Arriving at the all star game I had many preconceived notions that I wanted to put to rest. Were the PFFL’s finest ready to take on high quality talent? Could the All Stars collectively come together, put egos aside and form a competitive team? Would the combination of high flag football I.Q. and good athletic ability be enough to take down one time college/former pro athletes? Surprisingly ….the All Stars were able to answer all of my questions while at the same time coming out on top with a 34 – 32 win over the Pitt Alumni Football Team.

With three of the PFFL’ best QB’s on the same team (Mike Kregiel, Eugene Smith and Dennis “Shorty” Wolford), my initial thought was excitement to sit back and watch the arguments ensue over who in fact would take the most snaps and why. But much to my surprise these beacons of light for their respective teams worked well together and fit right into alternative positions to ensure an All Star team victory. This unselfish play was best shown through Shorty stepping in and taking a commanding lead of the WR’s by hauling in 9 Rec and 2 Rec TD’s while Eugene put on his hard hat and played the role of “Ironman” as we have seen him do in the past to help the BULLDOGS when there in tight spots. Mike Kregiel took the majority of the snaps (4 TD’s, 13 comp, 19 att) while generously opening the CHAOS playbook to use some of there patented plays (goal line shuffle pass) to help clinch the inaugural all star game victory.

Flag football I.Q. and good athletic ability were shown play after play on both sides of the ball but I wouldn’t truly being doing my job if I failed to mention the efforts of the “Dynamic Duo” Frank Swick and Brian Perry. Both players representing the HAWKS came into the game with a multitude of leadership capabilities and impressive on field play to match up well against any of the Pitt Alum. Even though both of these two individuals were held to minimal gains offensively, their defensive efforts were justly appreciated by there teammates. Combining for over 50% of the tackles, with out these two flying to the ball, this game could have easily spun widely out of control.

Offensively, as Shorty continued to frustrate the Pitt Alumni Football Team with his elusive moves and forward progress of shuffle passes, Zack Gorny, Andy Krawchyk and Mark Kobistek kept the defense‘s best players honest by consistent play on the offensive perimeter. Yes these WR’s may not have gotten the individual stats that most are use to seeing, but most often when it is good competitive football the “Wealth” will typically have to be spread. It was refreshing to see that people from multiple backgrounds and playing ability found away to beat onetime highly trained athletes while working well together towards a common goal.

The Pitt Alumni Football Team showed great poise and professionalism the entire way through the game. Gaining an early lead of 13 – 0 after only the first two series off a TD rec by Steve Buches and a pick 6 by Ty Gillard I assumed the game was over . Overtime the All Stars fought back but Pete Gonzalez showed that there was no rust on his arm completing 21 for 33 with 4 TD’s with laser precision that often times were dropped by some of the Pitt WR’s. Steve Buches lead all WR’s (11 rec and 2 TD’s) with an outstanding effort that helped not only solidify great competition, but it also helped to openup WR’s Chris Curd (2 rec and 1TD) and Greg Lee (7 rec) . Austin Ranson (fresh off the 2008 Panthers team) added great play
defensively and even though his stats don’t show it, I saw a consorted effort by the All Stars to run away from the side of the field the that he was defending. The play that shocked me the most was when Kellen Campbell (former Panther fullback) opened up level of speed that I never new fullbacks had , to take his only reception coast to coast out running two all stars on the way to the end zone.

All and all it was a good day of football and a GREAT DAY for the PFFL!!!