October 13, 2016
Erin Feltkamp, Director of Public Relations
feltkaer@dukes.jmu.edu
Week 5 Game Notes
Columbia Salamanders (W) vs. Memphis Monsters (L)
116.6 – 110.36
Other Dates of Note:
Athletes and employees of the Columbia Salamanders will be hosting a food-drive event at the local Recreation Center. The event is open to all members of the Columbia public, and hopes to spread awareness for the continued issue of poverty in the area. Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jameis Winston will speak at the event to share their concerns about the issue and how they will help better the community.
Recap:
This past Monday night, the Columbia Salamanders made a big come back this week, by winning 116.6 to 110.36 against the Memphis Monsters. This brought the Salamanders back up, after an upsetting loss in Week 4. This puts the Monsters in 12th place, with their 5th continued loss and no wins yet. Quarterbacks carried the Salamanders by scoring high, with Matthew Stafford receiving 30.80 and Jameis Winston 20.36. Jay Ajayi, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski, and Terrance West all contributed to the win as well by putting up more than 10 points each. Sterling Shepard was named as a notable player for the Salamanders; due to receiving only two out of the seven catches he was given.
Next Week Match Up Preview:
vs. Orlando Blooms
Week 6 sees the Salamanders (3-2) taking on the team one spot below them in the league standings in the Orlando Blooms (2-3) in a matchup that is sure to excite. The Salamanders come in ranked number 6, with the Blooms breathing down their necks. The Salamanders will need a big week from their top players, as the Blooms, despite their week 4 loss, put up 160.38 points, which is nothing to scoff at.
Here are a few notes about this week’s matchup:
- The Blooms will look to their dynamic QB-RB duo of rookies, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot, to follow up their huge games last week. Prescott scored 27.48 points, while Elliot put up 36.10
- The Salamanders will have to make a big decision at the Q/R/W/T position, as Jameis Winston is on his bye week. Matt Stafford will have to fill in at the starting QB spot, leaving the Q/R/W/T open
- Although Martellus Bennet had a huge day for the New England Patriots last week, Rob Gronkowski was able to pull in 5 catches for 109 yards for Columbia. This is a great sign for the upcoming week considering the dud he put up in his first game back from injury in week 4
- Coming off of his bye week, we may finally get to see a glimpse of the Jamaal Charles we have gotten to know over the past few years. The Salamanders’ star running back practiced Wednesday and is set to play a much larger role this week
- The Salamanders will be hoping that the Blooms’ inconsistent players will be just that this week. Tight end Hunter Henry, wide receiver Steve Smith, and running back Theo Riddick all have the ability to put up huge numbers, but have not been able to demonstrate that ability on a week to week basis
Season Notes:
- It remains unsure that Latavius Murray is going to come back from his injury after missing Week 5
- After only getting combined 14 points from their starting wide receivers, the Salamanders may be looking to make a change to their starting lineup or to pick up another wide receiver
- The Salamanders successfully completed the football camp for Columbia’s children, which were held two weeks ago. The players taught kids crucial rules and tactics of the game, while educating them on teamwork and leadership
- University of South Carolina Gamecocks lost against the Georgia Bulldogs (28-14) on Sunday afternoon