Kevin Romm
Assistant to the Regional Manager – Virginia Beach Neptunes
rommke@dukes.jmu.edu
September 21, 2017
Final Score– Harrisonburg Valley Bees: 124.78, Virginia Beach Neptunes: 105.48
The Neptune’s near twenty-point defeat this past week stemmed from a lack of production from some key players. Running backs LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray combined for just 14.1 points, which was 15 points fewer than their combination from week one’s victory. The receiving core of Tyreek Hill and Amari Cooper combined for just 17 points, as Hill made his debut as a starter. Hill exploded for over 30 points in week 1, but could only muster 9.70 against the Bees.
Aaron Rodgers was once again the Neptune’s highest scorer, scoring 34.52 points. Rounding out the starting group was newly acquired tight end Greg Olsen, who contributed a solemn 2 points. Olsen’s poor play was due to an early exit because of an injury, in which he left with a broken foot. Olsen is expected to miss 6-8 weeks and has been dropped from the Neptune’s active roster.
Stellar play from both the Bee’s quarterbacks, Matt Ryan and Derek Carr, are what made the biggest difference in the outcome as they tallied 24.88 and 39.20 respectively. The Neptune’s look to get back on track this upcoming week against the Honolulu Rocks, otherwise their championship hopes could turn to tragedy.
Matchup Preview
- After two straight weeks of superb performances on the bench, running back Ty Montgomery will get his first start this week against the Rocks.
- Tight end Jack Doyle will also get his first start this week after he was picked up off the waivers due to Greg Olsen’s foot injury.
- The Honolulu Rocks enter this week’s contest ranked second in the league, riding a two game win streak.
- The Rocks are lead by quarterback Alex Smith, who is the number 1 ranked QB in the league.
- Running backs Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman will also pose as threats to the Neptunes as they are both ranked within the top ten in the league at the RB position.
- At this point in the season, the Neptunes have a slight statistic lead at the wide receiver position, outscoring the Rocks’ WRs by just 6 points.
- Both defenses also are fairly matched, as the Neptune’s is ranked 14th compared to the Rocks’ at 15
- The Rocks currently hold league trophies in two categories: the elite performer trophy, which was given to Alex Smith for his week 1 performance of 59.02 points, and the unreal combination trophy, which was awarded in week 1 for the combination of Alex Smith and Delanie Walker, who combined for 73.62 points.
Harrisonburg Valley Bees Season Notes
- Greg Olsen was dropped this after suffering a serious foot injury in week 2
- Jack Doyle was acquires off the waivers for replace Olsen
- Andrew Luck will remain on the bench as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury
- DeMarco Murray is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring strain
- Amari Cooper was limited at Wednesday’s practice with a sore knee, but is still expected to be healthy enough to play this weekend.
- Hurricane Maria continues to reek havoc on Puerto Rico but should not pose any serious threat to the coastal Virginia area
- Old Dominion University is scheduled to take on nationally ranked #13 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on Saturday.
- Norview schools in Norfolk, VA were put on lockdown after gunshots were reported closely in the area.