The 2007 season - Austin African-American Firefighter's Association BLOG

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

RE: The 2007 season

aaaffa · Status: Offline

Thanks for the info John, great detail. Keep the postings coming.

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

When the public broadcast proclaims the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus is in town, ticket lines are long and arduous as admirers come and get entertained by The Greatest Show On Earth! Much can be said of the early-21^st Century St. Louis Rams, as then-coach Mike Martz and staff molded an offense that could quickly put up over 30 points a game during that period. But today, a Central Texas area football team made up of the finest public safety personnel one could ever play with is vastly picking up that tab to be the second coming of The Greatest Show On Turf, as the Central Texas Wolf Pack traveled to Orlando May 5^th to face the Guardians. Yes, it was a hot day at UniversityHigh School football field, but the Orlando team and a handful of their faithful were not going to back down from the heat or the guests. Yet I do believe Da Pack gave em a game they wont forget!

Da Pack received the opening kickoff, but was forced to punt on the first series. Noting (Jermaine) Gaspard (TCSO) was doubled on our near sideline, he somehow outran the two Guardians. The ball went through the hands of the Guardian punt returner, and Gaspard recovered the ball deep in Guardian territory! Five plays later, QB James Doyle (AFD) drew up the middle for a 3-yard score! Unfortunately (Mike) Pollards kick was blocked, but Da Pack had a quick 6-0 lead! Orlando did not mishandle the ensuing kickoff, mounting up a drive that was capped by a TD. The Guardians went for two, and converted when Guardian QB Keith Jenkins swept right and into the end zone. But this was a day Gaspard was not to be denied! As Da Pack received the ensuing kickoff, the writer was certain he was tackled upon disappearing in a pile of gold and maroon jerseys. But then I was alerted of the yells of Go Jermaine, go!! as he emerged out of the pile and scampered down our sideline (again!) before the Guardian speedsters brought him down at their 38. The first quarter ended after four Pack possessions. Da Pack opened the 2^nd Quarter with a play that did not make a first down. In came Pollard to try for his 1^st field goal ever! The snap came, the hold was good, the kick it was low, but sailed over the crossbar to convert a 30-yard attempt, and for the first time in Da Packs 3-year history, it retook a lead at 9-8! Yet, like the D/FW Panthers realized two weeks ago, Orlando knew they had a fight on their home turf. They received the ensuing kickoff, and gradually marched downfield again to score and convert another two-pointer to retake the lead at 16-9. The Guardian O would score again, but the ensuing two-point try was stopped as they took a 22-9 halftime lead. The heat was taking its toll on both sides. Da Pack did lose one player, but found he was okay after the game. In spite of the heat, the 3^rd Quarter was Act III! After scoring on its first possession (but the extra point was missed), the Guardian O mounted up again, this time on a long strike to WR Gabe Roberts. His after-the-catch romp seemed to be a sure big-play TD; but CB Shawndel Tucker (TCSO) dived at his stride in making a shoe-string tackle, just outside Da Pack 20! A Guardian run play between the tackles was stuffed by Big Gary Keeton (WCC). On 3^rd down a Guardian RB tried to run outside right tackle, and thanks to the observations of assistant coach Andy Westbrook (APD), he was met by LB Randy Hazelrig (AFD), and was stripped of the ball by safety Troy McMillin (AFD)! This set off a fumble recovery by Tucker, as he dashed between two Guardian linemen (thanks to a small catalyst from safety Lawuan Jackson [TCFC]) who eventually collided, and Tucker was off to the races down (where else ) Da Pack sideline! But QB Jenkins showed why he is a Flash Gordon also, as he caught Tucker, but after a possible 50-yard return! But wait folks it gets better! On the second play from scrimmage, Gaspard at RB took the ball from QB Doyle sweeping left, but was bobbling the ball since the handoff. With the Guardian front seven bearing down, Gaspard went into escape mode right, where Da Pack O-line started picking Guardian defenders to create a seam down the middle. Gaspard bolted into that seam, and left the Guardian secondary behind for another Wolf Pack TD! (Aawwww shucks, did you see that?!! J) Pollards extra point was partially blocked, and Da Pack trailed by 13. But Jenkins arm again proved to be much for Da Pack secondary, as the Guardians scored on another aerial attack and converted another two-pointer in closing out the 3^rd Quarter at 36-15. It became all defensive in the 4^th, with Doyle at CB nailing one Guardian receiver to highlight that period! A kudo also goes to Da Pack O for only two turnovers in the game (both interceptions, one on the last play of the game).

With the effort the team is putting out in each game, the show the two TravisCounty deputies are putting on, and for the sake of supporting our youth, how can anyone miss this kind of action?! Glad you ask! Da Packs final game of the season is this Saturday, May 19^th a rematch with the D/FW MetroStars, right here, at Leander Highs Bible Field! You never know this may be the game you will witness the first Wolf Pack victory, as Coach Floyd and his Stars may find out how far weve come since that first game!

We also hope to improve our player base for the 2008 season! Coach Phillips already has outlined what is to come for that season, and excitement is already set in! BUT it will take dedicated players to do it! You may contact him directly at 658-2933, or Da Packs website at www.centraltexaswolfpack.com. The Reality in preserving public safety football in the Central Texas area hoooo-raaahh!! Hope to see you all Saturday and GO PACK!!

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

Thanks D. Hope we'll be able to 'steal' one out in Orlando come May 5th!

DHyson · Status: Offline

Looks like you all got some good points on the board. You still got it in you huh John? I am sure they will think twice before messing with Wolf Pack players right? Hope you all win the next one. Peace.

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

Like the day before the FDNY game, Friday was in turmoil as severe weather pounded the Central Texas passageway; but the weather broke, yet was partly cloudy and blustery on gameday. What would normally be a rather warm day turned out to be a perfect day for football as the Dallas-Fort Worth Panthers arrived at Bible Field in spite of. Though the Wolf Pack team played better this time around, it faltered to the Panthers 53-21. Twenty-one, you asked?! Yes, 21 with all three units contributing!
A minimal crowd saw Da Pack take the opening kickoff. On third-and-long a fumble occurred to help setup a Panther score one play later for a 7-0 Panther lead. The ensuing kickoff was fielded by TE Raul Carrillo (APD), and he returned it to the Panther 45! Da Pack O then mounted up and drove the ball deep into Panther territory. After an 18-yard catch and run by receiver Shawndel Tucker (TCSO) to put the ball at the Panther 2, QB Mike Glanville (Taylor FD) drew up the middle and fumbled into the end zone; but the officials ruled Glanville broke the plane before the fumble. Kicker Mike Pollards (APD) extra-point try was good, and the game was tied at 7. The Panthers took the next possession and drove the field to retake the lead; but a botched extra-point attempt turned into a two-point conversion. Though the Panther O would put up three more offensive TDs, it struggled on the three point-afters (two missed one blocked). A Panther field goal was also attempted at the end of the first quarter, but a gale may have detoured the ball outside the upright. Da Pack D negated a Panther first down on its last two possessions in concluding the first half.
The second half started with both teams unable to move the ball against the defenses. Yet a break came deep in Panther territory to Da Pack D as a hit on a Panther RB resulted in a fumble, and after a fervent scramble, safety Lawuan Jackson (TCFC) recovered the ball in the Panther end zone for a Wolf Pack defensive TD! Pollards point-after fought a sudden wind gust, but sailed thru the uprights to cut the Panther lead at 33-14. It seemed the Panthers sensed that they were in for a battle; and its O mounted up on the next possession to up the lead to 39-14. But again, and for a fifth straight time, the point-after backfired and this time the two-point try was stopped as safety Freddie DeLeon (FPS) immediately tackled the receiving Panther special-teamer. QB James Doyle (AFD) navigated Da Pack O for nearly the entire second half, and showed some elusiveness to give Da Pack O some much-needed first downs. But knowing he couldnt do it all, Da Pack had to give up the ball again. The Panther O mounted up another scoring drive, with the point-after being good this time, to take a 46-14 lead. But hold your hats folks! The gusting winds had nothing to do with the ensuing kickoff, as return specialist Jermaine Gaspard (TCSO) broke two sure tackles, and some blocking along with speed enabled him to romp to the end zone for a Wolf Pack special teams TD! Pollards point-after was again good, and the 3^rd Quarter closed at 46-21.
The Panther O put up the last score early in the fourth quarter, point-after was good. Yours truly finally entered the game (at no fault to the coaching staff) due to a good friend on the Panthers squad being in at QB. And in time too, as a very good lick LB Randy Hazelrig (AFD) put on a Panther RB must have resulted in an exchange of words. I was close by as a Panther lineman shoved my teammate from behind, and instantaneously I broadsided the lineman, sending us to the ground. Some players on both sides were atop as the officials broke the scuffle up. [I know this isnt an honorable mention, but it was my moment, as well backup a teammate who was of same agency! No ejections occurred.] Da Pack D closed with three QB sacks (two from mishandled snaps) and three fumble recoveries!
On a solemn note, this game was the last for our current president and second-oldest on the team Jerry Kovar (TCSO). Officer Kovar is a training instructor with TCSO, and played with APD during the glory years of the AFD-APD charity bowls. He was a team warm-up leader, a great motivator, and overall team leader, as he had a work ethic of a 20-year-old in a 40-plus body! In the game he made an astounding open-field tackle at LB, and two (maybe three) tough runs at upback (and quite possibly other plays that might be overlooked). He was also taken for a coachs ride, Gatorade bath not included! Again Officer Kovar, the Wolf Pack family will miss your on-field presence!
Da Pack will make preparations for its next game, as we will travel to the Land of Disney (Orlando) to face the Guardians Saturday, May 5^th. Make reservations quickly seats are going fast! J Check www.centraltexaswolfpack.com for further details.

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

We got beat bad because we let them beat us bad. Half their points were off mistakes and silly-assed penalties (2 offside calls on 4th-and-short). Hopefully we will right the ship this Sat.

DHyson · Status: Offline

Keep the faith there John. I wish I had the time to be in there with you bro. Rich is right, you all did get beat pretty bad but atleast you all are hanging in there and will get better. Stay strong bro.

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

I'm trying not to make any excuses; but when your team is outnumbered 2-to-1, the opposition played together for years, is a well-oiled machine, and have executive staff backing, then yes, we were in for a sudden Flashover as well a full-throttle Deluge!! But keep in touch - Da Pack will 'upset' somebody along the way!

Flashover7 · Status: Offline

To put a positive spin on the game, at least you guys did not get shut out! I would hate for you guys to start wearing paper bags over your heads and be known as the "wolf sacks". Man, you guys got killed!

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

A stormy Friday yielded to a sunny, humid Saturday with a light wind at Leander High Schools Bible Field on a day as big as Texas for the Central Texas Wolf Pack, as it hosted and faced the 2006 league runner-ups, the Fire Dept. of New York BRAVEST team. Yet the Wolf Pack succumbed early, and could not recover from the FDNY deluge in a 56-2 loss.

Two high snaps on punts, and two FDNY drives in Wolf Pack territory doomed Da Pack immediately, as FDNY secured an 18-0 first-quarter lead. It did not get any better for Da Pack, as FDNY put up three offensive TDs and a field goal to take a 42-0 halftime lead.

Peering up in the stands, the hard work in drawing half a crowd on the east side of the field, coupled with the afternoon heat, was tolling the turnout, but a fair amount of the faithful stayed on hand to witness some signs of Wolf Pack offensive movement in the second half. Though Da Pack O did not get any further than the FDNY 30, the second half was highlighted with some tackle-breaking maneuvers by return specialist Shawndel Tucker (TCSO), as two returns were one tackle away from being long-gainers or special team TDs.

A sign of scoring hope was squashed when a debatable incomplete pass to a Wolf Pack tight end was ruled a fumble, and an FDNY linebacker returned it for a defensive TD. Linebacker Troy Hirsch (RRFD) secured a lone FDNY turnover with an interception; but three plays later, a Wolf Pack pass found an FDNY defender. With a shutout seemingly well in hand, the FDNY O found themselves stopped by Da Pack D in FDNY territory late in the fourth quarter. And with a blessing from Above, the FDNY punt team delivered a high snap to its punter, as he fervently recovered the ball in his own end zone for a Wolf Pack two-pointer! A little celebration broke the near-summer air!

Despite the heavy loss, the weekend started eventfully, as State Senator Kirk Watson held a ceremony Friday at the State Capitol honoring a team who is greatly admired for its heroics almost six years ago! (We will never forget!) FF James Doyle spoke on behalf of the Austin Fire Dept., and brought humor in distinguishing the admiration from the gridiron! A photo session ensued on the congressional floor, then FDNY was taken to the UT athletic complex for a tour and lunch. Among the events were some notable dignitaries. Travis County Fire Control Chief Don Smith attended the State Capitol ceremony. Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton attended every event that was held! Austin Fire Dept. Chief Juan Adame attended the game. KEYE-42, FOX 7 News, and other media that may be overlooked provided unbelievable coverage on the events as well. (Did you see it?!) Of course the Central Texas family certainly appreciates all on-the-scenes, behind-the-scenes, families, sponsors, volunteers, former players, the communities, and VIPs for making the FDNY visit to Austin an above-and-beyond success!

Da Pack will have a short time to prepare for its next encounter, an April 14^th date with divisional rival Dallas/Fort Worth Panthers, same time, same place! So come all to witness the redemption!

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

A difference was felt Saturday, March 3rd from the last (first, and only) game the Wolf Pack played the D/FW MetroStars. It was sunny but nippy leaving Austin, and of course it would be five degrees cooler on arrival in D/FW, all compared to the overcast and muggy conditions when we met the MetroStars down in ‘Da Hole’ back in March 2005. So yes, it was a better day to play some football! And playing a divisional rival the first game at that! Though the weather was different, the outcome eventually became the same, a loss, as the MetroStars put up a 34-6 victory over the guest Wolf Pack. But wait a minute before you presume that this was another can of W/A that was opened on Da Pack! As the host team received the opening kickoff, it coughed up the ball two plays later, giving Da Pack possession in the host’s territory. Two plays later, FB Troy Hirsch (RRFD) rumbled for 30 yards that put Da Pack offense in the ‘red zone.’ Yet on the very next play, Da Pack fumbled and the MetroStar D recovered. The MetroStar offense then mounted up, drove the field, and scored, giving the MetroStars a 6-0 lead. The ensuing extra-point try was kicked low, resulting in a blocked kick for Da Pack. Penalties began to set in on both sides until early in the second quarter, ‘Pack QB James Ramon (AFD) threw a big-play pass to ‘rookie’ RB Shawndel Tucker (TCSO), who outfaked three defenders en route to a ‘Pack score! A miffed exchange between snapper and holder nullified the extra-point try, leaving the score tied at 6. But before the first half ended, the MetroStar offense scored again, with the extra point being good, and the host team took a 13-6 halftime lead. Da Pack received the second-half kickoff, but two miffed exchanges between QB and center put Da Pack offense in a hole quickly; but Da Pack D did not help the MetroStar offense to collect any ‘pay.’ On its next possession, the MetroStar offense pounded Da Pack D with their relentless sweeps and a few trick plays to score again and took a 20-6 lead. Silence was ‘heard’ on Da Pack sideline. Not taking away from some prominent defensive plays in the game, but one came about late in the third quarter that would make my coworker Tailgater friend (and anyone else) crave for ESPN’s Tom Jackson’s highlight reel of “Jacked Up!” A third-and-long situation called for a pass play for the MetroStar offense. The ball was thrown to a Wayne Chrebet-prototype receiver near Da Pack sideline; but S Lawuan ‘Flash’ Jackson (TCFC) nailed him in the sternum, resulting in an incomplete pass. (Henchman, are you listening?!) Da Pack sideline reawakened! Yet, early in the fourth quarter, the same MetroStar receiver converted a big-play 4th-down pass into a score, giving the host a 27-6 lead. A squib kick ensued; it bounced off a ‘Pack second-line player as he tried to cover the ball, but it made a beeline back to an oncoming MetroStar player. The MetroStar offense mounted up again, drove the field, and scored the last TD of the game. One last hope of Wolf Pack scoring came when Da Pack D recovered a fumble in the host’s territory; but it was quickly ditched as the first-play pass was intercepted. As both teams encircled for final remarks, MetroStar head coach Maurice Floyd admired how the Wolf Pack improved its team cohesiveness in our second full season of play. I believe that credit would come from the 2007 coaching staff – one who played under the great Eddie Robinson, another who experienced pro football at all levels, and particularly, an APD head coach who still envisions The Reality of a public safety team here in Central Texas! www.centraltexaswolfpack.com

John E Doyle · Status: Offline

Here we go again! Your Central Texas Wolf Pack, the local public safety full-contact football team consisting of firefighters, police officers, county deputies, etc., will kickoff the 2007 season Saturday, March 3rd, in Big D/FW vs. division rival D/FW MetroStars. Yours truly will again attempt to bring you post-game recaps 1) in case you missed the game(s), and 2) to create interest in attending the games (as well those who may want to sponsor the team).

As a member of the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL), we play other public safety teams from across the nation to raise charitable funds to our local youth.

Feel free to check us out at www.centraltexaswolfpack.com for team info and upcoming schedule/games. Your support will sorely be greatly appreciated. GO 'PACK!!!!!