Kicking System Blog

Saturday, April 21st

Cox Arena

San Diego, CA

RB Ty Evans scored on three 2nd half runs and the defense added two more scores as the San Diego Shockwave quelled a short 3rd quarter Pomona Cool Rider rally to win a hard-hitting, fiercely competitive NIFL game 61 - 32 in front of 3,473 enthusiastic fans at Cox Arena.

It appeared the Shockwave would coast to an easy victory as they dominated both sides of the ball in the first half while outscoring
Pomona 20 - 0 nearing halftime.

Then, with just 35 seconds remaining in the half DL Ricky Leungwai blocked and fell on a long field goal attempt for a touchdown, making it 27 - 0. But the Cool Riders scored with just 2 seconds remaining when QB Neo Aoga hit fleet WR Cameron Coffey on a 20 yard corner route.

The second half, while much closer, opened with Shockwave DB Darren Brooker returning one of his two interceptions for a 38 yard TD at 14:02 of the 3rd quarter, making the score 34 - 6. The Cool Riders rallied for two quick scores midway through the 3rd quarter to cut the Shockwave lead to a more respectable 34 - 19. But
Pomona could only get within 14 points; when the Shockwave held a 40 - 26 lead at the 5:20 mark of the 3rd quarter.

Evans would put the Cool Riders’ away for good, scoring on back-to-back 3 yard runs making the score 54 - 26 midway through the 4th quarter.

“Ty Evans performed well for the second week in a row,” said Shockwave coach Bob Bees. “He’s been working very hard and overall we played well. The offensive line had a good game, giving our QB’s time to find their receivers. And Brooker’s interception was a key play for us opening the second half.”

The defense continues to shine, forcing multiple
Pomona turnovers and stifling them in the red zone. “We started a little slow, our pass rush wasn’t as good as the past few games,” commented Defensive Coordinator Montra Edwards. “But our secondary stepped up and took care of business. Because
Pomona hadn’t played before, we didn’t have film to study so it was tougher to plan. It was a good, but not great effort. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Shockwave DL Andre Reed had 2.5 sacks and harassed Cool Rider QB Aoga all night. Shockwave WR Deondre Alexander and Cool Rider WR Cameron Coffey each had 6 receptions and 1 TD. Accurate Shockwave K John Matich hit a 47 yard FG early in the 2nd quarter, a remarkable feat considering that NIFL goal posts are 50% of the width of NFL goal posts.

We were fortunate to win another game against the Pomona Cool Riders.  We ended up winning 61-32 in San Diego.  It was not my best game, to say the least.  I did hit a 45 yard field goal and 5 extra points. But I did miss my first extra point and had missed a short field goal.  I had two or three roughing the kicker calls for me.  They team kept coming off the edge hard and basically takled me almost every time I kicked. We even got into a scuffle at one point about it. It learned that I gave to keep my head in the game and not get to heated. I also attempted a 50 yard field that I hit straight but was a couple of yards short but I had a rounghing the kicker called for me as Pomona hit me just after I made contact.

It was a busy weekend as I had was on the field all morning before the game and had 8 sessions on Sunday. I cant complain as I love helping people and playing football!!

I am almost finished with the Masters Project for my graduate school, I am gethering all the surveys I sent out and have to write a few more sections. Again I am redoing my business plan for The Kicking System for the MP. Fun stuff!!

 John Matich