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.