Blue Devils Flag Football

11.13.05 2005 USFTL State of Ohio Championships

COLUMBUS, OH - Since the Devils have moved to the "A" division, their season has been best described as a roller coaster ride. Leading into this years Ohio State championships, the Devils were just looking for some momentum going into Nationals in January. Day one was all about making a statement and getting over the hump. The Devils made quick work of the first opponent, the All Stars out of Columbus, with a 40-0 victory. The Devils then faced Red Zone out of Cleveland, who had beaten the Devils four times straight times, and this game wouldn’t be any different. Once Seth Steiner tied the game at six late in the game with a 60 yard touchdown reception, Herman Jackson caught a huge 50 yard pass to set up the winning score and giving his team a 22-14 win. The Devils then finished their day with a 24-6 win over Team Bud. Now playing with their backs against the wall on the second day, knowing that one loss will send them home, the Devils quite possibly played their best ball overall. There was no doubt that the Devils' defense made a complete turn around compared to Saturday. In their three games, the Devils' D had two shutouts, one of which came against Red Zone in a 14-0 win. Throughout the game their defense confused Red Zone QB Pat Nolan with a variety of zone blitzes. Although the Devils were playing well on all levels, it wasn't enough in the championship. It was bad enough that the Devils had to win twice to claim the title, but their opponent, the OSU Raiders, was arguably the #1 team in the nation. In this well played game, it came down to the experience and elusiveness of Raiders QB Chip Smith. He accounted for the Raiders two TD's, throwing one and running the other in. Overall, the Devils left the tournament with a bitter sweet taste in their mouth knowing that they have improved and are able to compete with the top teams, but know that they still have a ways to go to make major noise at nationals in January.