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BLAZE ON FIRE IN RAIN STORM
Rain failed to put out the fire as the Blaze burned the Patriots for 20 unanswered first half points and an
eventual 28-0 victory. Former University of Iowa Running Back Robbie Crockett ran for a 40 yard
touchdown on his opening carry as he led Battle Creek to their fifth win of the season.
The rain storm was a big cause of the Patriots back to back games completing less than 25% of their
passing attempts. With little offense available through the air, Battle Creek took advantage of the
situation, often keeping 8 or more players in the defensive box, limiting the Patriot ground game. Though
the Royal & Scarlet did their own share of run oriented defensive packages, the running ability of Crockett
proved to be too much. Crockett was able to break for four plays of 25 yards or more in addition to his two
touchdowns.
The Blaze took a 20-0 lead into the half but defensive adjustments helped the Patriots shut them down for
nearly two quarters. Battle Creek's lone second half touchdown came with only minutes left in the fourth
quarter. The Patriot defense did have several highlights during the game, including 4 red zone stands that
prevented a Blaze score. The defense totaled four turnovers but the offense could not capitalize on any of
them as each one gave them the ball insider their own 20 yard line. The combination of RB Jarail Griffin
and FB Brad Lyon did combine for almost 100 yards rushing but with little through the air the Offense
once again was held under 150 yards of total offense. Griffin also added 9.5 tackles on the day to lead
the Defense.
With the win, Battle Creek finishes the 2008 season with a 5-6 record. Meanwhile, the Patriots drop to 0-9
with their last Regular Season game against the Lions at home September 20.
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