With their hopes of an undefeating campaign doused, the (2-1) Eagles hoped to battle back as they faced the (1-2) Bengals in a JCC of Bayonne Indoor Flag Football rematch. After combining for 70 points (40-30) in their first meeting, the offenses continued to roll as the Bengals took a quick 6-0 lead on a Andres Giron TD catch after a first snap “pick” by Alex Camacho. The Eagles answered immediately with a coast to coast TD strike to Anthony Minotto and a two point pass to Ryan Ballance to gain an 8-6 lead. With Jared Radil at the QB helm, the Bengals made it 12-8 on a pinpoint dart to their sure handed TE Kyle Arano. Coming off a quiet start, the Eagles’ Erik Solis made his presence known by reeling in a TD and a two point toss to give the Eagles a 16-12 advantage. Jockeying for the lead, the Bengals countered with a TD pass to FB Alex Camacho to regain the lead at 18-16. The toe to toe brawl had its first haymaker when the Bengals’ Jared Radil picked off an Eagles’ pass and rumbled in for a TD followed by Radil’s two point throw to Kyle Arano putting the Bengals up 26-16. Sticking to the script, the Eagles returned to the air as Minotto fired a TD pass to Ryan Ballance and a two point bullet to Jacob Kowal cutting the Bengals’ lead to 26-24. Quickly back on offense the Eagles stormed up court with passes to Chris Ballance and Jacob Kowal but a tipped pass attempt ended the drive as the Bengals’ Andres Giron corralled the interception. After completing a 30 yard pass to Harsh Easwar, the Bengals’ stretched their lead to 32-24 with Alex Camacho notching his 2nd TD of the bout. Grounding their air attack, the Eagles turned to Anthony Minotto’s blazing speed to hit paydirt as Minotto’s 35 yard TD run made it 32-30, Bengals. One play after Ian Giron’s 20 yard scamper, the Bengals went all in hoping for an easy score but the Eagles’ Anthony Minotto had other ideas as Minotto picked off a pass at the one yard line and returned it for a score and a 36-32 Eagles’ lead. As both teams dug in for the final two minutes the Bengals struck first as Andres Giron turned a flair pass into a wire to wire TD and as Kyle Arano tacked on the 2 point conversion the lead changed hands once more at 40-36, Bengals. Having his best game ever, the Eagles’ Erik Solis got his squad back on top as Solis made it 42-40 with his 2nd TD. With 26 seconds remaining, the Bengals’ Alex Camacho somehow shook off double coverage to seemingly clinch the win with a goal to goal TD grab but while trailing 46-42 the Eagles’ Anthony Minotto reeled in his second pick but a loose flag ended his long return and the bout as the Bengals escaped with a 46-42 decision.
Week 3 Sr. Division:
Offensive Player of the week – Anthony Minotto – Eagles
Defensive Player of the week – Anthony Minotto – Eagles
Teamwork/ Leadership Player of the week – Anthony Minotto – Eagles