Sun, Nov 18 - The #2 Pigskin Hooligans received word prior to their semifinal match that the #3 Wamp Rats would have to forfeit due to a lack of players. That gave the Hooligans a berth in the championship game for the 8th time in the last 10 years. The team faced off against the #1 White Choppas in an offensive shootout, scoring more points than any other team against the Choppas this season. Despite a franchise record-tying 5 TDs from co-captain Gabe Farr, the Hooligans trailed throughout the entire game and fell 70-64. Captain Mike Russell fired up the Hooligans with a pep talk prior to the game. The team won the opening coin toss and elected to start on defense. Ethan Vosburg led the White Choppas down the field with a pass down the left sideline to Grant Steinborn for an early touchdown. Late addition Henry Capers received the start at quarterback for the Hooligans on their opening drive. Gabe Farr made a great leaping catch near the endzone, but the White Choppas made a goal-line stand with Elijah Abenth making a crucial “pick 6” for a 12-0 lead. The Hooligans bounced back as Henry Capers went right back to Gabe Farr, firing deep for the team’s first TD. The White Choppas countered as Ethan Vosburg connected with Elijah Abenth to maintain a 12-point lead. Hunter Lastacy switched to QB and Gabe Farr used his speed to turn a short pass into a long touchdown. However, the White Choppas answered again as captain Ryan Abenth hauled in a TD and 2-pt conversion. Hunter Lastacy made a catch on a deflected ball to pick up a 1st down for the Hooligans on the next series. Kit Martin caught a short pass and used some shifty juke moves to find the endzone. The White Choppas came up with a response once again as Elijah Abenth took a short pass and weaved through the Hooligan defense. Both teams traded scores before halftime. Kit Martin used his blazing speed to score a second touchdown for the Hooligans with Derek Nelson adding a 2-pt PAT. Ethan Vosburg countered with a run from the QB position, scrambling all the way for a score. The Hooligans trailed 42-26 at halftime. The Hooligans looked to reclaim momentum as they began the 2nd half with the ball. RJ Bortle switched to the quarterback position and connected with Kit Martin for the 3rd time on the day. However, the White Choppas continued to score as Ethan Vosburg found Elijah Abenth on the left side of the endzone. RJ Bortle went right back to work on the next series, throwing a jump ball in the endzone to Hunter Lastacy who made the leaping catch. The Hooligans nearly had a chance at a turnover, but Ethan Vosburg threaded a pass to Zack Williams through the defense which went for a touchdown and a 54-42 lead. The Hooligans continued to battle as RJ Bortle threw to Gabe Farr who tapped his toes to stay in bounds for a touchdown. A 2-pt conversion from Hunter Lastacy pulled the team within 4 points. The team looked to make a defensive stop, but the White Choppas scored again as Zack Williams used his speed to find the endzone again. RJ Bortle hit Gabe Farr on a crossing route for the co-captain’s 4th TD of the game. As the game went under 2 minutes, the Hooligans once again looked for a key defensive stop or turnover. The White Choppas remained cool under pressure as Ethan Vosburg connected with Elijah Abenth to take a 70-56 lead. History would still be made on the Hooligans’ last drive. RJ Bortle once again found Gabe Farr on a crossing route, and Farr tied Kit Martin’s franchise record set earlier this year with his 5th TD of the game. Darricle Jones added a 2-pt PAT, but the White Choppas were able to run out the clock on the next drive after picking up a first down. The Hooligans fell by a final score of 70-64. The Hooligans conclude the season 4-2 in a year that still brought many accomplishments. The team recorded the most wins since the 2012 season and several franchise records were either tied or broken. Most of the players on this year’s roster are expected to return again next season for another championship drive. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a season overview to recap the season along with the announcement of the Hooligan awards. Until then...ROLL HOOLIGANS! 2018 team members pictured from left to right: Kit Martin, Darricle Jones, Hunter Lastacy, RJ Bortle, Gabe Farr, Henry Capers, Derek Nelson, Blake Dean, Mike Russell. Not pictured but still played in 2018: Amber Streeter, Cassie Allard, Kordell McNeal, Luke Diekevers, Mikayla Hilton, Taylor Nesbitt.
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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