Week 11 saw some separation appear between the top and bottom teams in the East, while the West becomes further and further mired in a competitive log jam. The West’s records may seem mediocre, but that’s just a function of how good that conference is right now.
Iowa Barnstormers (1-8) @ Sioux Falls Storm (5-4) 26-77
There’s not a whole lot to be said or learned from this game. We knew Iowa was terrible and we knew Sioux Falls had a strong run game. Lorenzo Brown, Xavier Jackson and Donnie Corley were all terrific for the Storm, and even backup qb Seth Collins got in on the fun, throwing for 2 touchdowns. Defensive backs Byron Edwards and Eugene Ford feasted, each getting a pick and multiple breakups. The Storm played pretty much flawless football against the worst team in the league, which should bring their spirits up a bit, as should seeing Green Bay lose to QC.
Player of the game: Xavier Jackson, RB, Sioux Falls; Donnie Corley Jr, WR, Sioux Falls
Green Bay Blizzard (4-5) @ Quad City Steamwheelers (7-3) 56-63
This game never really got too out of hand, but you also never really felt like Green Bay actually had a chance to win. Both teams basically just traded touchdown drives, oftentimes one-play drives the whole game with no turnovers, with the difference eventually being just a couple missed field goals by Green Bay. The Blizzard’s defensive line has been very bad all season, and tonight gave up 200 yards rushing, including 126 to newcomer Shane Simpson. EJ Hilliard was his usual efficient self and Quad City cruised to another victory.
Player of the game: EJ Hilliard, QB, Quad City
Northern Arizona Wranglers (5-4) @ Duke City Gladiators (4-5) 40-47
The Wranglers, coming off a blowout loss to the Rattlers, had a chance to redeem themselves against an easier team and take back control of the west. Instead, they went down early again, thanks to a couple Garrett Kettle turnovers. Kettle, who had his worst outing since week 1 had trouble throwing downfield and a lot of times was either running it for small gains or checking it down. However, NAZ was able to fight their way back from 3 scores down, and even recovered an onside kick down just 7 points with a minute left. Kettle then threw his third interception of the night, a catchable pass that RCB couldn’t quite handle, tipping it to the defender and sealing the Wranglers’ loss.
Player of the game: Roderick Chapman, DB, Duke City
Bay Area Panthers (6-3) @ Tucson Sugar Skulls (4-4) 44-42
With the help of some great defensive plays, Tucson was able to build a two score lead late in the second half. However, Bay Area was able to fight back, intercepting Ramone Atkins twice and taking the lead for good in the fourth quarter. This was an especially tough loss for Tucson, plunging them even further into the goulash that is the western conference. For Bay Area, this win, coupled with a NAZ loss gives them sole possession of the West.
Player of the game: Justin Rankin, RB, Bay Area
Massachusetts Pirates (6-3) @ Tulsa Oilers (1-8) 54-48
You gotta feel kind of bad for the Tulsa defense, who did enough to get the Oilers the win, but their offense was just unable to get the job done. The Oilers D was able to intercept Anthony Russo twice and get another key stop on downs, but Vince Espinoza and the Oilers offense scored zero points off of those drives. A questionable coaching decision to go for the deuce with less than a minute left, rather than an onside kick allowed the Pirates to seal what should have been a relatively easy win. Midway through the season, Tulsa looks like they’ve got some pretty good chemistry going and some solid playmakers. The home crowd looks great as well. They just need to fire their camera operator because it’s obvious this person has never seen a football game before this season.
Player of the game: Isaac Zico, WR, Massachusetts
Vegas Knight Hawks (4-5) @ Arizona Rattlers (5-4) 39-63
Arizona was out for revenge after losing to Vegas two weeks ago, and they didn’t disappoint. Their offense was unstoppable and their defense was ferocious, leaving Daquan Neal with nowhere to run. The Knight Hawks kind of just folded midway through the third quarter, pulling Neal, and the Rattlers pulled Powell soon after. Powell went 11-13 passing for 5 touchdowns, and his receivers were constantly making incredible catches. Add to that 71 yards by Jamal Miles, including a 45 yard touchdown run for their first score of the game, and the Rattlers appear to be back in top form.
Player of the game: Drew Powell, QB, Arizona
San Diego Strike Force (3-6) @ Frisco Fighters (8-1) 56-70
As you can tell from the score, this was a defensive slug fest- nah I’m just kidding. Both teams scored quickly and often, as the first half ended 50-42. It seemed like neither team had any real interest in playing defense, and each team’s secondary took the half off. However, Frisco I guess made some adjustments at halftime and were able to start getting pressure on Nate Davis and throwing him off rhythm. The Fighters held San Diego to just 1 touchdown in the second half as the Fighters showed why they’re still the best team in the league.
Player of the game: TJ Edwards, QB, Frisco
Power Rankings
Not much movement this week, aside from some shuffling around the middle. Arizona jumped up 2 spots just because it looks like they have returned to last year’s dominant form. Green Bay’s 3 spot plummet is mostly to due how they’ve played without Jarome Johnson. Meylor is decent but nowhere near as electric as Johnson. Some people will question having a 4-5 and a 3-6 team ahead of 5-4 Sioux Falls, but look me in the eyes and tell me you could see SF beating either Vegas or San Diego.
