Post by marinersmedia on May 18, 2010 6:53:12 GMT -5
BALTIMORE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THREE GAME SWEEP IN FAYETTEVILLE
BALTIMORE, MD (May 14th, 2010) – Not even a change in the schedule could derail the Mariners and their historic path to the AIFA Championship. They took a most important step to that championship game in Baltimore with a big 63-34 victory over the Fayetteville Guard. We knew that this might have been quite a challenge after the game had to be moved from a Saturday night to a Thursday night game. The game began with a little concern, after the Guard moved the chains and scored on their opening drive. For every score we had, Fayetteville answered and kept the game honest going into the second half. However, thanks to a great game plan and perfect execution, the Mariners came out on top and played like they have all season. The exams are in; let’s see how the Mariners did in their final game this season against the Fayetteville Guard.
Offense: A
While the Mariners defense was trying to adjust to the Guard offense, the Mariners offense kept us in the game. Quarterback E.J. Nemeth dominated as usual, having a career day with six touchdown passes. Scorpio Brown and Aaron Yarbough owned the Fayetteville defensive backfield, each hauling in three touchdown catches a piece. Running back Isaiah Grier controlled the clock and put the game away for yet another win, thanks to his three rushing touchdowns.
Defense: B+
The Mariners top notch defense took a while to get a feel for the Guard offense. If was very obvious that Fayetteville actually did their homework this time and looked at some game film. The Guard moved the ball very effectively, which cause Mariners Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt to rethink his X’s and O’s. The Swashbucklers made some changes, and went back to being the defense that we know and love. We could see near the end of the second quarter that the defense had returned to form. The ability for this Mariners team to adjust if something isn’t quite going the way they want is a testament to the coaching staff and the players. Fearon Wright and the Mariners defensive line terrorized Guard quarterback Nick Gildersleeve, once again, as Wright forced a very important safety in the first quarter. DB Jermaine Thaxton, who was playing linebacker Thursday night, added to his interception total for the season, as well as DB Richard Johnson who intercepted his 5th pass of the season.
Special Teams: B
An interesting aspect to the kicking game, as OL/DL Adam Foley assumed the kicking duties for our regular kicker, all-pro J.R. Cipra. Foley did a decent job, splitting the uprights on an extra point. The special teams coverage was suspect at times, allowing Guard returner Walter Ford to take the ball past mid-field. Despite allowing some decent returns, they did not allow a single touchdown return, which is what they have been doing all season. We are so used to seeing Cipra kick an uno or kick the ball in a way that would make it impossible for a return. Solid job by Foley and the return team in this very important win.
The Mariners have a week to enjoy the win and enjoy being undefeated for yet another week before their attention shifts to the Richmond Raiders. The Raiders took us down to the wire in Baltimore last time we faced off, but the Mariners held strong. This time, we go to their house and try to make ourselves at home at the Richmond Coliseum. This game is going to be a war just like the last time, make sure you tune in for the action on May 29th.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
BALTIMORE, MD (May 14th, 2010) – Not even a change in the schedule could derail the Mariners and their historic path to the AIFA Championship. They took a most important step to that championship game in Baltimore with a big 63-34 victory over the Fayetteville Guard. We knew that this might have been quite a challenge after the game had to be moved from a Saturday night to a Thursday night game. The game began with a little concern, after the Guard moved the chains and scored on their opening drive. For every score we had, Fayetteville answered and kept the game honest going into the second half. However, thanks to a great game plan and perfect execution, the Mariners came out on top and played like they have all season. The exams are in; let’s see how the Mariners did in their final game this season against the Fayetteville Guard.
Offense: A
While the Mariners defense was trying to adjust to the Guard offense, the Mariners offense kept us in the game. Quarterback E.J. Nemeth dominated as usual, having a career day with six touchdown passes. Scorpio Brown and Aaron Yarbough owned the Fayetteville defensive backfield, each hauling in three touchdown catches a piece. Running back Isaiah Grier controlled the clock and put the game away for yet another win, thanks to his three rushing touchdowns.
Defense: B+
The Mariners top notch defense took a while to get a feel for the Guard offense. If was very obvious that Fayetteville actually did their homework this time and looked at some game film. The Guard moved the ball very effectively, which cause Mariners Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt to rethink his X’s and O’s. The Swashbucklers made some changes, and went back to being the defense that we know and love. We could see near the end of the second quarter that the defense had returned to form. The ability for this Mariners team to adjust if something isn’t quite going the way they want is a testament to the coaching staff and the players. Fearon Wright and the Mariners defensive line terrorized Guard quarterback Nick Gildersleeve, once again, as Wright forced a very important safety in the first quarter. DB Jermaine Thaxton, who was playing linebacker Thursday night, added to his interception total for the season, as well as DB Richard Johnson who intercepted his 5th pass of the season.
Special Teams: B
An interesting aspect to the kicking game, as OL/DL Adam Foley assumed the kicking duties for our regular kicker, all-pro J.R. Cipra. Foley did a decent job, splitting the uprights on an extra point. The special teams coverage was suspect at times, allowing Guard returner Walter Ford to take the ball past mid-field. Despite allowing some decent returns, they did not allow a single touchdown return, which is what they have been doing all season. We are so used to seeing Cipra kick an uno or kick the ball in a way that would make it impossible for a return. Solid job by Foley and the return team in this very important win.
The Mariners have a week to enjoy the win and enjoy being undefeated for yet another week before their attention shifts to the Richmond Raiders. The Raiders took us down to the wire in Baltimore last time we faced off, but the Mariners held strong. This time, we go to their house and try to make ourselves at home at the Richmond Coliseum. This game is going to be a war just like the last time, make sure you tune in for the action on May 29th.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.