Stampede Close First Season With Win
by J.P. Matti
June 11, 2006 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Steubenville Stampede
Approaching St. John Arena, a range of thoughts came up. Will the season end with a win? Will the team play well? Will the fans show up? Will they even care?
It didn't take long for the questions to start to be answered. After two scheduling changes and the league failing to provide opponents, despite a schedule change, the Stampede were left hosting the Columbus Blackhawks of the Ohio Valley Football League.
Steubenville came out with a consistent game with few miscues. An about face from earlier in the year when mistakes and missed opportunities were commonplace. Josh Krapf was consistent at QB, hitting his targets, and knowing when to run.
Knowing when to run came early, as he took off down the right sideline moments into the game for a touchdown. 7-0 Steubenville. On the ensuing kickoff, the coverage was non-existent, and the Blackhawk returner made the most of it, taking it deep down the left side before being dragged down. After a touchdown and PAT, it was tied at 7-7.
The Stampede weren't done though, as the defense clamped down in the first half, holding them scoreless. And the offense under the direction of Krapf rarely missed on a play, taking a 41-7 lead into the lockerroom.
In the second half, a combination of the Blackhawks adjusting properly and the Stampede sitting on the lead, led to a long back-and-forth session between defenses. After finally coming together and gaining some consistency, the Blackhawks managed to notch two more touchdowns, while the Stampede did they same, closing the game out at 56-20.
It was the first victory on the field by the Steubenville Stampede. As the players, fans, and coaches milled about on the floor, most were relieved that a disappointing season could be finished on a high note. The estimated 800 fans in attendance were there throughout the game cheering for the home team.
They most certainly did care. It was a tough season for all involved. Including the fans. At 0-11 on the field, it was difficult. But the faithful returned for one last attempt at a victory.
The team plans a return next year with a full offseason to be prepared. Obviously, hoping for a better outcome on the field than 1-11.
*****
Notes About The Season :: It was a tough season. But, the players held on. DeJoeve Platt and Ryan Doran lasted the entire season as the team's general goodwill ambassadors. Sly Brumfield couldn't make the final game after overcoming a shoulder injury on May 6th against Erie. Hasan Brown, Carlos Spinner, Sam Barber, Josh Krapf, Kenny Davis, Ben Johnson, among others, who spent time with the Stampede at the end when the season was all-but-over. To the fans in attendance, it was a tough season and the faithful still came out one last time. To the coaches who faced an uphill battle all year coaching a new group of players, seemingly, every weekend. And to the management and owners, for sticking with the team through all the turmoil. All seven home games were played as promised. In indoor football, that's an accomplishment. But they all persevered.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from June 11, 2006
- Stampede Close First Season With Win - OSC Original by J.P. Matti
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