Ballers Lose 13-28 to End Season

THUNDER BAY (BP) -- The Ballers clinched their 2nd straight playoff berth this year following a 10-6 record and earned the 6th seed in the Canadian AAA #2. However the improvement over their 9-7 previous season and a promising new squad could not phase the Thunder Bay Storm as the Ballers lost 13-28.

The game's most striking stat was the fact that the Ballers were unable to cure the turnover bug that has bitten them all season. 3 INT's by QB Khari Jones and 2 fumbles by RB Pinchthat Nuggetout crippled many of Blacksburg's drives and was a main reason the Ballers came out on
the losing end of the stick.

"It's really not good to see this week after week," Head Coach Mike said. "These guys are professionals and when you start having to gameplan for turnovers, that's not good at all."
Nuggetout and Jones were both hampered by turnovers during the whole season. Nuggetout had 78 carries including the playoffs and fumbled 8 times losing 4 fumbles. Jones had 20 INT's including the playoffs, however to his credit he had 4 different starting WR's during the course of the season and continuity may have been the issue.

"It's just difficult right now to comprehend," Jones told the Blacksburg Press who finished with 213.5 yds, 1 TD and 3 INT's. "We were clicking on all cylinders coming in but we just hit a road block when we faced Thunder Bay."

However Thunder Bay was one of the more potent turnover machines, racking up 34 INT's and 28 forced fumbles.

Blacksburg could not measure up to the success of Thunder Bay on the ground as well. Thunder Bay amassed 164.5 total yds on the ground while Blacksburg managed a measly 47 yds.

"The holes weren't there and nothing developed," OG Hank Hitch said who still managed to have 5 pancakes in the game. "We tried different blocking schemes and throwing different looks at them but nothing seemed to work. And when we abandoned the run it was real difficult for Khari because he was facing nickel and quarter all the time. I still give a lot of credit to the guy, he hung in there and despite the 3 INT's I have a lot of respect for him."

One bright spot on the offense was however kicker Troy Westwood. Westwood, who had been known for missing extra points and chip shot field goals all throughout his first season in Blacksburg, managed to boot 2 50 yard field goals and did not miss on an attempt.

"I think my confidence is just back from where it was," Westwood said who finished 2 for 2 on field goals including a 50.5 yarder and 53.5 as well as 1 for 1 on extra points. "I was criticized for missing a lot of easy kicks that I should really have made last year and parts of this year. I just took that criticism as positive incentive to do better and I think it's really helped."

Despite Westwood's resurgence, Blacksburg's woes offensively translated to the defensive side of the ball as well. They gave up 164.5 rushing yds on 55 carries to the Storm and allowed Thunder Bay QB Bill Butcher to complete over 65% of his passes.

"We just didn't execute to our potential," LB Sev Shepperd said who finished with 4 tackles.
"They ran on us inside and outside, but ultimately it didn't matter they just shredded us. I think what we needed to do was attack the line of scrimmage better and on our tackles drive the RB's back further than we did. Bottom line is that we got run on and anytime that happens it tires out a defense and that's how they kept going."

The Ballers were certainly worn out by the end of the game. They had faced a team that ran the ball down their throats without hesitation and relentlessly went after QB Khari Jones's passes.
Looking to next year however the future is very bright for the Ballers. For one they will have had 2 years of playoff experience under their belt and will command a lot of attention. Also GM's kb and rbe will be looking to help this team in any way they can by adding new talent. Owner Mike has stated he is willing to open up his checkbook if need be to existing players and new players.

"I think it's important to keep the squad mostly intact. The chemistry you build as a team is extremely important and in order to do so I think we need to keep as many guys here as possible. On the flip side you still have to contend with teams getting better and with a few more FA's and some trades I think we'll be an even better team."

The Ballers will now have to sit and wait for the next season to come. They will be in the
Canadian AAA #2 again barring any changes by commissioner Bort. This means they will face the same foes they fought this season as well as some new ones moving up from the lower leagues and down from the Canadian Pro League.

*Great game guys it's real tough to lose, but I know everyone gave their all and excellent season. The game ball is going to Speed McLovin' for his 12 tackles, 5 TFL, and 1 sack. Nice game Speed and everyone else! Let's go all the way next year!*