Ellis propels Queen City to upset win

by Cameron Irvine

All last season, Adrien Ellis failed to eclipse 100 yards. He had the game of his life Saturday night in Baltimore, helping his Queen City Corsairs shock an old rival at Sports Gamers Online Stadium - the Baltimore Vultures - 30-24. Ellis had 149 yards and two touchdowns paired with tight end James Matthew Jr.'s 165 yards on nine receptions. Acquired in free agency, quarterback Eric Price got off to a strong start (192 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT) before exiting the game with an arm injury. Baltimore receiver Ivory Ervin turned in 160 yards on 10 grabs and linebacker Frank Smith totaled 18 tackles in the loss. The Vultures had two chances in the red zone late in the game but failed to reach the end zone.

Elsewhere around the league, D.C. tight end Lauren Percoco continued her dominance atop the tight end power rankings. She racked up 105 yards on six grabs - mostly in a dominant first half for the Dragons. D.C. took a 20-0 lead into halftime after Louisiana put up just one first down through the first 20 minutes. D.C. held Louisiana star halfback Duane Sammons to 29 yards on 14 carries. Dragon kicker Paw T. Pawtai hit six field goals (one shy of tying the league record), four from 40+ yards.

Houston did everything right in its 44-7 throttling of San Diego. The HeadHunters out-gained the Mavs 379-165 behind a stellar performance from running back GP Wells. Wells became the league's first 100-yard rusher this season, going for 127 yards on 29 carries. Quarterback Dave Burr threw four touchdowns on just 12 completions, two to Tybeerious Bovine. San Diego's Jonny Pichler finished just 12/22 for 79 yards passing. Houston's average field position was their own 46, turning four San Diego turnovers into 17 points.

It wasn't easy, but Mexico City prevailed in Detroit's bitter cold 17-10 over the V8s behind a balanced rushing attack (R. Bentley: 17 car, 57 yds; B. Van Dam: 16 car, 46 yds). Aztec receiver Noe Terrazas faced his former team and caught a 75-yard touchdown pass. Motor City rookie halfback BB Balitz recovered a muffed punt and returned it for a touchdown. The V8s Cain Vasquez led all defenders with 13 solo tackles and turned in two interceptions that helped keep Motor City in contention.

Check out the best of Season 22 in pictures hereĀ and all the highlights from Season 22 here.