Football

DEFENSE SHINES IN BUDWEISER ALL-STAR GAME

The best of the Budweiser Football League met Saturday in what was expecting to be a high scoring shootout, but defense prevailed in a single touchdown game.

Published on

February 8, 2014

GSPN

By Mike Nauta Jr.

With no sign of rain clouds anywhere and the scorching sun burning bright, the Budweiser Football League couldn’t ask for a nicer day as the league’s elite players were set for their all-star game.

With the two sides wearing red and blue jerseys respectively, the all-stars were grouped as Team Budweiser and Team Bud Light. Despite a few game modifications, players from both teams came ready for some exciting and intense gridiron action. At the conclusion of the game, it was Team Budweiser that claimed a 6-0 shutout victory.

“Its a little different with the modifications, but what matters in the end is the league’s best players from different teams were able to showcase their talents,” said Team Bud Light’s Travis Meno.

Budweiser was first on offense and quickly looked to set the tone. Back-to-back runs by Stephen “Juice” Santos gave Budweiser a first down conversion and advanced the ball to the 40-yard line. However, Bud Light held ground on defense and eventually forced their opponents to turn the ball over on downs.

With their first crack on offense and S.P. Phillips under center, Bud Light was looking for their first six points. A 20-yard pass completion by Philips put his team in the red zone. However, on the ensuing snap a fumble by Bud Light denied any chances of a score.

Budweiser Paul Unger runs down the sideline to avoid being sacked in the backfield. (photo by Joey Blas)

While the clock continued to tick away in the opening quarter, both teams found some difficulty trying to punch the ball through the end zone for six. Each would run a complete series of downs but to no avail.

It wasn’t until they regained possession back in the second quarter when Budweiser finally ended the scoring drought. After quarterback Paul Unger connected with teammate Jacob Torre for a 39-yard reception, Budweiser looked poised to score as they faced first and goal from the one-yard line. The very next play witnessed Santos plowing his way through the Bud Light defense for the touchdown and a 6-0 lead.

With less than four minutes in the half, Bud Light went to work and turned to their ground game to push the chains. Combined with penalties and big runs by Ryan Bigler and Tom Medler, Bud Light hoped to equalize the game as they earned a fresh set of downs starting from the Budweiser 26-yard line. However, the Budweiser defense proved their toughness by forcing a turnover on downs. The opening half eventually came to an end with Budweiser holding their six-point advantage.

After returning to the field for second-half action, Bud Light began with the ball on offense. Bigler immediately busted open a 19-yard run only to be brought back due to a holing penalty. Despite picking-up two straight first downs, Bud Light ran into trouble as Budweiser’s Jeremiah San Nicolas picked-off a Philips pass.

The remainder of the game would become a defensive battle. Neither team was able to work their way into the end zone. When the final whistle blew to signal the end of the game, it was Team Budweiser raising their hands victorious.