11/5/2018
Zachary Mantlo Director of Communications
Email: mantloze@dukes.jmu.edu
Phone: 804-350-2232
2018 GOLDENRODS SCHEDULE
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 11/02- Plant a goldenrod with the Goldenrods
- 11/16- Flag Football tournament
- 11/24- Read with the Goldenrods
- 12/04- Golden Corrall with the Golden rods
- 12/05- Golden Hour with the Goldenrods (photoshoot)
GAME RECAP:
With standout performances from Phillip Rivers, Kareem Hunt, and George Kittle, the Omaha Goldenrods crushed the Brooklyn Drivers (3-5) 174.58 to 119.60 this week at The Warren Buffet Dome. With this victory, the Golden maintain their undefeated winning streak (7-0, 1,167.14) in week seven of the SCOM 365 Fantasy Football Season. The Goldenrods grabbed an early lead when quarterback Phillip Rivers launched a 75-yard-deep passing touchdown to Tyrell Williams. The momentum continued with Rivers, as he scored a total of 39.14 points and propelled 306 passing yards for the Rods (306 Pas Yds, 2 TD). Kareem Hunt aided in the win, plowing through the Drivers defense to rack up three touchdowns. Hunt scored 37.10 points against 18.06 projected points this week (86 Rsh Yds, 55 Rec Yds, 1 Rsh TD, 2 Rec TD). He has now surpassed his scoring projection six weeks in a row. Sterling Shepard ended the game for the Rods on a high note, securing a 58-yard catch in the fourth quarter.
QUOTING OFFENSIVE COACH ZAC MANTLO:
“I couldn’t be more proud of our guys this week. We had great points all over the board, from passing yards to rushing yards, our team delivered. I’m looking forward to see what our offensive line brings next week. We’ve been running some new drills and adding to the play book so that we can keep the other guys on their toes.”
MATCHUP PREVIEW:
- This week the Goldenrods (7-0, 1,167.14 points) return to the Warren Buffet Dome in a match-up against the Honolulu Humahumanukanukaapuaa (2-5, 810.12). The Humahumanukanukaapuaa will join the competition after losing their last game to the Honolulu Hammerheads. The Goldenrods left last week with a blowout win, beating the Brooklyn Drivers 174.58 to 119.60.
- The Golden Rods have the momentum for this game, coming off a seven-game winning streak and ranking number one in the league. Honolulu is ranked number 13 in the league and will have to rely on their running game if they want to upset Omaha.
- The matchup in the running game between the two teams should be one for the books. Kareem Hunt (RB) and Chris Carson (RB) are expected to bring in 31.74 combined points for the Rods. But the Humahumanukanukaapuaa are expected to pull ahead, with Todd Gurley (RB) and Jordan Howard (RB) projected to secure 34.12 points.
- The goldenrods will have to make up for the absence of Phillip Rivers this game, who will be taking his bye week from the league. Rivers has been a remarkably steady player for the Rods, entering Week 7 with at least 15.8 points scored in every game thus far. This will be a difficult gap for the Rods to fill in their matchup against Honolulu.
- Defensively, these teams will be evenly matched. The Goldenrods defense is expected to total 7.17 points, while the Humahumanukanukaapuaa are predicted to tally 6.12. This could go either way, especially with Goldenrods defensive linebacker, Khalil Mack, nursing a game changing ankle injury.
OMAHA GOLDENRODS SEASON NOTES:
- Kareem Hunt Makes an Impact – Kareem Hunt (RB), brought in three touchdowns last week for the Omaha Goldenrods. Hunt ran the ball 15 times for 86 yards and a touchdown, adding 55 yards and two more scores on five receptions in Sunday’s game.
- Omaha News Update – Employment is down in Omaha as the Union Pacific announces that hundreds of jobs will be eliminated. The company stated that 475 jobs in the Omaha area will be eliminated, along with about 205 contract positions. https://www.omaha.com/money/union-pacific-follows-corporate-trend-trimming-positions-mostly-at-omaha/article_0a6ce49a-828f-11e7-8acc-cb9431e38299.html
- Kenny Stills Injured and Benched – Goldenrods wide receiver, Kenny Stills has hit the sidelines after suffering from a groin injury in last Sunday’s game. Stills is set for an MRI on Monday and the team anticipates the verdict of his recovery. Even so, the rods are looking at a potential multi-week absence from Stills and his confirmed absence from week 8.
- Ankle Issues for Khalil Mack- Goldenrods Defensive Lineman, Khalil Mack, continues to nurse an ankle injury that occurred during Week 4 of the season. The question remains as to whether Omaha should play Mack or let him sit this one out.