AUGUST 2, 2008
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SUDDENLY DEATH
Regulation ended at 14-14 in a classic battle between long time rivals Detroit and Genesee County.
However, sudden death held true to its name as Detroit returned the opening kick off of overtime for a
touchdown, sealing the victory for the Diesels at 20-14.
A penalty filled first half time ended with an 8-0 Detroit lead. Detroit, having surprisingly dropped to AA in
2008 after a 2007 AAA Division Championship, were playing under AA rules as the host team. With the
game officiated in that manner, Genesee County suffered from a record number of first half penalties.
These penalties included a incidental contact flag thrown after a Interception by Defensive Back Jonathon
Watson. The interception was during a 3rd and long play for Detroit which was thrown to the end zone
from the Patriots 40. Instead of the turnover, the penalty resulted in a first down within the 5 yard line for
Detroit, who would push the ball in 5 players later, including after another penalty against Genesee
County, to capture the lone touchdown of the half. They then converted the two point conversation.
Penalties were greatly reduced in the second half and Patriot Quarterback Alan Russ (5) led a long drive
early in the third quarter and then handed off to Running Back Jarail Griffin (23) putting the Royal &
Scarlet on the board. One play later Griffin ran in the two point conversation to tie things up 8-8.
After back to back defensive stands by both teams, Detroit once again received the ball after a 4th and 2
play fell inches short for the Patriots on a 42 yard drive deep in Diesel territory. The Diesels capitalized on
this possession as a short catch turned into a long touchdown in the center of the field. The conversation
failed and Detroit held a 14-8 lead in the 4th.
Offensive fireworks were just starting though as Russ again led the Patriots down the field. The Patriot
march found its way to the Diesel 7 yard line and the Offense attempted its first field goal of the game for
the lead. The attempt failed as a Diesel lineman potentially got a small piece of the ball, deflecting it wide
right.
Another stout defensive effort ended in another turn over, the fourth of the game for the Patriots. In all,
Corner Brandon Conway (22) captured two interceptions and Bandit Ryon Sargent (34) had an
interception of his own to go with a forced fumble that helped spark another great defensive day. This
time, the Patriots Offense capitalized on the play as Russ threw a touchdown to Receiver Joshua Palise
(6), who caught his second score of over 30 yards in as many weeks. Tied 14-14, the Patriots decided on
the easy extra point kick that did not turn out so easy, being blocked by Detroit.
Regulation ended at 14-14 with a bobbled catch away from the winning score for the Patriots. Detroit won
the over time coin toss and elected to receive the ball. On the opening kick off, special teams coverage
failed as Detroit's return man cut back all the way across the field and found daylight leading to a 20-14
escape.
This game just adds to the tradition of great games between these two teams. Others games include
scores of 6-9, 20-21, 16-20, 27-31, and more all in favor of Detroit. Detroit pushed its record to 5-3 while
the Patriots sit at 0-4. The Patriots will continue their three game road trip this week in Lapeer, facing new
Division foe Lions who are 1-3 in NAFL play. The Patriots will finally return home August 23 to face the
London Silverbacks.
1 2 3 4 OT F
DET 00 08 00 06 06 20
GCP 00 00 08 06 00 14
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