Last week when VAPOR and REIGN met, a couple of “bad calls” by the referees caused VAPOR to suffer a mental breakdown on their way to a 25-13 loss. One week later VAPOR experienced a similar same fate, losing to REIGN 19-7 in the Spring 2011 Championship game.
On the game’s first play from scrimmage, REIGN Quarterback Mike Lucyk went deep to Jason Cahill for a devastating touchdown. Darius Prince was trying to cover Cahill when he bit on a double move. Cahill’s quickness allowed him to get behind the Spring 2011 IRONMAN OF THE YEAR.
Not to be outdone by last season’s IRONMAN OF THE YEAR (Cahill), Prince redeemed himself with a stunning pick 6 interception. Lucyk threw to Cahill when Prince tipped the ball to himself and raced to the end zone for an improbable touchdown.
While the duel between Prince and Cahill lived up to its billing as a premier matchup, REIGN All-Star Defensive Back DJ Douglass’ performance was every bit as entertaining. VAPOR QB Rick Straw, who had been struggling early, threw a pass that was tipped by Cahill into the hands of Douglass. Douglass’ interception-return set up a Lucyk touchdown pass to Cahill, giving REIGN a 13-7 advantage over VAPOR.
On their next possession, Straw relinquished his quarterbacking duties to teammate Mario Poston. Poston’s versatility (throwing ability and quickness) helped VAPOR drive deep into REIGN territory for the tying touchdown. At the REIGN five yard line, Poston hit Prince for what appeared to be a touchdown. After a brief conference, the referees overturned their original touchdown called and signaled fourth down. VAPOR argued aggressively to no avail. This one play served as the turning point in the game because after the VAPOR players unsuccessfully argued for a score, Poston threw an interception to Cahill.
Unlike VAPOR, the REIGN players kept their composure after Cahill’s pick and marched down the field for a Lucyk-to-Sean Kennedy touchdown. Kennedy’s touchdown proved to be the dagger that would preserve REIGN’s first PFFL championship in a regular season.
After a week of complaining about not having two refs, the insanely-athletic VAPOR team succumbed to its biggest weakness against REIGN—an inability to keep their poise in a big-time game.
CONGRATULATIONS REIGN!
Better luck next time, VAPOR.
