Xtreme eliminated from playoffs

The Texas Xtreme semi-professional football team was defeated by the host Ft. Worth Avengers by the score of 22-20 in the Texas United Football League's Northern Conference semi-final game last Saturday night, May 28.

Xtreme owners and coaches Gary Craig and Larry Anding were proud of their team's accomplishment after playing 3 consecutive games without 7 or more starters including their kicker and quarterback.

This season marks the 6th consecutive year Craig and Anding have taken their team to the playoffs and the Xtreme are the only team to make the playoffs each year since the inception of the Texas United Football League five seasons ago.

The Xtreme took an 8-0 lead after runningback Brandon Thompson, subbing in at quarterback, hit Eric Wren for a 42- yard scoring pass and Wren completed the 2-point conversion pass attempt to Marvin Hopkins.

With just over 2 minutes remaining in the first half, the Avengers recorded a 2-point safety and the Xtreme lead was cut to 8-2. After the safety the Avengers took advantage of the Xtreme free kick and scored on a short drive after completing an 18-yard pass and the 2-point conversion failed and the game was tied 8-8.

The Avengers kicked off to the Xtreme and soon intercepted an Xtreme pass at their 41-yard line. On the first play after the interception the Avengers completed a 41-yard touchdown pass and the PAT was good as the Avengers took a shocking 15-8 halftime lead.

Early in the second half the Avengers scored on a pass interception and the PAT was good to take a 22-8 lead. The Xtreme cut the Avenger lead to 22-14 on a 12-yard run by Brandon Thompson and the 2- point conversion failed. Dontay Richardson picked off an Avenger pass and returned it for a 42-yard score, and once again the Xtreme 2-point conversion failed and the Avenger lead was cut to 22-20.

Defensively Coach Craig was pleased with the overall performance with the exception of one Avenger scoring drive that was aided by 2 first downs, compliments of Xtreme penalties including one 40-yard pass interference penalty.

The Xtreme defense was flagged 7 times for a total of 90 yards. The Avengers picked up 12 first downs with 4 compliments of Xtreme penalties, gained 127 rushing yards on 38 carries, completed 5-12 passes for 75 yards with 2 interceptions for a total of 202 yards.

Defensive standouts were Jason Anding with one forced fumble and Kailan Vinson with 1 interception.

Coach Anding was also pleased with the offense with the exception of the 9-22 pass completions, 2 interceptions, and 9 first downs. The Xtreme offense out-gained the Avenger offense with 125 rushing yards on 21 carries and 122 passing yards, totaling 247 yards. Offensive standouts were 6-year veterans Brandon Thompson and Jerry Martin. Other offensive standouts include Marvin Lyons, James Melton, and Billy Bigger.

Thompson led all rushers with 72 yards on 9 carries and Wren chipped in 35 yards on 6 carries. Xtreme quarterback B.J. Kennimer made a brief appearance playing in his first game since suffering a broken ankle in the season opener on February 24.

Craig and Anding feel that home field advantage was in favor of the Avengers after the Avengers were awarded 2 controversial offensive plays and the Xtreme were disallowed 2 controversial offensive plays. The Xtreme completed the 2007 season with a 10-3 record.