The Hammerheads gave the reins to rookie QB Earl Alford, one of the team's second round draft choices, to be the team's starter. Week one versus division rival Maui was well played by Alford and the Hammerheads and the game seemed to be won by Ocean City when HB Rudi Johnson fumbled deep in Maui territory and it was recovered by rookie S Kelvin Nash and returned for a touchdown to give Maui the week one victory. It marked the second straight time opening day letdown by Ocean City in which they lost a game they "should have won". The Hammerheads also lost in week 2 in what would be their worst loss of the season - which included a horrid 3 interception performance for QB Earl Alford, leaving the Hammerheads in last place. The Hammerheads went on to win two consecutive games (versus the Warriors and the Indians)- one in which Alford played extremely well (VS Indians) - but with a 2-2 record and the inconsistent play at QB, the Hammerheads made a trade and acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Cordoba Samauris. This move would end up being one of the best moves the Hammerheads could have made as McNabb brought consistency. McNabb's career as a Hammerhead started off with a splash in which he led the way versus division rival Charleston in a 34-9 rout - a rout so embarassing to the Royals that their head coach resigned after the game in a rage. After a bye week in week 6, the Hammerheads lost 28-21 in week 7 versus the tough Kansas City Skyhawks, one in which head coach Josh Biddle blames a poor move at halftime (removing McNabb for Alford) as what cost them the game. McNabb threw one interception with no touchdowns but the score was still close - once Alford came into the game in relief, the game went downhill and Alford finished with 4 interceptions, all but serving the Skyhawks a win on a silver platter. The Hammerheads went on a four game winning streak at that point, defeating the Mentor Storm, Dordrecht Sheepheads, New Jersey Centurions, and eventual PFL Champion Boston Blizzard. The Blizzard game was, perhaps, the most momentum turning as the Hammerheads won with a few seconds remaining as McNabb connected with WR Steve Smith on an incredible bomb for a 28-27 victory. The Hammerheads blew a huge halftime lead versus the Rickards Redskins in week 12, resulting in a loss, but the team fought back with 3 straight wins - including one against PFL Bowl runner-up Greensboro (Horsemen). The Jaen Dirtys and Sylvania Rams also fell victim to the Hammerheads on their winning streak. Unfortunately, in week 16, the Hammerheads shot at a division championship came to a halt as the Destroyers defeated Ocean City 34-24. The Hammerheads finished up the season finale with a victory over the Texas Slammers; however, the team missed the playoffs to the dismay of fans and PFL experts around the globe. The Hammerheads were in a three way tie but failed to get in due to the second tiebreaker of division record.
Josh Biddle summed up the season with the following quote: "This was an exciting year in Ocean City football and even though we barely missed the playoffs, it was a building block and a learning experience and it only makes our team stronger going into next year. We will regroup and we will contend next season, I won't have it any other way".
Positives on the Hammerheads 2017 campaign
--- QB Donovan McNabb finished with a 84.23 QB Rating (143-299 for 2655 yards, 21 TD's, 13 INT's) and added consitency to the QB position after QB Earl Alford disappointed. McNabb finished 9-3 as the Hammerheads' starter and led the Hammerheads with mobility, a strong arm, and leadership.
--- HB Rudi Johnson finished with only 1 fumble (though a crucial one) and out of all PFL rushers with 100+ carries, Johnson finished second in yards per carry average (5.37). Though Johnson doesn't have the breakaway speed that some of the other top PFL rushers have, he has had the knack for making big plays despite this disadvantage.
--- FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala earned his second consecutive pro bowl selection at FB - tying for 12th in the league in rushing touchdowns (11) while recording 49 pancakes with 0 sacks allowed. Fuamatu-Ma'afala has been phenomenal as an undrafted free agent and is arguably the PFL's top fullback, displaying rare speed and power for a man his size which gives him superb advantages as a goalline runner and a major impact in clearing running routes for Johnson and Jordan.
--- First round draft pick (11th overall) TE Richard Jefferson finished the season ranked 16th in the PFL in receiving yards (962), 9th in reception average among receivers with double digit receptions (23.46), tied for 19th in receiving touchdowns (7), and 19th in YAC (254). The speedy and gigantic 6'7" target provided a playmaking threat in the middle of the field for Ocean City in the new era. The Hammerheads got little to no production at TE in 2016 and this alone could have added 2 or 3 wins from last season's record - possibly more. He also allowed only 1 sack while recording 26 pancakes.
--- OT Levi Jones finished 9th in the league with 137 pancakes and only 4 sacks allowed from his LT position. He did an excellent job protecting QB Donovan McNabb's blindside - he only allowed 2 sacks on McNabb.
--- C Chris Spencer allowed only 1 sack while recording 69 pancakes.
--- Rookie 1st round pick (6th overall) DE Dave Hutton finished tied for 8th in the PFL in sacks with 15. Concerns about Hutton's strength (which led to his draft status falling) seemed to be squelched after this season and early indications are he is going to work very hard in the weight room this offseason as well.
--- DE Will Smith and DT's Ryan Sims and Ian Scott played solid defense on the defensive line. Smith boosted his sack totals from 2016 from 5 to 7 and his tackles for loss from 6 to 8. DT Ryan Sims added 4 more tackles for loss, one more sack, 3 passes defensed and an interception. Scott's tackles for loss declined; however, he added 2 forced fumbles and an interception from his 2016 campaign.
--- MLB Boomer Grigsby had a career year, leading the Hammerheads in tackles and tying for 17th in the PFL in tackles (80), leading the Hammerheads and tying for 9th in the PFL in tackles for loss (13), recording 4 sacks, tying for 3rd in the PFL in forced fumbles (3), tying for 7th in the PFL in fumble recoveries (2), tying for 20th in the PFL in defensive touchdowns (1), recording 1 interception, and recording 13 passes defensed. The young MLB came out of nowhere to become a force in the middle for the Hammerheads' defense, overthrowing MLB Lofa Tatupu last season and never looking back.
--- CB Lito Sheppard rebounded from a poor 2016 to become one of the top PFL cornerbacks. Sheppard recorded 9 interceptions (tied 4th in the PFL), 26 passes defensed, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
--- FS Sean Jones transitioned well from SS to FS - having an even better year than his surprising 2016 season. Jones finished the season with 73 tackles, tied for 14th in the PFL with 6 interceptions, 21 passes defensed, and tied for 1st in the PFL with 4 forced fumbles.
--- Rookie SS Jason Jackson became one of the PFL's best strong safeties in his rookie season. Jackson, a third round draft pick for the Hammerheads, finished with 60 tackles, tied for 14th in the PFL with 6 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, and 24 passes defensed.
--- K Paul Ernster and P Andy Groom both made the pro bowl and made the Hammerheads' special teams unit the best in the PFL from a kicking and punting standpoint. Ernster missed one field goal all season in 26 attempts and didn't miss an extra point all season. Groom led the PFL in average per punt (57.49) and punts inside the 20 (36).
Negatives on the Hammerheads' 2016 Campaign
--- OT Jordan Gross allowed 14 sacks - the 6th highest total in the league.
--- OG Eric Steinbach allowed 8 sacks after allowing 0 in 2016.
--- WR Steve Smith dropped 10 passes and only scored one touchdown on the season; however, his sole touchdown was the game winner versus eventual PFL Bowl Champion Boston.
--- QB Earl Alford, drafted to be a starter for Ocean City, disappointed early which forced a trade.
--- OLB Takeo Spikes' numbers declined enormously - showing a decrease in his impact in the Hammerheads' defensive scheme.
--- Rookie CB's Shaun Kiniry and Bo Nakfoor both disappointed as the team's nickle and dimebacks. Kiniry - the team's nickleback - actually had a worse season than Nakfoor, a cornerback with just average linear speed. Kiniry was burned numerous times in the slot and made almost no impact plays as the team's nickleback; however, he was great on special teams.
The Blizzard won the coin toss and elected to kick, giving the Hammerheads first possession. The first play of the game by the Hammerheads was a handoff to HB Rudi Johnson and he ran for a quick 16-yard gain to give the Hammerheads' some early momentum. Next, QB Donovan McNabb hooked up with WR Steve Smith and then TE Richard "Giganto" Jefferson to move even further upfield. After Blizzard CB Deltha O'Neal was flagged for pass interference to move the Hammerheads to the Blizzard 10-yard line, the Hammerheads ran to the Blizzard 4-yard line and then McNabb dropped back and found HB LaMont Jordan for a beautifully orchestrated touchdown throw and catch by Jordan after he was bumped by a linebacker coming out of the backfield - the score now 7-0 Ocean City with 4:36 remaining in the first quarter. The Blizzard returned the kickoff to their own 24-yard line and then QB Aaron Rodgers got to work, connecting with TE Alge Crumpler for two catches and then finishing the drive on a HB Shaun Alexander 12-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7 with 2:31 remaining in the first quarter. On the Hammerheads' next drive, a WR Michael Clayton helped the Hammerheads to a quick 4th down and the Hammerheads punted to give the ball back to Boston. The Blizzard put together a drive that reached their own 40 but then they punted down to the Hammerheads' own 14-yard line. The Hammerheads failed to get anything going pinned deep and P Andy Groom punted an absolute rocket that bounced as the kick returner attempted to field it and it ended up all the way at the Blizzard 6-yard line - a 91-yard Groom punt - record for longest punt in the league this season. The Blizzard, pinned deep, used Alexander effectively to maneuver out of the danger zone for a safety and drove all the way into the Hammerheads' redzone. On a play from the Hammerheads' 10-yard line, Rodgers dropped back and threw to HB Shaun Alexander coming from the backfield but Hammerheads' CB Shawn Springs read the ball perfectly, intercepting the ball at the Hammerheads' 8 and taking it 92 yards for the touchdown, making the score 14-7 with 2:46 remaining in the first half. The Hammerheads nearly had a touchdown scored against them, but as quick as one mistake, the momentum now heavily favored Ocean City. On the Blizzard's next drive, MLB Boomer Grigsby nearly intercepted a Rodgers' pass and the Blizzard were forced to punt and the Hammerheads got the ball at their own 22-yard line. On the first play of the drive, QB Donovan McNabb handed the ball to HB Rudi Johnson, who spun and juked his way to a 78-yard touchdown scamper - making the score now 21-7 Hammerheads with 1:50 remaining in the first half. The Blizzard kick return was to their own 16-yard line and Hammerheads' rookie OLB Champ Ostresh recorded a sack and on third and long, a TE Crumpler catch fell just short of the first down and the Blizzard punted. McNabb was sacked on the Hammerheads next drive and after punting to the Blizzard 23, the first half came an end with the score 21-7 Hammerheads.
The Blizzard started with the ball at their 20 and HB Shaun Alexander got started on the right foot when he caught a pass for a big gain. MLB Boomer Grigsby would come up big on the drive defensively as he penetrated Rodgers' protection and sacked Rodgers, eventually forcing a punt which went to the Hammerheads' 11-yard line. On the Hammerheads' next drive, both HB Johnson and HB LaMont Jordan broke solid runs, but after McNabb was sacked, the drive began to halt. The Hammerheads brought out P Groom again and he punted an absolute beauty to the Blizzard 1-yard line. The Blizzard moved upfield on the legs of Alexander and on a huge reception by WR Torry "Big Game" Holt from Rodgers as Rodgers was clobbered by rookie OLB Ostresh. The Blizzard entered the Hammerheads' redzone and on a first and goal situation, Rodgers dropped back and threw a quick out to Crumpler in the endzone - wide open - and Crumpler dropped the sure touchdown. On second and goal, MLB Boomer Grigsby sacked Rodgers for his second of the day, forcing a 3rd and goal situation on the Hammerheads' 13-yard line. Rodgers looked over the middle and found WR Terrance Burton open enough to make what looked like a catch just crossing the endzone plane, but Hammerheads' rookie SS Jason Jackson saw him and plummeted him like a bullet and Burton dropped the ball - another touchdown saving play by Jackson who has quickly become one of the Hammerheads' newest stars. The Blizzard settled for a 30-yard K Jay Feely field goal which made the score 21-10 Ocean City with 3 seconds remaining in the third quarter. On the Hammerheads' next possession, the offense was stifled and they punted to the Blizzard 22-yard line. Rodgers came out throwing immediately and he found TE Bryan Fletcher open and eventually moved the football up to the Hammerheads' 28-yard line. Alexander would strike again as Rodgers found him in the back corner of the endzone for a 28-yard touchdown reception to make the score 21-16 with 4:46 remaining in the game. The two point conversion attempt to pull the game within three points failed on a run up the gut so the game remained 21-16. QB Donovan McNabb attempted to pull the troops together as the team began to falter, but McNabb himself would make a critical mistake as he was intercepted by Blizzard CB Samari Rolle, giving the Blizzard great field position and a chance to takeover the game. The Blizzard drove and found the endzone on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Rodgres to TE Bryan Fletcher with 3:23 remaining to make the score 22-21. The two point conversion attempt was good as Alexander got into the endzone, score now 24-21 Boston. The Hammerheads failed to get anything going on their next drive, playing with a sense of urgency, and were forced to punt the ball. The Blizzard got the ball back and a time-killing drive could end it for Ocean City since Alexander's legs had been carrying the Blizzard to this point. The Blizzard drove, but the Hammerheads used their timeouts wisely and the defense stepped up big to keep the Blizzard out of the endzone on 4th down. K Jay Feely came out to attempt a 34-yard field goal and the kick was up - hit the right upright - bounced and hit the left upright - and then fell inside the field goal posts for 3 points, score now 27-21 Blizzard with 1:03 remaining in the game. The Hammerheads had one last possession remaining and it was do-or-die time for McNabb. McNabb got things going early with two quick completions to WR Michael Clayton to move the ball. On a third down situation, McNabb connected with rookie TE Richard "Giganto" Jefferson to get to the Hammerheads' own 37-yard line for a first down to keep the Hammerheads' chances alive. Next, McNabb hooked up with WR Reggie Wayne on a 36-yard catch to get the Hammerheads into Blizzard territory. With a 3rd down and 10, 8 seconds on the clock, no timeouts remaining on the Blizzard 27-yard line, McNabb dropped back and threw deep to WR Smith, who was hit at the 1-yard line but his momentum caused the ball to break the plane and the touchdown was announced with 3 seconds remaining to give the Hammerheads a 28-27 lead after K Paul Ernster made good on the clutch extra point. With 3 seconds left and hoping for a miracle, the Blizzard called a fair catch on the return and threw a bomb to WR Torry "Big Game" Holt, but the ball was broken up incomplete and the Hammerheads came out of a tough game with a hard-earned victory.
"Insanely close game" head coach Josh Biddle said afterwards, "I thought we blew it. Always a fun one against the Blizzard but this one was just . . . wow". The Hammerheads now take sole possession of first place in the division for the first time since head coach Josh Biddle's return to the PFL.
Player of the game for the Hammerheads was Smith because of his late catch - Smith's touchdown marked the first touchdown for him in his last 18 games played, spanning all the way back to week 8 of last season. "It was great man" Smith said after the game "it felt good to lift the team over Boston, I wanted to make a name here in Ocean City and the home fans won't forget me now". Other notable performances were of CB Shawn Springs - who intercepted a Rodgers' pass when the Blizzard were inside the Hammerheads' 10 late in the second quarter and returned it 92 yards for the touchdown; HB Rudi Johnson who finished the game with 11 carries for 141 yards (12.8 ypc) with a 78-yard touchdown run in the second quarter; MLB Boomer Grigsby, who had a game-high 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 pass defensed; rookie SS Jason Jackson who had 9 tackles, 1 pass defensed, and a beautiful hit on a Blizzard WR that caused a drop that would have been a touchdown on third down; LT Levi Jones who had 8 pancakes and 0 sacks allowed - he hasn't allowed a sack since week 3; P Andy Groom who averaged 64.3 yards per punt including a 91 yard punt - the longest of the season; and QB Donovan McNabb - whose numbers were far from great (8-25 [32%] for 123 yards with 2 TD passes, 1 INT, and a 59.2 rating), but his clutch performance put the Hammerheads over the top.
The Hammerheads will continue the toughest three game span in the PFL as they face two more current 8-1 teams in the Rickards Redskins and the Greensboro Horsemen.
The Centurions won the coin toss and elected to kick and after the kickoff, the Hammerheads returned the ball to their own 29-yard line. QB Donovan McNabb made a mistake early and threw an interception into the hands of Centurions' CB Julius Jones, giving the Centurions an early chance to strike. The Centurions moved into field goal range and sent out K Ryan Longwell for a 37-yard field goal attempt, but the attempt sailed wide right, giving the Hammerheads a major break. On the Hammerheads second drive, QB McNabb found WR Steve Smith open for a 1st down and then McNabb hooked up with rookie TE Richard "Giganto" Jefferson who caught the pass and was brought down at the Centurions' 2-yard line. Hammerheads' HB Rudi Johnson got the carry on the next play and he found the endzone for a 2-yard touchdown run to give the Hammerheads a 7-0 lead with 1:47 remaining in the first quarter. On the Centurions' next drive, QB Joey Harrington was sacked by Hammerheads' OLB Julian Peterson, which ruined the drive and caused a three-and-out and after the punt, the Hammerheads found themselves with the ball at their own 44-yard line. QB McNabb threw another interception near the end of the first quarter giving the Centurions opportunity number two to capitalize off of a McNabb mistake. QB Harrington started the drive off with a bang as he connected for a huge reception to WR Rod Gardner. Next, Hammerheads' CB Lito Sheppard blitzed Harrington and nailed him in the backfield for a huge loss. Attempting for a first down instead of playing conservative and then punting could have been a big mistake for the Centurions on this drive because on the next play, Harrington was intercepted by Hammerheads' dimeback rookie Bo Nakfoor. This gave the Hammerheads some momentum and the offense played off of it. First, McNabb connected with TE Teyo Johnson for a 27-yard gain and then found TE Richard Jefferson open for a solid gain. Once the Hammerheads reached the Centurions' 15-yard line, QB McNabb dropped back and found WR Michael Clayton, who reached the endzone and extended the Hammerheads' lead to 14-0 with 4:13 remaining in the first half. The Hammerheads kickoff was returned by the Centurions to their own 19 yard line and they began working on what would become an excellent drive. Harrington found WR Gardner again for a substantial game with five yards tacked on after the play on a 5-yard face masking penalty by CB Shawn Springs. The Hammerheads capitalized on this mistake by putting together a solid drive - first hitting WR Steve Smith with a pass and then QB McNabb hit WR Michael Clayton for a 17-yard touchdown reception - his second of the game - making the score 21-10 Hammerheads with 59 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Centurions began to put together a drive after Harrington connected with TE Daniel Graham for a reception. They drove upfield and added a touchdown on the legs of HB Willis McGahee on a 1-yard touchdown run with 6:40 remaining in the game - score now 21-17 Hammerheads. On the Hammerheads next drive, McNabb connected with WR Dante Hall for a nice gain, but then threw an interception that gave the Centurions an opportunity to take the lead. Their drive stalled in Hammerheads' territory, but K Ryan Longwell connected on a 34-yarder to cut the lead to 21-20 with 2:15 remaining in the game. The Centurions elected to kickoff normally instead of the onside with their full timeout supply and this would come back to haunt them. On the Hammerheads' drive, McNabb found WR Steve Smith open to make get a first down which ate a decent amount of clock, but on third down, with the game on the line, HB Rudi Johnson found a gap and got the first down, to seal the win after McNabb nearly threw an interception in their own territory early in the drive. Hammerheads win 21-20.
Player of the game was WR Michael Clayton who 5 catches for 65 yards with 2 TD receptions and 1 YAC. CB Bo Nakfoor's second quarter interception and was huge and Springs' endzone interception in the third was important as well, helping the Hammerheads hold on to the victory. The Hammerheads (6-3) host the Boston Blizzard (8-1) in week 11 PFL action.
The Hammerheads won the coin toss and elected to kick, giving the Sheepheads first chance of doing damage. The Sheepheads' drive was stalled and a punt by P Damon Murphy gave the Hammerheads starting field position at their own 46-yard line. The Hammerheads' first possession was solid and the Hammerheads got a quick 7 points on a 37-yard touchdown pass from QB Donovan McNabb to WR Dante Hall at the 4:17 mark in the first quarter. On the Sheepheads' ensuing possession, Hammerheads' DE Dave Hutton recorded a sack on third down, forcing another Sheepheads' punt, which gave the Hammerheads possession on the Sheepheads' 45-yard line. The Hammerheads' next drive started with a WR Steve Smith reception. Next, McNabb was hit but the pass was completed to WR Reggie Wayne, but McNabb came up lame and backup QB Earl Alford entered the game. The Hammerheads went to a conservative offense and HB Rudi Johnson found the endzone on a 3-yard touchdown run to extend the Hammerheads' lead to 14-0 with 2:09 remaining in the first quarter. On the Sheepheads' next drive, the drive got off to a bad start as Hammerheads' rookie seventh rounder wrecked havoc in the backfield. On first down, DE Ryan Spangler got into the backfield and sacked QB Orlando Brown. On second down, Spangler got into the backfield again and hit Brown as he threw, forcing an incomplete pass, and on third down DE Dave Hutton laid a nasty hit on QB Brown that injured him - and the pass was intercepted by Hammerheads' CB Shawn Springs. QB Donovan McNabb made a mistake on the next drive as he went deep with a pass and was intercepted by Sheepheads' S Corey Chavous. The Sheepheads went three and out and the Hammerheads added a 47-yard K Paul Ernster field goal to extend the Hammerheads' lead to 17-0 with 3:39 remaining in the first half. After a return to the 27-yard line on the kickoff, Sheepheads' QB Orlando Brown (who since had returned from injury) threw an interception into the hands of CB Lito Sheppard. The Hammerheads failed to get points on the board, but a beautiful coffin kick by P Andy Groom stranded the Sheepheads on their own 6-yard line. QB Orlando Brown dropped back to pass, but rookie DE Dave Hutton struck again and sacked Brown in the endzone for a safety - making the score now 19-0 Hammerheads. The Hammerheads failed to do anything with the ball on the next drive after a WR Smith drop and the team punted. The Sheepheads made something happen on this drive and WR Eric Moulds scored on a 35-yard touchdown reception with 58 seconds remaining to make the score 19-7. The Hammerheads attempted to get one last drive going but it was halted when McNabb threw another interception to S Corey Chavous - the game went into halftime 19-7.
The Hammerheads started off with possession in the second half and the Hammerheads put together a very solid drive. QB Donovan McNabb connected with TE Richard "Giganto" Jefferson and he was brought down at the Sheepheads' 7. Hammerheads' HB Rudi Johnson had a drop in the flats on what looked like a sure touchdown reception, but the offense didn't let them down as FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala plowed in for a 1-yard touchdown run to make the score 26-7 with 5:46 remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, Hammerheads' K Paul Ernster kicked the ball out of bounds to give the Sheepheads great field position to start their next drive. On fourth down and inches in their own territory, the Sheepheads faked a punt with a direct snap run and they got a first down. The moved upfield on a great reception where they almost reached the endzone deep in Hammerheads' territory, but CB Shawn Springs made a touchdown-saving tackle. Later in the drive, HB Priest Holmes ran a route to the back corner of the endzone and QB Orlando Brown found him open for what looked like a sure touchdown but Hammerheads' rookie SS Jason Jackson came from distance and deflected the pass while laying a superb hit on Holmes, making it third down. On third down, SS Jason Jackson made it count as Brown's next pass was deflected and then intercepted by SS Jason Jackson at the goalline to halt a drive that should have produced 7 points. The Hammerheads failed to add any points on this next drive, but P Andy Groom's punt pinned the Sheepheads at their own 14-yard line - forcing them to start over after effectively canceling their last drive at the goalline. Brown wasn't any more successful on this drive as he almost immediately threw an interception into the hands of Hammerheads' #2 MLB rookie Lorenzo Clayton, who pushed 2 yards ahead to give the Hammerheads another great scoring opportunity as they were already in field goal range. After a reception by TE Teyo Johnson to get the Hammerheads to the one-yard line, the Hammerheads gave the ball to FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala who pushed in for a 1-yard touchdown run to make the score 33-7 with 2:12 remaining in the game. Hutton added another sack on the next drive which resulted in another Sheepheads' punt, and the Hammerheads punted on their next drive as well, pinning the Sheepheads at their own 4-yard line. After teams exchanged punts again, the Sheepheads put together a drive going to the end of the game and they scored as time expired on the clock on a WR Peerless Price 6-yard touchdown reception, making the final score 33-14 Hammerheads.
Player of the game was rookie DE Dave Hutton, who had a career day - 4 tackles, 4 sacks, and a safety. Rookie SS Jason Jackson continues to absolutely impress the coaching staff and the league as he continues his contention for being the biggest steal in the season 1 PFL Draft - he finished with 4 tackles, 1 INT (8 return yards), and 5 passes defensed. Two other notable performances were those of CB Lito Sheppard and rookie MLB Lorenzo Clayton. Sheppard became the sole leader in interceptions in the league with his 7th of the season and Clayton made the first big play of his career since being signed as an undrafted free agent and taking over the #2 MLB position vacated by MLB Lofa Tatupu upon his trade to Clarksburg.
The Hammerheads, now at the 5-3 mark, will have a tough game next week against the New Jersey Centurions in the contentious battle for control over the somewhat divided New Jersey fan base.
The Hammerheads won the toss and elected to kick. The first quarter featured most of a punting showdown for the Storm's first two possessions and the Hammerheads' first. After the second punt by the Storm, the Hammerheads began to put a drive together. QB Donovan McNabb - who played poorly versus the Skyhawks - found rookie TE Richard Jefferson for a 20-yard gain to move the Hammerheads upfield. WR Steve Smith and WR Michael Clayton both followed with drops, forcing the Hammerheads to rely on the surprisingly reliable leg of K Paul Ernster, who connected on a 40-yard field goal to make the score 3-0 Hammerheads with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter. On the Storm's next drive, the team failed to make a drive past midfield, and to make matters worse, P Chris Kluwe muffed a punt and gave the Hammerheads excellent field position at the Storm 44-yard line. The Hammerheads moved the ball forward conservatively and settled on another 39-yard Ernster field goal attempt which was good, making the score 6-0 Hammerheads with 6:50 remaining in the first half. On the Storm's next drive, the Hammerheads' defensive unit would step up in a big way. QB Carson Palmer's pass intended for WR Dante Stallworth was intercepted by Hammerheads' SS Jason Jackson. The Hammerheads moved the ball quickly, including a pass from McNabb to WR Michael Clayton, who was brought down on the Storm's 1-yard line. FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala pounded the ball in from the one for seven points - making the score 13-0 with 4:56 remaining in the first half. On the Hammerheads' next drive, the Hammerheads' suffered a blow as MLB Boomer Grigsby went down with an injury. The Storm took advantage of this and HB Tatum Bell scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, cutting the Hammerheads' lead to 13-7 with 2:30 remaining in the first half. Dante Hall returned the kickoff to the Hammerheads' 46, but the offense stalled and were forced to punt, which led the teams into halftime with a 13-7 score - Hammerheads leading.
MLB Boomer Grigsby was tended to by the Hammerheads' training staff, suited back up, and headed out with the Hammerheads for the second half. The Hammerheads received and the offense put a quick drive together that was concluded when TE Teyo Johnson caught a McNabb pass of 6-yards to extend the Hammerheads' lead to 20-7 with 3:57 remaining in the third quarter. On the ensuing return, the Storm returned the ball to their own 31 yard line. On third down and 10, Palmer dropped back and tossed to TE Jeremy Shockey who grabbed the ball and was absolutely laid-out by Hammerheads SS Jason Jackson, jarring the ball loose for the incomplete pass and forcing a 4th down. After a punt, the Hammerheads put together a drive and added a third Ernster field goal - this time of 38 yards - to make the score 23-7 with 36 seconds remaining in the third quarter. On the Storm's ensuing drive, they moved the ball well and they scored on a WR Nate Burleson 11-yard touchdown reception to make the score 23-14 with 6:23 remaining in the game. Next, Storm KOS Chris Kluwe - who muffed a punt earlier in the game - kicked the kickoff out of bounds to give the Hammerheads excellent field position starting at their own 40. The Hammerheads were forced to punt and the Storm started their drive from their own 34-yard line. The Storm then were forced to punt, giving the Hammerheads possession - and on this drive, the Hammerheads would seemingly seal the game. QB Donovan McNabb dropped back and hit TE Teyo Johnson, who took the ball 76 yards to the house to extend the Hammerheads' lead to 30-14 with 4:33 remaining in the game. On the Storm's next drive, the Hammerheads recorded three sacks, but the Storm moved the ball on third down each time, and eventually took this success down the field and scored again - WR Burleson on a 16-yard touchdown reception from Palmer with 2:02 remaining in the game - extra point attempt was good and the score now 30-21. The Storm attempted an onside kick and the Hammerheads recovered. On the first play of this drive, Hammerheads' HB Rudi Johnson took the ball and ran 48-yard for the touchdown to seal the game 37-21.
Donovan McNabb earned player of the game honors for his 12-26 (46%) 226 yard, 2 TD, 102.3 QB Rating performance. Other very notable performances were by TE Teyo Johnson, who had 3 receptions for 88 yards with 2 TD receptions and 56 YAC; HB Rudi Johnson had 18 carries for 124 yards (6.8 ypc) with 1 TD run; SS Jason Jackson who had 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 3 passes defensed; CB Lito Sheppard who had 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 6 passes defensed; CB Shawn Springs who had 6 tackles and 4 passes defensed; rookie DE Dave Hutton who had 2 tackles and 2 sacks; and MLB Boomer Grigsby who had 2 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
The Hammerheads will host the Dordrecht Sheepheads in week nine PFL action.
The game started great for the Skyhawks, who ran off a string of 21 points going from the start of the game to the 4:22 mark in the second quarter. Skyhawks' WR Justin McCareins scored on a 10-yard touchdown reception from QB Aaron Brooks with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter and then HB Fred Taylor pounded in a touchdown run of 5 yards in the first quarter and a touchdown run of 4 yards with 4:22 remaining in the second quarter. The Hammerheads eventually put a drive together and K Paul Ernster added three points with a 41-yard field goal with 2:32 remaining in the first half, to finally put the Hammerheads on the scoreboard, now making the score 21-3. On the Skyhawks' next drive, a Skyhawks fumble was recovered by Hammerheads' OLB Takeo Spikes. The Hammerheads drove and put the ball in the endzone when star FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala pounded from one-yard out with 1:00 remaining in the first half - the score now 21-10. The Skyhawks attempted to put together a last minute drive but the ball was intercepted by Hammerheads' CB Shawn Springs to bring the first half to a close, the score still 21-10 Skyhawks.
The Hammerheads benched QB Donovan McNabb after a poor first half performance, bringing in rookie 2nd round draft pick QB Earl Alford into the game. Alford started very poor, throwing an interception. A HB Fred Taylor fumble was recovered by FS Sean Jones, and the Hammerheads were back in business. K Paul Ernster connected on his second field goal of the day - a 25-yarder - to bring the Hammerheads within 8 at 21-13 with 5:14 remaining in the third quarter. QB Aaron Brooks threw an interception to CB Lito Sheppard, but the Hammerheads were forced to punt to end the third quarter. QB Earl Alford made a costly mistake early in the 4th quarter as Skyhawks CB Sam Madison picked off Alford's pass and took it 86-yards to the house to extend the Skyhawks lead to 28-13 with 5:34 remaining in the game. After punts were exchanged and the Hammerheads got the ball back with the two minute warning lingering, they began to drive. The Hammerheads scored late with 1:21 remaining on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Alford to WR Michael Clayton, and the two-point conversion attempt was successful as well, now making the score 28-21. The Hammerheads lined up for the onside kick - their last hope - and Ernster's kick took a superb bounce and the Hammerheads recovered!! Unfortunately for Hammerheads' fans, Alford couldn't move the ball and the Hammerheads turned the ball over on downs, final score 28-21 Kansas City.
The Hammerheads had some standout performances in the loss. OLB Marquis Cooper recorded 5 tackles and 2 sacks; DT Ian Scott had 3 tackles and 2 forced fumbles; FS Sean Jones had 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery; CB Lito Sheppard had 1 INT and 2 passes defensed; and TE Teyo Johnson had 4 catches for 87 yards (in his first game as an Ocean City Hammerhead). The Hammerheads look to rebound in week eight against the Mentor Storm - a team the Hammerheads have been winless against since their relocation back to Ocean City.
First, on Sunday afternoon, the Hammerheads agreed to a trade with the Clarksburg Jethroes that sends MLB Lofa Tatupu to the Jethroes for the Jethroes' second round draft pick in the upcoming PFL Draft. Tatupu, 24, lost his starting job five games into last season to up-and-coming MLB Boomer Grigsby, someone the Hammerheads' coaching staff is extremely high on. Grigsby and Tatupu both are undersized at only 6'0" and 5'11" respectively, so Biddle thought it was time to add a bigger #2 MLB into the equation. "I loved Lofa's style and I enjoyed having him on this club" Biddle said at the press conference, "he's got some intangibles and makes plays, something that can't be measured by his 40-time, jumping height, things like that. He should do well alongside [Brian] Urlacher". Last season, Tatupu finished with 37 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions, 12 return yards, and 6 passes defensed. This season, Tatupu logged 3 tackles, 1 interception, 8 return yards, and 1 pass defensed. The Hammerheads enjoy the addition of a second round pick after the team traded their 1st round draft pick in a deal that landed QB Donovan McNabb and WR Steve Smith.
The Hammerheads signed rookie MLB Lorenzo Clayton to replace Tatupu. Clayton, 21, adds more speed, potential, and size to the middle behind Grigsby. On the signing, Biddle stated "I know it is a risk to put a 21-year old with no PFL experience into the fray, especially with the subtraction of a player like Tatupu, but the fact that he's a #2 MLB and will probably only see substantial time in 3-4 sets makes it an ideal situation for this kid to get some time under his belt. With Boomer [Grigsby] growing with him and some tutoring from Takeo [Spikes] and Julian [Peterson], the middle cog in our D should be solid for years to come. They've done a great job with Grigsby and he's really coming into his own."
The other two trades went down late Sunday night/very early Monday morning, both minutes apart and both with the 0-6 Texas Slammers. The first of the two trades was the most important and it involved the parting of QB Philip Rivers from Ocean City in a long-anticipated move. It had been rumored as early as midway through last season that Biddle had dangled Rivers after his subpar performances in a Hammerheads' uniform, but the rumors were squelched temporairly after no deal was reached either at last season's trade deadline or during the offseason. Last season, Rivers finished 82-157 (52.2%) for 1,062 yards with 8 TD's, 13 INT's and a 56.3 QB Rating. This season, in two games, Rivers finished 3-10 (30%) for 25 yards with 0 TD's, 1 INT and a 0.0 QB rating. WR Isaac Bruce played well in his time with the Hammerheads. Last season, in his 14 games in Ocean City, Bruce finished with 35 catches for 461 yards with 6 TD catches, 8 drops, and 159 YAC. This season, Bruce had 3 catches for 48 yards with 1 TD catch, 2 drops, and 1 YAC in four game playing out of the slot. He was odd man out after Steve Smith took over the slot position upon his acquisition.
The 1st and 2nd round draft picks the Hammerheads acquired in this trade for Rivers have the potential to be very high picks as the Slammers are currently struggling with an 0-6 record. For the Hammerheads to have parted ways with Rivers, Biddle insisted it would be mandatory a team offer a 1st round pick in the draft. "That's always been the plan", Biddle said at his press conference, "otherwise we were prepared to keep and develop all four quarterbacks on our roster until we traded one. We were in no hurry."
Moments after the first trade with the Slammers, the two teams again agreed on an accord, this time the Slammers moving up in the draft by acquiring the Hammerheads' 2nd round draft pick for the Slammers' 3rd round draft pick and 24-year old TE Teyo Johnson. The Hammerheads were interested in acquiring Johnson, the odd man out in Texas after being beat out by rookie TE Chris Nash for the #2 spot, a 6'5" TE with speed. His style is very similar to Hammerheads' rookie TE Richard Jefferson, which is something that Biddle covets - proven by taking Jefferson with the 11th overall pick in the most recent PFL draft. Johnson will be the team's #2 TE and TE's Joel Dreessen and Brian Jones will battle for the #3 spot. It's possible the Hammerheads carry 4 TE's for the remainder of the season because they will be under the 55 player maximum.
The Hammerheads will have their bye week in week 6 to get the new players into practice and get them ready for a major challenge in week 7 against the dangerous Kansas City Skyhawks.
The first half was relatively close throughout. The Royals started off with the ball but QB Earl Shephard was intercepted in the endzone by Hammerheads' FS Sean Jones, who continues to impress the coaching staff with his smooth transition from SS to FS. McNabb led his first drive with the Hammerheads' offense successfully and connected with WR Michael Clayton deep for a 52-yard touchdown reception to give the Hammerheads an early 7-0 lead. The Royals struck back, however, when WR Vincent Jackson caught a pass from the Hammerheads' one-yard line to tie the score at 7 with 6:15 remaining in the second quarrter. The Hammerheads eventually added three points on a 26-yard Ernster field goal with 2:12 remaining in the first half - and this would be the score going into halftime - 10-7.
Royals' head coach Arch talked bad about Hammerheads' head coach Josh Biddle early in the first quarter and at halftime. The Hammerheads seemed to respond to this and the team fought with passion in the second half. The Hammerheads offense was forced to punt on their first possession of the half, but on the Royals ensuing possession, QB Shephard threw the ball into the waiting hands of CB Lito Sheppard - his fifth interception of the season - which ties the league lead. The Hammerheads and QB Donovan McNabb took advantage of this big miscue by finding HB Rudi Johnson wide open in the flat and he beat everyone on his way to a 39-yard touchdown reception to make the score 17-7 Ocean City. On the Royals' next possession, they were intercepted again, this time by Hammerheads' rookie 6'4" SS Jason Jackson. HB Rudi Johnson found the endzone on a three-yard touchdown run to increase the Hammerheads' lead to 24-7 with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter. After the Royals were forced to punt, the Hammerheads again struck gold with McNabb - this time on a 75-yard touchdown strike to WR Reggie Wayne to give the Hammerheads a 34-7 lead with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Hammerheads added a 35-yard field goal by K Paul Ernster and SS Jason Jackson recorded his second interception of the game.
Player of the game honors went to QB Donovan McNabb for his incredible debut for the Hammerheads, who now improve to 3-2 going into the bye week. McNabb finished 11-20 (55%) for 289 yards with 3 TD's, 0 INT's and a QB rating of 139.6. Other notable performances were: WR Reggie Wayne (4 rec, 133 yards, 1 TD, 59 YAC); SS Jason Jackson (2 tackles, 2 INT's, 6 return yards, 1 pass defensed); FS Sean Jones (2 tackles, 1 INT, 4 return yards, 1 pass defensed); CB Lito Sheppard (4 tackles, 1 INT, 15 return yards, 2 passes defensed). The Hammerheads play the Kansas City Skyhawks in week seven PFL action - following their bye week in week six.
The Hammerheads felt the acquisitions of McNabb and Smith will help an already potent offense. Both McNabb and Smith struggled last season in Cordoba. McNabb finished 150-348 (43.1%) for 2304 yards with 13 TD's, 32 INT's, and a 39.73 QB rating last season and is 3-4 (75%) for 30 yards with a 95.83 QB rating in one game this season. Last season, Smith recorded 425 yards receiving on 28 receptions with 1 touchdown reception, 10 drops, and 118 YAC. This season, he recorded 141 yards on 7 receptions with 1 drop and 13 YAC.
Manning, who is heading to the Samauris, finished with 11 tackles last season and has one tackle this season, all in limited duty on special teams. DT Rob Barker - the Hammerheads' 6th round (126th overall) pick in this past PFL Draft doesn't have any statistics recorded as he rarely saw the field.
The Hammerheads rarely trade draft picks, let alone a first rounder, but head coach/GM Joshua Biddle felt this move was plausible. "I think we got the value we expect from this pick", Biddle said in a statement, "just because we traded our pick doesn't mean we won't make an impact in the first round or other rounds once this year's draft is upon us".
McNabb will get the nod in the Hammerheads' week five game in Charleston versus their division rival Charleston Royals, a team the Hammerheads lost to earlier this season under QB Earl Alford. It is uncertain where WR Steve Smith will play or if he will start.
The Hammerheads won the toss and elected to kick, giving the Indians the ball first, which was returned to their own 21 yard line. DT Ryan Sims burst through the Indians' offensive line and sacked QB Jessie Nystrom on the Indians' first drive, but the Indians overcame this to earn a first down. The Indians' offense was then shutdown and the Indians were forced to punt. On the Hammerheads' first drive, QB Alford connected with TE Richard Jefferson and subsequently found WR Michael Clayton open for a 22-yard touchdown reception to give Ocean City an early 7-0 lead over the Indians. On the Indians' next drive, QB Nystrom connected with WR Braylon Edwards who made the catch before being brought down by CB Lito Sheppard, who was injured on the play. A few plays later, Sheppard returned, and on a third-and-one situation, a run attempt by HB Deuce McAllister was stuffed by Hammerheads' MLB Boomer Grigsby, forcing a fourth down and a punt. The Hammerheads' next drive was also successful because QB Alford connected with TE Richard Jefferson again and also found WR Dante Hall open at the two-yard line. Last season's pro-bowl FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala plummeted in from the two-yard line for the touchdown, extending the Hammerheads' lead to 14-0 with 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Indians resumed a drive that began slow and on third down, went to the middle of the field with a pass where MLB Boomer Grigsby was right there to make a spectacular defensive play to knock the ball away for a 4th down. The Indians punted, and following a return by Dante Hall, the Hammerheads started their drive from their own 32 yard line. The Hammerheads drive started when QB Alford connected with TE Joel Dreessen for a long reception, but Alford was sacked which slowed down what looked like another strong drive at the start. TE Richard Jefferson was found open again by Alford for a long reception at the Indians' 7 yard line, followed by a screen pass to WR Reggie Wayne which put the Hammerheads at the Indians' 1 yard line. The defense probably expected a Fuamatu-Ma'afala run, but QB Alford dropped back without handing the ball off and dumped the ball to TE Joel Dreessen in the endzone for a touchdown to give the Hammerheads a 21-0 lead. On the Indians next drive, DT Ryan Sims recorded another sack and it was another three-and-out for the Indians' offense, but the Hammerheads' offense was forced to punt on their next drive as well after WR Michael Clayton's reception fell short of the first down by two yards - the Hammerheads' punt went for a touchback and brought the ball to the 20 for the start of the Indians' next drive. The Indians were forced to punt again after a HB Deuce McAllister reception and it was punted beautifully to the Hammerheads' 1 yard line, but KR/PR Dante Hall returned the ball to the 19 yard line. After both teams exchanged punts, the Hammerheads had the ball with less than a minute left, hoping to get some more points on the board to close the game out. QB Earl Alford would make his only mistake of the day as his pass was intercepted by CB Dre' Bly and returned 44 yards for the touchdown. K Joe Nedney missed the extra point, making the score 21-6 with 27 seconds remaining, which gave the Hammerheads a shot to add a few more points prior to the half. The Hammerheads put together an incredibly quick drive and K Paul Ernster came out to attempt a 53-yard field goal with time ticking down in the half and he connected, making the score 24-6 at the half.
The first half began with possession for Ocean City, but the Hammerheads punted as their drive stalled. Indians' QB Michael Vick entered the game as the starting QB for the Indians, but he didn't fare much better than Nystrom. The Hammerheads' defense held strong and the offense added 10 more points through a WR Isaac Bruce 23-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter and a K Paul Ernster 46-yard field goal later in the fourth quarter. Hammerheads win 34-6.
Player of the game honors went to QB Earl Alford for his performance. The defense also deserved tons of credit because they didn't allow any points. Other notable performances include: MLB Boomer Grigsby (1 tackle, 3 passes defensed), CB Shawn Springs (5 tackles, 2 passes defensed), SS Jason Jackson (1 tackle, 4 passes defensed), FS Sean Jones (1 tackle, 3 passes defensed), OLB Julian Peterson (3 tackles, 2 sacks), DT Ryan Sims (2 tackles, 2 sacks), and LT Levi Jones (12 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed).
Things didn't start off right for the Hammerheads after their initial kickoff return which was returned to their own 34-yard line by KR Dante Hall, giving the team excellent field position to start. First play of the game was a pass by QB Earl Alford, intended for WR Reggie Wayne and it was intercepted by SS Lenny Walls and returned 35 yards - but was tackled by HB Rudi Johnson inside the Hammerheads' 10, saving a touchdown. The Warriors began their first and goal situation and the Hammerheads' defense were up for the task, stopping the Warriors' HB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams from breaking the plane, forcing the Warriors to make a decision on 4th and goal on the Hammerheads' 8-yard line. The Warriors elected to bring out K Josh Scobee to attempt? a chip-shot field goal and the kick was up - and SHANKED WIDE RIGHT! The Hammerheads' special teams unit stormed off the field pumped after the Warriors failed to capitalize on ?an early Hammerheads' mistake. On the Hammerheads' next drive, the Hammerheads drove upfield and a pass from QB Earl Alford to rookie TE Richard Jefferson got the Hammerheads up to the Warriors' 2-yard line. Then, Alford handed it off to FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala who plummeted two yards into the endzone to make the score 7-0 Hammerheads with 3:35 remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, CB/KR "Pacman" Jones returned the ball and speedy special teams standout Dante Hall sped by the football which seemed to have distracted Jones as he fumbled the football and it was recovered by rookie CB Shaun Kiniry. The Hammerheads put together a drive and K Paul Ernster connected on a 50-yard field goal with 2:27 remaining in the first quarter - now 10-0 Hammerheads. On their next drive, the Warriors were forced to punt after two nicely defensed pass attempts and the Hammerheads punted on their next drive as well. After both teams exchanged punts in the second quarter, the Warriors put together a drive. FS Sean Jones nearly intercepted an Addis pass, but the Warriors recovered and were able to enter the Hammerheads' redzone. Addis dropped back and a throw to the endzone was intercepted by FS Sean Jones this time as he held onto the ball and returned it a few yards outside of the endzone to the Hammerheads' own 2-yard line. Even though he probably should have stayed in the endzone for a touchback, the coaching staff was happy since starting on your own 2-yard line sure beats an opposing offense with Randy Moss staring at your endzone in the redzone. The Hammerheads were unable to make anything happen, but the clock was killed and the Hammerheads went into halftime with the 10-0 lead.
The Warriors got the ball first coming out of halftime and they got off to a good start when CB/KR "Pacman" Jones returned the ball to their own 44-yard line. A critical turn in the game occurred at this juncture as rookie QB Michael Addis was hit as he threw for an incompletion, but Addis came up gimpy and had to be removed from the game. Fellow rookie QB Chuckie Platt entered the game, and on his third pass attempt, he was intercepted by FS Sean Jones on a beautifully executed blitz scheme. The Hammerheads began to put together another drive, and on a pass intended for TE Jefferson, SS Lenny Walls was flagged for pass interference, giving the Hammerheads a first down. Next, QB Alford found a wide open WR Dante Hall downfield and connected with him on a 26-yard reception to get into Warriors' territory. The Hammerheads settled on a 39-yard Ernster field goal with 3:05 remaining in the third quarter, making the score 13-0 Hammerheads. On the kickoff, CB/KR "Pacman" Jones returned the ball and broke away from the crowd, but luckily for the Hammerheads, rookie CB Shaun Kiniry was there to make the touchdown-saving tackle at the Hammerheads' 25 yard line. The Warriors began their drive and a sack by Hammerheads' OLB Julian Peterson forced the Warriors to settle on a field goal from Scobee - a 50-yarder that split the uprights unlike his first miss, making the score 13-3 Hammerheads with 2:00 remaining in the third quarter. On the Hammerheads' next drive, DE Erasmus James caused a fumble on a hit on QB Alford and CB "Pacman" Jones fell on the ball, giving the Warriors possession. Next, Warriors' QB Michael Addis found WR Randy Moss open enough to catch and run to the endzone for a 77-yard touchdown reception, making the score 13-10 Hammerheads with 25 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The hammerheads failed to convert a first down after a QB Alford throw was dropped by WR Isaac Bruce, forcing a punt, which P Andy Groom got to the Warriors' own 10-yard line. The Warriors would then make a game-costing mistake as QB Addis found the hands of CB Lito Sheppard in a zone scheme, and Sheppard made it count by taking it 19-yards to the house for a touchdown to make the score 20-10 with 6:42 remaining in the game, Sheppard's second defensive touchdown this season. Later in the game, another Addis pass was intercepted by Sheppard, which would seal the events in the game as the remainder consisted of punting and clock-chewing, final score 20-10 Ocean City.
Player of the game was CB Lito Sheppard, whose 1 tackle, 2 interception, 27 return yards, 1 defensive touchdown performance sealed the game when a Warriors' comeback appeared imminent. CB Shawn Springs, who contained Moss to under 100 yards receiving while recording 2 tackles and 4 passes defensed, and FS Sean Jones, who finished with 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, 13 return yards, and 1 pass defensed were other players who had a major impact on the outcome. Other notable performances were: HB Rudi Johnson (17 carries, 84 yards [4.9ypc]); TE Richard Jefferson (5 receptions, 95 yards, 11 YAC), and the entire blocking unit of Ocean City, including the offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks, runningbacks, and special teams players - who played a physical game in which the Hammerheads as a team compiled 57 pancake sacks.
The Hammerheads will attempt to build on this win when they head home to Aquamarine Stadium to host the Okaloosa Indians (1-2) in a week four showdown.
The third quarter primarily featured drives to midfield that were stalled, followed by punts. After a few of these situations - two by the Royals and one by the Hammerheads - the Hammerheads got the ball. QB Earl Alford hoped to get the team back on track down only a touchdown, but instead, he threw another interception to Royals' rookie CB Richard Rose. Later in the game, with less than two minutes to go, the Royals were able to put the game farther out of reach as a stellar drive was concluded when FB Mike Sellers caught a Shephard pass and got into the endzone to make the score 21-7 Royals with 1:14 remaining in the game. QB Patrick Ramsey entered the game and would go 1-5 for 9 yards and a 39.6 QB rating on the drive, with the end result being yet another Hammerheads' punt. The game seemed to be over, but the Hammerheads' defense wasn't ready to give up yet. A handoff to HB Thomas Jones was jarred loose by DT Ryan Sims, and who came up with it??? - MLB Boomer Grigsby! The Hammerheads, who watched two quarterbacks struggle, went to the bench again and brought in QB Philip Rivers to be the lifesaver. He failed pretty much just as bad as the other two as he was sacked twice and finished the game 0-5 with a 39.6 QB rating. Royals win 21-7.
There was very little good to comment about for the Hammerheads, who watched their offense struggle to put points on the board after a solid first drive. QB Earl Alford finished 8-19 for 144 yards with 1 TD, 3 INT's, and a 46.7 QB rating - a performance that drew booes from the home crowd in his first start in Ocean City. Notable performances on the day for Ocean City were those of: FS Sean Jones (11 tackles), MLB Boomer Grigsby (1 tackle, 1 fumble recovery), MLB Lofa Tatupu (0 tackles, 1 INT, 8 return yards, 1 pass defensed), DT Ryan Sims (2 tackles, 1 forced fumble), DT Ian Scott (3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack), and rookie 1st round selection DE Dave Hutton (2 tackles, 1 sack), who recorded his first career sack.
The Hammerheads will attempt to turn around their 0-2 start when they travel to big-game WR Randy Moss and the County Cork Warriors, who defeated the Hammerheads last season.
The Hammerheads' started rookie QB Earl Alford over potent starters QB Patrick Ramsey and QB Philip Rivers. QB Drew Brees looked to pick up where he left off for the Destroyers, leading the team to yet another PFL Bowl - but unfortunately for Destroyers' head coach Rick, the team came up short once again. The Destroyers won the toss and kicked off to Ocean City, who failed to make anything happen and were forced to punt, and P Andy Groom pinned the Destroyers on their own eight-yard line. On the Destroyers' first possession, the team dodged a major bullet when Hammerheads' MLB Boomer Grigsby hit HB Willie Parker hard, jarring the ball loose, but a Destroyers quickly pounced on it to keep the ball on their hands. The Destroyers were forced to punt after another big MLB Grigsby play - a pass defensed over the middle, but from the Destroyers' perspective, this was a break since the Hammerheads' now would have to work for field position. The Hammerheads moved the ball a bit but on a 3rd down, QB Earl Alford hit a wide-open WR Michael Clayton between the numbers, only to watch him drop the sure first-down, forcing another punt. Going into the second quarter, the Destroyers had the ball, but the first big play of the game occurred in an otherwise defensive-oriented game, an interception by Hammerheads' CB Lito Sheppard on QB Drew Brees! The Hammerheads failed to make anything of it, but the defense was finally beginning to step up after a very disappointing season last year for the unit as a whole - AND specifically Lito. Rumor had it that the Hammerheads' front office was so disappointed with the lack of playmaking from Lito that they had talked to teams about trading the young cornerback. Another Groom punt pinned the Destroyers at their own 6-yard line, but the Destroyers would make something happen on their ensuing drive. On this next drive, QB Drew Brees would connect with TE Eric Johnson for a 45-yard touchdown reception with 2:43 remaining in the first half, making it 7-0 Destroyers. The Hammerheads weren't about to just lay down and die, however, and QB Alford and the potent Hammerheads' offense made something happen by driving downfield and scoring on a 10-yard pass from Alford to WR Reggie Wayne, evening the score up now at 7 with 1:06 remaining. The insanity continued after the Destroyers went three-and-out on their next drive, with HB Rudi Johnson taking the handoff 70-yards to the house, making the score 14-7 Ocean City with 32 seconds remaining in the first half. The Hammerheads hoped their defense would bend but not break in the final minute with Brees' dangerous passing; however, Brees came out firing and he hit WR David Givens, who avoided the safeties and took it all the way to tie the score going into halftime at 14.
Coming out of halftime, the Destroyers had possession and they looked to come out strong after a somewhat ugly first half for both squads. After Drew Brees' last possession in which he worked magic prior to halftime, this drive wouldn't be successful at all. The pass-happy quarterback threw his second pass of the day into the hands of CB Lito Sheppard, and this time Sheppard took it 45-yards to the endzone, giving the Hammerheads the 21-14 lead 14 seconds into the second half. On the Destroyers next possession, K Sebastian Janikowski had a bad snap 53-yard field goal attempt that went hardly anywhere and missed [LAG]. The Hammerheads' moved upfield quickly as two defensive pass interference penalties were called and then QB Earl Alford hit WR Michael Clayton in the endzone for a 28-yard touchdown reception, making the score 28-14 Hammerheads. On the next possession for Maui, MLB Boomer Grigsby was called for a pass interference penalty giving Maui the automatic first down. On second down, S Daylon McCutcheon got into the backfield and sacked Brees, setting up a third and long. But again, as he did throughout the game, Brees beat the adversity and found WR Mark Bradley for the 20-yard touchdown reception to cut into the Hammerheads lead, score now 28-21 with 1:33 remaining in the third quarter. The Hammerheads were forced to punt on their next possession and the Destroyers were able to put another drive together going into the fourth quarter. The drive was capped when Brees hit HB Steven Jackson out of the backfield for a 3-yard touchdown reception, tying the score at 28 with 6:31 remaining in the game. On the Hammerheads next possession, they were forced to punt once again and P Andy Groom's hard, awkward kick hit KR/PR Bernard Berrian in the hands and he fumbled the ball ---- and Hammerheads' rookie CB Shaun Kiniry recovered it deep in Destroyers' territory!!! QB Alford found WR Isaac Bruce open and he caught the ball and was tackled on the 1, and then bruising FB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala jammed the ball in from the 1 to give the Hammerheads the 35-28 lead with 5:25 remaining in the game. The Destroyers got upfield and settled for a 41-yard Janikowski field goal after another S McCutcheon sack on Brees, which made the score 35-31 with 3:40 to play. The Hammerheads killed some clock with the run and then were forced to punt and on the Destroyers attempt at a comeback victory late, QB Brees was picked off by rookie CB Shaun Kiniry with time dwindling. This put the ball at about midfield for Ocean City to work on sealing the deal. A handoff to HB LaMont Jordan was taken 21 yards and put the Hammerheads on the Destroyers' 12-yard line, and then the unthinkable occurred. Alford handed the ball off to HB Rudi Johnson, who was hit by DT Tommie Harris, and the ball came loose.... and it is picked up by Destroyers' rookie safety Kelvin Nash, and he beat everyone with his feet and took it to the endzone - a heartbreaking 88-yard fumble return touchdown to make the score 38-35 with 1:47 to go. The Hammerheads decided to pull QB Earl Alford and go with backup QB Philip Rivers, and he complete 3 of his first 4 passes on the last ditch drive, but the Hammerheads' fate was sealed when Rivers threw a pass into the waiting hands of Destroyers' safety Adam Archuleta, ending the game and crushing what looked like a sure win for Ocean City. Especially taking into account that HB Rudi Johnson fumbled only once all of last season.
Although the Hammerheads lost the game, Hammerheads' head coach/GM Joshua Biddle said "we had some rough moments out there today, but for the most part, we executed when we needed to. You minus that fumble by Rudi and we probably win that game. It's a shame how it ended, but it reinforced for us that there are no sure things in football. There are no sure things. And I probably made the wrong decision to pull Earl [Alford] in the final minute. I panicked and didn't expect to find myself in that situation and it cost us bigtime". HB Rudi Johnson could not be reached for comment after the game as he left immediately. Notable performances for Ocean City were QB Earl Alford (15-29 for 215 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 99.0 QB Rating), MLB Boomer Grigsby (8 tackles [2 for loss], 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed), CB Lito Sheppard (2 tackles, 2 INT's, 45 INT return yards, 1 defensive TD, 5 passes defensed), and P Andy Groom (6 punts, 357 yards, 59.5 avg, 79 long, 5 inside 20, 1 touchback).
After the game, the Hammerheads made an intriguing free agent signing, signing veteran CB Tory James to a 7-year contract. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. James' signing adds more depth to a very young secondary - one that includes two rookies in nickleback Shaun Kiniry and dimeback Bo Nakfoor. James is expected to get playing time as the fifth defensive back, but will battle with S Daylon McCutcheon for the spot.
1(6) DE Dave Hutton Florida A&M
1(11) TE Richard Jefferson Penn State
2(30) CB Shaun Kiniry Penn State
2(35) CB Bo Nakfoor Arizona State
2(48) QB Earl Alford Michigan
3(54) S Jason Jackson S.D. State
4(78) LB Champ "Ostrich" Ostresh Tulane
6(126) DT Rob Barker Stanford
7(150) DE Ryan Spangler LSU
With the sixth pick in the draft, the Hammerheads selected DE Dave Hutton from Florida A&M. Hutton, 23, immediately becomes the fastest defensive end in the entire PFL along with Horsemen's DE Dwight Freeney. Both ran identical 40-times in their respective drafts and the coaching staff of the Hammerheads is hoping Hutton can have as much success as Freeney. The plan seems to be that Hutton will immediately start at left defensive end (LE) and DE Will Smith will move to right defensive end (RE) and supplant DE Darren Howard of his starting spot. Howard's spot on the Hammerheads could be in limbo now if he demands to be traded; however, the Hammerheads love having depth and Howard is a defensive end who is primed to stop the run, which could be a major asset for a team that has shifted gears defensively and is now focusing on a lethal pass rush.
TE Richard Jefferson out of Penn State was the 11th overall selection in the PFL Draft and the Hammerheads are extremely excited about this pick. The 6'7", 22-year old college standout was valued very highly by the Hammerheads, but the team passed on him at #6 because they were very sure Hutton would not be available at #11 and knew he would be the best value pick and arguably the best player available. The team did not expect Jefferson to fall as far as he did after the success of mammoth Vengeance TE Gregg Guenther, who was second in the PFL in receiving yards and led the Vengeance to a PFL Championship. Jefferson not only has height, as he is also the fastest tight end in the league alongside Horsemen TE Antonio Gates. The only concern about Jefferson is his hands, as he was more of a multi-faceted tight end in college, one who was able to maul lesser linemen and then glide into the flat or middle of the field on a delayed route for easy catches. There is no doubt that he will need to adjust to the PFL game, but early indications are his hands have looked good and he is expected to be a big contributer to the Hammerheads' offense.
With the 30th overall pick in the PFL Draft, the Hammerheads selected CB Shaun Kiniry - a 23-year old also out of Penn State. Kiniry and Jefferson were friends at Penn State and Jefferson was thrilled when he heard the news that Kiniry was selected. After the selection of Kiniry, the Ocean City media asked Jefferson how he felt about it and he was quoted as saying, "I'm happy we'll be going through our rookie season together, we had some good times at Penn State, that's for sure. I knew there was a shot we'd get him since our team lacked depth in the secondary but I figured they'd take Bo-Nak [referring to Arizona State CB Bo Nakfoor], who was regarded as better." Kiniry is now the fastest cornerback on the Hammerheads' roster and has the speed and quickness needed to cover most PFL receivers. He is raw though and isn't polished, so he will need some development before he comes to the forefront of the Hammerheads' secondary. He is expected to be the nickleback for the Hammerheads' opener. Ironically enough, the Hammerheads already had Arizona State CB Bo Nakfoor in mind and five picks later at the 35th overall selection, the Hammerheads pulled the trigger on drafting their second consecutive cornerback. Nakfoor, 22, is a year younger than Kiniry and more polished, but lacks the linear speed that Kiniry has. This made it a toss up as to who the Hammerheads would take at #30, but the fact that the team ended up with both is a major positive in the front office's mind. Nakfoor will likely start at dimeback in the opener.
With the 48th overall selection and the final pick of the second round, the Hammerheads turned to offense and selected QB Earl Alford, a strong-armed quarterback out of Michigan. The addition of this talented quarterback was made as the quarterback supply in the draft dwindled and the team's need for a third quarterback increased after Hammerheads' QB Stefan LeFors' season-ending performance. LeFors is likely to be cut and the team is likely to have an open competition at quarterback between Alford, Philip Rivers, and Patrick Ramsey. Neither Rivers nor Ramsey had a great first season and they may be fighting an uphill battle.
With the 54th overall selection in the draft, the Hammerheads' went back to defense and drafted S Jason Jackson out of San Diego State. Jackson is a 6'4" safety who has decent speed, acceleration, and persistence - traits that made this youngster stick out. It is very likely that he will start at strong safety, moving incumbant strong safety Sean Jones to free safety and forcing both FS Erik Coleman and CB/S Daylon McCutcheon to the bench.
With the 78th overall pick in the draft, the Hammerheads looked to shore up their linebacker core by selecting speedy OLB Champ "Ostrich" Ostresh out of Tulane. Ostresh, 22, will likely backup LOLB Julian Peterson, but could see extensive time on special teams. The team wants him in their plans and could be a force in a few seasons or possibly even this season.
With the 126th overall pick in the draft, the Hammerheads selected DT Rob Barker out of Stanford. Barker stood out because he brings a bit more strength and depth to the interior defensive line, which is something the coaching staff wants a surplus of. Head coach/GM Joshua Biddle says the main problem last season was failing to put adequate pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and Biddle wants every potential option available to make sure it becomes reality by the time the regular season rolls around. Similarly, the 150th pick in the draft was used on DE Ryan Spangler, a strong DE out of LSU. Spangler has lots of raw strength and could see some time as an end in schemes with three-man defensive fronts.