August 26, 2007-

BRAWLERS FINISH HOME SCHEDULE IN MANIACAL FASHION

The game, played in the 100 degree heat of New Jersey, lasted more than three hours before both teams decided that the deficit was too large to wager against heat stroke. The Brawlers struck early and often with two scores on a 17 yard catch by leading receiver Marques Haynes and a 21 yard run by leading rusher Sy Patterson. The next four scores were traded off between the teams as a Feschuk to Strauser 21 yard strike was answered by a Morera 6 yard run and a Derr to Clark 31 yard hookup was answered by a Cox to Haynes 36 yard turn and burn. Sy Patterson added two more touchdown runs of 2 and 16 yards to close out the scoring in one of the longest first quarters in PFL history with the score 40-12. After both teams agreed to use running clock for the rest of the game, the second quarter saw only four scores as the Brawlers Patterson ran it in from 10 yards out only to be equaled by a 7 yard pass from Derr to Jared Hoke. At this point the Brawlers special teams sealed the game with an outstanding 45 yard kick-off return from Fred Leo. Completing the scoring in the half was a Bringhurst 28 yard interception return which left it at Brawlers 62, Maniax 19 at half.

In the second half the Brawlers would add two more scores on the third Haynes touchdown catch this one from 14 yards out and a Fred Leo fumble return of 18 yards set up by a Dave Strollo strip. Final score: Brawlers 76, Maniax 19. Leading the Maniax in passing was quarterback Derr on a 5 for 19 day with 61 yards and 3 touchdowns, running back Feschuk with 16 yards on 2 carries, and at receiving Frye with 3 catches good for 15 yards. On defense it was Roush with 10 total tackles and Snyder with 3 solo tackles. For the Brawlers, Cox threw for 106 yards and 3 touchdowns, having a 9 for 11 day, Patterson ran for 118 yards and 4 touchdowns on 18 carries, and Haynes hauled in 7 passes for 101 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense Leo led with 8 total tackles to go along with 3 picks and six solos. Intercepting his first pass of the season as well was Stephon Hickson and Frank Susino.

This Saturday, the Brawlers will travel to the Bloomsburg, PA region to face off against Susquehanna Valley Stallions. This game could and most likely will determine playoff seeding and home field advantage for the “second season”.

This year the Brawlers have been lead on offense by returning running back Sy Patterson who has averaged over 5 yards per carry and quarterback Ed Cox who has thrown 8 touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Brawlers defense has seen the emergence of rookies Stephon Hickson and John Hartman who have combined for 46 total tackles and 5 sacks. Veteran defensive back Fred Leo leads the team in interceptions with 9 and linebacker Antoine Tolbert leads the team in total tackles with 35.