The Oxford squad ran into their old foe with the dirty name again in a game that featured numerous lead changes and some crazy plays. You may recall this team from the Fall 2008 season, when the Commas pried from their star player an explanation about the origin of "VaGiants". We also played them in the preseason game this year, although we weren't sure what they were called at the time; apparently all team names go through a ZogSports censor, who must have been bribed once again.
As usual, Oxford started the game on defense, holding New York to a punt. From there, the offense was able to drive downfield and score on a wild touchdown for Alex. When New York tied the game on the next series, the Commas managed to answer with an interception by Jon followed by a deep touchdown pass to Daniel. Before the half, however, the VaGiants' star receiver (and spokesman, I guess) gave New York the lead, 15-14.
After stalled drives for both teams opened the second half, Oxford finally punched through with a fingertip touchdown catch by Michelle, giving the Commas the edge again at 20-15. There was a valiant effort by the defense, led by Brian at the safety position and bolstered by OUP mercenary Dominic. Still, the frighteningly accurate passing by the VaGiants' QB put the bad guys in the lead for good. Two last ditch efforts failed, including a desperation Hail Mary, and Oxford had its first (official) loss of the season, 29-20.
Undaunted, the Commas vowed to fight again in the playoffs. That would be--what exactly? A rubber match? That suggests we've beaten them once. "Third time's the charm"? Still doesn't work--a playoff game would in fact be the fourth meeting with the VaGiants. We promise to come up with an appropriate sports cliche when the time comes.
Now begins the toughest stretch of the season for Oxford, with games against several solid teams, including Hot Little Hands (a team we played last season) and two other top-ranked clubs. Tune in next week!
All of the videos are here. Thanks, Gina. You were especially giggly this week.
For those of you who thought you were too small to play football, please watch the Inspirational Football Clips of the week here and here.
Dayne with the catch and run:
Iain copies her.
Kari, however, decides to take a break after a tough catch.
A potential TD for Elyse is swatted away at the last second.
On a play the ref described as "pure comedy," Alex scores after a totally unnecessary scramble by Robert.
Alex follows up with the conversion. Oxford is up 8-0.
Jon gets his weekly batted pass. For every one, the United Way donates ten dollars to a hospital or something.
The defense holds. Iain shows us to always knock down the pass on fourth down, instead of going for the interception. You did mean to knock it down, right Iain?
Elyse defends a pass, and Alex comes up with the interception. Sure, he may have been on the sideline, but you're missing the point.
The VaGiants score a touchdown and then this conversion, both by the same troublesome receiver. The score is tied 8-8.
Jon gets an interception.
Oxford retakes the lead on a touchdown bomb to Daniel. They would miss the conversion, making it 14-8.
The VaGiants tie on this touchdown, and then retake the lead on the ensuing conversion, 15-14.
The half ends with a desperation pass that is intercepted by the VaGiants.
Catch and run by Daniel.
A bobbling catch by Dayne.
Iain puts the Commas within the five yard line.
Michelle scores on a fingertip catch.
A drive stalls when a pass to Gonzo is tipped and then intercepted.
"That was nice. She's on top of her game today."
VaGiants take the lead to make it 21-20.
Gonzo with the catch.
Dayne completes a pass to the "pretty boy."
The Commas desperately try to take the lead on this bomb, but it is not to be. Iain is still running laps for this one. Gina sounds like she's dying.
The VaGiants put the game out of reach with this touchdown, making it 29-20 with a minute left.
Ending things on a good note, here is a great shoestring catch by Daniel.
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