Strong first half leads to Jags 48-0 win over Xtreme

The Athens based Texas Xtreme semi-pro football team traveled to Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, Saturday and were defeated 48- 0, suffering their third shutout game of the season and third in the 7-year team history. The Jaguars scored all 48 points in the first half.

Xtreme owners and coaches Larry Anding and Gary Craig feel their team has great talent this season, but with only 20 returning players from last year's squad, many of the young players have not adjusted. "We are in a rebuilding process," the coaches stated, "and we feel fortunate to have made six previous consecutive playoff appearances."

Thirteen Xtreme players were unavailable for the game including six starters. Starting quarterback Ahmed Brown was unavailable after suffering a dislocated thumb in the previous game and is expected to miss two more games. Backup quarterback Kashmir Espinosa was also unavailable for the game, and National All-American players center Jerry Martin and linebacker Lonterio Osborn left the game early in the second quarter.

Offensive standouts were Larry Scott, Philip Albright, Chris Ross and guard Michael Zambrano, who moved over to the center position. Derrick Miller gained 47 yards on two kickoff returns and Amos Berryman added 43 yards on two kickoff returns.

Overall the Jaguars completed 7-14 passes for 151 yards, 2 interceptions, 7 touchdown passes, and added 81 rushing yards on 12 carries, including a 42-yard run. Six of the Jaguars' touchdowns came after taking over in Xtreme territory.

At halftime Craig made adjustments to the secondary. Amos Berryman was moved from safety to cornerback, and the remaining three secondary players were replaced.

The Jaguars were limited to 2-6 passing for 29 yards, two interceptions, and one yard rushing on six carries in the second half.

The Xtreme will host the Texas Wranglers Saturday, April 5 at Brownsboro High School stadium. Kickoff time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.