Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Week 6: Swag Wrap Up #1 Seed with Win Over Embarrassments

Having watched Koolaides pick up their second loss of the season, Swag knew that a win would guarantee them the number one seed for the playoffs. They faced a dangerous Drunken Embarrassments team that had already handled Koolaides 44-12.

Swag started on defense (for once!) and after allowing the Embarrassments to get inside the 3 yard line came up with a gigantic goal line stand. The offense, energized by the stop, moved right down the field and Neil Payne scored the first of his 3 touchdowns to give Swag an early 6-0 lead. Taylor Lucero then collected his league-leading 12th interception which set up a second Payne score. Embarrassments would respond with a Noah Schiller touchdown before Lucero scored on a fade down the right sideline to give Swag an 18-6 lead. After another DE touchdown Swag had just 24 seconds before halftime to try to extend their lead. Dylan Tasher hit Matt Huffman down the middle of the field just looking to pick up some yards, but Huffman avoided a tackle and then pitched the ball to Wes Parsel, who was able to walk in for a score. The pitch appeared to come at the same time Huffman's flag was pulled but the referees got together and decided the touchdown was good, giving Swag a two score lead heading into halftime.

The game would end 56-36 as Swag were able to maintain at least a two touchdown lead for the entire game. Jason Holte snagged a pair of second half touchdowns and Lucero, Payne, and Huffman each added another touchdown as all told Tasher threw for 420 yards and 9 scores. Ernie Jackson stood out for the Embarrassments with 7 catches for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns, also recording an interception and return on a 2 point conversion attempt. Swag finished the regular season by posting an 8-1 record, and in the process leading Irvine in points scored and allowing the least points to their opposition. They will face the winner of a play-in game between BOTS and Nine Inch Males, both of which have already fallen to Swag this season. If they advance Swag will play the winner of Da Boys and Koolaides for the Division 2 championship.

Player of the Game: Dylan Tasher. He completed 58% of his passes for 9 more touchdowns. Tasher has an astounding 47/4 touchdown/interception ratio in what is arguably his best season yet.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League leaders through Week 6

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Week 5: Swag Demolish BOTS, Phamous Ones

On the last weekend of March, Swag recaptured first place in the league and clinched a playoff berth with their most impressive performance to date. BOTS and Phamous Ones were both in contention for the final playoff spot entering the day, but both left fairly certain that they would be out of the running for the championship.

Game 1:


BOTS were up first, and after yet another lost coin toss Swag's offense started the game. Dylan Tasher orchestrated a fluid first drive punctuated by an acrobatic Jason Holte touchdown grab and 2 point conversion. The offense didn't have long to congratulate themselves as Taylor Lucero once again intercepted the first pass attempt of the game and returned it for a touchdown. After another defensive stop it was Neil Payne's turn to find the end zone, making the score 20-0 early on. That would be the end of first half scoring though, after the Swag offense failed to capitalize on short fields given to them by a long Holte punt return and a Bryan Ziebelman interception. The second half got even worse for BOTS, as even though they managed to score twice Oobie Peterson and Holte traded touchdown catches back and forth to increase the lead. First came Peterson's long score on a corner route, then Holte found the end zone on a stop and go before Peterson scored the last touchdown of the day catching a bullet in the middle of the end zone. Holte would add the conversion and Albert Lu recorded a sack to complete the dominant defensive performance. Final score: Swag 40, BOTS 16

Player of the Game: Oobie Peterson. In a game that had many deserving candidates Peterson's performance stood above the rest. 6 catches for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns in the debut of his bright yellow cleats was game to remember.

Game stats can be found here
Video Highlights


Game 2:


The second game would prove to be even less of a challenge. Tasher was again deadly, tossing for 343 yards, 9 touchdowns and 8 conversions. The leading receiver was Andy Nikolenko who had 110 yards and 2 touchdowns on 3 catches. Every Swag receiver was productive in this game with Peterson following a stellar first game with 74 yards and 2 more touchdowns. Payne tallied 3 touchdowns on 4 catches for 59 yards, and Holte had three 2 point conversions and 50 yards. Both Wes Parsel and Lucero also caught touchdowns and Lucero added a pair of interceptions to his already impressive total. Lu and Eli Rodriguez each recorded a sack as Swag cruised to a 62-20 win over Phamous Ones. With only one game against the Drunken Embarrassments remaining before the playoffs Swag sit comfortably atop the division at 7-1.

Player of the Game: Dylan Tasher. 9 touchdowns would have been an impressive total for the day, but the way that he so brutally destroyed the Phamous Ones earns him PotG honors.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League leaders through Week 5

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Week 4: Swag Pick Up 2 Key Wins

After yielding first place to Koolaides the week before Swag were eager to get back onto the field and redeem themselves. With both The Spartans and Da Boys on the schedule Swag knew two wins would be hard to come by, but that's exactly what they walked away with at the end of the day.

Game 1:


Spartans were up first, and were dealt an early blow when it became apparent that their normal quarterback would not be showing up for the game. Swag started on offense and scored on their second play from scrimmage as Jason Holte took a short catch 30 yards to the house after several defenders failed to pull his flags. Taylor Lucero had a pick 6 on the very next play and it looked like it would be a long day for The Spartans. It was, but what could have been a 60 plus point performance ended only 40-12 as several Swag receivers failed to make easy catches, with Holte being the most guilty. Dylan Tasher finished with 155 yards and 3 touchdowns but could have easily thrown for 400 yards if it were not for multiple drops. The defense looked unbeatable as Lucero collected another interception for a touchdown and Matt Huffman and Wes Parsel also recorded interceptions, with Parsel scoring a touchdown after Huffman pitched him the ball. Albert Lu also notched a sack in the blowout win.


Player of the Game: Taylor Lucero. Taylor had a pair of interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, and had a hand in several other plays defensively from his safety position.

Game stats can be found here

Game 2:

Swag were in for a much tougher test against a very athletic Da Boys squad. The offense again struggled with drops and was actually outscored 18-16 by the defense. Holte led all receivers for a second straight game with 70 yards and a touchdown, and Neil Payne added 50 yards and a score. Lucero returned two more interceptions for touchdowns to cap an amazing day on defense and Parsel also intercepted two passes, including one that he ran all the way back for a score from 9 yards deep in his own end zone. Tasher finished with 160 yards in what could have been another 300 yard plus performance. Thanks to their dominant defense Swag were able to pull out a crucial 34-19 win, a second consecutive doubleheader sweep, and most importantly were able to keep pressure on the top of the league by improving their record to 5-1.

Player of the Game: Taylor Lucero. Again. Two more pick sixes lifted Swag from what could have been a crushing second loss to a key win.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League leaders through Week 4

Week 3: Swag Rocked by Koolaides

The third week of the season saw Swag matched against Tyler Krawiec's Koolaides squad. What should have been a playoff preview instead turned out to be a 38-12 blowout loss for Swag. With three defensive starters missing for the game Krawiec ran wild, tallying 7 catches for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Swag offense was also completely out of sync as Neil Payne was incredibly held without a catch. Dylan Tasher failed to reach triple digit passing yards for the first time ever, and the fact that the most notable offensive performance was Jason Holte's 4 catches, 62 yards and a touchdown pretty much summarizes the day. Swag fell to 3-1 after failing their first true test of the season.

Player of the Game: Jason Holte. Led the offense with a meager 62 yards receiving. He also had a sack in a rare appearance on defense. Probably should have gone to Krawiec, but the PotG honor has never been given to an opposing player and today won't be the first time.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League leaders through Week 3

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Week 2: Swag Overcome Long Layoff to Sweep Doubleheader

After a flying start to the season, Swag were forced to wait three weeks to play their next game as play was suspended by rain on each of the next two Sundays. Due to Phenoms requesting a bye they were replaced on the schedule by Cleats and Glory, who proved to be more of a challenge than anticipated.

Game 1:

Swag showed signs of rust on their opening two possessions on both sides of the ball, failing to score twice and spotting lowly Cleats and Glory a 14-0 lead. The offense began to click after that, outscoring their foes 28-12 over the rest of the game. Neil Payne was his usual dominant self, notching 7 catches for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns, all game highs. Wes Parsel added 4 for 56 and another touchdown, while Jason Holte returned from his one game absence with 3 catches for 31 yards, a touchdown and both of Swag's 2 point conversions. The game would not have been won without the back-to-back stops recorded by the defense to end the game. The first came on a 4th down stand and the second on a Taylor Lucero interception in the end zone with time running out. Bryan Ziebelman made an outstanding play to out jump CaG's tallest receiver and deflect the ball to Lucero for the pick. Swag's offense would efficiently kill the remaining time on the clock to move to 2-0 going into their second game of the day.

Players of the Game: Bryan Ziebelman and Taylor Lucero. In a tight game that needed one big defensive play these two combined to provide it, Ziebelman's tip led to Lucero's game-clinching pick.

Game stats can be found here

Game 2:

Swag expected to be tested by the athletic Nine Inch Males, but were pleasantly surprised at how easily they moved the ball up and down the field on offense. Dylan Tasher threw 6 touchdowns to 6 different receivers as Swag easily racked up 38 points against Males' soft cover 2 defense. Payne once again led all receivers with 100 yards and Holte added the only 2 point conversion, while Oobie Peterson and Lucero each had an interception on defense. Swag rolled to a comfortable 38-21 victory to end the second weekend of games undefeated.

Player of the Game: Dylan Tasher. In a ruthlessly efficient performance Tasher posted 307 passing yards on 19 completions for 6 touchdowns.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League leaders through Week 2

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Player Profile: Taylor Lucero

#4 - Athlete - 3rd Season (with Swag)
Career Stats:
Catches:  140
Yards:   2,344
YPC:       16.7
TD:            39
PAT:          27
INT:          13
Ret. TD:     3
Points:     281

Taylor returns to Swag for the first time since the Fall 2009 season. He was second in the league in receiving in the team's first season and fifth in his second outing. After spending 2 seasons with Impact he is back and together with Jason Holte and Neil Payne forms arguably the most dangerous receiving corps in the league. Thanks to Taylor's addition expectations are high for the Winter 2011 season.

Winter 2011 Week 1: Swag Rolls The Herd

Swag entered the Winter season with a feeling of unfinished business, having missed the playoffs despite a strong statistical campaign in the fall. Their first opponent were league newbies The Herd, and what followed was not for the faint of heart.

60-12. The scoreline alone pretty much tells the whole story, but what was remarkable was the balance of the offense. Neil Payne, Taylor Lucero, and Bryan Ziebelman went for 80, 75 and 70 yards respectively and all scored 2 touchdowns. Matt Huffman also caught a touchdown as Dylan Tasher started the season with a 300 yard passing performance. Lucero also led the defense with 2 interceptions, 1 of which he returned for a score, and Andy Nikolenko recorded his first career interception as Swag stated their intentions loud and clear. This season will be different, we will make the playoffs and teams will be scared come playoff time. Next up are the Steve Baleno led Phenoms and Nine Inch Males. Hide the women and children.

Game stats can be found here
League Leaders Through Week 1

Player Profile: Neil Payne

#9 - Wide Receiver - 2nd Season (with Swag)
Career Stats:
Catches:   81
Yards:  1,034
YPC:      12.8
TD:           16
PAT:         14
Points:    110



Listing Neil's career achievements would take far too long, so let's limit ourselves to just his time with Swag. In his debut season for the team all he did was lead the entire Irvine league in receiving yards. He enters his second season looking to add to his already impressive stat totals, but what he really wants is a playoff berth and another league championship.

Player Profile: Bryan Ziebelman

#25 - Defensive Back - 2nd Season
Career Stats:
Catches:  6
Yards:  149
TD:          3
INT:         3
Ret. TD:  1
Points:    24






Bryan enters his second season with Swag on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, doing a little bit of everything but mostly showcasing impressive coverage skills and ball-hawking instincts. It was his interception return for a touchdown that won the team's game against The Captains.

Week 7: Swag Wrap Up Season with Pair of Victories

Though bummed about missing the playoffs, Swag knew that they still had an opportunity to end the season on a high note against Freek Nation and Nine Inch Males.

Game 1:

First up was a rare chance at redemption. Eager to avenge their first loss of the season against Freek Nation, Swag were disappointed when only four members of the opposing team showed up to play. They showed little mercy in cruising to a 42-20 victory, highlighted by 260 more passing yards and 6 touchdowns for Dylan Tasher, 2 to Bryan Ziebelman and one each for Neil Payne, Jason Holte, Wes Parsel, and Matt Huffman. Albert Lu, Tasher, and Holte each added an interception to complete the rout.

Player of the Game: Jason Holte. He filled the stat column with 75 receiving yards, a touchdown and 4 PATs in addition to his first and only interception of the season.

Game stats can be found here

Game 2:

Swag ended the fall season with a bang, beating Nine Inch Males 38-34 in a highly entertaining game. Tasher and Parsel each contributed pick sixes, Holte caught 2 touchdowns and Payne added 90 receiving yards to cement himself as the league's leading receiver. Tasher threw for 225 yards in the process, and finished third in passing yards for the season.

Player of the Game: Swag. It was a true team effort with 3 players catching touchdown passes, two defensive scores and Matt Huffman recording a sack.

Game stats can be found here
Final Team Stats for Fall 2010
Final League Leaders

Week 6: Swag Split Again, Fall Short of Playoffs

Swag entered the 6th and final week of the regular season knowing that only two wins and a loss by Step Above Leftovers would secure them the fourth and final playoff spot. A daunting task, with both America's Next Top Model and Roaches on the schedule.

Game 1:

Top Model were the first opponents of the day, and what followed was the most exciting game of the season. Dylan Tasher would amass 407 yards and 7 touchdowns against only 1 interception, with Neil Payne racking up 150 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jason Holte had 90 yards and a touchdown, and Albert Lu and Bryan Ziebelman each also added a touchdown as Swag won 46-42 in a shootout.

Player of the Game: Dylan Tasher. His 400+ yard performance kept Swag in the playoff race leading up to the last regular season game.

Game stats can be found here

Game 2:

With half of their job done, Swag turned their attention to the Roaches and their fast-break offense. Despite putting up 40 points Swag would end up regretting their 2 turnovers, falling 54-40 and missing the final playoff spot by one game. Tasher threw for 345 yards and 6 more touchdowns, while Payne caught an amazing 14 passes for 150 more yards and 4 touchdowns. Wes Parsel and Andy Nikolenko each scored a touchdown for the boys in blue, but unfortunately the team as a whole just could not do enough to slow down the quick pass and run game of their opponents.

Game stats can be found here
Season stats
League Leaders Through Week 6

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Week 5: Swag Earn Another Doubleheader Split

Top Gun decided that there would be a change of facilities for the fifth week's slate of games, moving from Irvine High School to the notoriously poorly-maintained Rancho Middle School. The school's fields did a marvelous job of living up to their reputation as the grass came up to the players' ankles and there were holes interspersed throughout. Football had to be played though, and Swag had a tough draw against two likely playoff teams in The Captains and ATM.

Game 1:













Captains were up first, and though the Swag offense opened the game with a touchdown it was not exactly a work of art. The drive required a 16 yard Tasher to Holte hookup on 4th down in order to continue and then was punctuated with a Holte touchdown grab, which came after he and Neil Payne had knocked heads in the center of the end zone. Both players would hit the deck after the play and stay down for a minute before being able to continue, Payne with a piece of athletic tape covering a cut under his right eye. This game was to be a battle of the defenses, both of which stood strong for the majority of the game. Oobie Peterson recorded a sack, and Payne would score a touchdown to make the score 18-16 in favor of Captains late in the second half. Swag desperately needed a big play and Bryan Ziebelman gave it to them when he intercepted a short pass and took it down the sideline for what proved to be the game winning score. Final Score: Swag 24, The Captains 18.

Player of the Game: Bryan Ziebelman. Filled in on the offense while Holte and Payne were ailing and it was his instinctive play that won the game for the good guys.

Game stats can be found here

Game 2:













The field conditions had already taken a lot out of Swag by the time their game against ATM came, but early on it would officially claim its first victim as Oobie Peterson went down with a knee injury. Already stretched thin, exhausted, and playing against a very talented squad Swag would suffer a 36-14 defeat. Neil Payne recorded 9 catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Andy Nikolenko added another 3 for 75 and a score. Jason Holte had 6 for 63 and a 2 point conversion but the combined effort of the trio was not nearly enough to keep the game close.

Player of the Game: Andy Nikolenko. His 50 yard touchdown nearly provided the spark that Swag needed.

Game stats can be found here
Season Stats
League Leaders Through Week 5