01-27-2023, 04:03 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-29-2023, 09:11 AM by Aneeqs. Edited 1 time in total.)
Going into week 9 the Bondi Beach Buccaneers are starting to sharpen our cutlasses. We had two games go into overtime and managed to end one in a tie. Giving the Buccaneers their first point in a season and a half. The team is slowly coming together and gelling more and more. Jamdrian has also been able to grow continuously and at this point he’s at his maximum capacity. At least until he finds his way into the upper league of the ISFL. Going into these next couple of weeks are going to be exciting. We’ll see if the Buccaneers can keep the fire going. And what Jamdrian can do when at his best.
Readers and graders alike might appreciate that I’ll be limiting each game to four plays from now on. Just looking at the more interesting plays, from my point of view, instead of writing a novel for each game. If nothing else my hands and wrists will thank me.
The ninth game of the season was played against the Dallas Birddogs
12:04 left in the first quarter - 2nd and 12 on DAL 40
First reported play in this game happens early on. Unsurprisingly we don’t have any numbers greater than zero on the board yet. But what we do have is the Birddogs on offense, almost halfway down. The offensive line up is one that points towards a run. We’re really only seeing two players line up as receivers. But alas, it was incorrect. Their massive offensive line steps up and protects their quarterback as he scans the field. At this time Jamdrian has met up with his new friend, Hammer Doo, #66. They meet up right between the snap and first down markers. Exchanging pleasant greetings before Doo cuts and tries to take off. This is when the ball comes flying their way. Doo manages to get slightly ahead of Jamdrian. But instead of following the player, Jamdrian runs slightly diagonally instead. Moving inches further away from the receiver in an attempt to cut off the ball’s path. He gets there in time! Although there’s no interception, Jamdrian got enough hands on it to pat it away.
9:36 left in the second quarter - 1st and 10 on BBB 25
A full quarter later we’re back and still no points on the board. The defensive squads have been doing great work so far. But this drive is looking like it could result in something for Dallas. They’ve made it all the way just outside the red zone. If nothing else this should result in a field goal. This lineup is exactly the same as the previously reported play. Looking likely to be a run. This time it actually turned out to be true. We saw a quick handoff to rookie running back KK Slider. Who coincidentally shares the same number as Jamdrian: #5. Slider gets off to an overwhelmingly fast start. Quickly making his way around the left side of the defensive line. The Buccaneers backs try to keep up but can’t quite get to him. The ball carrier made it far enough that he reached Jamdrian’s territory. Which isn’t a good sign for Bondi Beach. Jamdrian steps into the path of Slider who attempts to spin around, but allows himself to be taken down at the ten yard line.
1:56 left in the third quarter - 3rd and 8 on BBB 37
It’s now quite late in the game and the Buccaneers are up by three points. Things are getting exciting. Can this become the Buccaneers’ first win in over a season?! If so then they have to stop the current possession of the Biddogs. They’ve made it onto the Bondi Beach half, but are now living dangerously on a third down. They need to make some progress to at least have a chance at a field goal. Jamdrian can spot two receivers across from him. Hammer Doo as with most plays this game. But now also #7, rookie wide receiver Pat Truckel. With Jamdrian being double-teamed it seems pretty obvious where this ball will fly. Turns out, the play wasn’t very surprising. Both receivers bolt up the field with Jamdrian having to figure out who to cover. Seeing backup coming in from the safety, Jamdrian opts for #66 who’s further on the outside. Leaving Truckel for the safety to deal with. Even though Truckel had more space, their quarterback opted to throw to Doo. He managed to cradle the ball and tried to keep moving. Making it another yard before Jamdrian is all over him. And the ball popped loose! Doo fumbled the ball and it bounced towards the side line. Jamdrian was still mostly on his feet and managed to pick it up while stumbling. He recovered the fumble but didn’t get too far until the receivers caught up to him. A nice ten yard return gives the Buccaneers a solid starting position for the next drive. And removes all hope of points from the Birddogs.
5:14 left in the fourth quarter - 2nd and 8 on DAL 49
It’s been a very low scoring game so far. Since we last spoke the only score change was another field goal for the Buccaneers. Extending the still fragile lead. Dallas knows they’ve got to do something about this. A single touchdown would tie the game. The extra point would give them the lead. But first they gotta keep moving down the field. Once again Jamdrian locks eyes with Hammer Doo, hoping to keep him on a short leash. But when the ball snaps it’s Doo who gets the upper hand. #66 takes off but looks like he’s slowing down to cut inwards. But it was all a ruse! He changes direction and cuts in behind a now turned Jamdrian. Gaining almost four yards of space between the two. Their quarterback sees this happening and slings it towards Doo. But it’s too low! Even with the distance created the ball is flying right in a line above Jamdrian who uses up all the energy his legs have left to jump straight up. And he just barely manages to get a couple of fingers on the ball. Enough to change its trajectory. It lands on the field with no hands nearby.
This was a fantastic game for both the Buccaneers and Jamdrian personally. Bondi Beach gets their first win in a very long time. And Jamdrian was a big part of it today. Several solid plays to deny passes and even a recovered fumble from a dangerous spot. This was a game that would keep the Buccaneers locker room celebrating until the next morning.
The tenth game of the season was played against the Portland Pythons
12:50 left in the first quarter - 1st and 10 on POR 34
Thus begins the next game. The Buccaneers still high off their first win, trying to get another. Portland has possession and have made some progress in their first drive of the game. Not much, but enough to give them a new set of downs. Last game against Portland Jamdrian mainly faced off with the receiver Plant Based. But this time he’s on the other side of the field. And it looks like his friend for this game with be rookie tight end Detective Crashmore, #80. The ball snaps quickly as the Portland quarterback steps backwards. Jamdrian and Crashmore step up against each other with #80 trying to fake a run towards the outside. Jamdrian stays mostly put, not getting thrown off his step. But Crashmore doesn’t move much further up than that. The ball is thrown quickly and with solid accuracy into his hands. An easy catch. As Crashmore starts moving up the field Jamdrian is close, but not close enough. After the catch the tight end manages to snag nine or ten yards until he can be taken down. Not great coverage from Jamdrian early on.
4:11 left in the second quarter - 3rd and 3 on POR 13
Late in the second we see Bondi Beach with a fragile lead of four points. With Portland deep in their own half and on a dangerous 3rd down. This was a play they could really use some gains from to not allow the Buccaneers an above average starting position on their following drive. Again Jamdrian stood across Crashmore who has played a lot of this game as a receiver compared to a standard tight end position. This play was a close fought one between the two as they stayed neck and neck for the entirety of it. Crashmore cut left and right, stopped and started. It took a lot for Jamdrian to keep up. Unfortunately a split second opening was all they needed. Their quarterback threw the ball as shot out of a cannon towards #80. It hit him right in the chest and even with Jamdrian climbing his back the tight end was able to bring it in as he fell to the ground. It wasn’t a massive gain, but it was enough to collect a new set of downs.
12:15 left in the fourth quarter - 3rd and 8 on POR 4
Much later in the game we look at a play that closely mirrored the previous one. Except for the fact that Portland had now run away with the game. The fragile lead from late in the second in favor of the Buccaneers is now a solid lead in favor of the Pythons. It would take a lot for Bondi Beach to catch back up. But one way to do it would be on this play. Very deep in Portland’s half on a 3rd down. As mentioned this play is practically the same as what we saw last. Jamdrian vs Crashmore, a lot of back and forth forcing our cornerback to stay on top of his game. The difference in this play was the outcome. Instead of Crashmore putting himself between Jamdrian and the ball it was now Jamdrian who got the upper hand. Not in a way that would allow an interception, but as the the ball was thrown and #80 tried to get his hands on it, Jamdrian’s arm flew in! Out of seemingly nowhere his arm grew a couple of feet. Just enough to get in front of the ball before Crashmore could. Tipping the ball away. Forcing a 4th down.
6:23 left in the fourth quarter - 1st and 15 on POR 48
After a false start penalty on Jamdrian’s new friend Crashmore Portland was pushed back to their own half. And as a surprise we now see Jamdrian back together with good ole Plant Based. At this point in the game there’s not much hope left for the Buccaneers sadly. The point difference is still vast and Portland’s defense has stayed strong in the second half. But the Bondi defense is still doing its best to prevent any further points against. No one is giving up. It turned into another quick play. While it’s surprising to see Portland not running the ball and trying to waste time yet. It makes sense with the distance they need to make up to get to the first down marker. The ball is snapped and thrown almost in one single movement straight left. The ball was caught by Plant Based before Jamdrian was able to make up much of the distance, allowing Based to keep his movement up the field. As they met Jamdrian had no issue getting a hold of the ball carrier and pushing him down. A decent gain of yards, but not a new 1st down. Except! After the ball was thrown a Buccaneers defensive back went all in on top of the Portland quarterback. Causing a roughing the passer penalty which forced a new 1st down.
The game turned into a rough one after halftime. After all the joy of the win against the Dallas Birddogs reality came crashing back down for the Buccaneers. A good start but not enough to last them the entire game.
The eleventh game of the season was played against the London Royals
1:52 left in the first quarter - 2nd and 6 on LON 13
Late in the first we’re coming in with the London Royals in the lead. The most recent drive resulted in a field goal for the Buccaneers, and London is now working their way up the field starting very deep down on their own half. With a handful of yards to go Jamdrian lines up at the first down marker. At the line of scrimmage he’s staring down #73, Mike Ehrmantraut. One of London’s rookie receivers. The ball snaps and the offensive line is looking like it’s collapsing quickly. Their quarterback doesn’t get much time to think and consider targets. It looks like he flips a coin in his head, which lands on Mike. The ball comes flying left just a few yards ahead of Jamdrian. With little time to think about it, #73 somehow manages to reel the ball in. Even though it wasn’t the most accurate throw. But with the change of plans that were required for this play to even work out, Jamdrian was already right on top of him. Mike was stopped in his tracks and dragged down just before he found a first down.
13:17 left in the second quarter - 2nd and 15 on LON 33
Back in the second quarter we’re seeing a points change. Bondi Beach has now taken over after a successful possession. And most recently a penalty has pushed London back a bit further than they’d hope. With a lot of space to catch up they’re going for a quick throw and run, or whatever you would call it. Mike barely leaves the line of scrimmage before the ball is coming his way. With that kind of quick play it’s pretty much impossible for Jamdrian to do anything to prevent the pass while starting about seven yards away. Mike catches the ball with ease and starts making his way up the field. He’s quickly met by Jamdrian and doesn’t manage to get around him. Jamdrian gets a hold of Mike and while pulling him down our cornerback digs for the ball. They both fell to the ground and the ball popped out! There’s no one else near them right now as everything has happened very quickly. They both scramble to get up or throw themselves at the ball. This time Mike manages to get on top of it again to recover the ball before Jamdrian gets a chance to. A quick scare for the Royals.
4:05 left in the third quarter - 2nd and 10 on BBB 44
And once again we see a lead switch. Another quarter passes and London is now back on top. Both defenses have played strong so far with not a lot of points on the board. This play was a fun one to watch. Not because of any extraordinary showcases of skill and talent. Mainly because it was actually hilarious. The ball snaps and immediately both lines straight up collapse on each other. Practically no one is left standing up other than the receivers and cornerbacks. Everyone pauses for a second trying to take in what just happened. But there are no flags and no whistles, so the game is still on. Their quarterback doesn’t get all the time in the world as one would imagine. As some from the Buccaneers defensive line are able to get back on their feet rather quickly to chase. But no matter what, the quarterback still gets the time he needs. It’s a shorter passing play that once again is sent to #73 on the left outside. To our surprise Mike isn’t the one to catch it. Instead wide receiver Skint had his route cut just in front of everyone and snagged it. Even with the change of receiver it became an easy take down as Skint ran straight into Jamdrian after a couple of yards.
12:17 left in the fourth quarter - 3rd and 2 on BBB 25
It’s still not a very high scoring game, but London has managed to dig in a little deeper and extended their lead. And they have a chance to do even more damage as they close in on the red zone. This play could be the difference between a touchdown and a field goal attempt. With few yards to go it’s expected that a running play is about to happen. Jamdrian not expecting to be a big part of it, but still getting ready just in case they break through. And wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly what happened. The ball was handed off to rookie running back Lord Farquaads. Who managed, with surprising elegance, force his way past the entire defensive line with a major left side cut. As he emerged the entire Buccaneers defensive squad threw themselves at his general direction. Just a couple of more players to get past and it’s an easy touchdown. But the Bondi Beach defenders make it just too hard. A couple of hands hit Farquaads’ legs, making him stumble. Right into Jamdrian’s path. A quick shoulder turns the stumble into a fall. And the play is over.
A game that stayed even for most of the game quickly fell apart in the fourth quarter. London kept making quick work of both the Bondi Beach offense and defense. Ultimately it became a very confident looking win. As the Buccaneers are starting to put up a fight in these games it’s now up to them to also finish them strong. Otherwise, this happens.
The twelfth game of the season was played against the Kansas City Coyotes
10:37 left in the first quarter - 2nd and 10 on BBB 27
And we’re off. The final game of this article starts early in the first with Kansas City having made some pretty good progress already. Jamdrian sees himself lined up across a familiar face ion #9, Jimmy Ryder. Before the snap the defensive line from the Buccaneers are looking like they’d be able to swarm the offensive line. We see some mismatches in the matchup. But who knows, maybe it’s according to the Coyotes' plan. As the ball is snapped their quarterback steps way back, as if it was indeed calculated and almost expected that he’d have to get rid of the ball fairly quickly. As he plants his foot he sees a single one-on-one matchup on the field. The one which includes Jamdrian. The other side of the field is a mess of six players almost in a huddle, so it makes sense it would fly to the left. The receiver and our cornerback are quite close together as the ball arrives. It makes it hard for either of them to make a solid ball catching attempt. While Ryder manages to get a hand on it, he’s unable to keep it as it tumbles to the ground.
10:16 left in the third quarter - 1st and 10 on KCC 25
A long time later a lot has happened in the game. The Buccaneers are currently up by four points and just before this play we saw Kansas City intercept a pass on their own 25. Extremely important for them, and unfortunate for Bondi Beach. But now we gotta focus on defense again. The offensive lineup is leaning quite heavily to the right side. Creating the assumption of a right-side run. But alas, it was all a ruse! The ball was indeed handed off to running back Sherwin Blue Jr. But as the huddle shifted to the right he instead saw an opening on the left, and left everyone else on the wrong foot. Some from the defensive line turn and try to catch up, but Sherwin has already picked up great speed. It’s looking like it’s up to the cornerbacks and safeties to try and stop this man. Luckily they all come together to almost corner the ball carrier in a homemade dead-end. At this point he can’t make it much further without running into a defender. He opts to try to become a bulldozer, but Jamdrian gets a hold of him and pulls him down without any further gains.
12:01 left in the fourth quarter - 2nd and 9 on KCC 39
Final quarter is underway. The Buccaneers have been able to keep up the four-point lead due to a strong defensive third quarter from both teams. As time runs down the Coyotes are starting to go for more high risk plays. Nothing crazy yet, but we’re seeing some different kinds of plays than your straightforward runs or short passing plays. For this specific play it turned into a bit of a zig-zag. Jamdrian was as usual facing Ryder. But instead of a straight run down the sideline, we saw a quick diagonal cut towards the middle of the field after the first couple of steps. It was enough to open up a passing lane with no defenders in the way. Except the defensive line of course, but they wouldn’t be able to get to it. The ball is thrown fast and accurately, giving Jimmy an easy catch in the middle of this step. This allows him to keep his speed. Jamdrian catches up to him just as he passes the first down marker. As a single touchdown could change the tides in this game, it’s dangerous to let him get this far. But at least they’re only on the 50.
0:55 left in the fourth quarter - 1st and 10 on KCC 37
What a game it’s been! Another touchdown for the Buccaneers and a field goal for the Coyotes still has this game be within just a single touchdown. Bondi Beach just had to punt the ball after being stopped on their own 30 yard line. Their kicker is getting tired, so this one didn’t go very far. But at least we’re starting on Kansas City’s half. These next couple of plays will determine the game and whether the Buccaneers will get their second win of the season. All they have to do is keep their opponents to a field goal or less. It’s expected of them to run passing plays for the rest of the game as time winds down. And this turned out to be true for this play. But what a scary play it became… Ryder takes off like a rocket, making it appear that they’re almost going for an early hail mary. But he quickly stops, turns on a dime, and then takes off again. Jamdrian is not able to keep up and when Ryder turns on the nitro for the second sprint Jamdrian is a couple of yards behind. The ball is thrown and Jamdrian has no way of getting in the way of it. He knows he has to outrun #9. So he disregards the ball and just uses the last remnant of energy he has to get into a full sprint. Ryder is a really fast player, but Jamdrian has a slight upper hand and steadily gains on him. Finally Jamdrian is able to catch up, but not until 40 whole yards later. This could be disastrous and hand Kansas City the win.
Drum roll please… it ultimately didn’t matter! The Coyotes couldn’t make it all the way and turned the ball over on downs. After a scary last minute the Bondi Beach Buccaneers are able to celebrate their second win!