Posted on by

10/19/2017

Antonio Diz

Director of Marketing and Community Engagement

dizal@dukes.jmu.edu

@dizheem

Game Recap

The Virginia Beach Neptune’s jumped out of the gate running this past week. Thanks to a season high 41.8 points from QB Kirk Cousins, VA Beach never looked back once in the lead. Despite Kirk’s huge day, the win didn’t come with only positives; Neptune’s QB Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in the start of the game and now may be done for the rest of the year. Kirk and RB Mark Ingram took the reigns and combined for almost 72 points. These 72 points were more than the Fuegos starting QB, both RB’s, and both WR’s combined. Fresno’s K Greg Zuerlein, who is still getting adjusted to his new team, had another good game. Going 2/2 on field goals and hitting 1 50+ yarder, he has shown he has the quality to start for the team. TE Jordan Reed continued to show struggling signs, only going for 37 yards and failing to win his matchups; Reed has posted a sub 10-point performance every week of the season. The Lions defense surprised many this week, and even though they allowed a high point total forced 1 fumble, caught 2 interceptions, and accounted for 2 defense touchdowns which totaled 17 points for the Neptune’s.

Even though they struggled against the pass, the Fresno defense was able to limit Neptune’s RB Duke Johnson, WR Tyrell Pryor, and K Stephen Gostowski to less than 7 points each. This allowed Fresno to have a shot at victory late in the game down 136 to 94. QB Marcus Mariota threw for 306 yards and 1 TD, which resulted in just over 32 points. Although Marcus and Fresno tried their best, they came up just short with a final score of 136.72-126.02.

 

 

Matchup Preview (Upcoming match up)

  • Fresno enters the matchup with a 3-3 record and is hoping to break a 2 game losing streak
  • Honolulu is 4-2 and is hoping to get back into the win column
  • Fresno is projected to win by a score of 121-118
  • RB Adrian Peterson will make his long awaited debut for the Fuego’s. He takes over the top running back spot and should add a key spark to the offense
  • WR Chris Hogan was limited at practice Thursday and is questionable for the matchup. With limited depth on the bench, this doe not bode well for Honolulu
  • QB Cam Newton injured his shoulder in practice on Wednesday for the Rocks. With a young backup on the bench, the Rocks are hoping for a speedy recovery
  • QB Marcus Mariota, after recovering from his injury and playing a full game last week, was a full participant in practice and will suit up for the game
  • The Rocks have the highest projected player, RB Levon Bell, who looks to conitinue an MVP caliber season
  • TE Jordan Reed is focused and ready to perform. Having yet to hit the double digit point total, he seeks to prove himself in this critical matchup
  • In such a close matchup, it could come down to the little guys; the Rocks kicker and Defense is a 1 point projected favorite over the Fuegos

Fresno Fuegos Season Notes

  • Odell Beckham Jr. is out for the year and was released
  • Adrian Peterson is making his season debut for the team
  • No trade news
  • BoltBus, a luxury bus service at an affordable price, is building a location in Fresno. This helps the economy and tourism.
  • Queens of the Stone Age is coming to perform in January. Tickets go on sale soon, so be ready and bring the hype. This is great for the local economy and, when paired with the Fuego’s football tea, bring more tourism to the area.
  • Conservative activists from Fresno filed a referendum which would allow voters to block the “sanctuary state” law. This law affects authorities power to hold, question, and transfer certain immigrants. This could have an interesting affect on the political viewpoint of Fresno.