Feeling confident with an impressive (8-0) start, the Eagles got off to a blazing start in their week 7 JCC of Bayonne Indoor flag football Sr. Division encounter with the (2-7) Chargers. After a TD strike to Jacob Kowal, the Eagles surrendered a wire to wire TD bomb from Chris Ballance to Ryan Ballance and then after a two point catch by Chris Ballance the Eagles trailed 8-6. One play later, the Eagles soared to paydirt as Drew Radil reeled in a long TD toss from QB Matt Miceli before a Miceli to Radil two point pass made it 14-8, Eagles. Trying to answer the Chargers’ offense fell prey to the Eagles number one cover guy Jacob Kowal who pilfered a Chargers’ pass attempt at half court. The Chargers’ defense held tough as Mike Piscopi and Ryan Ballance made key stops to force the Eagles to go three and out. With their offense back in action, the Chargers once again got bit with the turnover bug as the Eagles Jacob Kowal returned an interception 30 yards for a TD before making it 22-8 with a two point grab. Trying to regroup, the Chargers turned the ball over again this time to the waiting hands of the Eagles’ Drew Radil. After two near misses with passes to Nicholas DePinto and Damon Taylor, the Eagles’ offense finally hit their mark as a TD and a two point toss to Jacob Kowal put the Eagles up 30-8. Staying true to their commitment to the pass, the Chargers began to make a move. First the surging Chargers made it 30-16 on a 25 yard TD strike and a two point dart to Ryan Ballance. Two minutes later the Eagles’ lead got cut to 30-22 as Chris Ballance hauled in a TD pass. Chopping away,the Chargers creeped even closer as Harsh Easwar’s leaping TD grab pulled the Chargers within two points at 30-28, Eagles. Unable to return to their early form, the Eagles turned the ball over on downs only to see the Chargers snatch a 34-30 advantage on another Easwar TD catch. With nine second remaining, the Eagles’ hopes of an undefeated season fell short as the Chargers’ Tristen Johnson came up with a diving interception to end the “barn burner” at 34-40, Chargers. A special mention must be given to the Eagles Da’Mien Taylor for his leadership on and off the court.
Additionally, the following players were recognized as exceptional players for the Sr. Division Week 7.
Offensive Player of the Week – Andres Giron – Bengals
Defensive Player of the Week – Kyle Arano- Bengals
Teamwork/ Leadership Player of the week- Ryan Ballance- Chargers