The Los Angeles Lycans looked to get back on track at home in the Full Moon Coliseum Saturday, as they played host to the Florida Storm. But it was not to be. The Storm jumped out to an early lead and coasted to a 24-10 victory. The loss drops the Lycans to 1-3 on the season. Florida improves to 3-1.
The Storm would get going on their opening possession, marching the field for the first seven points of the game. Even though Charlie “Bullet” Biletsky was a major force on the drive, it was Ron Cockren to JW Doyle from five yards out to give the visitors a 7-0 after the Ethan Sneed PAT.
Los Angeles once again was able to move the ball; but, came up short after crossing midfield. After punting away, the ensuing drive by Florida resulted in a Ryan Proster interception. However, the Lycans gave the ball right back with another Sully Richardson interception, as Evan Carroll stepped in an ran the ball back thirty-four yards into Los Angeles territory. Cockren would take advantage with a fifteen-yard pitch and catch to Biletsky out of the backfield. After the PAT, the Storm had a 14-0 lead with 10:19 remaining in the second quarter.
After a three-and-out by Los Angeles, the Storm would drive a short field to score again. Florida was able to advance the ball near the goal line; however, they were unable to push it in for another touchdown. Ethan Sneed would connect from nineteen yards out, giving the Storm a 17-0 lead with 5:42 before halftime.
Taking advantage of an offsides penalty, the Lycans drove the ball inside the Storm 20-yard line. Elzie Pryor would come up inches short on his third down reception, setting up Rob Emms from twenty-eight yards away. The kick was good by Emms, trimming the Florida lead to 17-3 just before the half.
Florida could have run the ball and headed to the locker room with a comfortable lead, but they wanted more. After moving the ball near midfield, the Lycan defense would force a 3rd & sixteen from the Storm 42-yard line. With one second remaining in the half, Cockren heaved a pass towards the endzone. The pass would find EJ Mincin for a 58-yard touchdown in between Lycan defenders. The extra point would make the score 24-3 Florida heading to the halftime break.
The third quarter consisted of defensive stops and interceptions by both teams, with neither team denting the scoreboard. Finally, the Lycans were able to find the endzone by capitalizing on a Rachelle Colston interception. Richardson would find Pryor in the back of the endzone for the touchdown from three yards out. Emms’ PAT would make the score 24-10 Florida, with 3:11 left in the game.
In one of the oddities of the game, Los Angeles would recover the ensuing on-side kick. Once again, Richardson would be picked off, this time inside the ten-yard line. Florida all but ran out the clock to seal the victory 24-10.
Despite four interceptions, Ron Cockren was able to complete 23 of 33 passes on the day for 282 yards and three touchdowns. Charles Biletsky rushed 20 times for 111 yards, while hauling in nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. JW Doyle had one rush for three yards and caught two passes for twelve yards and a TD. EJ Mincin had four receptions for 89 yards and a score, while Justice Blackwell and Varadin Zharkov each went for 45 yards through the air. Pauly Truth caught one for eleven yards. On the defensive side of the ball, the Storm were led by Adrian Blane with ten tackles and an interception. Stephen Black and Ryan Tobin added seven and six tackles respectfully. Ryan Davidson picked off two passes while Evan Carroll had another. Alex Dominguez and Alessandro Tomaello were each credited with half a sack. Ethan Sneed would make his lone field goal attempt, while connecting on all three of his PATs.
For the Lycans, Sully Richardson would complete 23 of 41 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. Robert Johnson could not get much going on the ground in this one, racking up 86 yards on 23 carries. Johnson also caught four balls for 19 yards. Tommy Ramen would run twice for two yards. Davius Reid led the receiving corps with 64 yards on seven receptions, while leading receiver Chris Lee managed just 38 yards on five grabs. Richardson connected with Jack Flash twice for 28 yards. Elzie Pryor would find the endzone on one of his three receptions, totaling 17 yards on the day. Terrance Weary would haul in two balls for eleven yards. Defensively, Rachelle Colston was in on thirteen stops and had an interception. Danny Stinson had nine tackles, four of them being for a loss, and he was also credited with two PDs. Ryan Yoseph picked off two Cockren passes to go along with seven tackles. Buddy Blaze had five tackles, one TFL, and one PD. Kevin Brackett brought down four guys with two being TFLs. The remaining tackles for the Lycans are as follows: Tazzy Blackwell three (1 PD), Ace Blackwell, Gary Marx, Brogan Speraw and Ryan Proster (1 INT) two apiece. Rob Emms made another field goal and tacked on an extra point.
Los Angeles heads to its first bye week looking to regroup. The Lycan family wishes good luck to the Florida Storm the rest of the season and beyond!
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