WEEK 3 – 60 MIN OF FOOTBALL

For the first time during this tournament not only was the weather good but all the teams playing out of the Evander site this Sunday had a chance to position there program for a run at the playoffs.

NY SPARTANS VERSUS HV COWBOYS

In Gridiron Elite fashion the tourney seems to always become closer as the season continues. Some teams come out of the gate stronger than others but the competition quickly levels as the tourney continues. The NY Spartans (0-2) versus the HV Cowboys (1-1) game would line up these 2 programs for the first time in history. The game started out quickly as the NY Spartans jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead on a #11 Dave Hom bootleg. The NY Spartans have struggled all tournament in every aspect of play but seemed to find comfort in scoring so early. Both defenses tightened up and played back and fourth until the NY Spartans intercepted a pass and ran it back for a score. #55 Phillip Gordon familiar with scoring on defense did it again giving his team a 14-0 lead over the Cowboys.

The Cowboys defense was stingy all day, they did give up a few plays and none more important to the final outcome of the game on a 3rd and long play the Spartans checked down to #83 Sam Akinrinade on a short pass. Only problem though is no one told #83 to stop running and he evaded a few tacklers and ran up the sidelines for a 84 yard TD run moving the Spartans in front by the score of 20-0.

The reason we play the games are simple, the outcome isn’t predefined and surely not final until the game is complete. The Hudson Valley Cowboys didn’t stop playing down by 20 and moved down the field a settled on a short field goal right before the half making the score Spartans 20 – Cowboys 3. As each team returned from halftime the tone of the game changed. The Spartans seemed to come out of the half very flat or either very confident and the Cowboys came out super focused and just like that momentum began to change.

The Cowboys came out of the half and quickly forced the Spartans into a punting formation and on a great play the Cowboys blocked the punt and were in business. They quickly drove down the field and added TD closing the gap in a hurry Spartans 20 – Cowboys 10. You could see that momentum was surely shifting and the Spartans history of giving games away late was on the tip of everyone’s tongue. “The Spartans are a good young team but need to learn to finish games”, said a fan from the front row. The Cowboys weren’t done and after a few defensive mishaps the Cowboys were pressuring the Spartans again. The Cowboys moved down the field again taking advantage of a huge pass completion and quickly crossed the goal line again making the score Spartans 20 – Cowboys 16.

The Spartans had there backs against the wall and momentum was surely on the side of the Cowboys. Add to that the departure of #11 Dave Hom the QB for the Spartans and was this the recipe for another Spartan 4th quarter collapse. The Spartans staff looked around and took advantage of their secret weapon #2 Rashid Darrishaw and lined the team up in the Wildcat Formation and attempted to hold on to the game by running the ball. #2 Darrisaw moved in and out of the defense and did just enough in changing field position to the point were the Spartans defense was able to hold on to the game forcing an exciting 4th down play that watched the ball get tipped around 4 times until it finally hit the ground signaling the end of the game. Great job and great game by both. Spartans 20 – Cowboys 16

NY VENOM VERSUS CT RAVENS

In one of the most exciting games of the Gridiron Elite Spring season, the New York Venom defeated the upstart Connecticut Ravens 24-20 Sunday afternoon.

“Our goal was to run the ball and be physical,” said Venom Head Coach Booker McJunkin, “our running game was the difference in the game.” Demond Davis and Maurice Matthews manned McJunkin’s two-headed running attack. At 6’2” 230 pounds, Davis runs between the tackles wore down the smaller defensive line of the Ravens. Matthews, known as the “4-Train”, gained over 140 yards with powerful runs behind his linemen but showed his speed with three runs over 25 yards. “Maurice really played well today. Between him and Demond, we were able to take control of the game early.”

Down 16 points at the half, the Ravens turned to their young star Kevin OBerg for a needed offense punch. After safety Joe Burns returned an interception 44 yards for a score, Oberg completed touchdown passes to receivers Tony Linguard and Kevin Lesperance to take a surprising 20-16 lead as the third quarter expired. “We put together a better second half;” said Ravens Head Coach Bernie Armstrong, “however, our run defense came back to haunt us.” In their next possession, the Venom mounted a 9-play 68 yard drive highlighted by a 35 yard scamper from Matthews that culminated in the go ahead touchdown.

With less than two minutes to play, Oberg used his feet and key receptions by Will Nunez and Kevon Morton to put the Ravens inside of the 20-yard line and in position to win the game. Pressured by defensive tackle Omari “Truck” Clarke all afternoon, Oberg was forced from the pocket and threw an interception in the corner of the end zone to end his teams’ hopes of a comeback.

The Ravens take on the Hudson Valley Cowboys at 1pm next Sunday.

Week 3 – THE BATTLE BY THE BAY

This years tournament has been full of great games and great play. This week was a little different as the middle of the season has clearly arrived at its almost win or go home time.

NJ SPARTANS VERSUS DEMON KNIGHTS

The firestorm begins at Kings Bay with the NJ Spartans (1-1) versus the Demon Knights (2-0) game. Each team seemed poised for a good game as at worst 2nd place was on the line in this game. That was never more evident then in the Grid Iron battle between the Empire State Demon Knights and the New Jersey Spartans. The Spartans got off to a quick start with a early score and a 8-0 lead, after a few 3 and outs by the Demon Knights that lead got to 16-0. The crowd began to clamor the words, “same old Demon Knights.” Those words could have never been more wrong. The Demon Knights never quit. The game was full of what the fans love most POINTS! The Demon Knights, after being behind by 16, came out and cut the lead in half. The Demon Knights played stout defense and shut down the NJ Spartans on the next drive. After a punt though, the Demon Knights running back was stripped and the results of the strip was a 35 yard touchdown run by the Spartan defender. This meant nothing to the Demon Knights who quickly gathered themselves and came down field in with there versatile offense and many weapons. This drive resulted in a 40+ yard run by the Demon Knights running back to end the half with a score of 22-14.

The second half proved to be just as exciting as the Spartans opened the half with a great drive that ended in a long run by QB #10 for a touchdown. The Demon Knights seemed not to be phased as the Spartans defense never seemed to catch up to the Demon Knights spread offense. The Demon Knights now being lead by a new QB#3, came quickly down the field with some rocket passes and well designed draw plays that led to a scoring strike to #2 who finished the game with two touchdowns and game MVP honors. The Spartans offense after the early scoring drive never really got on track, with an injury to QB #10, the new QB who had led the Spartans to a win last week, couldn’t get the team going. The Spartans were forced to punt yet again and yet again the Spartans defense seemed confused as the Knights hit #2 for his second score. With the Spartans now leading the game 30-28 after a failed 2 point attempt the NJ Spartans took over at nearly mid field due to a bad kick, that went out of bounds. The Spartans came out with a little over 7 minutes and converted a few big fourth downs drove the ball to the 4 yard line and instead of settling for 3, the NJ Spartans opted to go for the touchdown and were stopped on the dive play.

The Demon Knights took over with a little over 2 minutes left and a few time outs, took the Spartans down field in a brilliant drive. The big play on the drive was a personal foul after a big catch by WR #11, turning a 12 yard catch into a 27 yard catch. The QB #3 not known for his legs had a big scramble and found WR #24 for the big play that put the Knights inside the 10 yard line. After a few passes the Knights on 3rd down pitched the ball to #22 and he leaped into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown with 38 seconds left to play. After the failed 2 point conversion the Spartans got the ball at mid field yet again after the Knights kicker, had yet another illegal procedure call for kicking the ball out of bounds. QB #10 wounded and gimpy led the Spartans inside to the 10 yard line but after a few incompletions and a scramble that led to a sack/fumble, the game was over and the Demon Knights stay undefeated and get ready for there showdown with the also undefeated Kings Bay Knights.

LI PANTHERS VERSUS DEMON KNIGHTS

The Bay Knights got the ball first and were moving down the field before a Panther interception #8 halted the drive at their own 4 yd line. Panthers managed a first down before they had to punt. That’s when Dre Ray struck first for the Bay Knights returning it 55 yards for a touchdown. The Bay Knights got the ball back and led by QB #12 Jay Truce quickly drove down the field with runs by #22 Wayne Scott and catches by #6 Chris Calabrese. Scott capped it off with a 3 yd TD Making the score 12-0. #5 erased the 12 point lead with a 70 yard kick return to bring the Panthers within 6. The Bay Knight defense took over from there holding the Panthers to under 100 yards of total offense (3 sacks #1 Polizzi,#7 Yusef, #13 Ransom and 2 interceptions #14 Ray, #8 Orr).

The Bay Knights next 2 scores came on touchdown passes by #4 Gerold Wilson to #6 Chris Calabrese (38,7). Wayne Scott finished 8 carry’s 62 yds and a TD. Wilson had another great game, rushed for 100yds on 11 carrys and threw for 190yards . Calabrese had a great night with 8 catches for 122 yards and 2 td’s .

Summary provided by a Gridiron Elite Field Reporter.

Week 4 Review

This weekend saw record temperatures and the action was just as hot on the field for all four games this past weekend.  As the dust settles and the playoff picture starts to come together the Patriot and National Conferences  were going in opposite directions coming into week 4.  In the National Conference, the New Jersey Spartans and Brooklyn Bulldawgs  battled for bragging rites and pride on Saturday night.  Defense ruled the day as the Bulldawgs, (filling in for the Long Island Panthers for rule infractions) got a less than warm welcome from Coach Moss and gang green.  The Spartan defense dominated, rushing the quarterback into mistakes early and often, while controlling the line of scrimmage enroute to the shutout. NJ SPARTANS     10                BROOKLYN BULLDAWGS       0

The night cap over at Kings Bay field was the much anticipated battle of the undefeated Knights.  With the emergence of Gerald Wilson and the potent Bay Knight attack versus the vertical expertise of Divine Jackson of the Demon Knights, we thought this was going to be offensive show.  The Bay Knight defense stole the show by putting up points themselves.  Linebacker #55 intercpeted an errant Demon Knight pass and rumbled over 50 yards to paydirt and took a dramatic early lead.  The Bay Knight defense took another interception and converted it to a second touchdown.  A special teams return added a third score for the black and yellow, leaving G-Block entertainment a chance to punch in the last 6 to end the day.  Bay Knights win the battle of the unbeatens. 
BAY KNIGHTS     28              ES DEMON KNIGHTS     7

The New York Venom came in to Gridiron Elite Stadium riding high after a win against the Ravens, and a firm belief as a three point favorite to take a victory from the boys in Crimson for the first time…  The Spartans were not impressed, making it a third consecutive victory over their rivals from Harlem with the final score a definative 18-0.  The day started out with the Venom marching down the fied with  potent running attack.  After the defense held and forced a turnover on downs, that was the last threat the Venom would make on the day.  The Spartan offense took a while to gel with the absence of starting QB Dave Hom.  Sam Akinrinade again found his way into the end zone, this time twice leading him to mvp honors.  The Spartans also recovered a fumble on a punt in the end zone to cap the scoring on the day. 

NY SPARTANS     18            NY VENOM     0

Two other teams came out on Sunday trying to break away from the pack in the Patriot Conference.  The Cowboys and Ravens cae out the gates on the 90 degree day with defense that was just as stifling as the temperatures with the Cowboys pulling ahead early in the second half with a field goal.  Although the Raven running game was potent, it came from an unlikely source.  Both starting quarterback (#18) and reserve (#7) led the rushing attack on the day gaing over 150 yards between the two.  Late in the game these were converted into points and the Ravens found themselves clinging to a 3 point lead.  A last gasp effort by the Cowboys failed as they never manged to get inside the red zone for another field goal attempt and the final score held.   

RAVENS 6           COWBOYS 3

WEEK 3-4 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Hello fans the broadcast schedule for this week will be intense as we try to catch up from lastweek sorry for any inconvenience:

MID-WEEK 3 COVERAGE

Monday: Mini Show #4 “NJ SPARTAN FOOTBALL”

Wednesday: Week 2 “NJ SPARTANS verus CT RAVENS”

Thursday: Mini Show #5 “THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES”

Friday: Week 2 “Panthers versus NY Venom”

 

MID-WEEK 4 COVERAGE

Monday: Mini Show #6 “SPRING FOOTBALL IN CT”

Wedneday: Week #3 “NY SPARTANS versus COWBOYS”

Thrusday: Mini Show #7 “LEGENDS OF THE GAME”

 

As we are attempting to expand the coverage of this year tournament please keep in mind that our staff is limited and so is technology. If you have an idea for a show or have multimedia (photos or video) please feel free to forward anything to our staff at admin@gridironelite.org. This tourney is only as good as its fans and teams.

Thank You and enjoy the season.

WEEK 2 CONTINUES

NJ SPARTANS VERSUS CT RAVENS

Last year the Spring Classic was warm and rain free, fast forward 12 months and the Spring Classic is anything but that. Rain, cold weather and mud have all been major factors in early play. Today was no different as the NJ Spartans, CT Ravens, NY Spartans and Bay Knights all fought mother nature and their opponents the day before Easter. In todays first game the NJ Spartans (0-1) faced the CT Ravens (1-0) at Evander Childs HS.

The game began right after the weather finally broke and the battle for field position began as bought teams traded punches early. The NJ Spartans drew first blood as QB #12 hooked up with #9 on a long pass up the visiting team sideline. “The pass was short but #9 made a great play on the ball and made some people miss”, said Coach Jim from the Nassau Punishers. The Spartans successfully on the XP kick jumped out to a 7-0 lead. “With the weather being so bad you thought that may have been the only score”, said a frustrated Ravens fan.

Each team battled from that point until a early INT was returned to the house by the NJ Spartans. The Spartans full of confidence kicked the XP making the score 14-0 going in the half. The Ravens seemed to be experimenting with a 2 QB system this week, that may have cost them as #21 the second QB for the Ravens seemed to never get a good grip on the game. The ball was heavy and he struggled making throws down the field.

The score remained 14-0 threw the entire third quarter as player after player went down hard on the turf. “Our guys were excited to play the team from CT”, said Coach Moss, Head Coach of the Spartans. The Elite Staff would like to wish #42 the quickest recovery possible as he left the game during the 3rd quarter with what seemed like a shoulder or collar bone injury. Both teams played a very intense level of football in April one of the signatures if the Spring tournament.

The 4th quarter watched the Ravens put together there 1st drive going all the way down the field on a long ball from QB #18 to #9 who out jumped the entire Spartan defense for the TD. The Ravens lined up for the conversion and failed making the score 14-6. The Spartans seemed committed to working on their offense as they mounted a very strong drive in the 4th quarter behind the feet of their QB #12. He started the drive off with two big runs and completed a long pass down the sideline setting up the Spartans final score of the game. #12 rolled out right and make a great play for the end zone scoring the Spartans final 6 points of the game making the final score 20-6 Spartans (1-1) over the Ravens (1-1).

Stay tuned for more coverage and highlights on the Gridiron Elite Mini-Show.

NY SPARTANS VERSUS BAY KNIGHTS

Spring football in NY has a couple of constants, first you are sure to see the Bay Knights playing at Kings Bay and you are sure to see the rain and the mud wreak havoc on the surface. Today was no different as the two host programs NY Spartans (0-1) and the Bay Knights (1-0) faced for the first time in history. This tournament only in week 2 has watched two young men establish themselves as some of the areas best talent. As of date its hard to name a tournament MVP but #11 Divine Jackson (Demon Knights) and #4 Jerol Wilson (Bay Knights) have both put in early bids for the title. The impact of a single player was never more evident than in tonights game as #4 Jerol Wilson was worth the price of admission alone. Not only is the man a great player but one exiciting interview.

With that being said the game is played over 60 minutes and the NY Spartans never seemd in this one from the start. The Spartans forced an early turnover as the field was surely a factor. The major difference in this game was the Bay Knights took advantage of every turnover and the NY Spartans didn’t. The Spartans seemed to never get a grasp of the game on offense with several turnovers on the Center to Quarterback exchange. In the first half the Bay Knigths and Wilson capitalized on each instance giving the Spartans a hole that they couldnt seem to climb out of. Bay Knights QB #4 was dynamic once again scoring by air and by land controlling the game. The Spartans players and staff seemed overwhelmed with everything as the adjustments were slow during the 1st half. You heard Spartan players complaining about the conditions as the slippery #4 didn’t seem affected at all.

The defense of Kings Bay had a easy night due to so many mistakes on the Spartans side. “Turnovers lose games. No matter how good you are, 70% of the time if you have the most turnovers, you lose.” Said Coach Jim of the Nassau Punishers. The Bay Knights took advantage of a bad field and great field position. The Spartans defense was behind the 8 ball all night. The coaching staff of the Bay Knights had a great game plan and clearly had there team ready to play. The Bay Knights scored 28 unaswered points during the 1st half and coasted to an easy victory.

 The Spartans did seem to figure it out by getting a score and holding Kings Bay scoreless in the second half. The Spartans (0-2) who are winless are hoping to get it going next week as the Bay Kinghs (2-0) look to host the L.I. Panthers! 

DEMON KNIGHTS VS HV COWBOYS

Enjoy the BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPUR

WEEK 2 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Hello fans the broadcast schedule for this week has change just a bit sorry for any inconvenience:

Monday: Mini Show #3 “HV STAND UP”

Wednesday: Week 2 “Demon Knights versus HV Cowboys”

Friday: Week 2 “Panthers versus NY Venom”

Sunday: Mini Show #4 “THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENE”

SPRING CLASSIC MINI SHOW #3

The Gridiron Elite Tourney will attempt to highlight not only the tourney but the teams take a look at our theme show named “HV Stand Up”

THE FUTURE IS “DIVINE”

The Gridiron Elite will be spotlighting the young man # 11 Divine Jackson from the Empire State Demon Knights over the next few weeks. Mr. Jackson has a total of 7 TD’d in 2 weeks of play and is the driving force behind the Demon Knights offense. Watch out everyone as Mr. Jackson means business in an endzone near you. This rookie is sure to be a major factor during the balance of the tourney and during the Demon Knights regular season.

Week 2, Fast and Furious Football

NY Venom versus The LI Panthers

The Gridiron Elite is entering its second week of play in 2009 but as the weather changes for the better so does the football. Game 1 pitted the NY Venom (0-1) versus the LI Panthers (0-1) in week 2 play. Both programs were looking to get their 1st wins in 2009 and gain some momentum in tournament play. Each team suffered tough losses in week 1 of the Spring Classic. The Venom were defeated in Triple Overtime and the Panthers were defeated in a rivalry game versus the Demon Knights.

So the stage was set and the action began quickly with the Panthers drawing what seemed o be first blood on a run were #5 Simmons step out of bounds short of th endzone. “We apologize to all the teams in the tourney as the field lines are faded during the spring and this took away an early scoring opportunity for the Panthers”, says Harry Irizzary. This didn’t stop the Panthers as they played solid defense put the ball back in the hands of the offense and scored on an 11 yard run by Rookie #5 Zhivargo Simmons. “I felt lose, my team was blocking well”, said Simmons. The Panthers controlled the 1st quarter as the NY Venom couldn’t cash in on offense. “The Panthers offense has been moving the ball all season, they looked really good”, says Earl Thomas, long time Semi-Pro player and current NY Bandit. During the second quarter the Panthers struck again on the first of 2 TD passes from #18 QB Keith Spencer. The Panthers added to that total on a Safety.

The NY Venom answered during the 2nd quarter as #21 took a Kick to the house. The Panthers added another score during the game making the final score NY Venom 8 (0-2) – LI Panthers 26 (1-1). Stay tuned as we roll out additional coverage on the game tomorrow here at GRIDIRONELITE.ORG

Empire State Demon Knights versus Hudson Valley Cowboys

Hopefully the Gridiron Elite Spring Classic will create some lasting memories and help foster some great rivalries that normally wouldn’t play out during season play. In this case the tourney was only the vehicle as the Cowboys not only have a strong rivalry versus the Demon Knights but now the rivalry has a name and thats the BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPUR. The Golden Spur made its first appearance today and would find a new home after the end of this game.

The setting was perfect, warm weather, great trophy and 2 teams focused on one thing victory. The Cowboys (1-0) with Triple Overtime victory over the NY Venom and the Demon Knights (1-0) with a huge victory under there belts from week 1. For more coverage on that game enjoy the full game in full screen resolution here at GRIDIRONELITE.ORG.

Back to the Golden Spur, as the action was Fast and Furious the game was controlled from beginning to end by the Demon Knights (2-0) securing a 37 to 12 victory over the Hudson Valley Cowboys (1-1). Stay tuned as we roll out additional coverage on the game tomorrow.

The Demon Knights began right were they left off last week with a strong passing attack and the X-factor # 11 Divine Jackson. Divine Jackson AKA “Mr. TD”, AKA ” GET ME THE BALL” had another monster game. As the tourney staff is waiting until week 3 to introduce Stat Leaders the cat is out of the bag as Jackson leads the tourney with 7 TDS in 2 Games. The Elite was able to catch up with Jackson during week 1 of the tourney take a look here.

Next Page »