Yuma
Blitz vs San Diego Stallions November 3, 2007
After
a tumultuous two weeks in smoldering San Diego County, the Stallions took little
time picking up where they left off facing a much improved Yuma Blitz team in
round one of the SWFL playoffs. Although the San Diego squad was without one of
its impact players, others on the team seized the opportunity to step up and fill
the void.
In
typical fashion, the game commenced with a quick three and out shut down performance
by the San Diego defense lead by Walter Wiz Fuller and a stout
group of defensive linemen. Linebacker Andre Hicks, as he has done in so
many games throughout the season, positioned himself to gather a blocked punt
attempt placing the ball deep in Yuma territory for the Stallions offensive unit.
Following a series of tough rushing attempts, San Diego went to its Special Teams
unit to post the first points of the game when kicker Daniel Nani punched
through a 35 yard field goal to put San Diego up 3-0. After a failed Blitz offensive
series, the San Diego Special Teams continued to shine with a punt return
for a touchdown. This time, however, it was safety and defensive stand out David
Rainey providing the Newman-like excitement for the Stallions first touchdown.
The Blitz mustered it first scoring drive strung together by a couple of long
passes to narrow the score to 9-6. San Diego quickly responded with a 50 yard
Nahoonian Douglas scamper expanding the San Diego lead to 10. Prior to
halftime, the Blitz managed to find the end zone one more time finishing the half
with a score of 16-14, San Diego.
The
second half opened with a 40 yard Rainey kick off return setting the Stallions
up on their own 45 yard line. Again, Douglas gashed the Blitz defense for another
long 45 yard run. Wide receiver Kianie Brooks capped the drive with a 10
yard rush for a San Diego touchdown. The San Diego defense continued its stubborn
way. Fuller spearheaded the effort with several tackles, many behind the line
of scrimmage, and one interception; never allowing the Yuma offense to get into
a rhythm. Following the Fuller interception return to the Yuma 20 yard line, Nani,
having his best performance of the season, tacked on three more points with a
successful field goal attempt. The Blitz mounted its only productive drive of
the half culminating in a touchdown and a two point conversion. The Stallions
again answered on a 40 yard Json Lassiter pass to Robert Garcia
to set the offense up inside the Blitz five yard line. Lassiter kept the ball
for the final score of the game concluding the contest and the Blitz season with
a final score of 33-22.
The
first year San Diego Stallions move to round two of the SWFL playoffs when they
square off against the reigning SWFL champions San Diego Thunder on November 10
at Balboa Stadium. As predicted at the beginning of the season, the road to the
league championship goes through San Diego.
-
John Pecoraro
San
Diego Stallions vs Santa Clarita Maddogs October 6, 2007
With
both teams bearing the colors black and gold, the color of the night was unfortunately
yellow. The San Diego Stallions confronted the Santa Clarita Maddogs on a chilly,
45 degree Saturday evening in remote Lebec, California. While both teams battled
valiantly, the officiating crew appeared most determined to take the spotlight
at center stage with frequent, and at most times, unjustified tosses of the penalty
flag.
After
a long four hour drive for your Stallions, the game began with a kick off return
that granted the Santa Clarita team with field position in the San Diego red zone.
The Maddogs, following a series rushes up the middle and on the edges, capped
the generous return with a short touchdown run from the one yard line. After a
failed point after attempt, the Maddogs led by 6-0. From this point, both defenses,
and the show stealing officials, stiffened; silencing both offensive attacks through
the conclusion of the first half. Although nullified by a questionable personal
foul call, quarterback Json Lassiter connected with wide receiver Brandon
Newman on a quick screen pass that should have resulted in six points for
the Stallions after a typically brilliant Newman scamper.
The
Stallions took the home teams turf in the second half and made it their
own with composed execution by all units. The offense, engineered by a conspired
endeavor by Head Coach Darris George and Offensive Coordinator Charles
Bussey, continued its stubborn way with punishing rushes by running back Nahoonian
Douglas behind a solid San Diego Offensive Line. After a steady measure
of Douglas runs inside and outside the tackles, Lassiter found a wide open Robert
Garcia for a 42 yard completion for a score evening touchdown. The San Diego
defense, piloted by middle linebacker Walter Wiz Fuller(1.5
sacks, 2 tackles, 4 assists), followed with menacing play, applying constant
pressure to the Maddog passing attack and a lights out assault on the Santa Clarita
running game. Fuller, accompanied by linebackers, Steven Jackson (1
tackle, 4 assist, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery), Brandon Scales(2 tackles, 1 assist) and Andre Hicks(2 tackles, 4 assists,
1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery) forced and recovered a fumble deep in Santa
Clarita territory returning the ball to the Stallions offense. After a battery
of grinding rushes, San Diego went to their big play maker, the aforementioned
Newman, for what would be the game winning touchdown on a 14 yard reception to
go on top 12-6 early in the fourth quarter. Through the remainder of the game,
the Stallions offense and defense collaborated to bleed the clock and deny any
attacks by the Maddogs.
While
the combined effort culminated in a well deserved victory for the Stallions, the
weekend did not go without a loss. Coach Charles Bussey, while leading
the San Diego offense, received a call notifying him of the passing of a close
family member. Coach Charles continued to lead the squad to a triumphant effort
despite the emotional burden of the saddening mid-game message. I am certain I
speak on behalf of the entire Stallions organization when stating that our thoughts
and prayers are with Charles and his family in this time of mourning. This win
is dedicated to Coach Charles, his family and, most importantly, his dearly departed.
-
John Pecoraro
Rancho
Cucamonga Grape Stompers vs San Diego Stallions September 29, 2007 (more
photos)
Your
San Diego Stallions took on the 4-1 Rancho Cucamonga Grape Stompers of the WCFL
seeking to regain their formidable swagger following a disheartening defeat to
the SWFL Champions San Diego Thunder. Well, for those in attendance, the first
year squad did not disappoint with a dominating victory over the Rancho Cucamonga
team.
The
game opened with a Stallions drive that came to a quick halt following a botched
exchange. The San Diego defense returned the favor with an expeditious three and
out attack beginning with a sack by middle linebacker Walter Wiz
Fuller that would be indicative of the Stallions play through the last tick
on the clock. The Stallions offense quickly gathered itself behind an assault
directed by Offensive Coordinator Charles Bussey and led by the bruising
running back, Nahoonian Douglas(120 yards on the day), who punished
the Grape Stompers defense with his usual unyielding rushes. On the ensuing home
team drive, Douglas and the daunting Brandon Newman (134 all purpose
yards) combined for 80 yards on the ground. Douglas put the finishing touches
on the effort eating up 50 of those yards on an impressive touchdown scoring run.
Following a generous return allowed by the San Diego kick off team, the sturdy
Stallions defense denied the Grape Stompers with another three and out battering
- polished off with a blocked field goal attempt by defensive back Todd Lawson.
On the exchange of possession, San Diego drove 85 yards resulting in another Douglas
touchdown run from 23 yards out. The Stallions special teams knew what time it
was by capitalizing on a sleepy Rancho Cucamonga team with a vigilant Ty Flava
Flav Mills covering of the San Diego kick off. With another opportunity,
quarterback Json Lassiter tossed a 15 yard touch pass to the acrobatic
Newman on a fade route in the end zone. Dominated by the Stallions defense, the
subsequent Grape Stomper offensive attempt swiftly ended on a Rancho Cucamonga
turnover scooped up by outside linebacker Andre Hicks(2 fumble recoveries,
1 blocked punt); once again placing the ball in the hands of the San Diego
offensive unit only to give the pigskin right back on a miscue of their own. Without
a remedy for the pesky San Diego defense, the Grape Stompers again relinquished
the ball after another three and out shut down swarm by the Stallions. Following
a 40 yard Newman punt return, running back Robert Washington (81 total yards)
continued the scoring onslaught with a 12 yard touchdown run, putting the Stallions
on top 25 -0. At the half, Douglas, Newman and Washington gashed the Grape Stompers
for 95, 94 and 69 yards, respectively.
The
Stallions owned the second stanza as well. The defense, masterminded by Defensive
Coordinator Winston Martin, led by Fuller and accessorized by Earl Da
Hit Man Guerrero and the malevolent Stephen Jackson (1 sack),
sought channels to exploit and harass the Rancho Cucamonga field general behind
the always nasty San Diego Defensive Line; shutting down the Grape Stompers
attack through the third quarter. While San Diego cycled in the second and third
team defensive units, the Grape Stompers made changes on offense, attacking the
Stallions with varied formations. Rancho Cucamonga found the end zone late in
the game to post their only score of the day. The San Diego offense, in queue
with the defense, also began to rotate in members of its reserve members; this,
however, did not preclude the Stallions from scoring. Stepping in under center,
the versatile Newman threw a pin point accurate 40 yard pass reception for what
would be the final scoring drive of the game.
At
the game ending whistle, the score was 31-6, San Diego. Disciplined play from
all Stallions units allowed the group to capture the lead first and build on that
positive start through the end of the game. With every passing week, this group
grows with leaps. In their opening season, this young, gritty team finds itself
on the road to the SWFL playoffs primed to upset
-
John Pecoraro
San
Diego Stallions vs San Diego Thunder September 22, 2007 (more
photos)
With
stormy San Diego skies looming overhead, the Stallions looked to redeem themselves
from a disappointing loss two weeks prior and steal the proverbial thunder from
the reigning SWFL champions San Diego Thunder. Unfortunately, the young Stallions
squad was unable to do so falling to the perennial Champs 35-0 in hard fought
contest.
The
San Diego based battle at the historic Balboa Stadium opened with a kick off return
that provided the Thunder with advantageous field position in Stallions territory.
While the Stallions run defense was customarily unyielding, the Thunder were able
to capitalize through the air; capping the drive with a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
The ensuing Stallions offensive attack was short lived, shunted by the Thunders
defensive assault. The Thunder tacked on an additional 14 fourteen points that
came by way of Stallions offensive miscues that provided the Thunder a short field
to work with in each of the following two scoring drives. The Champions
field general, Jason Jones, did not do his job unscathed though; linebacker
Andre Hicks and cornerback Keith Brown sought and exercised the
opportunity to deliver turf tasting blows on two occasions to the quarterback
before the half broke. At the close of the first quarter, and first half, the
Thunder led by 21.
The
developing Stallions team showed growth though. The expected adversity resulting
from a 21 point deficit did not rattle the spirit of the Stallions as they took
the field in the second half with the vigor of their namesake. The Stallions offense
showed flashes of their potency with determined rushes by Nahoonian Douglas
behind an undaunted Offensive Line. Your Stallions managed their way into
their opponents red zone on a few occasions only to be denied by the steadfast
Thunder defense. The Stallions defense maintained their menacing presence with
a tough run defense and a score stopping interception by cornerback Derrian
Luckett; however, poor field position and the incidental, yet costly mental
error resulted in 14 points in favor of the Thunder.
While
the outcome of this game did not differ much from that of the pre-season contest,
it is readily apparent that the Stallions have made significant steps to becoming
a much better team. However, they will have to do much better in order to challenge
the Thunder for their supremacy in San Diego and, for that matter, the SWFL.
-
John Pecoraro
Central Coast Grizzlies
vs San Diego Stallions September 8, 2007 (more
photos)
We
must learn how to lose before we [know] how to win an emotional statement
made by Defensive Coach Winston Martin following the Stallions first defeat
of the regular season. This is a message that should resonate with every member
of the first year San Diego organization as this weeks showing did not typify
that of the team that overcame so many obstacles to be victorious the week before.
The
Stallions battled the tough Central Coast Grizzlies only to fall to the Atascadero
based squad 26-8. The Grizzlies were quick to score on an opening drive resulting
in a touchdown reception succeeded by a two point conversion. San Diego answered
on a subsequent drive led by quarterback Michael Shea with a key, touch
pass to tight end Ryan Mello, bringing the score to 8-6. The Stallions
defense stiffened, shutting down the Grizzlies highly revered rushing attack,
limiting Central Coast to its passing game and their resourceful quarterback who
found gratuitous opportunities to expose the San Diego defense on a couple of
third and long situations. The Grizzlies QB did not do his job unpestered though;
defensive end William White and linebacker Walter Wiz Fuller
often penetrated the Central Coast protective unit to hurry passes or familiarize
the signal caller with the San Diego turf. At the half, the Grizzlies led by 14-6.
The
second half opened with a Stallions kickoff return that resulted in a fumble;
a mishap that carried the Central Coast momentum into the second half. While the
San Diego offense struggled to find its groove, the Grizzlies capitalized on every
Stallions inaccuracy. A half marred by turnovers, penalties, and mental
errors contributed to an additional twelve points to the Central Coast lead. Nonetheless,
the period did not go without some San Diego highlights; cornerback Derrian
Luckett returned a failed Grizzlies two point conversion to the opposite end
zone for two points.
At
the final whistle, the score and the game belonged to the Grizzlies. The Stallions
look to redeem themselves next weekend when they take on the Las Vegas Cobras
at Montgomery High School in San Diego.
-
John Pecoraro
San Diego Stallions
vs Yuma Blitz September 1, 2007 (more
photos)
Power ,
as defined in Ralph Sawyers interpretation of Sun-Tzus The Art of
War, refers to armys overall capability in all aspects including
endurance, spirit, discipline, equipment, command, and physical condition
rather than the strength of numbers alone. Perhaps this passage is most
appropriate when recounting the San Diego Stallions victory against the Yuma Blitz
at their home field.
The
day began in a most inauspicious manner with faltering transportation and a relatively
flat San Diego first quarter performance on both sides of the ball. The early,
yet brief malaise of the Stallions may have been attributable to the four hour
ride to Yuma, Arizona where the mercury pushed past 115 degrees at 6:00pm or the
late arrival of a key member of the squad. However, your Stallions were quick
to recover under the commandership of Head Coach Darris George, who spent
the better portion of the day coaching our future football stars of the Clairemont
Hawks.
San
Diego was first on the scoreboard with a punt return for a touchdown by the ever
elusive, always astonishing Brandon Newman(2 punt returns for 2 touchdowns,
189 all-purpose yards). The 60 lead did not last as the Blitz answered
on a subsequent drive that ended in a touchdown, resulting in a first quarter
score of 7-6. George, upon his delayed arrival, wasted no time in estimating his
foe and made the required adjustments to get the potent Stallions offense on track.
With a bevy of weapons at his disposal, George devised a balanced San Diego offensive
attack of runs and passes that proved by games end to enervate the Blitz defense.
Quarterback Michael Shea(5 for 9, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions
for a NFL passer rating of 93.3), despite a pair of early miscues, demonstrated
his resilience with a strong performance throughout the remainder of the game.
Innovative play calling and flawless execution capped the first half when Shea
cast a decisive, tight rope screen pass to wide receiver Billy Washington. Washington
and running back Nahoonian Douglas(7 rushes for 50 yards and 1 touchdown,
2 receptions for 59 yards and 1 touchdown) then conspired on a gadget play
that produced a touchdown in the waning seconds of the period, posting a 19-7
Stallions lead at halftime. In addition to the aforementioned standouts, fullback
John Hampton and running back Robert Washington(1 touchdown)
battered the Blitz defense with unrelenting rushes behind a perpetually improving
Offensive Line. In all, the offense and special teams unit combined for
46 points against a determined Blitz squad.
When
the offense was not on the field carrying out its assault, the San Diego defensive
unit, after gathering itself following the initial Blitz score, assumed its normal
sturdy posture and punished its opponent. However, this contest from the defensive
perspective was one of missed opportunities - some squandered and some stolen.
The Stallions secondary amassed three interceptions on the evening; however, this
number should have been six or seven if not for what were clearly drops and one
very debatable call. Keith Brown(5 tackles, 1 interception), Dominique
Williams(5 tackles), and Andre Hicks(6 tackles, 1 fumble
recovery) were each denied by questionable officiating when making opportunistic
plays that would have resulted in two defensive touchdowns and one thwarted Blitz
scoring drive. David Rainey and Todd Lawson contributed to the defensive
onslaught with one interception each and returns of 55 and 30 yards respectively.
Linebacker Brandon Scales(4 tackles), whose three sacks against
the Rams two weeks ago were mistakenly omitted from the last game recap, had another
strong performance, filling gaps and providing suffocating pass coverage. Earl
Da Hit Man Guerrero, with 7 tackles on the day, picked up where
he left off and guided the San Diego defense at middle linebacker with devastating
hits and mistake free football. Of course, all of the above was done behind a
nasty Stallions Defensive Line led by Robert Brown and Marcel
Sloan.
The
collective effort of every Stallions player culminated in a dominating victory
with a final score of 46-13. Reflecting on the passage quoted at the beginning
of this editorial, the Stallions possessed the Power to address every
challenge that they faced on this day; discipline and spirit to overcome some
early adversity, the command and equipment to quickly adjust to its opponent,
and the endurance and physical condition to prevail in an unfamiliar, disadvantageous
environment. Advancing to a 2-0 mark in their debut season with two lopsided conquests,
outscoring their opponents 112-19, it is easy to proclaim that this is a team
that is growing and improving with every snap of the ball.
-
John Pecoraro
West
Coast Rams vs San Diego Stallions August 18, 2007 (more
photos)
Your
San Diego Stallions launched their opening season with a dominating 66-6 victory
against the West Coast Rams. It goes without doubt that the challenging pre-season
schedule that included opposition from the regions premier squads paid dividends
when considering the results of this contest.
The
Stallions wasted no time putting digits on the score board with an opening kickoff
return for a touchdown by the slashing running back Joseph Jojo
Johnson. The Stallions defense, orchestrated by Defensive Coordinator Winston
Martin, carried the momentum set by the special teams unit with a literal
shut down attack that harassed the Rams offense throughout the
entire game. Leading the defensive onslaught were linebackers Walter Wiz
Fuller and Earl Da Hit Man Guerrero, who each wrapped up
the day with three sacks and multiple drive stopping tackles. Fuller and Guerrero
were accompanied by a nasty arsenal of defensive weapons such as Robert Brown
(two sacks), Emmet Allen(one sack), and Andre Hicks(two
interceptions).
While
the defense hammered the Rams into submission, the Stallions offense offered its
own brand of punishment. With a pinpoint accurate passing game, quarterback Michael
Shea completed five of eight passes attempted for 135 yards with two touchdowns
for a near perfect NFL quarterback rating of 145.8. Leading the receiving corp,
the elusive Brandon Newman collected two receptions for 62 yards that resulted
in two touchdowns. Newman also returned a punt for 45 yards and a touchdown. When
Shea did not drop back to pass, the Stallions rushing game, averaging 9.7 yards
per attempt, ground the Rams defense for 155 yards and six touchdowns. Each of
the seven Stallions ball carriers averaged a minimum of seven yards per attempt,
exemplifying the effectiveness of the San Diego Offensive Line.
Lastly,
and most important, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dwayne Adams.
Dwaynes mother recently suffered a stroke and is working her way to better
health. The Stallions dedicate this victory to Dwaynes mother and to her
full recovery.
-
John Pecoraro
San Diego
Stallions vs Compton Jaguars August 4, 2007
The
Stallions have played one of the most grueling pre-season of any team this year
but definitely preparing themselves for the long run of the regular season having
played both the LCFL and SWFL defending champions as well as 2 LCFL playoff contenders
for 2008.
San
Diego Stallions vs Inglewood Blackhawks July 28, 2007 (more
photos)
Your
Stallions continued their preseason journey with a trip to Inglewood, California
to battle the esteemed Inglewood Blackhawks in a tough fought 24-6 defeat to the
Los Angeles based team. The Blackhawks, of the LaBelle Community Football League
(LCFL), finished first in their league and fifth in the nation
in 2006. Coming into this season, the Blackhawks are considered to be the team
to beat and the unit every organization in the west seeks to knock off of their
lofty perch. It is no stretch to state that the Stallions have challenged the
premier teams in this region in their first few contests as a team.
The
first half began with two defensive units that refused to give up yards to the
opposing offensive units. The Blackhawks started the half only to be shut down,
on two consecutive drives, by the highly active Stallions defense, orchestrated
by Defensive Coordinator Winston Martin, led by defensive linemen Robert
Brown and Brandon Scales and defensive backs Keith Louisiana
Brown and David Rainey. On subsequent possessions, the Stallions
offense found opportunities to drive down the field with its pounding running
game comprised of a platoon of determined ball carriers, most notably Douglas
Nahoonian, who finished the day with 19 carries for 90 yards and an impressive
4.7 yards per touch. As with the first two games of this young season the Stallions
found themselves in the opponents red zone multiple times unable to finish
what they had started; unable to put points on the board. At the conclusion of
the first half, the Stallions held the highly regarded Blackhawks to a mere 10-0
margin.
At
the commencement of the second half, an invigorated Stallions team took the field
at Caroline Coleman Stadium with the realization that they had limited the defending
league champions to a handful of points despite a number of Stallions missteps.
Consistent with the first half, both units played hard football with grinding
rushes and crushing hits. The Stallions opened up its offensive play book with
an air attack that included all members of its offensive cache; complementing
the ground assault that wore down the Inglewood defense in the first half. Brandon
Sir Slash Newman rotated between half back, wide receiver, quarterback,
and kick returner, combining for 293 all-purpose yards. Brandon rushed eight times
for 95 yards (a gaudy 11.9 yards per attempt), hauled in six passes for 53 yards,
and completed four of four passes for 35 yards with one touchdown to the Stallions
bruising tightend/fullback Andrew Ellison. In addition, Newman gashed the
Inglewood special teams unit for 110 yards. On crucial Stallions errors,
the Blackhawks offense added 14 to their lead, culminating in a 24-6 final
score in favor of the home team.
At
the final whistle, the Stallions generated 379 yards of total offense against
a sturdy Blackhawks defense and held the defending LCFL champions to 24 points.
Considering the opponent, this was a significant advancement for the developing
San Diego team. While certain individuals were acknowledged in the recap, it cannot
be emphasized enough how much every member of this unit contributed to
the positive aspects of this game. In this case, it is true that the sum-of-the-parts
are indeed greater than the whole.
-
John Pecoraro
San Diego
Stallions vs Valley Trojans July 21, 2007
The
Stallions traveled to Van Nuys, California to go head-to-head with the Valley
Trojans of the highly regarded LCFL. As with the Stallions first contest against
the defending SWFL champions, San Diego Thunder, this bout ended with a heart-breaking
27-12 loss for the young San Diego squad. Much like the first game of this preseason,
the outcome was largely determined by mistakes made by the Stallions in crucial
situations.
The
first half began with two quick scores by the Trojans offense that resulted in
a 13-0 Valley lead. In true, undaunted Stallions character, the offense took charge
behind field General Michael Shea with a tight rope pass to the Stallions
bruising tightend Ryan Mello(4 receptions for 75 yards on the day),
placing the ball within a handful of yards of the Trojans end zone. After a series
of grinding rushing calls by Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Darris George,
Shea put a wrap on the effort with a touch pass to Mello for a Stallion touchdown,
closing the half with a score of 20-6. The Stallions had penetrated the Trojans
red zone on two drives only to squander those threats with turnovers and mental
errors. As always, the malevolent San Diego defense pestered the Trojans offensive
group with solid hits and tight coverage but this was only the beginning
of this units game
This
indeed was a tale of two halves and perhaps two games. The Stallions galloped
onto the field in the second half with the energy of a group that could play four
more quarters of old-school, smash-mouth football; this was a half dominated by
the San Diego defensive unit. With a full stable of all of its football thoroughbreds,
the Stallions front line, led by Robert Brown and Marcel Sloan,
provided linebackers Earl Da Hit Man Guerrero, Stephen Jackson,
Andre Hicks, and Walter Wiz Fuller the opportunity to
punish the Trojans playmakers. Wiz (who did not get on the field until the
third quarter), introduced the Trojans quarterback to the home field turf on two
occasions living true to his word and making drive killing plays. Guerrero,
Jackson, and Hicks followed through and stuffed any holes the Trojans front line
thought they might have opened. In the secondary, Keith Brown played a
key role in shutting down the Valley passing game as a cornerback and safety.
Unfortunately, football is a game of individual plays and Valley was able to execute
one offensive play late in the half that resulted in a significant gain on the
ground; setting the LCFL team up for their final, game-sealing score. While this
half belonged to the San Diego defense, it should not be ignored that the Stallions
rushing game wore on the Trojans defense with fullback Darrius Alexander
dealing devastating blows with each run. Nahoonian Douglas and Robert
Washington dashed the Trojans for 80 yards on 24 carries and 11 yards on 3
carries respectively.
At
the final whistle, Shea completed 11 passes of 16 attempts (69% completion
percentage, 82 NFL passer rating) for 107 yards with one touchdown and one
interception. Brandon Slash Newman, wide receiver and quarterback,
rushed for 48 yards on seven carries and a second half touchdown keeping the Valley
defense off balance.
True
to the heart of a Stallion, yours of San Diego showed no quit, no matter what
the situation or score. This is a group that is on the rise and poised for success
in the season to come.
Once
again, the Stallions would like to extend their thanks to the entire Valley organization
for their hospitality and professionalism.
-
John Pecoraro
San Diego
Stallions Meeting at the Players Sports Bar July 14, 2007
I
want to stress to all of you as players that the meeting on Saturday went very
well. It was great to meet all the players and new ones as well. With the new
players that have joined our team we welcome you and what you will bring to our
organization.
The
San Diego Stallions kicked off their inaugural season with a disappointing 39-0
pre-season loss to the defending SWFL champions San Diego Thunder at Balboa Stadium.
This contest was not won by the Thunder in an easy manner as the Stallions stampede
was marred by errors that provided their opponent multiple opportunities to score
on a short field.
Through
the first half, the Stallions defense held steadfast to limit the Thunder to a
13-0 lead. The linebacker corp, led by Earl the hit man Guerrero,
stymied the Thunder rushing game limiting the champions to a handful of yards
gained on the ground. Linebackers Stephen Jackson and Walter Wiz
Fuller secured the perimeters making any gain near the line of scrimmage,
whether through the air or on the ground, hard earned. The Stallion offense showed
glimpses of what its arsenal is capable of behind the leadership of quarterback
Michael Shea. Fullback Andrew Ellison battered the Thunder front
seven with grinding rushes between the tackles, showing the Stallions gritty commitment
to the ground game. At times, the Stallions offense moved the ball seemingly at
will; however, all too often these drives were thwarted by turnovers or miscues.
The
second half of this exhibition contest displayed an established, veteran Thunder
team that began to find its groove; executing offensively and capitalizing on
the Stallions mistakes. Despite the Thunders ability to stretch their
lead to 39-0 by the end of the game, neither of the Stallions units reflected
the score in their play. The offense, while rotating in players from its second
and third teams, continued to find ways to move the ball against a stout Thunder
defense. As with the offense, the defense continued to play with conviction with
its menacing presence; making hard hits and forcing turnovers.
For
those that were in attendance, one thing is clear when reflecting upon the performance
of both of these teams San Diego is determined to retain the title. Based
on these teams play, the title game may very well come down to a rematch
between these two units. Stay tuned San Diego; this will be an exciting football
season with two very hungry teams