CLAYTON-Clayton Blizzard management wants to thank Erik Elden for pointing out my factual error. I've had too many upsetting losses to count, so it's hard to keep track =)
Well, the Blizzard's playoffs hopes are fading as Clayton drops a game they should've won 24-10 to the Buffalo Wings. The Blizzard had a 5 yard per rush average, the best in team history. When Chris Warren joins the team, perhaps the rushing will stay that high.
The Blizzard had outgained the Wings 321 to 252 yards. They gained 17 first downs to Buffalo's 11. The Blizzard won the time of possession battle 35:29 to 24:31. The thing that killed clayton, was Barry Sanders, who they traded away a few weeks ago.
"No, we're not kicking ourselves, Barry wasn't doing anything for us. I'm glad he's doing better now, but he just didn't go with our team," said GM Lucas Van Heuklom.
With Dexter Coakley still out of the lineup, the Blizzard's run stopping capabilites continues to drop. Coakley is listed as probably for Sunday's game vs. Compton, just in time for a HUGE divisional matchup. If Clayton wants to make the postseason, they need this game.
"We can't afford to lose our seventh game this early. If we finish 9-7, we'll have a chance, but if we can beat Compton, we know we can beat anybody. They beat Amityville this week, and that's saying a lot. We're just gonna have to come to play," said QB Steve Beuerlien.
Chris Warren has just been acquired from the Great Bend Barons in a trade that sent LeShon Johnson with James Jett for Warren and Tony Mandarich. This is the 5th different starting HB this season alone for the Blizzard.
"We're looking for somebody who's gonna get the job done, and someone that will last. If we want to be competitive, we need a good rushing game. Beuerlien is doing fine, but he can't do it alone," said Van Heuklom.
The Blizzard pass defense on the other hand, stopped a weak passing attack for 5 for 16 completions and only 68 yards. But Sanders did enough for Buffalo on the ground.
Beuerlien was also Clayton's leading rusher with 4 carries and 65 yards. The Blizzard mixed in a few QB runs to try and throw off Buffalo. Leshon Johnson or Chris Warren didn't play in the game, we're assuming because they were not on the roster quick enough.
"We haven't been able to score touchdowns this season. We get some decent yards, but not any real great drives. We're on the verge of being a good team in this league, but we have to improve our execution and just make things happen. When we come together, we'll be dangerous. For now, we'll take it one game at a time."
The blizzard play a crucial game against Compton, make sure to be there Sunday night to see the story unfold.
-Lucas Van Heuklom
Clayton Blizzard General Manager