| DAVID AND THE GIANT |
| Welcome to the MidState Fightin' Farmers Preview Page, the place to find all the latest scoop on the team's key upcoming games in the NQFL. |
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| T WINNEMUCCA, NV -- If Hollywood decides to put this game on the big screen, they will have to call it, Against All Odds. The Winnemucca Outlaws, who have yet to lose in 16 games this season, will host the MidState Fightin' Farmers in a first-round playoff game Saturday at Josey Wales Stadium. There shouldn't be any question on who will play David or Goliath. The 10-6 Fightin' Farmers are Rocky Balboa. The 16-0 Outlaws are Apollo Creed. Get the picture? Winnemucca (16-0) has whisked through its schedule in 2008 like a well-oiled sherman tank, battering just about everything in sight. The Outlaws have the league's top-rated defense and an offense that isn't far behind. Tony Romo's 127.3 rating leads all QBs with over 100 attempts. Despite missing half the season due to a suspension, Romo is making up for lost time with over 1,200 passing yards and 15 TDs since returning to the team in November. But don't get any ideas about Winnemucca's offense being pass-happy. |
| Focusing the camera exclusively on Romo would be a huge mistake. First-year RB Adrian Peterson has made those people pay with 1,247 yards rushing and six TDs while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. When the Outlaws aren't overwhelming teams with their potent offense, they simply turn to a suffocating defense that rarely bends or breaks. Led by shut-down cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Antonio Cromartie, Winnemucca has forced a league-high 41 turnovers and allowed just 5 yards per |
| Take stock in what Douglass has to say. His team has already faced divisional rival Winnemucca twice in 2008, dropping a 17-3 home decision in October before losing 24-17 at JWS four weeks ago. In three seasons, MidState and Winnemucca have played seven times. The Outlaws have won the last four meetings after dropping the first three. MidState QB Drew Brees suffered through two of his worst games against the Outlaws this season. Collectively, Brees managed just 244 yards with four INTs and was sacked four times against the Outlaw defense. But Brees, who did have a completion rate of 59 percent, shouldn't take it too hard. The Outlaws have allowed just one 300-yard passer in 16 games this season. Trent Green threw for 307 yards against Winnemucca in Week 2, but it took the Wyoming QB 51 attempts to get there. MidState will have to rely heavily on its running game, which averaged 5.1 ypc (2nd best) this season. Running backs Maurice Morris (866 yards/5.6 avg) and Jerious Norwood (780/6.8) are the Farmers' best bets against Winnemucca's No. 6 rushing defense. |
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| MidState Fightin' Farmers 2008 record -- 10-6, second place, West Head Coach - Oliver W. Douglass Offensive rank -- Eighth, 336 ypg Defensive rank -- Eighth, 307 ypg Key players offense -- Drew Brees (QB), Roddy White (WR), Lee Evans (WR), Maurice Morris (RB), Jerious Norwood (RB) Key players defense -- Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Osi Umenyiora (DE), Trent Cole (DE), Casey Hampton (DT) Injuries -- Brad Meeseter C (probable) Last Week -- Clinched the fourth and final playoff spot with a 38-31 win at Mad-Town. Sam Madison's INT of Eli Manning near the goal-line with a minute to play secured the victory. Brees completed 19-of-27 attempts for 191 yards and two TDs. RB Maurice Morris delivered 81 yards on 14 carries. Backfield mate Kenton Keith added 60 yards on 11 attempts, including the go-ahead TD in the final period. |
| Winnemucca Outlaws 2007 record -- 16-0, first place, West Head Coach -- Pierce Roberts Offensive rank -- Fourth, 323 ypg Defensive rank -- First, 279 ypg Key players offense -- Tony Romo (QB), Adrian Peterson (RB), Kevin Curtis (WR), Kurt Warner (QB).. Key Players defense -- Derrick Burgess (DE), Jared Allen (DE), Greg Ellis (LB), Will Witherspoon (LB), Oshiomogho Atogwe (S), Asante Samuel (CB), Antonio Comartie (CB). Injuries -- none Last Week -- With the division title and home field advantage already assured, Winnemucca was on cruise control in its 24-6 win at West Seattle. Peterson rushed for 117 yards despite playing just the first half. Romo fired three TD passes and the Outlaw defense held the Seahawks to 189 total yards and 9 first downs. Since clinching the West Division tile four weeks ago, Winnemucca has outscored opponents 88-13 in posting three wins. |
| FIGHTIN' FARMERS HOPE TO BUCK THE ODDS IN NQFL PLAYOFF OPENER AT WINNEMUCCA |
| Feel free to browse around and add comments in the MFF guestbook provided. Your thoughts and opinions are always welcome! |
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| Double A coverage -- Passing against the Outlaws' top-rated defense has been a big mistake for many NQFL quarterbacks this season. Asante Samuel (left) and Antonio Cromartie (right) have helped Winnemucca rack up a league-leading 33 INTs while holding teams to a 56.2 QBR, tops in the NQFL. |
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| Yard barkers -- Winnemucca's combination of QB Tony Romo (left) and RB Adrian Peterson (left) have been keeping opposing defensive coordiators awake at night all season long. Romo has 15 TD passes and is among the league leaders with a 127.3 QB rating. Despite missing four games, Peterson has piled up over 1,200 yards rushing while averaging almost 7 yards per carry. |
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| passing attempt this season. "They can break your back with their offense or smother you to death with their defense," explained MidState coach Oliver Wendall Douglass. "One way or another, we're gonna have to take their best shot." |
| Television -- NQFL Network, Farmervision |
| Radio -- Pregame 12:15 p.m. KORN 1050 |
| KICKOFF -- 1 p.m. |
| SATURDAY |
| JOSEY WALES STADIUM |
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