Venom bites Cyclones, closes in on playoff berth
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentJuly 28, 2008
Franklin, WI – In a game that was a playoff make-or-break scenario for both franchises, the Milwaukee Venom defeated their conference rival, the Spring City Cyclones, 34-6 on a perfect evening under the lights at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex.
The fireworks began on the third play of the game as Venom FS Solomon Cabell intercepted an errant pass and ran it back 55 yards for the touchdown. Spring City caught the next break of the game less than a minute later though, as they held Milwaukee to a three-and-out series and forced them to punt. The long snap was fumbled and the Cyclone special teams unit jumped on the loose ball. However, just a single play later, the pendulum swung again as Venom SS Ricky Batzler intercepted QB Jared Cisz’s pass. Milwaukee then marched into Spring City territory, but after multiple red zone penalties, the Venom were forced to settle on a 19 yard field goal by K Danny Makal. After the first quarter, Milwaukee led, 10-0.
In the second quarter, the Cyclones changed their quarterback and offensive scheme, hoping to change their karma. With TE-turned-QB John Saharsky at the helm, Spring City controlled the clock with their spread offense running attack. The Cyclones moved into Milwaukee’s red zone, but another FS Solomon Cabell interception changed the game for good. Cabell returned the pick 102 yards the other way for the score. Later on, the Venom relied on the leg of K Danny Makal, as he hit the 38 yard field goal, and right before the half ended, Milwaukee’s defense stepped up again as CB Kevin Willingham intercepted QB John Saharsky’s pass. That set up a 20 yard touchdown strike from QB Tony Henner to TE Troy Uebele. At the half, the Venom led, 27-0.
Milwaukee scored again midway through the fourth quarter to make it a 34 point lead. Spring City managed to put one in the end zone late in the fourth, but by that time, the game was out of reach.
The Venom improves to 4-3 with the victory, and after next week, they will be 5-3 due to their week 9 forfeit win. Milwaukee returns to action on Saturday, August 9th against the West Allis Predators at Carroll College. Kickoff is at 5pm. The loss drops Spring City to 1-6 and knocks them out of playoff contention. The Cyclones head to Wisconsin Lutheran College next Saturday night as they meet the Muskego Hitmen in a Time Warner Cable Sports televised contest. Kickoff is at 5pm.