Monday, December 3, 2012

Recap- Playoffs Round 1- Stop n Go vs. Empire

                                     VS.                                  



Stop N Go entered the playoffs after having lost to a surging Bandits team and narrowly escaping a loss to the red hot Warriors in double header weekend.  Empire lost both of their games on double header Saturday so neither team came into the game with the best momentum.

Unfortunately for Empire, they also didn't show up to the game with their starting QB in Chris Mui.  In place, they inserted Kunal as the signal caller but not only did that mean one of their better receivers was now removed from the receiving unit, Kunal didn't have the QB skills to attack Stop N Go down-field   What he did possess however was quickness but was going up against the original Kunal (Sra) who had been doing an exceptional job playing defensive line recently for Stop N Go.  The Kunal v Kunal match-up ended up being the key to the game.

Farhan also made a return to the field as a receiver and maybe more importantly bringing his leadership and play calling with him in the huddle though we're not entirely sure if he got medical or spousal clearance to play.

From the onset of the game it was obvious Empire would have a tough time moving the ball and knowing Kunal J would look to run, Stop N Go played a tight zone daring him to beat them over the top and being there behind Kunal Sra anytime Kunal J was able to get past him.  On offense Stop N Go, although not in their best form, did manage to score twice in the first half (Usman, Farhan) as Talha played a solid game at QB.  Down 13-0, Empire put together a solid drive taking themselves inside the 5 yardline on Stop N Go's side of the field via a 30 yard strike to Atif for a 1st down.  On 3rd down however, Kunal Sra flushed Kunal Jardosh to the right who ended up throwing across his body and across the field.  The under pressure / ill advised pass was picked off by Usman in the endzone killing the best opportunity Empire had to make a game of it.  With Stop N Go pinned however, Empire did end up getting a safety via a sack of Talha on the next possession giving them 2 points and the ball back.  They couldn't capitalize any further as the score went into half at 13-2.

The second half was more of the same.  Kunal Sra kept Kunal J in check finishing the game with 4 sacks.  Empire was unable to move the ball consistently and the receivers seemed not to be on the same page with their backup QB.  Suleman added yet another interception.  Talha finished a solid and most importantly efficient day with a 3rd TD, to Ramy, which finally put the game out of reach.  The final score was 20-2 with Kunal Sra getting player of the game honors for his 4 sacks and 5 tackles. 

Stop n Go now faces Moe Bagawala and his #4 seed Decepticons this Saturday.

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