CALGARY, AB - It only took two bad games to get it through to Khari Jones and company that something needed to be done if they looked to stay competitive in the Canadian Pro leagues. With some extra practice sessions this week, Jones worked through the playbook several times with the offense and every extra minute paid off this afternoon in the battle with the Calgary Warriors.
Jones has been ridiculed by critics as a "one season wonder" and that last season was a fluke but those critics...they all got fired today. Khari led an offensive assault right from the get go and looked the best he has all season. The game started with an 8 play opening drive in which Khari went 5 for 5 and finished it off with a 5 yard strike to James Vita.
"It felt good to go out there and get the monkey off our back. Its always great to pull ahead early because it puts the pressure on them to make up ground," QB Khari Jones.
Troy Westwood would add a field goal in the 2nd and Khari would throw his 2nd TD of the game, a 17.5 yard strike to BJ to take a 17-0 lead. With under 2 minutes to go in the first half, the Ballers would score their only rushing touchdown of the game by Russell Roch to take a 24-0 lead that they thought would take into the locker room.
A long kickoff return followed by a couple of quick strikes ending in a 12 yard pass by Adrian Viking would put the Warriors on the board as time expired at the half.
The Warriors would continue this momentum going into the 3rd scoring another touchdown by Viking to narrow the gap to 10. The Ballers would give up another passing touchdown in the 4th and it looked like the Warriors might make a comeback with 3 minutes remaining until Adrian Viking was picked off by Mr McKelvin who ran it back for the score.
"It was truly amazing! They were marching and poised to score and I jumped up there and hit the ground running for my life and didn't even look back once," Mr McKelvin.
The Ballers defense forced problems for Adrian Viking all day long as Derek Pacheco recorded 3 sacks (for 7 total on the season) and Speed McLovin' added 2 sacks and 3 tackles for losses. This on top of the interception for a touchdown, as well as another interception by Michael Silver and a forced fumble by Aaron Wilson. The defense also held the rushing game to 35 yards on the ground.
The Ballers offense got the ball back shortly after and marched the field again as Khari found Betesta in the endzone for his 3rd touchdown of the game and a 17 point lead.
Khari would finish the game 29/43 for 309.5 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, the first time he has done so this season.
The Ballers looked much better than last week although almost giving up their big lead in the second half. The Ballers will now face their toughest test of the season as they host the 4-0 Drinkin' Hellraisers in a AAA rematch.
Game Ball: There were a lot of strong performances but the one that really stands out is Mr McKelvin. With time dying down and Calgary getting within striking distance, McKelvin picks the ball off and takes it for the score to seal the game. McKelvin also had 4 tackles, 2 for a loss and a pass deflection.
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