Elephants Down Sharks 41-34

In the latest edition of "IFL Madden Video Game Football," we survived a great rally by the Palermo Sharks to win our home opener in wild fashion Saturday, 41-34.  The week 3 win moves our record to 2-1 heading into next week's matchup against the other Palermo team, the Corsari - who are also 2-1.

The game itself was a back and forth battle, beginning with the first challenge: getting the game started.  Due to some unknown circumstances, 2 of our referees were Missing In Action - thus pushing the start of the contest back almost an hour!  (Which fits right in with Italian Time...)

When we finally kicked off, our defense played strong and forced a punt on their first possession.  4 plays later Gregorio Barbagallo ran a beautiful post route for a 35 yard score and a 6-0 lead.  However, this Palermo team was much improved from the team we scrimmaged a month ago, and began to battle back - led by their Mexican Quarterback Arturo Sanchez.  Palermo's offense, using a "run and shoot" style ball control, utilized a quick passing attack of slants and outs to march the field and even the score.  However, the lead was short lived, as Matt Epperson ran the ensuing kickoff back, giving us the lead again.

The first half continued in that same fashion, with both teams scoring almost every possession for a 27-25 halftime lead for the Sharks.  However, we came out strong in the second half, and took the lead on two Claudio Mangano touchdown catches - one from 60 yards and the other on 4th and goal from the 1 yard line.  Needless to say, I was smiling on the sidelines as I couldn't believe we were in another see-saw shootout!  I finished the game with 293 yards and 4 touchdown passes (Claudio had 7 catches for 153 yards, Matt had 3 for 66) and another 11 yard touchdown run, while Sanchez himself threw 5 TDs.

One funny note - most of my family and friends tease me for not being the "strongest runner."  I just want everyone back in the US to know that I had 4 runs for over 10 yards... Mike Vick who?  haha...

In the fourth quarter, both defenses stiffened, with the Sharks having one final try to tie the game.  However, our "D" stepped up huge, and didn't allow the Sharks into the endzone down the stretch, highlighted by a great 4th down sack by Fabio to seal the win.

I must say that what happened after the game is what really will stick with me.  The Sharks players - who I must commend for playing with extreme heart and determination - were all very friendly and gracious, and I enjoyed talking at length with many of them.  They are a quality team, who despite 3 close losses, are getting better every week and show the level of competitiveness in the IFL.  The moments spent after the game with our family, friends, teammates, and now competitors makes me further realize that football is much more than just the SCOREBOARD... but about the experience of being in the "arena" and getting to learn more about yourself as a person and grow from the lessons you have learned.

~ J. Twice