Copper Football League: North All Stars Win 21 – 7

All Star Benefit Game a Huge Success

Phoenix,AZ - The 7th Annual CFL All Star game was one of those games that you wait all year to see. Both teams were filled to the brim with the league’s best players, chosen by league owners and coaches. The players were dressed out in their team uniforms, presenting a Kodak picture moment of multiple colors on the green field of Moon Valley High School. All league staff workers and officials donated their services to assist in raising funds for this charity event for the families of the league’s three players who died during the 2009 season.

Defense was the name of the game on this night, as both teams were loaded with power on the line and speed in the defensive backfield. North defender # 45 Mike Talbot from the Glendale Rangers was chosen as the MVP with his enormous defensive play. With 12 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception, there is no wonder he was chosen as the game’s MVP, helping his team win 21 – 7.

The game saw no score until 3:22 was remaining on the clock in the first quarter. North quarterback # 3 Kory Smith of the Glendale Rangers connected with WR # 84 Mike Cvelbar of the Phoenix Outlaws for a 36 yard touch down passing play that saw Cvelbar carry two defenders on his back as he crossed the goal line. This is one of those plays you can see again by purchasing a color DVD of the game from the league’s videographer Agape Video Productions. The PAT (Point After Touch Down) was good by Glendale Ranger kicker # 11 Chad Werley. Score North 7 – South 0.

With just three (3) seconds remaining in the half, the North defense made what many thought to be the play of the game, an interception by Glendale

Rangers defender # 3 Rodney Wesley who returned the intercepted pass for an amazing run of 76 yards for the TD. The PAT was good by Arizona Thunder ace kicker # 10 Berislav Zbozinek. Score North All Stars 14 – South All Stars 0.

The 20-minute halftime intermission had fans in the stands talking. The South All Stars were being held to minimum offensive yards and had no points on the board. Loaded with Copper Bowl VII champion Tri-City Titan players, the fans were anxious to see the South explode offensively in the second half.

The fans were not to be disappointed, as the South All Stars got on the board with 3:11 remaining in the 3rd quarter with a strong drive down the field and a 1 yard TD run by veteran TB # 28 Myron McGruder of the Tri-City Titans. The PAT was good by Peoria Patriots kicker # 12 Mike Navarro. Score North 14 – South 7.

Strong defensive play on both sides of the line held each team scoreless for the remainder of the game until the 6:54 mark of the 4th quarter. The South All Stars were successfully driving the length of the field, and preparing to score, when North defender # 40 Gary Stevenson of the Phoenix Outlaws recovered a lose ball on the five yard line and returned it 95 yards for a North TD. This was truly the play of the game, as Stevenson was apparently stopped on numerous occasions as he dodged tacklers with his 95 yard run. The PAT was good by Glendale Rangers kicker # 11 Chad Werley. Score North 21 – South 7. And that is how the game ended.

The North All Stars rushing game was almost non-existent as the South defensive line held them to a total of minus 7 yards. The aerial attack was minimal as well; completing 8 passes for a total of 94 yards. It was the defensive play of both teams, and on this night the North All Stars earned the win.

The South All Stars were more successful on the ground, rushing for 17 yards on 26 carries and in the air completing 16 of 40 for 183 yards. Total offensive yards 200.

“It was a well played game, so typical of these quality players,” noted Adam Richman, CFL Commissioner. “We look forward to seeing all of them return next year” Richman added.

Tonight’s game was a fund raiser benefit by the league, donating all proceeds to the families of the three CFL players: # 99 Ben Mims- Tri-City Titans, # 79 Darryl Dowell – Phoenix Outlaws and # 58 Seth Baker – Peoria Patriots; who passed away during the season.

For more information on the Copper Football League and its teams, visit their official website.

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Titans the Champions Again

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Edge Rangers 24-15 for Copper Bowl VII Win

Phoenix, AZ - The last time these two teams met during the regular season the final score was Titans 25, Rangers 0. Tonight’s Copper Bowl VII championship game between these two powerhouse defenses was a different story but the result was the same, Titans earning the win 24-15.

The Titans were first on the board and built an 18-0 lead by halftime. The 2nd half saw the Rangers make another one of their comebacks, getting to within 3 points trailing 15 – 18 halfway through the 4th quarter. The Titans defense held off the Rangers charge and was able to score another TD late in the 4th quarter with a 25 yard passing play for the TD by Titan WR # 1 Ben Ball. Final score 24-15

Ben Ball was awarded the MVP of the game for his 123 yards on 7 receptions and 1 TD.

For more information, visit the Copper Football League’s Official Website

CFL Annual All-Star Game May 16th

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Phoenix, AZ: The Commissioner of the Copper Football League, Mr. Adam Richman announced this week that the Annual CFL All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 7:00 p.m. at Moon Valley High School, 3625 W Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85029

Mr. Richman noted the game was scheduled for the 16th as a school event had already been scheduled for the field on Saturday May 9th.

Ballots have been sent to team owners for them and their coaches to nominate players for the All-Star game.

Richman noted that this annual event lets the best of the CFL get together one more time, at the end of a fabulous season, to demonstrate why they are “All-Stars”.

For more information on the Copper Football League, please visit their Official Website.

Copper Football League semifinal capsules

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Outlaws Lose heart-breaker, 7-6

Titan Lamont Reed Returns Blocked FG for 100 yd TD

Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Phoenix, AZ - Thus far, this was the game of the year, full of emotion, great plays and a down to the wire finish as the defending Copper Bowl VI Champions, the Tri-City Titans fought off the Phoenix Outlaws for a win 7-6. The Titans now head to the championship game to play the Glendale Rangers who defeated the Tempe Rams earlier today 24-7.
The game was everything a fan in the stands would want to watch, no matter which team they were cheering for. The fans were kept on the edge of their seats as this low scoring game had it all.

With 8:08 remaining in the first quarter, Outlaw QB # 4 Chris Malleo shot a rocket 35 yard pass to his ace receiver # 26 C.J. Venezia for a TD. The PAT (Point After Touchdown) was not good.
The Titan offense was unable to get much of an offensive march going in the 2nd quarter due to the strong defensive line and backfield of the Outlaws.
With 9:45 remaining in the 2nd quarter, a Phil Insalaco field goal attempt was blocked. Titan defender # 15 Lamont Reed picked up the ball on his own goal line and ran, and did he run, up the sidelines the length of the field for a 100-yard touch down! The PAT by Titan kicker # 83 Michael Walker was good, and proved to be the deciding game winning point.

The game remained tied at half time.

The second half proved to be a “give and take” kind of game. Outlaws amassing yardage through the effective passing of QB Chris Malleo who went 12/28 for 195 yards in the air and one interception. Outlaw receiver # 26 C.J. Venezia had 6 receptions for 103 yards.
The Titans offense was only able to chalk up a game total of 138 yards on offense, 105 in the air and 33 rushing. It was the 100 yard blocked field goal return for a TD by Reed that made the difference for the Titans.
The Outlaws late in the 4th quarter were mounting a charge into Titan territory, on the Titan 31 yard line, when an offensive personal foul on the Outlaws, pushed them back 15 yards and out of field goal range.
This was another one of those CFL games that should be seen again by the fans, who by the way can purchase a DVD copy from Agape Video Productions.
After the game, both teams knew they had just participated in an amazing battle. Both teams gave the fans in the stands some outstanding football.
The winner, the Tri-City Titans now move on to defend their 2008 Copper Bowl VI title, playing the Glendale Rangers on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., May 2, 2009 at Moon Valley High School. See you at Copper Bowl VII.

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Rangers Dominate in Win Over Rams, 24-7

Laz Avila Rushes for 112 yds & 2 TDs

Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Phoenix, AZ - Putting it on the line. That’s what both teams did in this semifinal game seeking to make it to next week’s finals. The Glendale Rangers offensive totals and efficient defense were too much for the Rams as the Rangers earned the win 24-7.

Late in the first quarter with the winds going all directions, the Rangers went to their ace kicker, # 11Chad Werley for a 42-yard field goal, putting them on the board first with 3 points.
The second quarter belonged to the Rangers and their FB # 32 Laz Avila. With 10:36 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Avila ran the ball into the end zone with a 14-yard power run. Rangers kicker Werley added the extra point. Score Rangers 10- Rams 0. Later in the quarter, Avila was at it again, carrying the ball over the goal line with a 1 yard run. Again Rangers kicker Werley made good on the PAT (Point After Touchdown). Halftime score 17-0.
The Rangers continued to grind out yardage on the ground with the running game of FB Laz Avila, and RB # 5 Robert Grey. A 6 yard pass to Rangers TE # 85 Danny Jaramillo resulted in another Ranger TD. Werley’s PAT was good. Score 24-0 Rangers.

A lose ball recovery by Rams DB # 45 Kenny Ware and his run of 8 yards gave the Rams a TD. The Rams kicker, an NAU alumnus, # 29 Craig Carmickle made good on the PAT. Score 24-7 Rangers.
And that is how the game ended. Rangers FB Laz Avila tallied up 112 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Ranger RB # 5 Robert Gray carried for 76 yards and his teammate # 20 Jose Virgil carried for 60 yards. The Ranger offense was too much for the Tempe Rams on this day, with a total of 325 yards, compared to the Rams total offensive yardage of 154.

The Glendale Rangers defense held tight, giving Rams QB # 4 Brad Dement little time to exercise his league leading passing arm a chance to connect with his receivers. Additionally the defensive line of the Rangers was stingy with the league’s leading rusher, Rams RB # 1 Rashad Armstrong.
The game is in the books, so now the Rangers prepare for the Tri-City Titans who later in the day, edged out the feisty Phoenix Outlaws in their semifinal game by a score of 7-6.

The league championship game, Copper Bowl VII, will be played between the Glendale Rangers and the Tri-City Titans at 7:00 p.m. at Moon Valley high School, Saturday, May 2, 2009. See you at the game.

For more information on the Copper Football League, please visit their Official Website.

Copper Football League Semifinals set for Saturday at Moon Valley

The Copper Football League is down to it’s final four teams, and two semifinal matchups will unfold Saturday, April 25th at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix.

In the first semifinal game, the Tempe Rams (9-2) will battle the Glendale Rangers (10-1). Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. The Rams advanced to the semis by downing the Arizona Thunder 37-20 in quarterfinal action last weekend. The Rangers breezed their way into the semifinals by beating the Peoria Patriots 23-6.

In the second matchup of the evening, the top-seeded Tri City Titans (10-1) will take on the Phoenix Outlaws (8-3). The Titans threw a goose egg at the East Valley Mustangs in the quarters, 39-0, while the Outlaws dumped the Tucson Blaze, 23-zip. The Outlaws have won 5 straight games including the postseason, while the Titans only loss of the season came in week 12 at the hands of the Arizona Thunder. Kickoff is slated at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on the teams, players, standings and stats of the Copper Football League, check out their Official Website Here.

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Flag Football Camp to be held in Anthem

The 5th Annual Let It Fly Flag Football Drills and Skills Camp will be held this summer at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem.

There are three different four-week sessions for boys ages 8 to 14, that will help them enhance their hand/eye coordination, footwork, speed, agility and quickness.

The camp is run by Coach Mark Huston, a former college quarterback, and current youth and high school coach.

The sessions will be held on Friday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the following dates…

May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
July 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

For more information on the 5th Annual Let It Fly Football Drills and Skills Camp, contact Camp Director Mark Huston at coachmark@letitflyfootballcamp.com

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Copper Fooball League: Final Four Bracket Set

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Phoenix,AZ - Saturday saw eight teams enter into the Copper Football League of AZ Quarter Finals and ended up with four winners going on to the semi-finals to be played at Moon Valley high School on Saturday, April 25th.

In the 10:00 a.m game the Phoenix Outlaws shut out the Tucson Blaze by a score of 23-0.
They move on to the semi-finals playing the Tri-City Titans who shut out the East Valley Mustangs 39-0. The Outlaws and the Titans play their semi-final game at 7:00 p.m.

The Glendale Rangers defeated the Peoria Patriots by a score of 23-6, earning their semi-final position to play the Tempe Rams who defeated the Arizona Thunder 37-20. The Rams play the Rangers at 3:00 p.m. at Moon Valley High School.

For more stories and stats, visit the Copper Football League’s Official Website.

Copper Football League Quarterfinals on tap for Saturday

Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the Valley last weekend, causing the cancellation of the quarterfinals of the Copper Football League playoffs.

This week, the forecast is calling for clear skies, and a lot of football.

Here’s the schedule for this week’s quarterfinal games at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix.

10:00 a.m. - (4) Phoenix Outlaws (7-3) vs. (5) Tucson Blaze (6-4)

1:00 p.m. - (3) Tempe Rams (8-2) vs. (6) Arizona Thunder (5-5)

4:00 p.m. - (2) Glendale Rangers (9-1) vs. (7) Peoria Patriots (4-6)

7:00 p.m. - (1) Tri-City Titans (9-1) vs. (8) East Valley Mustangs (3-7)

For more stories, stats, and standings, visit the Official Website of the Copper Football League.

Copper Football League: Quarter Finals Set for April 18th

No Changes in Match-ups

Phoenix, AZ - The CFL plans to continue playoff action this coming Saturday, April 18th after all games were postponed last week due to heavy rains.

There will be no changes in the original match-ups noted CFL Commissioner Adam Richman. “Mother nature has a way of reminding us all that she is in charge of things,” Richman noted, “but we will still move forward with the same lineup this Saturday” he added.

The first round match-ups at Moon Valley High School are as follows:

10:00 A.M. Phoenix Outlaws vs. Tucson Blaze

1:00 P.M. Tempe Rams vs. Arizona Thunder

4:00 P.M. Glendale Rangers vs. Peoria Patriots

7:00 P.M. Tri-City Titans vs. East Valley Mustangs

The four winning teams from the April 18th games will move on to play on Saturday April 25, 2009 as CFL playoff action continues in the Semifinals. There will be two games played, the two winners advancing to the Championship game on Saturday night, May 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. also at Moon Valley High School. Copper Bowl VII 2009 is the game all teams want to play in and win. CLF playoff action is how they get there. See you at the games.

From Copper Football League Media Relations

Playoffs set in Copper Football League

The regular season is in the books, and the 8 teams vying for the Copper Football League championship have been determined.

Here’s a look at what transpired in Week 11 of the CFL…

• Arizona Thunder 21…..East Valley Mustangs 7
• Glendale Rangers 42…..Peoria Patriots 14
• Northern Arizona Coyotes 7…..Glendale Bulldogs 6
• Phoenix Outlaws 29…..Tucson Blaze 28
• Tri-City Titans 34….Tempe Rams 27

Quarter Finals Playoff - Schedule

April 11

10:00 A.M. Phoenix Outlaws (7-3) vs. Tucson Blaze (6-4)

1:00 P.M. Tempe Rams (8-2) vs. Arizona Thunder (5-5)

4:00 P.M. Glendale Rangers (9-1) vs. Peoria Patriots (4-6)

7:00 P.M. Tri-City Titans (9-1) vs. East Valley Mustangs (3-7)

For more information, scores, stats and standings, visit the Copper Football League’s Official Website