AFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Recap
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by user Cobras36
Saturday, 7 Jul 07
Colorado at San Jose: By the tale told on paper, the SaberCats should have run the Crush out of the building, but the actual difference in the game came from 2 bizzare coaching decisions made by the Crush's coach Mike Daily. On the first series of the game, Daily pulls his 4 year starter for a rookie QB, Brandon Kirsch, who promptly fumbles on the SJ 8. With possessions a premium in the Arena game, this was mind boggling. SJ turned that fumble into the first of 11 TDs in SJ's 11 offensive possessions for the game. Then in the 4th quarter with the Crush driving, Daily again pulls Dutton for Kirch and again the rookie puts the ball on the turf and effectively ended the Crush's chance to win. In between those fumbles, Dutton lit up the 2nd-ranked scoring defense for 67 points and 416 yards.
Saturday, 7 Jul 07
Columbus at Dallas: With a ten point lead and looking to take possession at the beginning of the 2nd half, Dallas' season ended on two effective (and lucky) special teams plays and a disastrous turnover as they were driving for a touchdown. On successive kick offs to open the 2nd half, Columbus kicker Peter Martinez pounded the ball off of the net irons, resulting in the Destroyers picking up two quick touchdowns and taking a 4 point lead less than a minute into the quarter. On the next Dallas drive, WR Willi Marshall fumbled his reception as he was heading in for a sure score. With the 3rd quarter shutout, Columbus sealed their advance by matching touchdowns with Dallas in the fourth. This is one of the most stunning upsets in AFL playoff history.
Sunday, 8 Jul 07
Philadelphia at Georgia: An overpowering Force defense, combined with an ineffective Soul QB Tony Graziani, sealed Georgia's advance to the Conference championship game. From the opening kickoff, returned untouched by Georgia's Troy Bergeron for TD, Georgia dominated every single facet of the game, except for time of possession. Georgia's defense limited Philly to two TDs and two field goals in the first half, while Chris Griesen proved his regular season was no fluke.
Monday, 9 Jul 07
Los Angeles at Chicago: In the defensive game of the 8 playoff games played so far, the Rush posted a second half shutout on the hapless Avengers. Rush QB Matt D'Orazio, hampered by a bad back, was effective enough to complement an overpowering defense. Matt even caught a TD pass from All League WR Bobby Sippio on a play that summarized how much better the Rush were on the evening.
