Ballers lock Playoff Spot with Shut-Out

SUDBURY, ON - The Blacksburg Ballers successfully locked up a playoff berth for the 3rd straight season this afternoon with a dominating 32-0 victory over the Sudbury Spurs. Not just a playoff berth, a home field playoff berth and fans in Blacksburg will be treated to a home playoff game for the very first time. The worst the Ballers can finish is 4th place because they hold tiebreakers over Phoenixville and the North American NDLers. For this to happen, Blacksburg would need to drop all 4 of their remaining games. With Mt. Oread's loss this afternoon to Forumopolis, the Ballers now have a 2 game lead on first place and could lock up first place in the Western Conference with either 3 victories or 2 victories as long as one of them is a victory over the Hawk Stars in week 14.

"This is huge! Tickets should be going on sale shortly and the fans of Blacksburg will definitely be in for a treat. We came into this season, after a long offseason of recruiting, destined to make it to the playoffs and be a
championship contender and if we finish first, this will be a dream come true for many of the players on the team," Team Owner Mike.

The Ballers offense had a tough time this afternoon despite putting 32 points on the board. Khari Jones, in particular, had an off day throwing 24 incompletions which included 1 interception, 4 drops and 13 pass deflections. Despite that, Khari still managed to throw for 285 yards and a 54.5 yard score to John Wilson.

"I'm pissed at myself! This wasn't the game I expected to play. Sure we won but I looked sloppy and at this point in the season, I can't be doing that. There were so many passes that I overthrew and it just snowballed into an off day. The offensive line did their job and I was still making mistakes. There is no excuse for what happened out there, I just need to shake it off and come out strong next game against Saskatoon," QB Khari Jones.

The Ballers running game got going once again amounting to 128 yards, 99 of which belonged to Jesse Lumsden and 1 touchdown score. Despite having success, the Ballers failed miserably once again in the redzone having to settle for 4 field goals within the 25 yard line and another two from 38 and 46 outs.

"It's frustrating because we work so hard to get down there and not be able to convert really changes the tone of the game. Its my job to punch it in and I wasn't able to and this isn't like its the first time, this has happened several times this season and its something we are going to have to work hard during practice on," HB Jesse Lumsden.

"It definitely changes the feel of the game. We lost out on the opportunity for another 24 points but more importantly, it gives their defense a boost knowing that they can stop us. If we put those touchdowns in, it's very demoralizing for their defense and it raises the confidence of our games. I'm working on some schemes right now and hopefully we can turn this around before it starts to hurt us," Offensive Co-Ordinator Ryan Betesta Sr.

While the offense struggled, the defense did what they do best - shut teams down! This is the 4th shutout by the stingy defense who only gave up 87 yards, 22 on the ground and 65 in the air, while picking off two passes and forcing two fumbles. The most important stat is the fact that the Ballers defense only allowed 3 first downs, forcing 14 punts and keeping the Spurs defense on the field.

"We did what we had to do and got the job done. This is nothing out of the ordinary. We average 7 points scored on a game and 35 yards rushing so its not unheard of us to go out there and kick some ass but it still feels great every time we do it," DE Speed McLovin'.

The red-hot Ballers head home to Blacksburg in hopes of continuing their winning ways against the Saskatoon Raiders who are coming off of a 26-23 loss against the Moose Island Sofa Kings. The Raiders have been having a tough time this season with a 6-6 record and will not be well received in the Ballers Bowl where the fans are as pumped up as ever. A date with Mt. Oread is on the horizon and the Ballers will need this extra game to work out any kinks before going into the rivalry game of the year.

Game Ball

It was a tough time deciding the game ball so the game ball for this game is awarded to the entire Ballers Defense. Allowing only 3 first downs and forcing 14 punts is not an easy feat. The team also combined for 1 sack, 5 hurries, 10 tackles for losses, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 15 pass deflections. Way to go D!