When All the Chips Were Down...
Yukon edges Alaska in 91-90 thriller to retain rivalry trophy
It may not have the tradition of the Yukon Icebreaker/Grand Rapids Greased Lightning "Jim Zorn Spittoon" rivalry, nor the legacy of close games in the G.R./Climax 69ers series, but this week's contest between Yukon and the Alaskan Assassins may go a long way toward heating up the twice-annual battle for the "Ice Chip."
Alaska could not hold off a Monday night charge, as Yukon's Marvin Harrison scored a fourth quarter touchdown to overcome a 23 point deficit and squeeze out a 91-90 victory, dealing Alaska a crushing blow to their playoff chances and lifting Yukon into a first place tie in the PFL's Western Division. Harrison and the Carolina defense each scored 24 points to spur the Icebreaker attack.
"I am relieved and amazed with this win," exclaimed a victorious coach Travis...after a long sigh. "But losing (Terrell Owens) pretty much means my season is over. He's our leading scorer."
Both teams were hurt by interesting lineup choices. Both Travis and Dave made last minunte lineup adjustments, but still suffered from starting injured players (Domanick Davis for Yukon) and two players on the bye for Alaska (Tatum Bell and Eric Moulds). Yukon improves to 6-3 on the year while Alaska falls to 3-6, a game and a tiebreak behind the final playoff spot.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Grand Rapids Greased Lightning 113 Muskegon Mudhens 87
In a rematch of Patzer Bowl IX, the Mudhens got 30 points from Peyton Manning, but it was not enough against the defending champs. Grand Rapids (7-2) becomes the first team to clinch a playoff spot with the victory and stays tied atop the PFL East with Standale. The Lightning was led by Shaun Alexander's 29 points and Reggie Wayne's 18. Muskegon falls to 3-6, a game out of the final playoff spot. The win also allowed Grand Rapids to reclaim the King of the Mountain Trophy, which Brian had won from Mike the week before.
Standale Big Knox 107 Crazy Jimmies 100
The upstart Jimmies gave the Big Knox a good fight, but came up just short as New England's defense could not make up a ten point deficit on Monday night. LaDanian Tomlinson again led the charge for Standale (7-2) with a league-high 38 points. Jim falls to 1-8 on the year and is quickly fading from the playoff picture. Jeff remains tied with Nick in the East, but needs a win or Alaska loss to clinch a playoff berth.
Ironwood Cox 105 Eugene Levies 53
The injuries appear to have caught up with Eugene. It was bad enough that his top three players were injured, now the injury replacements are dropping like flies. Ironwood (6-3) keeps pacec in the East with the win, led by Tom Brady's 25 point performance. Kerry Collins led the decimated Levies with 16. Despite the loss, Eugene remains tied atop the PFL West with a 6-3 record.
Climax 69ers 96 Whooping Llamas 83
Reports of the Climax 69ers' demise were very much premature. Paul's squad has reeled off three straight wins after a 1-5 start and now stand alone in the race for the final playoff spot. Eli Manning and Steve Smith led a solid team effort with 16 points apiece. The hard-luck Llamas fall to 2-7 with the loss.