REAPERS “R.I.P” The LIONS 47-28 in Second Annual Turkey Bowl

Well folks it was as I stated in the last column that I wrote and I quote “The Lions are the Champs coming in but the Reapers are hungry to bring the trophy back to Palm Beach County.”  So in the words of the late great Howard Cosell “DOWN GOES THE CHAMP” and boy did they go! Now don’t be mislead by a 19 point victory (although that’s great) it really wasn’t that close. The Reapers defensive rookies took a few more lumps in their learning class again, along with a questionable pass interference call in the end zone and gave up 22 points late in second half to make it interesting for a moment after having the Lions down 35-6. But that’s why  there’s  a “ T ” not  an “ I “ in  “TEAM”, cause the Reaper offense scored  12 more points to seal the deal and calm any kind of growl the Lions were trying to conjure up. “ I started having flashbacks of last year for a moment” stated Chris McIntosh veteran LB “We (veterans) weren’t going to let what happened last game when we didn’t play happen again two years in a row ,no sir lightning was not about to strike us twice.” The Lions came back on the Reapers last season down 34-8 at Halftime to upset the Reapers 35-34 and take the trophy to Broward County.

The veterans did make a major difference in the game as well as some of the rookies whom proved that they are quite ready to play a season. Veteran receiver and last years “Rookie of The Year” Travis Hunter  put on a show and sent notice to all DB’s that he’s ready to play ball ending the game with 6 catches for  157yds, 2tds, and 1 rush 15yds for a td. Now I personally am a fan of Mr. Hunter and if you would have seen him take a 3 yd swing pass and add 70 more yd’s to it between 6 defenders all the way to the house, you can’t help but say WOW! And be a fan. Now Travis wasn’t the only one that sent out notice, his nephew “KEITH ASKINS” (Rookie) remember the name, had 8 carries for over a 140yds and also 3 tds. WOW! That’s all I can say WOW! Rookie QB Ryan Wisecarver had another good outing by completing 8 of 16 passes for almost 200 yds, 2 tds and 1 int. The defense came ready to play for the most part. It looked as if they were running a new scheme which appeared affective against such an effective QB as the Lions have in Mr. Flowers. The Defense registered 9 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, Rookie SS/LB Zachary Vanhorn had 3.5 of those 9 and 7 tackles, while other Rookie LB Eugene French had 1.5 sacks and 5 tackles. Veteran LB Chris “C-Mac” McIntosh ended his night with 2.5 sacks, 7 tackles and a forced fumble, along side other vet’s Booker Washington ( 1sack,FF,and 4 tackles), Mack “Swoop” Walker (.5 sacks 4 tackles ). 2007 Defensive Player of the Year  Odiles Jeune had  2 interceptions, while Hard hitting veteran  free safety Jamael Stewart let it be known that he’s back lurking in the secondary with two bone crushing hits ( one which sent a RB out the game for a few series.)He also ended his night with 5 tackles. All in all the Reapers’ team had a lot of bright spots in a lot of areas ,from the O-Line  blocking ( which only gave up 2 sacks and 3 tackles for losses ) while facing 8 and 9 men in the box all night. “We have a way’s to go, but we’re getting there” Head coach Larry McDowell was heard saying.

   With the start of the Season just around the corner  this is going to be a very ,very interesting season         ( I can feel  it in me Bones.!!) or maybe dat’s jus a change in da  wehda!!  Either way until next time!   STAY IREE!!

Senior Columnist Wayne “The Island Man” Hoyte