Ballers Break Curse 51-7

BLACKSBURG (BP) -- Owner Mike has finally done it. His first opening day win as an owner came today after a 51-7 blowout against the North American NDL'ers.

"It feels great," Owner Mike said who had lost his previous 2 openers, the first against the Phoenixville Kings in his first game as an owner and last season against the Thunder Bay Storm 21-10. "The win certainly brings a different mindset for the season. The past 2 years we've had to play catch-up and this season we're able to breathe easier, and attack rather than being forced into must win situations."

Mike's team played one of its best games in team history. Led by star QB Khari Jones and newly acquired RB Jesse Lumsden, the Ballers were able to put on a show offensively. Jones threw for 286 yds and 3 TD's and Lumsden had 100.5 yds rushing as well as a receiving and rushing TD.

"It feels great to start the season on the right foot," RB Jesse Lumsden said who was acquired this off-season from the San Jose Spartans. "I told the coaching staff that if I get my opportunity to start I will make the most of it. I'm really pleased that I didn't disappoint and that our whole team executed and played well."

The Ballers certainly did execute. They were able to convert their opportunities in the red zone into points and make the most out of drives, something that plagued them all last season.
"Last season it was tough to punch it in," WR Ballhogg Irwin-Owens said who had 5 catches for 25.5 yds. "We moved the ball and we were able to get some things going, but we were just not able to get points out of drives. This season I think we are coming in with a new mentality and having more playmakers definitely helps."

And the Ballers certainly had a lot of playmakers show up today. WR Ryan Betesta debuted as a Baller catching 6 passes for 85.5 yds and a score. In addition, defensively the Ballers had the same results they did last season. They were able to force turnovers and make key stops when it mattered.

"We were just able to confuse them with a lot of our schemes," Defensive end Speed McLovin said who abused the NDLer's offensive line with a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 hurries. "We matched up well and were able to use not only our physical ability but some nice blitz packages to get pressure. Great job all around, I have to commend everyone on the team."

The pressure also forced the NDL'ers to throw 3 INT's. Including an interception for new starting CB gordon d'arcy who was just promoted before the game.

"It feels great that the coaching staff has enough confidence in me to start me at cornerback," d'arcy said who finished with an interception and a fumble recovery. "Usually I'm known as a kick return specialist, but this off-season I've been working more and more at corner. I thought that they would gradually work me into the new role I have on pass defense, but the coaches all said that they wanted to see me start and I'm glad I didn't disappoint."

The Ballers certainly didn't disappoint today, and will look ahead to their next game against the TSW Titans. The Titans won their first game today 26-14 against the Ottawa Chiefs, however are still a rebuilding team. They posted a 6-10 record last year and still have numerous holes to fill on their team. With that said they have some excellent team chemistry and could surprise everyone with a well played game.

The Blacksburg Press would also like to announce that it will be awarding a game ball to the player it feels had their best game and impacted the team the most. The game ball today goes to DE Speed McLoving. McLovin had a sack, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 hurries. Excellent performance Speed and on behalf of the Blacksburg Press we congratulate you!