios, including a potential pairing of Jon Gruden and Mike Holmgren in Seattle ...
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine what continues to be the hottest question on the NFL head-coach/GM rumor front:
Just what will those heavy-hitter "rock stars" currently sitting on the sidelines really be doing in 2010?
With their impressive track records looking increasingly appealing to a number of teams, the quartet of Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher has become the NFL's answer to The Beatles, with speculation on each of their immediate futures starting to pick up steam as the 2009 season begins its stretch drive.
What follows is the latest conjecture on "the Big Four," beginning with Holmgren and some breaking news in Seattle:
The way we hear it from well-connected sources, Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell, who has been under increasing fire in the Pacific Northwest and is in the final year of his contract, has been informed that he will not be returning next season.
Enter the 61-year-old Holmgren, who has been rumored for a while now as a strong bet to return to Seattle strictly as the head of football operations. Holmgren, who reportedly has also been pursued by Browns owner Randy Lerner, now appears much more likely to try to reinvent himself in Seattle, where he served as the head coach from 1999-2008 and — in the first four years — also as the team's executive vice president and general manager.
Holmgren hardly distinguished himself in a dual head coach-GM role and was squeezed out of his executive role after the Seahawks compiled a lackluster 31-34 record (including the playoffs) under his direction with only one playoff appearance.
With Ruskell entering the fray as the new GM in 2005 and Holmgren serving solely as the head coach, the Seahawks enjoyed considerably more success through the remainder of Holmgren's previous stint in Seattle, as the Seahawks went on to compile a 59-46 record with four division championships in six seasons and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2005.
On more than a few occasions, Holmgren has acknowledged the difficulty he had in handling a dual head coach-GM role and how much he now recognizes the error of his ways the first time around as a GM. Team insiders tell us his biggest error was his obsessive micromanaging and tendency to want to do everything himself. League insiders, meanwhile, have been wondering aloud recently whether or not Holmgren would be able to avoid trying to steal the thunder of whoever would be serving as the team's head coach.
The indication currently is that Jim Mora, who is in his first year as the Seahawks' head coach, would probably remain on the job under Holmgren.
"You would think the two of them could work well together," said one team insider. "Mora has mentioned more than once how much he learned last season (as the Seahawks' assistant head coach and secondary coach) watching the way Holmgren handled himself in his final year."
But the way we hear it, it would not be a shock if Holmgren made a concerted effort to lure Gruden away from his recently extended contract with ESPN and team up with his former Green Bay assistant for what would be an eye-popping parlay.
In a Holmgren-Gruden scenario, we hear Holmgren might consider making (VP/player personnel) Ruston Webster the Seahawks' GM, given how well Webster previously worked together with Holmgren.
"But Gruden and Webster never saw eye to eye in Tampa (when Gruden was the Buccaneers' head coach), in part because they would not let Webster out of his contract to join Ruskell in Seattle in the first place," said a league insider. "A Gruden-Webster pairing would not work, creating a need for another GM or head coach."
It's very much worth noting that it was at roughly this point in the season in 2002, Holmgren's final year as the GM, that his team caught fire and won four of its final six games, including its last three games — a piece of interesting recent history pointed out by Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times last week. That successful late-season run set the table for the great success that was to follow in Seattle the next five seasons.
Could Holmgren be successful the second time around in Seattle if he is indeed back in the driver's seat?
Many of our sources aren't so sure.
"There are some in Seattle suggesting that the team should take the blinders off (in pursuit of Holmgren and perhaps consider a young, up-and-coming guy to run the team instead," said one team insider.
Added a league executive: "Mike Holmgren is a name. He doesn't know what to do with (acquiring) personnel."
That league exec's assertion is debatable. While it's true Holmgren drafted more than a few lemons as Seattle's GM (Lamar King, Koren Robinson, Jerramy Stevens), he also had his share of plums (Steve Hutchinson, Shaun Alexander and, most notably, Matt Hasselbeck, whom he acquired in a trade with Green Bay).
In any event, it's really beginning to look like a return to the Seahawks is on the horizon.
As for a possible hookup with Gruden, we hear that while such a pairing would be undeniably intriguing, it is far from a done deal.
"The only question with Gruden — that even head coaches around the league cannot figure out — is why he extended with ESPN long term," one league insider told PFW. "He was flying in a lot of college coaches running the spread in the offseason and picking their brains, watching tape for six hours and then going golfing with them later in the day.
"He even flew in Tom Moore when he was misaligned with the Colts (because of pension issues). So he really may be enjoying his time away from the game, and few are convinced he is returning, with several years still left on his Tampa deal. He does love (Florida QB and Heisman Trophy candidate Tim) Tebow, though. He has been studying the spread offense, and Seattle needs a QB. And Seattle is known as one of the three highest-paying organizations in the league."
On the other hand ...
"I don't know that Gruden wants back in," an NFL personnel director told PFW. "He just signed that big extension with 'Monday Night Football.' That might be saying he wants to keep studying the game from afar for a couple more years and get a better grasp on the game — to get his doctorate degree in football from the best coaches around the league and wait for the right opening. ... The guy is always asking questions and always learning."
Moving on to Shanahan and Cowher, we hear that, in both cases, they will follow the money trail and look for the most lucrative offer available. While Shanahan has made no bones about his desire to get back into the NFL mix, Cowher continues to bide his time, most recently claiming on the CBS pregame show on Thanksgiving Day that he won't openly pursue any head-coaching offers until vacancies officially open at the end of the season.
Shanahan, who compiled a 146-91 record in 14 seasons in Denver but was only 24-24 in his final three seasons as head coach, met for seven hours this past Monday night and Tuesday morning in the Mile High City with Bills chief operating officer Russ Brandon regarding the Buffalo head-coaching job, which opened up recently with the firing of head coach Pee Pee Jauron.
Not surprisingly, both Shanahan and Brandon indicated they were in no rush at all to consummate a deal, one which league insiders believe would have to at least match the $20 million still owed to him over the next three years by the Broncos.
"Shanahan met with Buffalo, but I doubt he wants to take his offense up to the cold, not with the roster they have there," an NFL personnel director told PFW. "It's not in top shape. They (the Bills) are small in a big division. Very average in talent. I'd have a very hard time patting myself on the back if I put that one together."
What could end up being a lot more likely for Shanahan, we hear, is a new gig in Washington, given the multiple meetings that took place between him and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder earlier this season, Snyder's willingness to overspend, and the ties that exist between Redskins executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato and Shanahan from their days together in the 49ers' organization.
There are also rumblings, although not nearly as strong as those in Washington, that the Bears could possibly consider hiring Shanahan — a natural marriage in the eyes of many, with Shanahan having grown up in the Chicago area as well as having groomed beleaguered Bears QB Jay Cutler.
"Chicago's roster has slipped in recent years," said one NFL talent evaluator, "but they do have a quarterback (in Cutler). Shanahan showed he can coach the guy.
"Going from Shanahan to (Bears QB coach) Pep Hamilton ... is a huge step back, and it's clear it has frustrated Jay Cutler. The Bears need to invest more heavily in someone who can get Cutler back on track."
As for Cowher, who flirted with the Browns and Jets last year, there really don't appear to be any serious head-coaching offers on the table, although there was a recent NFL Network report that he would be "excited" by potential openings in Houston and Chicago.
PFW also reported recently that higher-ups within the Bears' organization have casually reached out to an intermediary of Cowher to assess his interest level, although there is no tangible evidence that Bears head coach Lovie Smith is in any danger of losing his job with two years and $11 million still remaining on his contract.
Cowher, who has a home in North Carolina, has also been frequently linked with the Panthers, but our sources aren't putting much stock in that potential connection.
"(Panthers GM) Marty Hurney has been told the front office is safe and he is returning, and he's a loyal guy," said one source. "I could see offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson getting shipped out, given their frustrations with him, but I would be a little surprised if (head coach John) Fox was let go, unless the team finishes very poorly down the stretch.
"(Panthers QB Jake) Delhomme is a favorite of the owner, and Hurney is under no heat for extending him, so that could potentially eliminate Carolina as a Cowher destination.
"And Texans GM Rick Smith was extended last summer until 2012 and is expected to be allowed to pick his own coach, which would eliminate Cowher for an opening in Houston if he cannot bring in his own people, provided there is even a coaching opening."
Which would leave — perhaps with a capital "M" — the Bears.
"While the McCaskeys were running the team, it was (Mike) Ditka, (Dave) Wannstedt and maybe — if they take back ownership — Cowher," said one league source. "Blue-collar town, blue-collar guy, passionate football city.
"It makes sense and fits like a glove on many levels."
PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released the first week of December. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.
Raff call me plz « Result #2 on Nov 29, 2009, 10:53pm »
Hey wat up do you know anything about colorado coming in this leagu ive got hits on a team called the Rocky Mountain Renegades do you know anything about it?? Bear 58.5 Colorado Springs Flame HOF '06
Source: Seahawks GM Ruskell won't return « Result #3 on Nov 29, 2009, 10:43pm »
Posted Nov. 29, 2009 @ 3:29 p.m. By PFW staff Inside sources have told PFW that beleaguered Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell, who is in the final year of his contract, has been told that he will not be re-signed after this season. With Ruskell now reportedly splitting the scene at season’s end, the door appears to have opened for Mike Holmgren to return to the Seahawks as the head of football operations.
For more on the future of Holmgren and three other heavy hitters — Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden — currently biding their time, read PFW’s lead in-depth “Way We Hear It” item that will be posted early Monday morning.
The latest news from the NAFL « Result #6 on Nov 27, 2009, 11:39pm »
Some announcements coming out ths year:
Colorado Rattlers are the core of 5 new teams joining the NAFL for 2010, including a new team out of Casper Wyoming.
Welcome new owners for the Minnesota Maulers. With the Lumberjacks coming back for 2010 and the new Sioux Falls, SD team, we will be able to round out a 6 team division.
The NAFL welcomes two of the nations topped ranked teams. They are in New York. Check the web site over the next few weeks. We will be issuing a press release on all new teams from New York.
NAFL will be hostng 3 regional meetings this week: Colorado, Seattle and New York. We will be hosting meetings in Wisconscin, Texas and Florida in the upcoming weeks as well.
NAFL revises playoff travel system. We are asking all teams to use qualified vendors to purchase their equipment and uniforms. The vendors will donate 10% to the NAFL travel fund. In 2009, NAFL teams wore over $1 million in equipment and uniforms. Base on this number that will result in $100,000 in playoff travel budget for 2010. This is a pilot program for 2010 and is expected to take 3 years to mature.
NAFL annnounces new Charity partnership. www.kidsagainsthunger.org a .23 cents donation will provide 1 meal for a child in the United States. See web site for details. A paypal donation link directly to the charity will be placed on the NAFL site.
Thanks maveriks2thebull. I remember living near a town called Napavine years ago and would watch their 8 man games when I was a kid staying with my grandparents. Great memorable times.
Neah Bay 64 Lummi 36.
To Dan P...
Congrats on a great season coaching with Lummi.
It will be the defending champs Bellevue vs. Liberty for the 3A finals. Liberty kicked a 42 yard field goal with only a few seconds left to beat #2 Lakes 17 to 14. I listened to the game at work. The crowd went nuts when the ball sailed through the uprights. I was rooting for Lakes but crap. Bellevue had a good game with Union of Vancouver winning 19 to 13.
Re: NAFLNW news Saints fold Raiders/Blackshirts me « Result #11 on Nov 27, 2009, 9:42am »
Hi Chris, Yes were bumm'n because the Seahawks stink this season. Anyway Kollinz #94 didn't write that. That statement above came from D ick Suess's American Football News website. Mr. Suess is founder of the CFL.
Have fun at the NAFLNW meeting and training webinar.
Kollinz#94 First Class Petty Officer member is offline
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NAFLNW news Saints fold Raiders/Blackshirts merge « Result #13 on Nov 25, 2009, 8:07pm »
This info was pulled of the American Football News website
The Pacific Northwest Divsion of the NAFL has lost the West Sound Saints and Pacific Northwest Wildcats. The Saints folded, while the Wildcats joined the Cascade League. The Eastside (Portland) Blackshirts have merged with the Portland Raiders for 2010. The division is currently at five teams for 2010, but is looking at several prospects for a season that runs June, July and August.
bigdawg Master Chief Petty Officer member is offline
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Re: Football Semifinals this weekend (Tacoma Dome) « Result #15 on Nov 25, 2009, 12:57pm »
Or, Or you all could come down Friday and watch my Lummi Blackhawks beat Neah Bay at 4pm Friday...lol Hope to see you football fans there....GO BULLDOGS....OOPS....I MEANT BLACKHAWKS...
Re: Football Semifinals this weekend (Tacoma Dome) « Result #17 on Nov 24, 2009, 2:10pm »
Gotta pull for the schools from Vancouver USA....
Union and Skyview. I think Skyview has a better shot, don't know much about the schools in Spokane. Union always seems to meet Bellevue should be a good one.
News: NAFL Appoints New Commissioner « Result #18 on Nov 24, 2009, 1:27pm »
NAFL Appoints New Eastern Conference Commissioner EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota -
Effective immediately, the NAFL has appointed Scott Forest to the position of Eastern Conference Commissioner. Forest is replacing Ron Kerr, who served in this position for one year.
"For what it's worth, Scott Forest is highly recommended by me. I know Scott is very well-qualified for this position, and he will be a tremendous asset to the Eastern Conference and the entire NAFL," comments Ron Kerr. The resignation from the Commissioner's position will allow Kerr to focus solely on the daily operations of the Central Penn Piranha.
During the 2009 season, Scott Forest was the North Atlantic Region Director (Eastern Conference) for the NAFL, and was in charge of supervising the Empire Division teams. "I am honored to be appointed to the position of Eastern Conference Commissioner of the North American Football League. I believe that my experience working in minor league football, in particular with the NAFL, has paved the way for me to obtain this position."
Forest adds, "I was able to create a positive atmosphere for teams, and build a waiting list for quality teams to aspire to enter the NAFL. I believe that I can bring this same level of success to Atlantic Region, and fill the Eastern Conference with teams that are successful both on and off the field. My goal is to promote teams and assist them to be financially successful. When teams experience the ability to grow and become financially stable, they will see the value of the NAFL as a long-term investment."
"I am very pleased that Scott Forest has accepted the position of Eastern Conference Commissioner for the NAFL. Scott brings a tremendous amount of professionalism and vision to the NAFL management staff. We (NAFL) are blessed to have him as one of our leaders in 2010 and beyond," comments NAFL General Manager Dave Kmiecik.
Scott Forest Resume
Videographer - Kingston Panthers (1998) General Manager - Hudson Valley Giants (2000-02) General Manager - Hudson Valley Saints (2004-08) North Atlantic Region Director - NAFL (2009)
Re: Football Semifinals this weekend Tacoma Dome « Result #23 on Nov 24, 2009, 9:05am »
Looking forward to watching the Championships on Saturday Dec 5th. HS tournament Football is fantastic. Depending on my work schedule I would love to see the Skyline vs. Bothell game this Saturday. That will be the game of the year.
Spiderman Master Chief Petty Officer member is offline
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Re: 28 New teams join the NAFL for 2010 « Result #25 on Nov 24, 2009, 2:51am »
Hey Rob,I herd that the Eastside Xtreme are playing in the CFL and the jags are done.Is this true?? Mike is the new coach and owner of the Xtreme,so who is with the jags??
Spiderman A.K.A Eddie Webb Virginia Crimson Cardinals National Champion 08 NAFL all-star 08 MLFA National Champion 07 3 time NWFL Champion 05-07 Jags 05-09 Mustangs Spring Ball 05-07 Wolves half season 06 Free agent 2010
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Bulldogs gettin some props from NAFL Champs « Result #27 on Nov 19, 2009, 8:28pm »
Congrats to all my Bulldog teamates that made the trip down to Miami and rep'd tha West in the All Star game I had a great time suiting up with my dawgz one last time in 2009. It looks like we have begin to earn a little respect across the nation from the dogfight we gave the NAFL Champs and the way we represented the Bulldogs in the All Star game in Miami. I pulled this post off the NAFL National message board it was posted by a St. Paul Pioneer
2010 TEAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR by maine34 on Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:47 pm
News: Pioneers Crowned NAFL National Champions « Result #30 on Nov 17, 2009, 11:55pm »
Pioneers Crowned NAFL National Champions
MIAMI, Florida -
One year removed from the most exciting Championship Game in NAFL history (Indianapolis Tornados 45, San Diego Thunder 35, 2008), the NAFL found a way to provide the NEW most exciting Championship Game in NAFL history. John Dirkhising kicked an 18-yard field goal as time expired, and the St. Paul Pioneers (15-1) defeated the Nashville Storm (13-1) by a score of 23-21, and claimed the 2009 NAFL National Championship.
This game had four ties and two lead changes, and had all of the fans at the North Miami Athletic Stadium on the edge of their seats for all 60 minutes of the contest.
Similar to their last playoff game (37-31 OT win @ Central Penn Piranha), the Nashville Storm scored first. On their second possession, Nashville drove 57 yards to the 1-yard line of St. Paul. On the next play, Johnathan Carter Walked into the end zone for the touchdown. Garrett Morgan added the extra point to give the Storm a 7-0 lead (9:52).
The Pioneers answered with an 81-yard scoring drive on their next possession. Nate Harrington hooked-up with Joseph Mapson on a 47-yard touchdown strike. John Dirkhising knotted the game at 7 points each with 3:28 left in the opening quarter. After that score, the St. Paul Pioneers gained some confidence, and knew that they could play with the Nashville Storm.
Late in the second quarter, a play took place that changed the entire complexion of the game. With the ball on the Pioneers' 10-yard line, Nashville quarterback Phellepe Hall fired a pass into the flat. Nate Beulah intercepted the pass, and had enough presence to lateral the ball as he was being tackled. Fellow defensive back Donte Pettis took the lateral in stride, and raced 90 yards for the pick-6. Instead of possibly going up 14-7, the Storm were now trailing 14-7 at the 2:25 mark of the first half. That single play was a huge momentum swing in favor of the Pioneers.
However, the potent Storm offense had plenty of time remaining (2:16) to try and tie the game before halftime. Hall engineered a 59-yard scoring drive, capped with a 2-yard run by fullback Kelcey Williams with 11 seconds left. The halftime score was 14-14, and it would only get more exciting in the second half.
Midway through the third quarter, the Pioneers took the lead again. This time it was on a 1-yard run by Jon Robinson. The extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the door open for the Storm to take the lead on a touchdown and successful extra point.
Nashville took advantage of the miscue by St. Paul, and drove 65 yards for the game-tying touchdown. Wide receiver Ivan Burley caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Hall. Garrett Morgan nailed the extra point, and the Storm held a slim 21-20 lead with 10:57 remaining in the game.
There were 5 field goal attempts in this game, all of which were in the second half. At this point, each kicker was 0-1, and both would have at least one more chance to atone for the miscues.
On their next possession, the St. Paul drive stalled at the Nashville 21-yard line. John Dirkhising attempted a 38-yard field goal, and it was no good (5:34). Clinging to a 1-point lead, the Storm were in position to drive down the field and virtually lock down a championship victory.
However, their drive would stall at the 28-yard line of the Pioneers. Garrett Morgan missed on a 45-yard field goal attempt. With 2:00 remaining in this epic contest, the Pioneers had one last shot to win the 2009 NAFL National Championship.
Aside from the 90-yard interception return in the second quarter, the biggest play of the game was about to take place. Pioneer quarterback Nate Harrington tossed a deep pass into double coverage. One of the Storm defenders was covering the intended Pioneer receiver, the safety came from over the top and made contact with the receiver prior to the ball arriving. A defensive pass interference penalty was assessed, and moved the ball deep into Storm territory.
A couple plays later, the Pioneers were threatening to score a touchdown. With no timeouts left, they tried a running play from the 1-yard line, which was stuffed. Harrington hurried his troops to line scrimmage, as the clock was under 10 seconds. Harrington spiked the ball to stop the clock with 3 seconds remaining.
Barring a defensive penalty, this would be the final play of the game. The fate of the 2009 NAFL National Championship Game was all up to the St. Paul Pioneers' long-snapper, holder, and kicker John Dirkhising. The snap was on the money; the hold was perfect; the kick was up, and it was good! With 0:00 showing on the clock, the scoreboard read St. Paul 23, Nashville 21.
Dirkhising was 2-3 on extra points and 1-3 on field goals. However, the most important kick he made was the one that gave his team the 2009 NAFL National Championship. "I was talking with John just the other day, and he said that he had never kicked a game-winning field goal in his football career," stated Jim Walsh, defensive coordinator for the St. Paul Pioneers. Finally, Dirkhising can put a game-winning field goal on his resume.
Congratulations to the St. Paul Pioneers and Nashville Storm for providing the most exciting Championship Game in NAFL history.
NAFL National Championship Game Offense MVP WR Joseph Mapson (St. Paul) 6 rec - 126 yards, TD (47)
NAFL National Championship Game Defense MVP DE Jeff McGaster (St. Paul) 8 tackles, 2 sacks, blocked field goal
NAFL ALL- Star game DVD's « Result #39 on Nov 13, 2009, 7:07am »
Custom Game DVD's
MIAMI, Florida -
For the first time in the league's history, the NAFL will be making the official Championship Weekend game DVD's available for purchase on site after each game. The games will be professionally videotaped by Larry The Video Guy. Price is $10.00 for each game DVD, and includes custom labels with team helmets, complete with paper sleeve and clear window. All games (Championship and All-Star) will be recorded and available for purchase. Don't miss your chance to capture NAFL history on film.
Re: St. Paul Pioneers @ Bellingham Bulldogs « Result #40 on Nov 9, 2009, 4:58pm »
I love it when guys say stuff like this "You lucked out scoring (pick 6, fumble return for TD) all your points on turnovers". So your saying that when your (bulldogs) blocked a punt against the renegades and returned in for a TD, it was luck? I don't think so. Defense and special teams are part of the game. Its not who has the better offense or who has the better defense. It's who has the better TEAM. (On that given day
Re: All Star Game « Result #41 on Nov 8, 2009, 1:11am »
no usually you gotta bring your own stuff, i been at the allstar game for the last 5 years and no tape. as far as the combine, they are different every time as far as timing and bench.
2009 College Football Playoff bracket « Result #44 on Nov 6, 2009, 5:29pm »
Each week during the season 14 college football writers, editors and producers at SI and SI.com will each vote for 16 teams that deserve berths in the playoff bracket with points assigned to their rankings (16 points for No. 1, 15 for No. 2, etc.). The vote totals form the 16 seeds in the bracket.
I think we are getting closer and closer America!!! As we all know playoffs are the only way to crown a National Champion.
If you have Comcast Cable and have the NFL Network then Comcast will give you the RedZone on channel 410.
The NFL Network is right when they say it will change the way you watch football. Nearly every play they show is meaningful and live or it just happened. Its much funner watching all the games around the NFL happen.
If the Seahawks are stinking it up, I then switch over to watch the entire NFL.
Starting next Thursday the 12th. The NFL Network will start its Thursday Night football.
Like Lewis and Clark before them, the St. Paul Pioneers (14-1) journeyed nearly 2,000 miles west into uncharted territory. Like those earlier pioneers, the St. Paul squad accomplished something few outside their circled wagons thought possible, and St. Paul earned a spot in the 2009 NAFL National Championship game.
Missing several key starters, the Pioneers defeated the Bellingham Bulldogs (12-1) on Halloween night in Northwest Washington State, by a score of 20-15. Using two Montae Bailey interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and two key goal line stands, the Pioneers overcame the usual road woes of missing starters and execution to gut out a historic victory.
St. Paul started fast, jumping out to a 13-0 first quarter lead on scores by fullback Jon Robinson and middle linebacker Josh Hollie. Robinson's touchdown run came after Bailey, the Pioneers' All-Star safety, intercepted a Bulldogs' pass and returned it to the Bellingham 5-yard line. Minutes later, Hollie scored for the second game in a row, after an athletic interception at midfield. Like Bailey, Hollie also is an NAFL All-Star and a Minor League Football News All-American.
However, Bellingham would come back to make a game of it. Using a precision passing game and a deceptively effective running game, the Bulldogs scored a touchdown on a diving catch in the end zone, and added a field goal to close the gap to 13-9 at halftime.
In the second half, the Pioneers extended their lead to 20-9 after cornerback Terry Jones scooped up a fumble near the Pioneers' sideline and returned it over 40 yards for a touchdown. On the play, the Bulldogs completed a short pass to the flat, but cornerback Donte Pettis stripped the ball from the Bellingham receiver, setting up the Jones score.
Bellingham responded once again, by scoring on a short slant pass. The Bulldogs' 2-point conversion attempt was no good, and the Pioneers led 20-15.
The game’s final minutes included much drama as the Bulldogs twice threatened to take the lead. Montae Bailey was the first Pioneer to rise to the occasion, grabbing another interception in the St. Paul end zone. Later, Terry Jones swatted away a pass in the end zone on fourth-and-two, to keep the Bulldogs from taking the lead just before the two-minute warning.
On the last goal line stand, linebacker Deventri Jordan made a terrific stop, plugging what appeared to be a hole in the line, to stuff the Bulldogs' running back for no gain on third down. Jones then jumped in front of a slant pattern at the last second to knock the ball to the turf at Bellingham’s Civic Field, and end their last real scoring threat.
The Pioneers tried to run out the clock, but a mistake by the officials awarded the Bulldogs an extra timeout, which forced the Pioneers to punt after the St. Paul quarterback had been taking a knee. Punter Chris Husby came through in the clutch, belting a kick out past midfield from the shadows of his own goal post. Val Ndikum recorded a sack on the game's final play.
The Pioneers (14-1) have won their way to Miami, and will face perhaps the best team in the NAFL, the Nashville Storm (13-0). Kickoff for the 2009 NAFL National Championship Game is scheduled for 4:30 PM on Saturday November 14th.
Game Notes
Head Coach Mark Heiser and Owner George Hall have the Pioneers playing in the NAFL National Championship in only their second year leading the team. The Pioneers last played for a national title in 2003 when they lost 28-21 to the Brooklyn Mariners in the AFA National Championship, which was played in the Metrodome.
During their 2009 playoff run, St. Paul has defeated three higher seeded teams to get to the championship game. The Pioneers defeated the Iowa Lightning, Dakota Lawdawgs, and Bellingham Bulldogs, all of which were on the road. St. Paul defeated the Cedar Valley Vikings and the Racine Raiders in home playoff games. The Pioneers are the only team in the NAFL playoffs to have won five playoff games. A win in Miami would give them six playoff victories.
With the win, the Pioneers improve to 14-1 on the season. No Pioneers' team has ever won that many games in a single year.
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Re: Great Season Dawgs « Result #47 on Nov 5, 2009, 11:33am »
To my Canadian Dogs, this run was that much greater because you guys came down and made the run with us. Rob "Big Sexy"Davis, Ivan "the farmer" Miliovsky, Cam"asian visors for $10"Yeow, Carson"I'm too sexy for my shirt"Souter, Casey"I will pump you up"Souter, Aj"sticky fingers"Zimmerman, Nic"I bought the first Asian Visor from Cam"Gavigan, Shaun"I look like Seal"Marchan, Aj"silent ninja"Hay, Darren"lights out"Geddard, Chris"put me in coach"Epps, and Steve"I will date yo mama"Faoro. Football is about building memories and friendships, I have those because of you guys...Love all of you Canucks.....lol
Re: Great Season Dawgs « Result #48 on Nov 4, 2009, 9:32am »
I couldn't of had the season I did without my big dawgs on the line... great job all year and please take care of yourself this off-season and dominate next year for me... I will be keeping a tab on you guys while I am out in the hot desert near Iraq... You guys better go to the show next year! and if not I will be back for the 2011 season and in force... 6 mos of straight workin out in the desert outta do the trick... Take it easy Bull dogs and keep in touch...
Wasn't there some meeting of all the local owners down here in the Portland area (Hood River) to discuss the future of NW football? What was the outcome of that? I just remember that was a hot topic for awhile, and never heard about it since. Just wondering.
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Mike is the new coach and owner of the Xtreme,so who is with the jags??![[image]](http://nafl.org/images/stories/articles/all-star%20-%20blue%20helmet.jpg)
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