Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 1)

Nobody took the 2006 Falcon Bowl loss harder than QB Drew Brees. The Kickers' incoming Freshman class, including WR Antwaan Randle El and DL Julius Peppers, should give the quarterback something to boost his spirits. A Week 1 matchup against the expansion Octoberfests doesn't hurt either.








Goal Line Stand (Week 1)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette




"I'm not surprised," said Athol A&M running back Willis McGahee. "They're a bunch of cheats. They always have been, and they always will be."

This was just a sample of the kind of uproar surrounding the alleged “stealing” of running back LaMont Jordan. Sources say that Golden University Athletic Director Michael Comtois sent a letter to Jordan saying he’d been drafted by the Gryphons, when in fact the 28-year old veteran had been recruited by Athol. Comtois told reporters that it was a "misinterpretation of the rules" and has complied with Conference officials in rectifying this situation.

The turmoil in Colorado could cause some distraction as the Gryphons host the University of Mexico in Week 1. Wildcats fans in town for the game have already been seen walking around with slanderous signs such as "Don’t Run From The Truth" and "Check The Roster", but Comtois hasn't fazed.

"They're from Mexico, what do they know?"

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BHU @ SU
Peyton Manning threw for 600 yards and 4 TDs in two preseason games for the Crazy Horses, and while preseason should not be taken so strongly, it doesn't hurt to have a little confidence. Stardust will be given their championship plaques prior to the game, as A.D. Walter Sobchak loves to put on a show.

On the other side, The King should be a little nervous with Edgerrin James and Duece McAllister in their backfield. While the duo can put up decent numbers, they’re no match for the Baltimore defense. Stardust should handle Bud Heavy quite easily this week.



DUBA @ UAK
The Octoberfests took the traditional expansion route, loading their roster with young talent such as RB DeAngelo Williams and WRs Vincent Jackson and Anthony Gonzalez. Don't expect much from the Freshmen, though 8th-Year Senior Hines Ward should put up some good numbers.

The Kickers went out and recruited some youth of their own, but still have a solid core of proven skill. Sophomore RB Reggie Bush will see limited playing time behind Frank Gore and Lawrence Maroney, giving Kickery the best backfield in the league. That power running game will help start the Kickers' season right.


RAK @ AAM
Athol's title hopes have never been higher, and anything less than a 2007 title will be a disappointment. Their 6 starting skill positions are filled by returning students, and transfer TE Kellen Winslow will be a favorite target for Carson Palmer.

The expansion Grays had the top recruiting class in the conference, and will give them plenty of experience right away with 3 true freshman getting starts in Week 1. Calvin Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, and Nick Folk all had excellent preseasons, and if they can continue that into this matchup, they MIGHT not get completely destroyed by the Alchy's.


UM @ GU
Jordangate isn't the only storyline in Colorado this week, as these two teams made a blockbuster trade just before the entry draft. RB Larry Johnson is living in the Rockies now, while QB Marc Bulger will be taking the helm of the Wildcat offense. Adding Bulger to an offense that still has two '06 All-Conference players helps a lot.

Golden believes this is their year. After finishing in the bottom two of the league for the past 2 years, the Gryphons finally have a solid roster good enough to make a playoff push. If they pay attention and make the right moves, this could be an upset of the 2006 regular season champs.


AB @ GS
If Dublin is planning to compete in 2009, Anheuser-Busch University is eyeing 2015. Most of these guys were in diapers when Brett Favre took his first snap. However, ABU did do a good job recruiting some of the best young prospects available, and if QB Jay Cutler can keep his cool, they’ll surprise a few teams.

But probably not this week, as they face a strong Black Diamonds squad that started their preseason camp 2 weeks earlier than the rest of the league. Whether this may come back to haunt them, only time will tell, but this team is playing so well together they don’t even need a playbook, just eye contact.

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Power Rankings
1. Gillespie State ( - )
2. Arizona-Kickery ( - )
3. Mexico ( - )
4. Athol A&M ( - )
5. Fitchburg Tech ( - )
6. Stardust ( - )
7. Golden ( - )
8. Bud Heavy ( - )
9. Dublin ( - )
10. Rakeville ( - )
11. Anheuser-Busch ( - )

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League Notes
- Golden fans showing up early to this Sunday’s game will be quite disappointed. The first 25,000 people will receive LaMont Jordan bobbleheads. In order to rectify the situation, the next 25,000 people will receive $200.

- To gain an unnecessary advantage, Athol fans snuck into the Rakeville practice facility and filled the fridge with beers. WR Brandon Jackson was the first to see them, and was benched for Week 1 for drinking them all without sharing.

- When Commissioner Jason Sehorn was asked which expansion team would make the most noise this season he responded, "Probably the team that yells the loudest."