Upsets Shock South, Bears & Browns Handle North
The PAL Winter Flag Football Playoffs got underway last Thursday with a slue of great games. The South leading Ravens were stunned by the Falcons, losing 34-22. The last place Falcons controlled the game throughout, taking a 20-6 lead into halftime. Their widespread offense ran on all cylinders, as David Robinson caught three touchdown passes while Ryan Jacobs threw three touchdowns and was the recipient on another in the win. Josh Brockson scored a touchdown and intercepted two passes in the second half alone for the Birds. Zach Orendorf was the lone bright spot for the Ravens, throwing two touchdowns in the game.
The #3 seed Dolphins continued the upsets in the South Division with an overtime win over the #2 seed Raiders, 33-26. Ian Shalk ran for two touchdowns for the Dolphins, one on the first play of the game and the other in the closing minutes to tie the game at 26 apiece and send it to overtime. Johnathan Pinghera caught a touchdown pass to give the Dolphins a seven point lead. The Raiders were then unable to move the ball on offense, surrendering the game to the Dolphins. Chris Robinson scored two of the Raiders' touchdowns in their losing effort.
The Bears continued their dominance of the North Division, halting the Bengals in a 28-8 victory. Richard Annan and Liam Bochow each scored two touchdowns for the Bears, who controlled the game from the get-go. Garrett Scott made his best efforts for the Bengals, tallying two interceptions, one of which he returned for the Bengals only touchdown in the game.
In the final game of the opening round of the playoffs, the Browns won in stunning fashion, coming back to topple the Steelers, 24-20. Sean Regan led the Steelers offense, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Brown's comeback. Down 20-12 with a short time left, Keyshan Patel scored to make it 20-18. The two point conversion failed, but a quick stop by the Browns' defense and a quick score yet again by Keyshan Patel quickly put the Browns' in front for the first time in the game. The Steelers took over with about 1:00 to play, but could not convert as time expired.
With the first round in the books, the Conference Championships will be held on Thursday, March 17th with the Championship to follow on Friday night at 5:30pm. The Falcons will face off with the Dolphins on Thursday at 5pm while the Browns will try to upend the top-seed Bears at 6pm. Good luck to everyone!
The #3 seed Dolphins continued the upsets in the South Division with an overtime win over the #2 seed Raiders, 33-26. Ian Shalk ran for two touchdowns for the Dolphins, one on the first play of the game and the other in the closing minutes to tie the game at 26 apiece and send it to overtime. Johnathan Pinghera caught a touchdown pass to give the Dolphins a seven point lead. The Raiders were then unable to move the ball on offense, surrendering the game to the Dolphins. Chris Robinson scored two of the Raiders' touchdowns in their losing effort.
The Bears continued their dominance of the North Division, halting the Bengals in a 28-8 victory. Richard Annan and Liam Bochow each scored two touchdowns for the Bears, who controlled the game from the get-go. Garrett Scott made his best efforts for the Bengals, tallying two interceptions, one of which he returned for the Bengals only touchdown in the game.
In the final game of the opening round of the playoffs, the Browns won in stunning fashion, coming back to topple the Steelers, 24-20. Sean Regan led the Steelers offense, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Brown's comeback. Down 20-12 with a short time left, Keyshan Patel scored to make it 20-18. The two point conversion failed, but a quick stop by the Browns' defense and a quick score yet again by Keyshan Patel quickly put the Browns' in front for the first time in the game. The Steelers took over with about 1:00 to play, but could not convert as time expired.
With the first round in the books, the Conference Championships will be held on Thursday, March 17th with the Championship to follow on Friday night at 5:30pm. The Falcons will face off with the Dolphins on Thursday at 5pm while the Browns will try to upend the top-seed Bears at 6pm. Good luck to everyone!