On the Cusp - skidsboroff's Blog

skidsboroff's Blog

On the Cusp

Posted on February 10, 2009 at 05:19 PM.

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Hogs Keep Rollin'

Sometimes change is a good thing. At least that seems to be the case so far. After starting off with four wins from eleven games, Oxnard (8-7) has now railed off four straight victories catapulting themselves into playoff contention.

The team, once staring a losing season and subsequent high draft choice in the face, has turned itself around, and in somewhat unlikely terms.

After Steve Young gouged the Hogs for 401 yards passing in skids' first game, the team has not allowed more than 146 yards through the air in the three games since. More impressive still, no opposing QB has completed more than 6 passes, against the likes of Warren Moon (43 yds) and Randall Cunningham (146 yds) no less. They have also limited other teams' offenses to just two touchdowns in three games

The defense, which is using a 3-4 scheme, has had to carry an offense that is still having trouble finding it's rhythm. Joe Montana has 1 TD pass in four games and is yet to have a QB rating over 70.

Keeping the ball moving has been Roger Craig, who after posting a season-best 253 yards against San Diego has continued to carry the load.

The performance of Willie Wood special teams has also been a boon to the squad. He returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown against Morgantown, and has nearly broken several others.

With one game to go in the regular season fans of Oxnard might just be sniffing the postseason that nobody expected. The injury-riddled Charlotte Savages (6-6) await in a game that has huge playoff implications. Charlotte currently sits in 4th place, with the Landover Renegades (5-6) nipping at their heals.

Stats

Oxnard 31, Morgantown 17
Montana: 8-16, 153 yds
Craig: 15 car, 115 yds, TD; 3 rec, 58 yds
Taylor: 4 rec 77 yds
Wood: 82 yd PR TD

Oxnard 10, San Antonio 0
Montana: 6-12, 80 yds, TD
Craig: 20 car, 130 yds
Greenwood: 1.5 sacks