|
|
OPENING
DAY
CFL
2002-2003
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE MAIN PAGE
September 21, 2002 was the opening game to the 2002-2003 CFL season
between the Carol Stream Gamecocks, and the Carol Stream Griffins. The Gamecocks came away with the vic 70-63, but both team
displayed extreme talent.
The game got off to a rough start for the Gamecocks when QB Joe Kent’s
first pass was picked off and ran into the end zone by Carmine Seego.
The Gamecocks would rally back. Mike Underwood, showed up after having
several truancies in the preseason, to make some big plays.
Mike, who was battling the sun, snagged a pass and took it to the zone
for the Gamecocks first score. Mike
had 243 yards receiving on the day and 2 TD’s, one being a INT returned to the
zone. Angel Negron and Joe
Francione were up to their usual speedy self’s, pulling down passes and
running up and down the field. Both
Angel and Joe had 3 TD’s on the day. Bob
Martinez playing his usual fullback position had 2 TD’s and many clutch first
down grabs. Matt Balling a newcomer
to the Gamecocks had some decent yards, but battled injuries all day due to the
very physical defense of the Griffins. Dan
Bongiorno, who showed up late due to personal reasons, took over QB in the
second half. Dan’s first couple
of passes were batted down, but Dan found himself a groove and threw for 468
yards and 3 TD’s. Joe Kent the,
starting QB sat out the second half due to a knee injury.
Joe’s stats were 572 yards, and 6 TD’s.
Will, another newcomer provided a few first downs but was also banged up
due to the 85 Bear’s like defense of the Griffins.
The Gamecocks were able to come up with the win due to a crucial
interception by Biat Paul Michalak. Paul
did not do that much offensively on the day but provided good size for the
Gamecocks.
The
Griffins had a great start to the season despite the loss.
Scott Davis quarterbacked the Griffins majority of the game, with Chris
Benak taking a few snaps. Scott
threw for 754 yards and 6 TD’s. Chris
threw for 134 yards and a Td and an interception.
Dave Hennessey and Chris Benak provided several receptions for the
Griffins. Dave had 310 yards
receiving along with 84 yards rushing to account for his 4 TD’s on the day.
Chris had 421 yards receiving on the day and 3 TD’s.
Believe it or not with Chris’ large size, he is the deep threat
receiver for the Griffins. Carmine
Seego and Ken Maningas provide extreme speed for the Griffins.
Kenny sets up fakes and screens from his wingback position before
grabbing clutch passes. Carmine
grabbed some clutch passes today, but provided his talent mainly on defense.
There were two newcomers to the Griffins Lee “Willow” Bartells, and
Matt (sorry don’t know the last name). Lee
had 134 yards receiving and a TD. Matt
provided excellent blocking on screens and short slants.
On the defensive side of the ball Carmine Seego led the griffins with 7
knocked down passes and 2 interceptions. Chris
Benak used his large size and extreme strength to deliever two crushing blows.
Taking Matt Balling and Mike Underwood right off their feet.
The blow to Balling was “shot heard around the world” for the day,
knocking his glasses 5ft from him. In
all fairness to Matt, his quarterback hung him out to dry.
Statistical Breakdown:
Passing:
Davis -(Griffins) 457
yards and 6 TD
Kent – (Gamecocks) 323 yards and 6 TD
Bongiorno – (Gamecocks) 300
yards and 3 TD
Benak – (griffins) 118
yards and a TD
Receiving:
Benak-(Griffins) 247 yards receiving and
3 TD
Hennessey-(griffins) 200 yards receiving and 3 TD
Negron-(Gamecocks) 200 yards receiving and 3 TD
Francione-150 yards(Gamecocks)
Underwood-(Gamecocks) 113 yards receiving and 1 TD
Balling-(Gamecocks)
63 yards receiving
Martinez
–(Gamecocks) 54 yards receiving and a TD
Bartells-(Griffins) 21 yards receiving and 1 TD
Seego-(Griffins) 51 yards receiving
Davis
-(Griffins) 51 yards receiving and a TD
Michalak-(Gamecocks)
43 yards receiving
Maningas (Griffins) 5 yards receiving
DEFENSE:
WILL BE POSTED LATER...