Sun, Nov 12 – On a chilly, drizzly Sunday afternoon the Pigskin Hooligans played their second game to conclude their regular season. The team faced off against the Green Hornets, who entered with an 0-1 record after a close 16-12 loss to O Block in their season opener. The Hooligans once again faced a massive personnel shortage with only 4 team members available for the game despite their massive roster size. The Green Hornets made 5 interceptions on defense and cruised to a 66-11 win over the Hooligans. The Green Hornets showed great sportsmanship in playing with only 4 players at a time to match the Hooligans’ number. The Hooligans began with Blake Dean, Kaushik Thallapally, Ken Simon and captain Mike Russell on the field defensively. The Green Hornets converted on their opening possession as Alex Janssen found captain Tyler Pummell in the endzone for an early strike. However, the Hooligan defense would make an impact on the PAT as Blake Dean forced a fumble on the attempt and returned it all the way for 2 points. Kaushik Thallapally hauled in an early reception for the Hooligans on their first possession, but Green Hornets captain Tyler Pummell made an interception on a deep ball. The Hornets capitalized as Eric Bugg passed to JT Clark with Devyn Miller adding a 3-pt conversion catch. After a turnover on downs Blake Dean continued to lead the Pigskin Hooligans defensively, making an interception. However Jacob Baxter responded with a pick for the Hornets which led to Eric Bugg making a power run into the endzone for a 21-2 lead. Captain Mike Russell made the first of several receptions on the next series, eluding defenders for a 10-yard gain. However the Hornets forced a turnover on downs and converted one more time before halftime. Alex Janssen looked deep to Paul Zysk who picked up a great block from captain Tyler Pummell on his way to the endzone. The Hornets led 30-2 at the break. The Hooligans began the second half with the ball but Paul Zysk used his 6’ 9” height to make an interception for the Green Hornets. Eric Bugg would then toss a deep pass to Paul Zysk who caught the ball in stride, although Kaushik Thallapally denied the 3-pt conversion attempt. Ken Simon showed his elusiveness several times in the second half, making sensational spin moves to avoid flag grabs. Blake Dean and Ken Simon both alternated snaps at quarterback, but while the Hooligans picked up some positive yardage they struggled to move the ball and were forced to punt. The Green Hornets scored again on the next drive as Alex Janssen found Jacob Baxter for a deep touchdown and then ran for a 3-point conversion. Eric Bugg then made two consecutive “pick 6” plays – one came on a deflected ball and one came on a deep pass. With time winding down the Hooligans put together one last solid drive. Ken Simon hauled in a first-down reception right at midfield to convert on 4th down. With the Hooligans in the redzone, quarterback Blake Dean lofted a high pass to the left side of the endzone which was caught by Hooligans captain Mike Russell for a touchdown. The Green Hornets would make one last drive as they aimed to score 69 points. Alex Janssen connected with Jacob Baxter for a score, but the 3-pt conversion was no good. The Green Hornets emerged with a 66-11 win. Hooligangsters captain Gabe Farr excellently officiated the game between the two teams. The Pigskin Hooligans drop to 0-2 and will be the #6 seed in the playoffs. The Green Hornets improve to 1-1. Despite the low ranking, it should be noted that the Hooligans have historically performed well in the underdog role. In 2014 the team entered the playoffs as the lowest seed after a 1-3 regular season, and they ended up winning the championship. The playoffs are currently scheduled for Sunday, November 19 but we are still uncertain of the exact details. Stay tuned for updates…ROLL HOOLIGANS! Note: All interceptions listed are on defense.
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Written by Mike Russell
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May 2021
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