BLACKSBURG, Virginia (BP) -- The Blacksburg Ballers continue to roll and have won their 4th straight contest 21-7 against he Chilliwick Devils. The Ballers still hold the 7th spot in the playoffs and in order to secure a playoffs position they must win next week.
The Ballers jumped out to a 7 point lead after a Khari Jones 9.5 yd TD pass to Mark Byrne. They then scored TD's in the 2nd and 3rd quarter that widened the gap to a 21 point lead. Only a late Chilliwick TD rush kept the Ballers from achieving a shutout.
"The defense played superb once again and I commend the guys for putting all their heart into that game," said defensive coordinator Kage. "We really have executed to perfection over the last 4 games and I think in the playoffs we're going to make some noise if we keep it up."
The Ballers have given up a grand total of 24 points in the last 4 games and that is one of the main reasons they have won 4 straight. Another integral part to their success though is the resurgence of QB Khari Jones, but today Jones had a tough outing throwing 3 interceptions to the Devils defense.
"It was a tough outing and their defense certainly made some plays," Jones told the BP. "Sometimes you have games like this where things just aren't clicking, but what you have to do is just learn from the mistakes and move on."
To Jones's credit he threw for 194 yds, had a 65 completion %, and had 1 TD. Despite Jones's off game, the Ballers' ground game churned out yard after yard, producing a whopping 183.5 yds. Alex Casino and Dan Etheridge each had a TD and both carried the ball extremely effectively, rushing for a combined 135 yds.
"We just took the holes that the offensive line gave us and burst through them," backup RB Alex Casino said. "The offensive line played superb and we just took advantage of the opportunities given to us."
The Ballers' newest addition LB Aaron Wilson, lived up to the hype surrounding himself recording 2 TFL and 2 PD.
"The Ballers just have a great atmosphere around their stadium and the locker room," Wilson described. "Going out there and playing was definitely a rejuvenating experience and I'm glad I could make an impact."
After reports surfaced that Pac-Man Jones, Michael Vick, and Wilson were running illegal squirrel cage matches, all 3 players were suspended from their respected teams. Wilson was granted a buyout and owner Mike took a chance.
"We were aware of the magnitude of the charges being brought against Aaron," Mike told the BP. "We knew that he was no longer involved or connected to the illegal activity he engaged in. The only thing we are concerned with is that he will make an impact on the field."
The Ballers will face the Reading Redskins in a battle for a playoff position. With 3 teams at 8-7 records and 1 team at 8-6-1 there is a possibility that the Ballers could miss the playoffs if they lose and those teams win.
However, C Jacob Moore doesn't want to think about that.
"PLAYOFFS? We're talking about PLAYOFFS? I just hope we can win that game, then we can start talking about playoffs."
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