Adding Insult to Injury
Another injury, another loss for Eugene
Every week, it seems like one of the lead stories on this website is Duane's team and his rash of injuries. First Darrell Jackson, then Ahman Green, then Deuce McAllister, then Ahman Green again. This week's victim? Cedric Benson, who was forced to the active roster to fill in for the already injury-depleted running back corps injured a knee in a 129-104 loss to Grand Rapids in a battle of divisional co-leaders. It was a season-high scoring total for Duane's team, led by Kerry Collins' 23 points and Lee Evans' 18. It was not enough to overcome a league high 34 from Shaun Alexander and 22 from the Buffalo defense.
"It's unbelievable the way Duane's team has been hit by injuries this year to all his key players," said Nick. "The fact that he's still in the playoff chase is proof of how deep of a team he drafted and a couple key free agent pickups." The win propells Grand Rapids (8-2) into solo first place in the East while Eugene (6-4) falls a game out in the East race with three games to go and with a key divisional matchup against Travis looming next week.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Alaskan Assassins 102 Muskegon Mudhens 92
In what almost amounted to a playoff elimination game, the Alaskan Assassins came away with a 10-point victory over division rival Muskegon. Larry Fitzgerald led the way with 20 points and Larry Johnson added 17 points. The win keeps Dave (4-6) within a game of the final playoff spot as the team is finally starting to get healthy. Brian (3-7) had two standout performances from Tiki Barber and Peyton Manning, who combined for 54 points, but falls two games out with the loss.
Ironwood Cox 90 Crazy Jimmies 48
Mike's squad moved a step closer to the playoffs with an easy victory over Jim's struggling team. Tom Brady led the way with 21 points and is just one win away from the playoffs. Warrick Dunn added 18 for the Cox (7-3). With the loss, the Jimmies (1-9) were officially limited from the playoffs.
Climax 69ers 100 Standale Big Knox 73
It took ten weeks, but the Climax 69ers finally clawed their way back to .500, thanks to a victory over bye-ravaged Standale. Thanks to San Diego, Tennessee and Cinncinati's bye weeks, Jeff was unable to field a complete team and kept JEff from clinching a plyoff berth. "I guess (Nick) and Mike will be glad with this," said Paul (5-5), who moved a game closer to the playoffs and knocked Jeff (7-3) back into a second place tie with Mike.
Yukon Icebreakers 99 Whooping Llamas 60
Travis clinched a playoff spot thanks to a victory over the Llamas, Michael Vick and the Carolina defense each scored 26 points for the Icebreakers (7-3), who took sole possession of first place in the West. Stephen Davis led the Llama charge with 14 points, but it was not enough to keep Jeremy (2-8) alive in the playoff race.