Game Recap: Valley Trojans @ Las Vegas Kings 6/28/2008

The Valley Trojans headed east through the hot desert and into the "City of Lights", Las Vegas, NV. With temperatures well over 100 degrees during the day (85-90 at night), the Trojans new the challenge would be tougher than the previous pre-season game versus the San Diego Stallions... not only would they need to battle a well run organization in the Vegas Kings, but they would need to battle the extreme heat too! And with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM, the first half of the game would be played under the scorching desert sun!

With the first kickoff, you could see the effects of the heat were evident with both teams! But, even with the added challenge of staying hydrated, both teams came out playing hard.

The Trojans offense would strike first as (QB #17) Mike Carlstrom hit (WR #4) Anthony Celestine down the sideline for a 23 yard TD completion. (K #14) Christian Guardado made the extra point to put the Trojans up 7-0.

The game was played at a rather slow pace in the first due to the overwhelming heat, going into the half time break, the score was 7-3.

In the second half, the Kings would play opportunistic football as they would intercept two passes from (QB #12) Cesar Parra who was playing for the first time since the season finally last season. The Kings would score three second have TD's (one extra point was blocked), and they would take a 23-7 lead as the game was winding down.

The Trojans were down, but not out. After punting the ball always, the Trojans coverage team would force a fumble out of the return man that would eventually roll 20+ yards out of the back of the end zone for a Trojans safety making the score 23-9. The Trojans would drive the ensuing kickoff down the field with under 3 minutes in the game.

Parra would hit Celestine on a 42 yard pass that would set the Trojans up inside the 5 yard line. Three plays later, (RB #1) Donald Carpenter would power his way into the end zone to draw the score closer. Guardado's extra point would make it a 7 point game, 23-16.

With less than 1 minute to go, the Trojans would attempt an onside kick. Guardado's attempt would take a bounce off of a Kings player and jump out of bounds giving the Kings the ball. With no timeouts for the Trojans, one knee is all it would take to end the game!

It was a tale of two halves for both teams. The Kings recovered from the heat faster that the Trojans could. But for the 25 Trojans that made this trip to the desert it was a tough, hard fought battle in which they came up a few breaks short.

The Valley Trojans will now prepare for the season opener on June 12th; this will be the season and home opener versus the Bakersfield Panthers. The Panthers are also in the LCFL North with the Trojans, so even though it is the first game of the season, it already has playoff implications. The game will be played at Ribet Academy in Eagle Rock, CA. Check the website for updated kickoff times and the field address.

Final Score: Valley Trojans 16 - Las Vegas Kings 23

Notable stats:

Offensive:

Anthony Celestine (WR #4) - 6 rec, 113 yards, 1 TD

Donald Carpenter (RB #1) - 16 car, 96 yards, 1 TD

Defensive:

Marcus Kelly (DB #5) - 4 tackles, 1 int

Robert Mazariegos (LB #55) - 4 tackles

Upcoming Match-up: Trojans @ Las Vegas Kings

The Valley Trojans will be traveling to Las Vegas to play the Las Vegas Kings on Saturday, 28th, 2008. This pre-season game will be the second test for the Trojans in this season, as they look to build upon the success from their June 14th meeting with the San Diego Stallions. After two solid weeks of practice, the team feels ready for the take on this new task.

This game will be used to further explore the talent at each position, especially at Quarterback. Mike Carlstrom and Ole Olsen will be join in the QB rotation this week by the 2006, 2007 starting QB Cesar Parra.

With the thill of going to Las Vegas, and the excitement of a game... the Trojans look forward to all that this week has to offer!

Here is the address and map to the game...



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Game recap to follow!

Game Recap: Valley Trojans @ San Diego Stallions 6/14/2008

The San Diego Stallions made the trip up to the San Fernando Valley during the 2007 pre-season to take on the Valley Trojans. And after playing a hard fought game, they went home having given up over 250 rushing yards to the Trojans, and losing the game 27-12. So, going into the 2008 season, you know they were looking for some payback!

The Trojans accepted the challenge, and the commute to San Diego. And why not, the Stallions are a very well run organization, with good talent and something to prove. So, the rematch was on!

The game was originally scheduled for 7pm, but was later changed to a 4pm kickoff. Only one issue, the ref's didn't get that memo! So, as 4pm approached, there were no ref's at the field. The Stallion's owners scrambled to get a hold of them, and did; they were in route... but we did not have a solid ETA. Luckily the game was able to start at about 5pm. Crisis avoided... Let's play football!

With the opening kickoff, the Trojans would receive, but on the return, the ball was fumbled and recovered by the Stallions!

The Trojans have been a defensive minded team for the previous two seasons, and nothing seemed to change when they took to the field. Some new faces were out there, but the intensity has picked up a notch! The Defense would not allow the Stallions offense any breathing room, and got the ball back to the offense.

On the offensive side of the ball for the Trojans it is a big mix of new and returning players. Most noticeable is in the back field with two new Quarterbacks, and a new running back. The offensive line welcomes some new blood as well. And with this, they were able to mix it up and move the ball.

Although the first drive did not amount to any points, the team knew they had something to build on! In the fist quarter the offense would get in range for a 27 yard Chris Guardado (K #14) field goal, which was good! Giving the Trojans a 3-0 lead.

The ball would change hands a few more times with no scoring, but in the middle of the second quarter, the offense came to life with a big play from rookie (QB #17) Mike Carlstrom on a 32 yard pass to a streaking Anthony Celestine (WR #4). The extra point was good and the Trojans lead 10-0.

The Defense would continue to make their mark on the game, but punctuated it late in the second quarter. When forcing the Stallions to punt, Marcus Kelly (SS #5), came flying trough to block the punt sending it backwards. Kelly would scramble to scoop and score, and extend the lead to 17-0 with the extra point. And that was the score at the half.

The second quarter saw a new QB for the Trojans offense, Ole Olson (QB #16) came in and lead the Trojans down the field a few times, yet they were not able to punch the ball into the end zone. Coming close on a pass that was intercepted at the last second to break up the TD. The Trojans also would attempt an ill-advised 57 yard field goal, into the wind that went wide left and about 15 yards short.

During the final drive of the game, Olson would lead the Offense down the field one more time. And on a 40 yard, acrobatic reception by Celestine, the Trojans were inside the 5 yard line with :30 seconds on the clock... But, with the lead at 17-7, the white hat ref pleaded with the offense to take a knee and run out the clock... so they did, and that was the final.

It was a great game for both sides to test out their new players and evaluate their overall team. The Trojans got a great look at what they will be working with, along with having a few key players still away playing professional football, or rehabbing injuries. It will be an exciting season for the 2008 Valley Trojans.

Final Score: Valley Trojans 17 - San Diego Stallions 7


Notable Stats:
Offense:
Anthony Celestine (WR #4)- 5 rec, 136 yards, 1 TD
Donald Carpenter (RB #1) - 14 carries, 83 yards

Defense:
Nick Skopphammer (DE #96) - 8 tackles, 6 sacks
Nathan Bosinger (LB #7) - 10 tackles, 2 sacks
Marcus Kelly (SS #5) - 6 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD

For complete stats, click here.

The Valley Trojans would like to thank the San Diego Stallions for hosting this match! The Stallions organization is a class act! Good luck in the 2008 LCFL West!

Upcoming Match-up: Trojans @ Stallions

The 2008 football season is upon us. And in a rematch from the 2007 pre-season opener, the Valley Trojans will take on the San Diego Stallions, this time in San Diego. The game is scheduled for June 14th, 2008.

Last season, the Trojans defeated the Stallions 27-12. A very well played game from both sides, the Trojans were able to manage the game on the back of a great showing by their running game. The Trojans amassed over 250 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the game.



The 2008 Trojans have added more fire power to the back field, as well as many additions to the passing game. This will be the first test on the road to the 2008 LCFL season and the Trojans plan to use this game to put all the pieces together.

Location and times to be posted soon.