Outlaws are devilishly good
July 24 , 2007
On a perfect Saturday night, the kind that are made for a football game between two heavyweights, the Franklin Outlaws traveled to their American Conference rival Burlington Blue Devils for one of the biggest games on the IFL schedule this season. For what is shaping up to be a first-round playoff match-up, the Outlaws entered the game with an overall record of 4-2 and in 3rd place in the American Conference, behind the 2nd place Blue Devils, who were 5-1 entering play Saturday night. In a hard fought game that featured plenty of big plays, huge hits, and long-drives, the Outlaws emerged with a 20-0 victory over the Blue Devils.
The victory for the Outlaws puts the Outlaws overall mark at 5-2 and in sole possession of 2nd place in the American Conference. Entering play, the Blue Devils were in 2nd place. With the loss, the Blue Devils dropped to 3rd place in the American Conference. Although both team boast a 5-2 overall mark, the Outlaws hold the tie breaker by way of a head-to-head victory over the Blue Devils.
Burlington won the opening coin-flip and elected to receive. On the Blue Devils opening drive, the Outlaws defense forced the Blue Devils into a 3rd and 13 situation. The Outlaws defense held strong, sacking Blue Devils quarterback Joe Petrancosta for a six-yard loss, forcing a Burlington punt.
Opening up on their own 26-yard line, the Outlaws offense went to work. On the Outlaws first play from scrimmage, quarterback JP Josetti connected with receiver Jim Leszczynski for a 19-yard catch and run. This would be the first of eleven catches for Leszczynski, that would cover 141 yards throughout the game. However, despite putting together a 10-play drive and advancing down to the Blue Devils 25-yard line, penalties would end the Outlaw drive and force Franklin to punt the ball.
In the Blue Devils second possession, Burlington found success moving the ball. Facing 3rd and 1, Petrancosta would connect with Blue Devils Jackie “Hollywood” Jordan for a 5-yard catch, good for a Blue Devil 1st down. Three consecutive false starts by the Blue Devils offensive line would force the Blue Devils into a 4th and 32 situation from their own 25 yard line.
Taking over on their own 33 yard line, the Outlaws took the field for their 2nd possession. On 3rd and 10, Josetti connected with Leszczynski for a 12 yard gain out to the Franklin 45-yard line. After a 10-yard run by running back Jaimie Marton, the Outlaws gained another 5-yards by fullback Josh Mittlesteadt. Unfortunately for the Outlaws, Mittlesteadt suffered a season ending injury on that carry.
“Josh has been one of our best players this season. He truly is the epitome of a fullback. He’s got legs that look like tree truck. He can move piles by himself and can lead-block for his halfback without problems. We wish Josh the best in his recovery.”, said Coach Karthausser on his fullback. “However, while a loss for our team, an opportunity has been created for Antjuan Taylor. Antjuan is an experienced player who can help us not miss a beat at the fullback position. Our team responded well to Josh’s injury.”
On the next play, Josetti would connect again with Leszczynski for a 40-yard touchdown strike. The Outlaws missed the ensuing extra-point, but took the lead at 6-0 in the first quarter.
Opening up for their 3rd possession, the Blue Devils started just short of the mid-field mark at the 40 yard line. A 10-yard roughing the passer penalty would give the ball to the Blue Devils at mid-field. On 1st and 10, Petrancosta dropped back looking for his receiver Jordan and fired down field. Cornerback Anthony Parr played the pass perfectly, and came down with his 6th interception in the past 4 games.
“Once again, Anthony Parr rose to the occasion. We know that Jackie Jordan is a great receiver, and we put Anthony on him throughout most of the game. Our match-up paid off. Anthony got some help from his defensive line on that play. With out the heat that our defensive line put on their quarterback, I’m not so sure if he’s going to throw that ball. That was a perfect example of a pressure-pick.”, said Karthausser on his defense. “That’s a credit to the whole defense on that play. Our defensive line played a lights-out game. Jon Walters, Andy Chromy, Tehran Ward, Nate Lupo, Big Curely, Tim Kraker, and Adam Lipski all played a tremendous game and harassed the quarterback all night.”
Time would expire before the Outlaws could capitalize on Parr’s interception, but the Outlaws would take the lead going into the locker room with a 6-0 halftime lead.
With the Outlaws receiving the ball to start the 3rd quarter, Josetti and company would take the field starting on their own 27 yard line. With determined running by running back Jaimie Marton and Antjuan Taylor, combined with a leathal dosage of Josetti to Leszczynski throughout the drive, the Outlaws would put together a 17-play drive that consumed 11 minutes and 21 seconds.
“We did some extremely great things to start the second half, but with that same breath, we shot ourselves in the foot pretty good too. We converted on 3rd down three times, but we also accumulated 40 yards in penalties, including a double-foul, 30-yard penalty against us for unsportsman-like conduct.”, said Karthausser. “We addressed that issue within our team. The way we responded….it was just a flat-out inspiring performace by our offensive line. Jaimie fought for yards after contact consistently. JP had a lot of time when dropped back, and we made plays when we had to.”
The drive, all said and done, covered 111 yards, and ended when Jaimie Marton leaped two defenders and found the end zone on a 10-yard run. The two-point conversion was good when Josetti connected with Leszczynski, and the Outlaws pushed the score to 14-0 in their favor.
As the Blue Devils took the field and tried to answer the bell, defensive tackle Tehran Ward forced a fumble when he hit Petrancosta in the backfield, which was recovered by the Outlaws. However, the Outlaws were quick to give the ball back to the Blue Devils, when Blue Devil linebacker Eric Zilisch forced and recovered a fumble.
Turnovers continued to be the theme in the 4th quarter, when defensive end Chuck Kramer intercepted Petrancosta on the Blue Devils 23 yard line. Four plays later, after a 17 yard run by running back Lance Parks, Josetti connected with receiver Tony White for 5-yard touchdown on 3rd and goal. White’s touchdown pushed the score to 20-0, and that is how the game would end.
“This was by far our best all-around performance by our team this year. We’re starting to peak. As much as we would like to go undefeated and win every game, that’s hard to do in football. Regardless, what you really want is for your team to peak at the end of the year, as the playoffs are approaching, and we are doing just that.”, commented Outlaws’ defensive coordinator Pete Kishline. “I’m very excited to continue our winning ways when we take the field again.”
The Outlaws have a bye in week #8, but will return to the field for their regular season finale against the Fond du Lac Crusaders on Saturday, August 4th at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex. Kick off is set for 8:00 pm. Tickets will be on sale at the game for $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children and senior citizens. Fond du Lac, out of the National Conference, is currently 3-4, coming off a huge upset of the Madison Mustangs on Saturday night in Fond du Lac.