Venom declaw Panthers to stay in playoff chase
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentJuly 14, 2008
Franklin, WI – With playoff implications riding high for both teams Sunday night at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, the Milwaukee Venom blanked the New Berlin Panthers, 17-0 to stay alive in the National Conference postseason hunt.
The Venom controlled the clock and the game right from the get-go. After receiving the opening kick, Milwaukee held onto the pigskin for nearly the first ten minutes. The 76 yard drive was capped off by HB Patrick Duffy’s one yard touchdown plunge. New Berlin tried answering back, but offensive miscues hindered the squad. After one quarter, the Venom led, 6-0.
Late in the second quarter, Milwaukee moved the ball once again, but they faced a 4th and 12 situation at the New Berlin 30. The offense looked to HB Donnell Price to carry the load. Price took the handoff and motored down the sideline for 13 yards, which picked up the crucial first down. One play later, QB Tony Henner connected with TE Troy Uebele for 17 yards. K Danny Makal sealed the drive with his 27 yard field goal. At the break, Milwaukee led New Berlin, 9-0.
The Panther offense began to gel in the third quarter as they moved down into Milwaukee’s red zone. However, it only took one play to negate New Berlin’s rally as QB Jay Jaster’s pass was intercepted by FS Solomon Cabell. The Venom capitalized on the turnover with another short yardage touchdown rush, and after a successful two-point conversion, Milwaukee remained in control, 17-0.
A second interception by FS Solomon Cabell late in the fourth quarter secured the victory for the Venom.
With the win, Milwaukee improves to 2-3 on the year and remains in sight of the fourth and final National Conference playoff spot. Next Saturday, the Venom competes against the undefeated Burlington Blue Devils at Ameche Field. Kickoff is at 8pm. With the loss, New Berlin falls to 1-4. Next Saturday, they head to Illinois to meet the McHenry County Pirates at 7pm.