Just give him the damn ball

Raiders run away with victory in primetime

The Bradshaws provided headaches for both teams

ON THE FIRST Monday Night game in FFL history, the Raiders finally notched another win under the leadership of QB Steve Benson and a 'Greatest Show on Turf' ensemble of receivers that gave the Raiders the speed they needed to win. Rookie standout Steve Bradshaw kept it close as the game's all-time offensive player.

With Benson at the helm, the Raiders finally utilized all their drafted speed and put on a show against the big n' strong Vikings. For the first time in years, WRs Pat Fryberger and John Bradshaw got to share the same jersey, teaming with rookie Steve Bradshaw for an electric attack--each hauled in 4 or so touchdowns. Cullen C. continued to improve his play at TE, snatching some snazzy catches and a few TDs. Darren Preiner had solid play at CB while Corey C. had the best game of his career, sacking the quarterback twice over and adding some 10-20 yd. scampers on offense.

For the Vikings, QB Bryan Peterson slipped in his production from the past couple weeks but still led a decent-enough attack. That said, he was repeatedly replaced by Daniel "The Mad Bomber" Preiner in long ball situations, who also did respectably at receiver. Long-armed (and 2009 MVP) Aaron Potvien slowed the Raiders passing game with some big defensive stops, Big Dan Benson gave the Raiders' O-line nightmares, and Kellen Preiner was ever-versatile in the Vikings roaming zone D. Vikes all-star Dave Benson was off his game for the first time in remembrance.

Rookie Steve Bradshaw juked defenses all day long

The game almost marked the first kickoff return of the season. The Raiders now have a slim chance of making the Championship though it would take winning from here on out.

Tune in next week for doubleheader action, including another Monday Night contest as the Raiders take on the Vikings in the Fryberger Football League 2010 season.

Run, Raiders, run!

Vikings outlast Raiders in shootout

Mitch Williams and Jon Benson were the focal pieces for each offense.

WITH SCORING ABOUND, the Minnesota Vikings made the final push for victory on Sunday, defeating the Oakland Raiders 19-17 at Fryberger Arena. Led by QB Bryan Peterson and a strong set of receivers, the Vikes upped their winning streak to three, and kept the flailing Raiders down yet again.

For the second week in a row, Bryan Peterson quarterbacked a productive Minnesota offense. Front and center, was the un-coverable Mitch Williams, returning to his week one form and scoring several touchdowns--even snatching a few clutch interceptions. FS Dave Benson engineered his trademark zone D while Cullen C. saw his first real time at receiver this season, hauling in a number of impressive catches. Big Dan Benson stuffed the middle and even returned some wayard kicks to boot.

For the Raiders, former two-time MVP Jon Benson stole the show. Bringing in a ridiculous amount of catches, and throwing even more, Jon once again teamed with his brother Steve to put on a knockout performance. Steve also provided a stalwart option on D, intercepting a few passes and defending the long ball even with a leg injury. Pat Fryberger and Justin Cadotte each hauled in some touchdowns while Thomas "T-Bird" Charging Hawk got a sack as well as a TD in his first time out for the team.

The Raiders bounded back with a 3 point lead before a controversial halftime call.

Ricky Thomas had one touchdown playing for both offenses. The game also produced the first fumble of the season--a botched snap from the fatigued T-Bird late in the second half. Rough hitting and occasional rain rounded out the contest.

Tune in next week for more FFL action, and a possible Monday Night Football event coming sometime soon.

A hard-fought rivalry.

New jersey

Cris Carter, #80, Minnesota Vikings Home jersey, M

This is meant to replace the previously ripped Robert Smith jersey (same size, etc), even if it is still relatively usable. Hope you enjoy it.

Vikings comeback spurred by injuries, heat

Heat was a factor for both teams

IN A VERY CLOSE contest, the Minnesota Vikings put together a two-game winning streak with the help of some unfortunate injuries and a blistering, hot-as-hell dead heat. The valiant comeback also came under the leadership of Vikings QB Bryan Peterson.

After throwing three, early, first quarter interceptions, QB Bryan Peterson returned to his 2009 form, leading the team to an unlikely comeback against the high-powered Raiders offense. Rookie Vikings receiver C.J. Jaworski hauled in four touchdowns while the veteran Patrick Fryberger juked and zigzaged his way to the endzone three times. FS Dave Benson kept the long ball in check and Big Dan Benson and Tom "T-Bird" Charging Hawk tore it up in the trenches.

The Raiders weren't too shabby, either. The high-flying attack was co-authored by Jon and Steve Benson, going all "Air Coryell" on the opposition in honor of the iconic coach's recent passing. RBs Ricky Thomas (a rookie) and Jared Walterstorff paired up as dual tricksters, fooling and hoodwinking the Vikings defense all day long. 2009 MVP Aaron Potvien also returned to form, catching an early touchdown and narrowing missing another.

The game got bloody: injuries were abound

The heat pushed players into many a waterbreak while the rough Vikings secondary took its toll on the Raiders receivers, resulting in a few swollen ankles. A handful of players from managed to nab multiple interceptions.

In the end, the Vikings endured the conditions as well as the Raiders and came out with a W. Tune in next week for more doubleheader action, as the Vikings and Raiders continue their rivalry at Fryberger Arena and Central Field.

The Vikes hang on for the win

All-Benson unit befuddles the Raiders

The Raiders frantically look for answers

IN A SPECIAL EXCEPTION, the Benson brothers were once again allowed to team up against the Raiders. The last time this occured was, of course, the '09 Championship where the Raiders rolled them with a high-flying attack. Tables turned this time, however, as the Bensons out-strategized the competition with superior timing and strong defensive zones.

It was all the old familiar places: Steve airing it out, Dave snatching interceptions, Dan holding the line and a defense simply unable to contain Jon... not to mention Jared Walterstorff's tricky nack for getting open. Justin Cadotte, despite a few drops, also provided a strong option at WR and S, rounding out a very tight Vikings unit.

Despite their offensive weapons, the Raiders just couldn't put together a consistent attack. Pat Fryberger couldn't get open. Mitch Williams was off his game. Kellen Preiner managed some impressive blocking but lineman Cullen C. and Charlie Hurley were under-utilized. Late in the 3rd corner, the Raiders made a comeback with '09 MVP A-Pot ("the great white hope") inserted at QB and the beast (Williams) unleashed upon the Vikings quarterbacks. Vikings' RB Walterstorff even went down with an injury but it wasn't enough to push the Raiders ahead.

 Pat Fryberger failed to contain the Vikings receivers

In what would be Charlie Hurley's last game of the season, the Vikings pulled ahead again in the FFL standings. Tune in next week for a duel out in the country, as the 2010 FFL season continues.

All smiles for Benson and co.

Raiders get their revenge at Central Field

5'0 Jared Walterstorff burns 6'8 Mitch Williams in the game's pivotal play

COMING OFF his breakout performance in the season opener, LB/S hybrid Mitch Williams was brought back down to Earth by a familiar face. Former two-time MVP Jon Benson rattled the rookie sensation, curbing the Vikings attack and giving way for a Raiders victory.

It was speed vs. strength as the Vikings D brought the rush with Big Dan Benson, Williams, and rookie Thomas "T-Bird" Charging Hawk who nabbed a sack in his debut. But with Jon Benson at the helm, the Raiders offense was simply too versatile, utilizing the talents of the ever-tricky Walterstorff, the wildcard Kellen Preiner, and a young FB named Casey who quite literally came off the street. Rookie play in general was at a refreshing high and there were no serious injuries to report.

There was typically-solid play from the Benson twins, with Steve hauling in a few touchdowns, and Dave--a few interceptions. WR/CBs Patrick Fryberger and John Bradshaw continued to cancel each other out from last season, sparing only a touchdown apiece. Cullen C. fended off the Vikings blitz with the help of some underhanded blocking (a jersey was ripped!) from Bryan Peterson. The trenches were very much alive on Saturday, with bruises and cuts and broken glasses to boot.

The trenches were not a fun place to be

In the end, the 8 on 8 match marked a new record for the Fryberger Football League, and will go down in history as such. Tune in TOMORROW for more Week 2 action live from Central Field!

In all, a tough loss for the Vikings

Day before

Vikings hang on against Raiders

Rookie Mitch Williams (57) leads the way for the Vikings

ROOKIE SENSATION Mitch Williams burst onto the scene Sunday. Drafted in the first round, the big man on campus provided touchdowns on both sides of the ball, scoring early and often in the Vikings season-opening victory over the Raiders.

At 6'8, Williams was almost impossible to cover, catching and tipping a handful of touchdowns with a couple of interceptions to boot. Also--in a startling turn of events--CB Patrick Fryberger nearly shut down 2009 League-MVP Aaron Potvien, putting a dent in the Raiders usually high-powered attack. QB Steve Benson and Cullen C. switched off under center as the Raiders failed to find their footing until late, when the two-punch combo lit up the field with long bombs.

Because of scheduling conflicts, the game was moved at halftime to Morningside Park. A smaller venue, the tighter field made a defensive struggle into a high-scoring affair.

Big Dan Benson and Charlie Hurley mashed it out in the trenches, while RBs Jared Walterstorff and Corey C. upped their game from '09, hauling in a few touchdowns. And don't forget the wildcard, Kellen Preiner: snatching tricky screens and slants, dinking and dunking it for both teams.

Williams and Fryberger plan the Vikings attack

But in the end, it was the old vet Dave Benson, throwing a half dozen touchdowns and nabbing several key interceptions in a game-MVP performance.

A close victory for the Vikings, and a needed one after their final '09 performance. Tune in next week for the rivalry renewed at CENTRAL FIELD.

Game-MVP Dave Benson: 'It's okay'

Picture of the day, 6/13/2010

Spygate redux.

Picture of the day, 6/12/2010

Twins.

Picture of the day, 6/11/2010

Beat.

Picture of the day, 6/10/2010

High-tailing it.

Raiders-Bills

This was such a cool rivalry. Two of the Bills' Superbowls went through the Raiders. Classic good guys vs. bad guys.

And don't forget the Hoss!

Picture of the day, 6/9/2010

Getting it off.

Picture of the day, 6/8/2010

Scatter-brained.

Picture of the day, 6/7/2010

The catch.

Picture of the day, 6/6/2010

Cameras flash!

Picture of the day, 6/5/2010

The island.

Legacy

Picture of the day, 6/4/2010

Confusion on a grand scale.

New jerseys

No, we're not going to New Jersey. Here are some new jerseys that Raiders players can wear on gameday:

Jerry Rice, WR, #80, S

Jeff Hostetler, QB, #12, M

The Rice jersey is MINE, DIBS... The Hostetler has the faintest stench of marijuana on it, it's very faint—I've seen much worse—and most of it is wiped out by your typical eBay mansweat. Just f.y.i.


No new Vikings jerseys for now... we've got an abundance.


But without further adieu, may I present to you, to be worn in the (hopeful) HOF game... THE LOS ANGELES RAMS:

Kurt Warner, QB, #13, L

Jerome Bettis, RB, #36, S

Marshall Faulk, RB, #28, L

Steven Jackson, RB, #39, M

Issac Bruce, WR, #80, M

Orlando Pace, OT, #76, XL

Kevin Carter, DE, #93, XL

It'll be the Battle of Los Angeles... Raiders vs. Rams... for one game only (at a special venue!). BE THERE.

P.S. I'm seriously considering putting money towards a XXXL jersey (Jamarcus Russell baby!)... So, if there are any big men on campus, you will be covered, literally.

Picture of the day, 6/3/2010

Moment of truth.

Picture of the day, 6/2/2010

"Go deep."

Picture of the day, 6/1/2010

Mad-scramble.

Picture of the day, 5/31/2010

Kickoff.

Picture of the day, 5/30/2010

Jump ball.