2009 SPRING CLASSIC IN REVIEW

2009 SPRING TEAMS

 

2009 GRIDIRON ELITE TOURNEY SCHEDULE
Weeks	Home	Away	Location	Time
W1 3.28/3.29	Demon Knights	LI Panthers	Kings Bay	5:00 PM
	Bay Knights	NJ Spartans	Kings Bay	8:00 PM
	NY Venom	HV Cowboys	Evander Childs	10:00 AM
	NY Spartans	CT Ravens	Evander Childs	1:00 PM
W2 4.5	LI Panthers	NY Venom	Evander Childs	10:00 AM
	HV Cowboys	Demon Knights	Evander Childs	1:00 PM
W2A 4.11	CT Ravens	NJ Spartans	Evander Childs	4:00 PM
	Bay Knights	NY Spartans	Kings Bay	7:00 PM
W3 4.18/4.19	Demon Knights	NJ Spartans	Kings Bay	5:00 PM
	Bay Knights	LI Panthers	Kings Bay	8:00 PM
	NY Spartans	HV Cowboys	Evander Childs	10:00 AM
	NY Venom	CT Ravens	Evander Childs	1:00 PM
W4 4.25/4.26	LI Panthers	NJ Spartans	Kings Bay	5:00 PM
	Bay Knights	Demon Knights	Kings Bay	8:00 PM
	NY Spartans	NY Venom	Evander Childs	10:00 AM
	HV Cowboys	CT Ravens	Evander Childs	1:00 PM
W5 5.2/5.3	CT Ravens	LI Panthers	Kings Bay	5:00 PM
	Bay Knights	NY Venom	Kings Bay	8:00 PM
	Demon Knights	NY Spartans	Evander Childs	10:00 AM
	NJ Spartans	HV Cowboys	Evander Childs	1:00 PM

2009 SPRING SCORES

 

2009 SPRING CLASSIC SCORES
WEEK 1
LI PANTHERS	14	DEMON KNIGHTS	26
NJ SPARTANS	8	KNIGHTS	20
COWBOYS	14	VENOM	8
RAVENS	29	NY SPARTANS	6

2009 SPRING CLASSIC SCORES
WEEK 2
VENOM	8	LI PANTHERS	26
DENOM KINGHTS	37	HV COWBOYS	12
NJ SPARTANS	-	CT RAVENS	-
NY SPARTANS	-	BAY KNIGHTS	-

2009 SPRING CLASSIC SCORES
WEEK 3
NJ SPARTANS	30	DEMON KNIGHTS	34
LI PANTHERS	6	BAY KNIGHTS	28
COWBOYS	16	NY SPARTANS	20
RAVENS	24	VENOM	28

2009 SPRING CLASSIC SCORES
WEEK 4
NJ SPARTANS	10	BK BULLDAWGS	0
DENOM KNGHTS	7	KNIGHTS	28
VENOM	0	NY SPARTANS	18
RAVENS	6	HV COWBOYS	3

2009 SPRING CLASSIC SCORES
WEEK 5
BK BULLDAWGS	20	CT RAVENS	26
NY VENOM	0	KNIGHTS	35
NY SPARTANS	22	DENOM KNIGHTS	14
HV COWBOYS	14	NJ SPARTANS	16

2009 SPRING STANDINGS

 

TEAM	W	L	PF	PA
BAY KNIGHTS	5	0	139	31
DENOM KNIGHTS	3	2	128	100
NJ SPARTANS	3	2	86	74
BROOKLYN BULLDAWGS	0	2	20	36
TEAM	W	L	PF	PA
CT RAVENS	3	2	91	77
NEW YORK SPARTANS	3	2	74	87
NEW YORK VENOM	1	4	44	115
HUDSON VALLEY COWBOYS	1	4	59	87

 

DO OR DIE SATURDAY SEMIS

On a Saturday ”knight” in Brooklyn the Gridiron Elite Classic kicked off its playoffs in impressive style with two games that were packed with action.  The first round of playoffs mirrored the excitement of the regular season as the final four featured multiple leagues and areas being represented.  First up was the Connectcut Ravens and Empire State Demon Knights.  The Demon Knights came in as the favorite to make a return trip to the Championship. 

The evening started off with the Knights jumping out to an early lead.  The Long Islanders put up 19 points with their high powered and balanced offense and the visiting Ravens found themselves on the ropes.  If you think that action ended here it was actually only the beginning.  The Raven struck back as qurterback #10 went to the air and fired a bomb to bring the Ravens within 2 scores.  Then trading 60 yard passes the Demon Knights and Ravens both put up points with the vertical passing game.  The Ravens appeared to be climbing back into the game when #21 defensive back intercepted a Raven illadvised pass and raced down the home sideline to paydirect sealing the fate off coming up hort of the big game for the crew from the Constitution State, and setting up a date for redemption for the Demon Knights.  

Demon Knights 33 – Ravens 26 

Underdogs by everyones account, but champions by pedigree.  The Spartans did tonight what they have been doing in their very short history, winning when it matters.  The newest chapter in Spartan lore took place in Brooklyn against the 5-0 Bay Knights.  A team that not only had not seen defeat, but hadn’t even been challenged and an overwhelming favorite to take the Championship of the Gridiron Elite Classic.

The first half was very different from the first time that these two teams met.  After Bay Knight quarterback #4 scrambled around across the field he heaved a prayer up that was caught for a score.  Bay Knights 7 Spartans 0.  This is where the game could have gotten away from the Crimson.  “We caught a bad break on the jump ball and with the holding going on up front there wan’t much we could do.  We just sucked it up and worked to get it back.” said Coach Patterson after the game.  Indeed the partans would again work their way back from a deficit when Dave Hom connected with Rashid Darrisaw on a 65 yard touchdown pass, The conversion was stopped and the score remained 7-6. 

As the teams battled back and forth for field position through the fourth quarter, the defense locked the potent Bay Knight spread attack down, not surrendering a second half point for the second time against the Bay Knights and for the fourth time in the last five games.  Solid performances were put in by the front four, with Stefon Luckey back from injury, Skyler Hayes, Ed Mantell and Louis Sabeuteur providing pressure that the Bay Knights had not dealt with this spring.  Pete Morerva sacked MVP candidate Gerald Wilson 3 times, and cornerback Cody Green came up with a interception that set up the thrilling final drive.  Dave Hom found Elliot Swint for a huge first down deep in enemy territory.  Then Hom found Sheldon Davis over the middle to paydirt and all of a sudden the boys from Brooklyn found themselves trailin for the first time in the Classic.  A last gasp drive resulted in Rashid Darrisaw intercepting a pass to clinch the win and a spot in the Championship game.  A third place finish last year, 2nd in the BNEFF last fall,  ?  Whats next for season 3?  Coach Patterson on the win, “The guys came ready to play, they knew that nobody thought they could win, but hey your never an underdog if you knew you could win from the beginning”.  The Championship is a rematch between the Spartans and the Empire State Demon Knights.  Last week the Spartans came back in thriling fashion after being down 14-0 to upend the Knights 22-14.

RAIN DOESN’T STOP THE ELITE

The first week of the 2009 Gridiron Elite Spring Classic can only be labeled a huge success as not only were all of the footballs games well played but were attended by each teams die hard fans. This years Elite format is great Saturday night football at Kings Bay and Sunday morning football at Evander Childs HS. The only possible monkey wrench this week would have been the rain but the fans of our tournament teams came out in force to see Sundays first game featuring the NY Venom versus the Hudson Valley Cowboys and the second game featuring the NY Spartans versus the CT. Ravens.

NY VENOM -vs- HUDSON VALLEY COWBOYS

The first game watched the NY Venom square off with the Hudson Valley Cowboys. The game was hard hitting and exciting as both teams traded punches as they knocked the rust off there games during the 1st half of play. “Offense comes second in football, you can always coach playing to the football on Defense and bot teams were getting it done”, says Coach David Reid from the New York Spartans. The two teams played most of the game right in the middle of the field as the weather was a factor keeping the ball heavy and limiting a passing game. The 1st quarter passed and the score was still 0-0; the 2nd quarter, third and fourth also passed with the score still 0-0.

In Gridiron fashion regulation football isn’t enough of a value so lets line the two teams up for some overtime football. The Cowboys won the overtime toss and elected to put there Offense on the field first. The decision was unorthodox but when you factor in that neither team scored during regulation the call was bold. The Cowboys seemed at home during the overtime scoring quickly on a FB run with #37 right up the middle of the Venom defense. The Cowboys lined up and just like that they lead 8-0. The Venom coached by semi-pro great Coach George Davis were not intimated by the score and responded almost as quickly off the right side with a quick score of there own making the score 8-6 Hudson Valley but a smash mouth play right up the middle of the defense made the score 8-8 after the first overtime.

The defenses for both teams showed up during the second OT period as each defense forced turnovers and held each other out of the endzone. “The atmosphere was electric, both teams spent all types of energy getting to the OT and to find the strength to force turnovers in OT were amazed”, said a faithful fan. So lets line back up and after a second coin toss the stage was sent the NY Venom took the football and as they drove toward the goal line the Hudson Valley Cowboys intercepted the Venom pass and stuffed there chances to score during the 3rd OT. All the Cowboys needed to do now was score and score they did on another FB belly play to #37 off the left side for the game winning score. Hudson Valley 14-8 over the NY Venom.

CT RAVENS -vs- NEW YORK SPARTANS

The second game began with a few Spring Classic similarities, last year the Spartans and what was then the CT. Bearcats played 2 times during the 2008 Spring Classic and both games were hard hitting battles. So with the CT. Ravens being the 09 product of Todd Kennedy this years match up was going to be a great. The Ravens and Spartans game out the gate feeling each other out but good defense forced a early CT Ravens punt pinning the Spartans against there own goal line. On a 2nd down play the Spartans looked like they had some trouble getting the play in and with the clock running pitched the ball to the RB for a loss in the endzone securing a fairly quick lead for the Ravens 2-0. That bit of momentum seemed to power the Ravens as they quickly ran off 24 unanswered points on there way to a huge victory over the NY Spartans.

The Ravens scored several times behind the great feet of there QB #15 running the zone option with a great deal of pride and success. The Spartans were full of big plays but stumbled when they reached the redzone. “They played with great passion but couldn’t seem to make that 1 play that would help them get over the top”, said Coach Joey Pagan of the Middlesex Vikings. Turnovers didn’t help the Spartans either setting up a few easy looks for the CT. Ravens. The Spartans scored late off the right side on an outside run by #34 LA Augstin. The Ravens won these one big by a final score of 29 to 6. Stay tuned for additional coverage on this game.

Photo courtesy of the New York Spartans

*Please note the the staff of the Gridiron Elite would like to send our best wishes to Dwight Wilson a DB for the New York Spartans who was injured in a car accident in route to the game. Dwight is banged up and as we wait for additional information we will keep him in our prays. Dwight is recovering and we wish him a speedy recovery.*

GREAT FIRST NIGHT FOR THE ELITE

How does the semipro football world know when Spring has officially arrived, simple the whistles begin to blow at Kings Bay Field. This year the Gridiron Elite in conjunction with Kings Bay expanded the very successful Gridiron Elite Spring Classic to two sites with one being Kings Bay. Saturday night football in Brooklyn and Sunday football in the Bronx. So with the opening night in the books lets recap both games.

LI PANTHERS -VS- DEMON KNIGHTS

The Spring Classic opener lined up the LI Panthers and the Empire State Demon Knights in what could only be labled as a blood feud from the start. The Game began slowly as but teams traded punches. “The LI Panthers had several early chances to score but couldn’t punch it in”, says Melisa Patterson Guest Reporter for the Gridiron Elite. As the second quarter began the Demon Knights woke up from the winter hibernation and began an air assault on the Panthers with not 1 score but 3 in total during the quarter. On the other end of every big catch for the Demon Knights was #11, Divine Jackson. Stay tuned for a brief interview with Mr. Jackson the game 1 Player of the Week.

The LI Panthers were able to scratch across a few scores but the Demon Knights from the 2nd quarter forward had this game in control. Both teams members of the RAFL may not only see each other again during this tournament but they will surely lock horns in league play. Stay tuned for additional coverage on the Demon Knights 26 to 12 victory over the LI Panthers.

NJ SPARTANS -VS- BAY KNIGHTS

The second game watched the host program Kings Bay Knights take on the NJ Spartans. The game began quickly for the Knights completing several passes and eventually being face with a 4th and goal on the opening drive. Coach Tony Spina a seasoned veteran decided to line his offense up for a early TD but were denied by a stingy Spartans Defense. “The Spartans Defense played really good all game, the score won’t reflect there ability to simply tackle.”, says Coach Billy Badson a Gridiron Elite Board member. The Spartans were almost just as quickly force to punt which setup the 1st score making the game 8-0. The Spartans answered quickly with a big time pass of their own. #12 QB Khalid Shakir for the Spartans hooked up on a 65 yard TD pass to #83, this score eventually tied the game back up 8-8. The Knights focused were determined to get this going and turned to Brooklyn Seminole Standout QB #4 Gerald who took over the game with his feet. “The man is elusive and is difficult to bring down”, says Earl Thomas a member of the New York Bandits. #4 went on to run for 81 yards on 9 carries and hooked up with #18 WR on a huge 30 Yard TD strike. Final score of this game was Spartans 8 – Bay Knights 20. Congrats to #4 Gerald Wilson on Player of the Game honors.

 

 

Please stay tuned for additional coverage of the games as the Gridiron Elite strives at bringing not on the scores from the game but into the game with unparalleled access.

Team Profile — Kings Bay Knights

The Kings Bay Knights have been a staple in the Brooklyn community for many years. They play football not to win championships or fame, but to raise money for youth athletics in the Kings Bay community. Te Bay Knights have added the Classic to their already busy spring schedule which includes their traditional gaes against the NYPD and FDNY squads. Ths Ba Knights provide a second site fr the Classic this year so fans coming from Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn have a short acces to Classic games on Saturday nights. Look for this team to be successful based on their experience. These guys ave been around the bck many times and their experience ay make the difference in a berth in the Classic chmpionship game.

Team Profile – New Jersey Spartans

Coach Moss leads this 2nd year team into its first Gridiron Elite Classic.  Last year the New Jersey Spartans surprised many RAFL teams with their fast and tough play.  In the offseason, Moss and his staff were looking to play a highly competitive preseason schedule to set their sights on taking the next steps in the playoffs in 2009.  What you can expect from this team is a well run, hard working, and disciplined team that will put it all on the line from kickoff to final gun.  Look for a matchup with Kings Bay to be an instant classic that many people will want to go see. 

Team Profile – Connecticut Ravens

Formally known as the Bearcats, the Connecticut Ravens are lead by the same leadership as their last year counterparts but the team will look quite different this year.  Some staples will remain the same, hard play and discipline on both sides of the ball.  What led this team to early success last year, and they look to jump out to another quick start.  Coming up just shy of the championship game.  This year their sights are set on winning it all.  This program has been specially designed to compete only in the Spring, as opposed to most other teams in the tourney that put out either summer or fall products as well.  With their sights and resources committed fully to this 7 week stretch look for thie Ravens to contend for a playoff spot.

Team Profile – Long Island Panthers

The Panthers have long been a staple in Semi Pro football on Long Island.  The Pantherspresent another top notch organization with experienced and professional management.  The Panthers went with a younger squad than we were used to seeing last year and although they took their share of setbacks last year they blazed the path in the postseason with an improbable run to the Metro Bowl Championship.  After taking home the trophy, the Panthers will definately use this momentum and ride into the tournament with a fresh look.  This team plays hard especially uip front with the size that they have, this team may make a run to take home another trophy in 2009.  Only time will tell.

Team Profile – Empire State Demon Knights

Last year there was a transformation that occurred on LongIsland that rocked the Semi-pro football world.  The Empire State Wolfpack, whose history was laregly known as a first class organization that had trouble winning games in its history were now gone.  In with new Empire State Demon Knights, and they started of the year on fire.  Out the gates they won 3 straight and had the New York area on notice.  Into the Classic Championship game they rode until the Long Island Ravens knocked the Knights of their high horse.  Although the fire seemed to dwindle during the RAFL season, the Knights are primed to make it back and win it all this year.  This team is experienced but plays hungry like its their first time at it.

Team Profile – Hudson Valley Cowboys

There are a few things that are guaranteed in Hudson Valley New York.  It will snow a lot,, parkiing spaces are much easier to come by than in the city, and the Hudson Valley Cowboys will be led by Coach JP into another exciting season.  Last year the Cowboys completed a gritty preseason schedule that included the likes of EFA Champion New York Bandits twice.  It appears as though this program is looking to reach that next level of competition and recieve attention in the Northeast.  They competed in the RAFL and took some major strides in putting their hometown on the Semi-pro map.  This year is their first in the classic and look for their experience to pay off on the gridiron during the spring.  The word on the street is that the Cowboys may be looking to move leagues next year and join the Big Northeast Football Federation.  They will get a taste of that action  as they compete against BNEFF members NY Venom and NY Spartans.