Patriots dismantle Stampede

By: Gary Young

        On July 24th 2010, the Lincoln-Way Patriots played host to the Indianapolis Stampede at Lincoln-Way West Stadium. The Patriots off a big win over the Racine Threat on July 17th were concerned that a let down might take place, but no such luck for the Stampede. The Patriots received the ball first and went right to work. The Patriots went 55 yds in just 6 plays as they scored on the opening drive and continued to have the gas pedal down as the offense ended up scoring 55 points in the 55-6 victory Saturday night over the Stampede.

The Offense had a great night as they amassed over 400 yds of offense between rushing and passing. The rushing game, however, led the way as the Patriots gained 325 yds on 35 carries which came out to be 9.2 yds/per carry. The rushing attack was led by Steve Strimel ( 208 yds 17 carries 1 TD). Also leading the way for the Patriots rushing attack were: Bill Middleton (81 yds 10 carries 4TD's), Stephen Fanthorpe (24 yds 4 carries), Josiah Prince (8 yds 3 carries), and Mike Strimel (3 yds 1 carry  1TD).  The running backs were running through holes the size of monster trucks by: Left Tackle Rayshaun Morsby/Andrew Short, Left Guard Jerome McCullor, Center Dominic Angeloni, Right Guard JP Carroll, and Right Tackle Rayshaun Morsby/Andrew Short.   JP had this to say about the offense Saturday Night, " We played extremely well as an offensive unit and as a team. However it is extremely easy to block for guys like Steve Strimel because he always breaks one tackle and will make you miss, so as linemen we just got to make sure we keep a hat on a hat and let Steve do his thing. Also, Coach Dan had a great plan of attack for us, which always helps when you are going against a defense that likes to read and react."

The defense had their best day of the season, as they held the Stampede to -18 yds for the first half and -12 for the entire game. Leading the way for the defense was Ryan Leveraue (1 int and 6 tackles), Kevin Gricious (1 fumble recovery), Karl Grant (6 tackles and 3 sacks), and Troy Livingston (5 tackles and one sack). The Stampede only mustard four first downs all game, and one of those whose via a penalty. Kevin Gricious talks about his fumble recovery, : I was trying to rip through my defender when I saw ( I believe Karl) strip the running back. I immediately saw the ball near me and I landed on it." Tylor-Radtke had this to also say about the games, " With the guys I have in front of me (meaning the D-Line), my job becomes extremely easy as they eat up blocks and apply a ton of pressure. Coach Jim Strimel must being doing a great job with those guys. I am looking forward to the big game vs Leyden at home as I know they are a good team and they will play physical."

The Patriots next game will be July 31st 2010 at 7pm at Lincoln-Way West as they take on the Leyden Lions. The Patriots are now 3-0 MSFL and 5-0 Overall. Come support your Patriots on to victory!

Patriots Handle Threat

       On July 17th 2010 the MSFL was treated to an early season matchup between the Racine Threat (2009 MSFL Champs) and the Lincoln-Way Patriots (runner-ups in 2009). The Lincoln-Way Patriots traveled into hostile territory as they went to Kenosha, Wisconsin for this rematch. The conditions were tough, as it was a hot and steamy night as the temperature stayed around the low 90's throughout much of the game. The weather, however, did not slow the Patriots and their quest for revenge. The Patriots received the ball first and were able to march (60yds) down the field behind the strong right arm of Mike Strimel. Strimel went 6-8 on the drive and hit many different receivers along the way. Receivers Nate McCullum, Darwin Young, Joe Strimel, and Robert Nicholas were all a part of the 6-8 start by Strimel. The drive was capped off by a Mike Strimel 2yd run and the Patriots gained the lead. A lead that would never be relinquished by the Patriots as the Patriots beat the Threat 45-25 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

        Throughout the game, the Patriots Offense gave the Threat a nice mix of run and pass and kept the Threat D on their toes. The Patriots gained 200 yds rushing and threw for 240yds on the day. The Offense amassed 400yds of total offense on the day! The Patriots Offense received scores from Mike Strimel (2yd TD run), Nate McCullum (9yd TD reception), Stefan Fanthorpe (19 yd TD reception), Steve Strimel (12yd TD run), and Brian Keltz (11yd TD reception). Mike Strimel stated the following: "We played well on offense today. We did miss some chances to put more points on the board but I was happy with the overall performance of the offense and the team. I also have to give my offensive line credit as they did not allow a sack on the day and opened up holes for the running backs."

        The defense would not be out done by the offense as the defense forced five turnovers on the day, with one of those turnovers turning into a TD by William Bils. Bils picked off an arrant pass and went 58yds for the score. Bils also electrified the crowd with an 88 yard kick-off return. Bils along with: Tylor Radtke, Troy Livingston, Marzell Green, Will Long, Jelani Sutton, Robert Nicholas, John Anderson, Abel Cabral, Andrew Short, Adam Schook, Karl Grant and others kept the Racine Threat in check with only allowing 230 yds of offense and much of that was during mop up time. Tylor Radkte had this to say after the game: " We played well on Defense tonight, but we need to improve if we hope to make a run for the Division and the MSFL Championship. We had a couple of mental breakdowns, which we must learn from, but I am happy about the win, and looking forward to having fun tonight but it is back to work (literally and not literally) come Monday, but it was still a solid performance by the whole team tonight."

        The Patriots will be back in action this Saturday July 24th 7pm at Lincoln-Way West and they will be hosting the Indianapolis Stampede. Please come and support your Patriots as they strive for another Division Title as well as the MSFL Championship.

Game and Practice Information

 Our next game is at home on July 24th, against Indianapolis.

July Practice Times and Locations

Thursday July 15th 6:15pm Lincoln-Way Central. Monday July 19th 6:15pm Lincoln-Way Central. Thursday July 22nd 6:15 pm Lincoln-Way Central. Monday July 26th 6:15 pm Lincoln-Way Central. Thursday July 29th 6: 15 pm Lincoln-Way Central. Please pay attention to the locations and times. The"tbd"days will be posted by the 21st.of June.  We are lucky to get the use of these fields. Lets get all we can out of it by  being at practice. 

Coach Strimel