On the last night of games at the Hawkeye Recreation Fields, the Ninjas defeated Boss Hoggin’, 19-6.
The victory caps off an undefeated season and a gives the Ninjas a chance to win the All-University tournament held at the Bubble beginning today.
“We’re excited to play in the Bubble,” Ninjas’ senior quarterback Korey Hahn said. “It’s a different atmosphere indoors.”
But the road there was not an easy one.
The Ninjas had to first beat Channel 4 News, a 9-0 final, and then play Boss Hoggin’ immediately following that game. Boss Hoggin’ came up with a huge upset in its first contest, winning over highly touted UISC, 21-20.
“We’re just tired and fatigued,” Boss Hoggin’ sophomore Mike Kausa said. “We spent all that energy in the first game. There was a lot of hype around UISC. They do stand out, but I think we just got a little too ahead of ourselves.”
That exhaustion was part of the reason for several of Boss Hoggin’s penalties.
On a drive late in the second quarter, Boss Hoggin’ committed back-to-back false starts before being sacked to force a punt. The team then had a false start on the kick.
The field was again a problem for the teams, Boss Hoggin’ sophomore Jordan Taylor said.
“With all the mud, it’s hard for our quarterback to move around,” he said. “One of our strengths is being able to roll out.”
While Boss Hoggin’s upset over the defending flag-football champions was its most significant feat this year, the team still has a lot to look forward to in the coming seasons.
“We are only sophomores now,” Zach Gallan said. “And we’re going to be back the next two years. Teams are going to have to watch out for us.”
The Ninjas, meanwhile, are a senior-laden team and will be under extra pressure without any championship experience. This is the furthest it has made it through the playoffs.
“It’s our last shot to win it all,” Hahn said. “If we play up to our capabilities, I don’t think anyone can beat us. We control our own destiny.”
DCD earns All-U spot with victory
DCD defeated Favre’s Favorites, 20-0, Sunday night to grab the final championship slot for the men’s “A” Open League.
Junior Rudy Dell credited the team’s defensive prowess as the key to its success this season.
“They were a good team with a bunch of good athletes,” he said. “They were definitely one of the faster teams we have played, but our defense prevailed again.”
DCD managed wins over Legit Ballers and RMFG on their way to the championship.
Squad members are confident they will be able to compete in the All-U finals.
“We have a good shot,” Dell said. “We watched the team before, and have a good feel for them.”
Senior signal-caller Rob Latzer and junior Tucker Sulzberger both had big games for DCD.
Latzer turned several broken plays into positive yards with his scrambling ability, and Sulzberger continued to perform at a high level.
“Tucker had a great game as always,” junior Greg Welker said. “Plus, our offensive line played great, and the defensive line got pressure.”