By Josh Davis
A lot of people were talking about the 1-2 Zappers as we entered Week 4. Johnny Manziel had to leave the bubble for a medical issue last week and wasn’t ready for the matchup vs the Beasts due to COVID-19 protocols.
Then the massive attention around Zappers’ co-owner Bob Menery bringing in WR Josh Gordon also kept them in the news.
They tagged QB Logan Marchi, to solidify the QB position, and were able to bring in Hail Mary specialist QB Braden Smith. After an excellent draft and the arrival of Gordon, they were the sexy pick to hand the undefeated Beasts their first loss.
The Zappers had the ball first and immediately got to work. Franchised SB Anthony Jones had a big run. Then an 8-yard pass to WR Isaiah King set the Zappers up to get on the board first.
That score came by way of a 17-yard pass to none other than Flash Gordon himself. The MAN UP did not convert, but the Zappers took the early lead 6-0.
The offense didn’t get a lot of time to rest as the Shut Down Squad got themselves shut down by the World-Famous Quinton Flowers quick-strike ability. Game was tied at six a piece.
Just a few plays into the next possession, Marchi was able to extend the play and make the off-schedule throw to a wide-open Jones. Zappers go up 12-6.
Flowers took over on the next drive for the Beasts and the game would be tied 12-12.
For the Zappers, Smith did the same thing– put the team on his back, and hit frainchised WR Travis Toivonen for a TD. Zappers led 18-12 heading into the half.
Beasts TE Christopher Bazile fumbled on the first drive of the 2nd half, giving the ball back to the Zappers.
Zappers SB Berkley Edwards had a big run, setting up the Marchi to King connection for a TD. This time, the 1v1 converted, and the Zappers extended their lead, 26-12.
Beasts QB TJ Edwards showed off his arm as he connected with TE Deylon Key for a 40-yard strike, closing the gap to 26-18.
The Beasts would convert the FCF version of the onside kick, but the result of the drive was a turnover on downs. With the defense locked in, the Beasts intercepted a Marchi pass, setting up yet another electric finish.
The Beasts were able to score and tie the game, but when you have a big arm like Braden Smith 0:14 seconds is far too much time.
Smith launched the ball towards the end zone, and Josh Gordon came down with it, as time ran off the clock.
The Zappers took down the undefeated Beasts not only because of the addition of Gordon, but the entire team improved over the season, especially the fans.
Great drafts and a steady progress in play-calling were big parts of this victory. They’ve been close in their losses, and have asked for more of the running game.
But of the entire league, nobody has a bigger discrepancy in ratio between the run/pass calls. This game was no different. Only six times did the fans call a run and 25 times did they decide to air it out.
With receivers like Josh Gordon and TravDaddy, arms like Marchi and Smith, I understand. You still gotta use your Franchise SB, Jones, and we saw Edwards make big runs.
Nevertheless, the team came away with the W in the final week before the playoffs, finishing the regular season 2-2.
Beasts: 26
Zappers:32 FINAL
Zappers Week 4 Stat Leaders
RUSHING
Attempts Yards TD
Edwards 2 29 0
B. Smith 2 12 0
Jones 1 9 0
Marchi 1 6 0
PASSING
Comp/Att Yds TD
Marchi 6/15 85 3
B. Smith 5/10 70 2
RECEIVING
Rec Yds TD
Gordon 4 70 2
King 4 38 1
Jones 1 32 1
Sheehy 1 8 0
Toivonen 1 7 1
