CFL History
Subscribe to our NewsletterWEEK 4 RESULTS
September 25, 2005
Game 1
Green 19, Gold 13
Green has won two straight games after their 0-2 start and are looking tougher each week, especially on defense. Behind the defensive line play of Pat "Tattoo" Kattoo (two T's and tow O's) and Joey Foumia (that's F-O-U), they were able to shut down Gold's offensive attack, minus Russ Smith this week.
Coach Bobby Semaan took a one-yard plunge into the end zone to open the game's scoring. Green followed up that score with a screen pass to Ernest Yeldo, who took it 50 yards to paydirt following a vicious block by Semaan.
Gold got on the board when Derek Putrus caught a pass from Karl Dalloo and went 50 yards, beating Green's speedy defenders along the way, making it 12-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Yeldo struck again, this time with a one-handed grab from 40-yards out from QB Tarik Kama, making the score 19-7.
Gold was able to get on the board once more with a 70-yard bomb from Dalloo to Norman Yono.
Kattoo recorded a pair of important sacks, Foumia added one. Tyson Yono was solid for Gold on defense.
Both teams are now 2-2 heading into the halfway point of the season.
Game 2
Black 18, Blue 14
Roy Sitto's teams have historically been known as offensively powerful squads, however this season his team is being more widely recognized for stellar defensive efforts.
In this one, Black gave up only one TD in the first half, with Blue's second TD coming at the end with the game out of reach.
The game began with Blue's Chris Zeer throwing an INT in the endzone on the game's first drive, stalling a promising offensive series.
Neither team scored in the first quarter, but in the second, Sitto hit Lance Attisha who rumbled for 10 yards for a touchdown, making it 6-0.
Blue countered on the next drive, as Zeer threw a strike to Ray Loussia from 40-yards out, tying the game at 6.
Black used some trickery to get on the board again, as Nate Karrumi took a reverse handoff from Sitto and threw a TD pass to Lance Sitto, this time for 15 yards. Blue was knocking on the door at the end of the half but failed to score, making it 12-6 at the break.
After both teams were scoreless in the third, Roy found Joey Jiddou all alone on the left side of the field from 25 yards out, making it 18-6.
Blue scored a meaningless touchdown late in the game, again from Zeer to Loussia, from 18 yards.
Gabe Zawaideh was aggressive for Black's defense, capturing a pair of big sacks in the game. Karrumi also intercepted Zeer twice.
Black is now 3-1 and alone in second place, while Blue tries to avoid the cellar at 1-3.
Game 3
White 20, Red 0
This one was taken back to the old school, as the last game of the day was moved to the grass field due to girls soccer matches that took place on the turf. The game clearly slowed down on the higher grass, but it didn't manage to hold White back from putting out another stellar effort. This game also marked the return of Joey Kejbou to White, who played despite his jaw still being wired shut.
Joey Sitto - on grass or turf - is playing like an MVP. White opened the scoring with a 35-yard TD pass from Jonna to Kejbou, rekindling memories of the 2004 championship team. Jonna followed up that drive with another TD pass, this time to Bruce Toma from 12 yards out, making it 13-0 at the half.
White scored once more in the third quarter when Jonna hit Kejbou again, and Kejbou shaked-and-baked his way to the endzone from 25 yards out.
The shutout was nearly squandered as Red had fourth and goal, but fell short on an incompletion on the last play.
Red has struggled through an 0-4 start and has only scored once this season. White is undefeated at 4-0 and looking invincible, having scored a league-high 87 points this season.
Offensive Player of the Week
Joey Kejbou made this one easy, scoring two TDs and an extra point in his first game back from a broken jaw.
Defensive Player of the Week
Pat Kattoo was a menacing presence for Green, as he was in Karl Dalloo's backfield all day, picking up a pair of sacks along the way.
Green 19, Gold 13
Green has won two straight games after their 0-2 start and are looking tougher each week, especially on defense. Behind the defensive line play of Pat "Tattoo" Kattoo (two T's and tow O's) and Joey Foumia (that's F-O-U), they were able to shut down Gold's offensive attack, minus Russ Smith this week.
Coach Bobby Semaan took a one-yard plunge into the end zone to open the game's scoring. Green followed up that score with a screen pass to Ernest Yeldo, who took it 50 yards to paydirt following a vicious block by Semaan.
Gold got on the board when Derek Putrus caught a pass from Karl Dalloo and went 50 yards, beating Green's speedy defenders along the way, making it 12-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Yeldo struck again, this time with a one-handed grab from 40-yards out from QB Tarik Kama, making the score 19-7.
Gold was able to get on the board once more with a 70-yard bomb from Dalloo to Norman Yono.
Kattoo recorded a pair of important sacks, Foumia added one. Tyson Yono was solid for Gold on defense.
Both teams are now 2-2 heading into the halfway point of the season.
Game 2
Black 18, Blue 14
Roy Sitto's teams have historically been known as offensively powerful squads, however this season his team is being more widely recognized for stellar defensive efforts.
In this one, Black gave up only one TD in the first half, with Blue's second TD coming at the end with the game out of reach.
The game began with Blue's Chris Zeer throwing an INT in the endzone on the game's first drive, stalling a promising offensive series.
Neither team scored in the first quarter, but in the second, Sitto hit Lance Attisha who rumbled for 10 yards for a touchdown, making it 6-0.
Blue countered on the next drive, as Zeer threw a strike to Ray Loussia from 40-yards out, tying the game at 6.
Black used some trickery to get on the board again, as Nate Karrumi took a reverse handoff from Sitto and threw a TD pass to Lance Sitto, this time for 15 yards. Blue was knocking on the door at the end of the half but failed to score, making it 12-6 at the break.
After both teams were scoreless in the third, Roy found Joey Jiddou all alone on the left side of the field from 25 yards out, making it 18-6.
Blue scored a meaningless touchdown late in the game, again from Zeer to Loussia, from 18 yards.
Gabe Zawaideh was aggressive for Black's defense, capturing a pair of big sacks in the game. Karrumi also intercepted Zeer twice.
Black is now 3-1 and alone in second place, while Blue tries to avoid the cellar at 1-3.
Game 3
White 20, Red 0
This one was taken back to the old school, as the last game of the day was moved to the grass field due to girls soccer matches that took place on the turf. The game clearly slowed down on the higher grass, but it didn't manage to hold White back from putting out another stellar effort. This game also marked the return of Joey Kejbou to White, who played despite his jaw still being wired shut.
Joey Sitto - on grass or turf - is playing like an MVP. White opened the scoring with a 35-yard TD pass from Jonna to Kejbou, rekindling memories of the 2004 championship team. Jonna followed up that drive with another TD pass, this time to Bruce Toma from 12 yards out, making it 13-0 at the half.
White scored once more in the third quarter when Jonna hit Kejbou again, and Kejbou shaked-and-baked his way to the endzone from 25 yards out.
The shutout was nearly squandered as Red had fourth and goal, but fell short on an incompletion on the last play.
Red has struggled through an 0-4 start and has only scored once this season. White is undefeated at 4-0 and looking invincible, having scored a league-high 87 points this season.
Offensive Player of the Week
Joey Kejbou made this one easy, scoring two TDs and an extra point in his first game back from a broken jaw.
Defensive Player of the Week
Pat Kattoo was a menacing presence for Green, as he was in Karl Dalloo's backfield all day, picking up a pair of sacks along the way.
WEEK 5 RESULTS
October 2, 2005
Game 1
Blue 28, Red 12
Behind an outstanding performance from Ray Lousia, Blue handily defeated Red, leaving them winless at 0-5.
Amer Ghafari made his presence felt early with a 20-yard TD reception from Chris Zeer, giving Blue an early 6-0 lead.
The second quarter belonged to Ray Lousia. Zeer hit him from 25 yards out, then followed it up by going up and grabbing a jump ball on fourth down and goal from the 10, to make the halftime score 20-0.
In the third Lousia put the game out of reach by intercepting a Sal Kesto pass and taking it to the house from 40-yards out.
Red scored a couple of late pride touchdowns when Anthony Toma took over at QB.
Joe Kyriakoza had a pair of sacks for Blue and Brian Najor added an interception. Blue is now 2-3 in the middle of the pack.
Game 2
White 26, Gold 13
The White team continues to roll right along, handing Gold its third straight loss.
Joey Jonna was sharp as usual, connecting with John Katoula from 25 yards out to start the scoring. But Gold answered with a Russ Smith 11-yard TD pass to Tony Attisha, making it 7-7 after one.
In the second quarter, Jonna picked off a Russ Smith pass, then turned around and threw a 3-yard TD pass to Dennis Sarafa to make it 13-7. Gold again answered, this time from Smith to Norman Yono from 20 yards to tie the game at the half.
Gold failed to score the rest of the way, and Jonna hit Joey Kejbou for a 20-yard TD pass. Then Jonna sealed the deal with another INT, this time taking it back for a a TD.
White is now 5-0 and Jonna's team has won 16 straight games since last season.
Game 3
Black 26, Green 7
Roy Sitto and the Black team has things moving in the right direction, picking up their third straight victory after crushing Green.
Black struck first in the second quarter, when Sitto hit Nathan Karrumi from 30 yards out. Black followed that up with a TD pass from Sitto to Kevin "Boomer" Denha from 15 yards.
With a 14-0 halftime lead Black wasn''t done. In the third quarter Sitto connected with Karrumi again, this time from 60 yards out.
Tarik Kama ran one in from 7 yards for Green to put them on the board. Black closed the scoring when Sitto dropped a dump pass to Boomer who took it to the end zone from 60 yards out.
Ray Dawood picked off three Kama passes, as Green falls to 2-3.
Offensive Player of the Week
Ray Lousia has been a hot receiver lately, and accentuated that in last week's game vs. Red, in which he had a pair of TD receptions. He also chalked one up on the defensive end.
Defensive Player of the Week
Ray Dawood may have caught more passes from Tarik Kama than Tarik's own teammates. Ray grabbed three interceptions to help lead Black to their third straight win.
Blue 28, Red 12
Behind an outstanding performance from Ray Lousia, Blue handily defeated Red, leaving them winless at 0-5.
Amer Ghafari made his presence felt early with a 20-yard TD reception from Chris Zeer, giving Blue an early 6-0 lead.
The second quarter belonged to Ray Lousia. Zeer hit him from 25 yards out, then followed it up by going up and grabbing a jump ball on fourth down and goal from the 10, to make the halftime score 20-0.
In the third Lousia put the game out of reach by intercepting a Sal Kesto pass and taking it to the house from 40-yards out.
Red scored a couple of late pride touchdowns when Anthony Toma took over at QB.
Joe Kyriakoza had a pair of sacks for Blue and Brian Najor added an interception. Blue is now 2-3 in the middle of the pack.
Game 2
White 26, Gold 13
The White team continues to roll right along, handing Gold its third straight loss.
Joey Jonna was sharp as usual, connecting with John Katoula from 25 yards out to start the scoring. But Gold answered with a Russ Smith 11-yard TD pass to Tony Attisha, making it 7-7 after one.
In the second quarter, Jonna picked off a Russ Smith pass, then turned around and threw a 3-yard TD pass to Dennis Sarafa to make it 13-7. Gold again answered, this time from Smith to Norman Yono from 20 yards to tie the game at the half.
Gold failed to score the rest of the way, and Jonna hit Joey Kejbou for a 20-yard TD pass. Then Jonna sealed the deal with another INT, this time taking it back for a a TD.
White is now 5-0 and Jonna's team has won 16 straight games since last season.
Game 3
Black 26, Green 7
Roy Sitto and the Black team has things moving in the right direction, picking up their third straight victory after crushing Green.
Black struck first in the second quarter, when Sitto hit Nathan Karrumi from 30 yards out. Black followed that up with a TD pass from Sitto to Kevin "Boomer" Denha from 15 yards.
With a 14-0 halftime lead Black wasn''t done. In the third quarter Sitto connected with Karrumi again, this time from 60 yards out.
Tarik Kama ran one in from 7 yards for Green to put them on the board. Black closed the scoring when Sitto dropped a dump pass to Boomer who took it to the end zone from 60 yards out.
Ray Dawood picked off three Kama passes, as Green falls to 2-3.
Offensive Player of the Week
Ray Lousia has been a hot receiver lately, and accentuated that in last week's game vs. Red, in which he had a pair of TD receptions. He also chalked one up on the defensive end.
Defensive Player of the Week
Ray Dawood may have caught more passes from Tarik Kama than Tarik's own teammates. Ray grabbed three interceptions to help lead Black to their third straight win.
WEEK 6 RESULTS
October 9, 2005
GAME 1
Green 26, White 12
Most players that arrived at the field during this game were shocked to hear that Green was in control, and that was the case for the entire game. This was the first true upset of the season, as White endured its first loss of the season at the hands of Bob Semaan's Green team, fresh off a trade to obtain Russ Smith at QB.
Green started the scoring when Smith connected with veteran Mike Zeer for a 15-yard TD pass. Then Joey Jonna hit Joey Kejbou for an 8-yard TD pass to knot things up at 6.
Still in the first quarter, Green wasn''t done. Smith found the speedy Ernest Yeldo on a 45-yard TD strike.
In the second, Semaan made a rolling catch from five yards out for a touchdown, making the score 20-6 at the half.
In the second half, the Jonna-Kejbou connection continued to flourish, this time Kejbou caught a five-yard out for a TD to make it a one-score game.
But in the fourth quarter, Green put the game out of reach when on fourth down and goal, Smith hit Yeldo again in the endzone. Randy Narra sealed the game for Green with a late interception of a Jonna pass.
Green's defense was the key to this victory, in what Semaan and company called a "total team effort."
The loss breaks White's unprecedented 15-game winning streak over the past two seasons and catapulted Green into contention again.
GAME 2
Gold 27, Blue 20 (OT)
The first Overtime game of the season went in favor of the new-look Gold team. Tarik Kama found Tony Attisha in the corner of the endzone to give Gold the victory and put them in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Gold started the game without Kama, who arrived after the first drive of the game. Blue instantly put 13 points on the board in the first quarter, when Chris Zeer ran for 10 yards for a touchdown and then found Dylan Putrus for a 20-yard scamper for a TD.
In the second quarter Kama found Norman Yono on a 30-yard flag route for a touchdown, to make it 13-6 at the half.
In the third quarter the same combo of Kama and Yono knotted the game up at 13. Blue was able to strike back when Amer Ghafari made a juggling grab from 35 yards gave Blue a 20-13 advantage. Gold countered in the fourth when Kama found John Hermiz for a five yard TD pass to tie the game at 20.
Blue opted to play defense in Overtime and on the first play from the 10-yard-line, Kama ran the ball down to the one before throwing the TD pass to Attisha.
Defensively, Amer Ghafari and Mikey George each had INTs for Blue. Norman Yono had a pick for Gold and Tyson Yono and Joey Foumia combined for five sacks.
GAME 3
Black 18, Red 0
Black maintained control of this game throughout, with a variety of quarterbacks taking snaps. Ray Dawood had an interception return for a TD from three yards out, and Nate Karrumi had one from 40 yards out. Karrumi also threw a TD pass to John Sesi for 40 yards.
Red is still winless and Black is now tied for first with White.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama's late arrival and subsequent heroics - four TDs, including the game-winner in OT - gives him the honor this week on his new Gold team.
Defensive Player of the Week
The Green team defense, for holding White to 12 points, after they had scored 27 ppg in the previous five games.
Green 26, White 12
Most players that arrived at the field during this game were shocked to hear that Green was in control, and that was the case for the entire game. This was the first true upset of the season, as White endured its first loss of the season at the hands of Bob Semaan's Green team, fresh off a trade to obtain Russ Smith at QB.
Green started the scoring when Smith connected with veteran Mike Zeer for a 15-yard TD pass. Then Joey Jonna hit Joey Kejbou for an 8-yard TD pass to knot things up at 6.
Still in the first quarter, Green wasn''t done. Smith found the speedy Ernest Yeldo on a 45-yard TD strike.
In the second, Semaan made a rolling catch from five yards out for a touchdown, making the score 20-6 at the half.
In the second half, the Jonna-Kejbou connection continued to flourish, this time Kejbou caught a five-yard out for a TD to make it a one-score game.
But in the fourth quarter, Green put the game out of reach when on fourth down and goal, Smith hit Yeldo again in the endzone. Randy Narra sealed the game for Green with a late interception of a Jonna pass.
Green's defense was the key to this victory, in what Semaan and company called a "total team effort."
The loss breaks White's unprecedented 15-game winning streak over the past two seasons and catapulted Green into contention again.
GAME 2
Gold 27, Blue 20 (OT)
The first Overtime game of the season went in favor of the new-look Gold team. Tarik Kama found Tony Attisha in the corner of the endzone to give Gold the victory and put them in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Gold started the game without Kama, who arrived after the first drive of the game. Blue instantly put 13 points on the board in the first quarter, when Chris Zeer ran for 10 yards for a touchdown and then found Dylan Putrus for a 20-yard scamper for a TD.
In the second quarter Kama found Norman Yono on a 30-yard flag route for a touchdown, to make it 13-6 at the half.
In the third quarter the same combo of Kama and Yono knotted the game up at 13. Blue was able to strike back when Amer Ghafari made a juggling grab from 35 yards gave Blue a 20-13 advantage. Gold countered in the fourth when Kama found John Hermiz for a five yard TD pass to tie the game at 20.
Blue opted to play defense in Overtime and on the first play from the 10-yard-line, Kama ran the ball down to the one before throwing the TD pass to Attisha.
Defensively, Amer Ghafari and Mikey George each had INTs for Blue. Norman Yono had a pick for Gold and Tyson Yono and Joey Foumia combined for five sacks.
GAME 3
Black 18, Red 0
Black maintained control of this game throughout, with a variety of quarterbacks taking snaps. Ray Dawood had an interception return for a TD from three yards out, and Nate Karrumi had one from 40 yards out. Karrumi also threw a TD pass to John Sesi for 40 yards.
Red is still winless and Black is now tied for first with White.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama's late arrival and subsequent heroics - four TDs, including the game-winner in OT - gives him the honor this week on his new Gold team.
Defensive Player of the Week
The Green team defense, for holding White to 12 points, after they had scored 27 ppg in the previous five games.
WEEK 7 RESULTS
October 16, 2005
Game 1
Green 28, Blue 19
Green picked up a big victory, moving themselves two games ahead of Blue in the standings. Blue dropped another close one and simply couldn''t close the deal. Down by two points and knocking on the door of the endzone, Randy Narra came up with a huge interception of a JR Kizy pass. A touchdown to Ernest Yeldo followed by an extra point put the game out of reach.
This was a sea-saw battle that could have gone either way. In the second quarter, Blue QB Chris Zeer broke his finger on a pass play and was relieved by JR Kizy. Zeer made a gutsy move by staying in the game as WR and DB despite, as it turns out, he broke his right forefinger in four different spots.
Blue scored early when JR Kizy made a catch for 10 yards and pitched the ball to Amer Ghafari who ran to the end zone for 45 yards.
Russ Smith evened the score for Green by hitting Narra from 10 yards out in the corner of the end zone on fourth and goal.
In the second quarter, Russ found Mike Zeer on a 50-yard bomb, then followed it up with a one yard TD pass to Ernest Yeldo, making it 21-7 Green at the half.
Kizy engineered a Blue rally in the second half when he found Chris Zeer on a 20-yard TD strike to make the score 21-13. JR hit Brian Najor from one-yard out to bring Blue within two, but that was all Blue would end up scoring.
Defensively, Cresto and Yeldo each had picks for Green, while Bob Semaan had a sack. Dylan Putrus sacked Smith once and also had an INT. Chris Zeer and Pete Rabban had INTs as well.
Blue is in a must-win situation this week vs. White.
Game 2
White 14, Black 12
White gets back on the winning track and in sole possession of first place with this big win over Black in the week''s prime-time match-up which should be called "The Karrumi Show". The difference in the game turned out to be a Jordan Rassam safety, when he sacked Roy Sitto in the end zone in the second quarter.
Joey Jonna started the scoring when he ran 50 yards then pitched the ball to Nolan Karrumi, who ran it in for a TD for 25 more yards, making the score 6-0.
In the second quarter it was 8-0 after the safety, then Jonna hit Karrumi for his second TD of the game from 10 yards out, making it 14-0 at the half.
Black kept White out of the end zone for the rest of the game, and started the second half with a Sitto to Nate Karrumi 20-yard TD pass to make it 14-6. Nate Karrumi, playing QB, then ran for a 25 yard TD but Black couldn't score the 2-point conversion to tie.
Defensively, Joey Kejbou had an INT for white Jordan Rassam had two sacks and Steve Sagmani and Dave Antwan each had one. For Black, Bash Taki made two important interceptions and Ray Dawood had one. Lance Sitto added a sack.
Game 3
Gold 24, Red 0
According to John Kello, the only highlights that mattered from this game included two TD catches that he made. Otherwise, Red endured a shutout for the fifth time this season and remain winless, while Gold stays in the playoff mix by winning it's second straight game since the Tarik/Derek trade.
Offensive Player of the Week
Russ Smith turned in an outstanding performance for Green, making big play after big play in crucial situations and under a lot of pressure from the Blue rush.
Defensive Player of the Week
Jordan Rassam's safety was the difference-maker in the biggest game of the week. That safety was one of his two sacks on the day.
Green 28, Blue 19
Green picked up a big victory, moving themselves two games ahead of Blue in the standings. Blue dropped another close one and simply couldn''t close the deal. Down by two points and knocking on the door of the endzone, Randy Narra came up with a huge interception of a JR Kizy pass. A touchdown to Ernest Yeldo followed by an extra point put the game out of reach.
This was a sea-saw battle that could have gone either way. In the second quarter, Blue QB Chris Zeer broke his finger on a pass play and was relieved by JR Kizy. Zeer made a gutsy move by staying in the game as WR and DB despite, as it turns out, he broke his right forefinger in four different spots.
Blue scored early when JR Kizy made a catch for 10 yards and pitched the ball to Amer Ghafari who ran to the end zone for 45 yards.
Russ Smith evened the score for Green by hitting Narra from 10 yards out in the corner of the end zone on fourth and goal.
In the second quarter, Russ found Mike Zeer on a 50-yard bomb, then followed it up with a one yard TD pass to Ernest Yeldo, making it 21-7 Green at the half.
Kizy engineered a Blue rally in the second half when he found Chris Zeer on a 20-yard TD strike to make the score 21-13. JR hit Brian Najor from one-yard out to bring Blue within two, but that was all Blue would end up scoring.
Defensively, Cresto and Yeldo each had picks for Green, while Bob Semaan had a sack. Dylan Putrus sacked Smith once and also had an INT. Chris Zeer and Pete Rabban had INTs as well.
Blue is in a must-win situation this week vs. White.
Game 2
White 14, Black 12
White gets back on the winning track and in sole possession of first place with this big win over Black in the week''s prime-time match-up which should be called "The Karrumi Show". The difference in the game turned out to be a Jordan Rassam safety, when he sacked Roy Sitto in the end zone in the second quarter.
Joey Jonna started the scoring when he ran 50 yards then pitched the ball to Nolan Karrumi, who ran it in for a TD for 25 more yards, making the score 6-0.
In the second quarter it was 8-0 after the safety, then Jonna hit Karrumi for his second TD of the game from 10 yards out, making it 14-0 at the half.
Black kept White out of the end zone for the rest of the game, and started the second half with a Sitto to Nate Karrumi 20-yard TD pass to make it 14-6. Nate Karrumi, playing QB, then ran for a 25 yard TD but Black couldn't score the 2-point conversion to tie.
Defensively, Joey Kejbou had an INT for white Jordan Rassam had two sacks and Steve Sagmani and Dave Antwan each had one. For Black, Bash Taki made two important interceptions and Ray Dawood had one. Lance Sitto added a sack.
Game 3
Gold 24, Red 0
According to John Kello, the only highlights that mattered from this game included two TD catches that he made. Otherwise, Red endured a shutout for the fifth time this season and remain winless, while Gold stays in the playoff mix by winning it's second straight game since the Tarik/Derek trade.
Offensive Player of the Week
Russ Smith turned in an outstanding performance for Green, making big play after big play in crucial situations and under a lot of pressure from the Blue rush.
Defensive Player of the Week
Jordan Rassam's safety was the difference-maker in the biggest game of the week. That safety was one of his two sacks on the day.
WEEK 8 RESULTS
October 22, 2005
Game 1
Gold 27, Black 8
Black is showing some Jekyll and Hyde traits, after getting shellacked by Gold 27-8. Tarik Kama played his best game in a few seasons, throwing for three TDs in the win.
Kama found wily veteran John Kello in the end zone from 10-yards out for the game's first score, making it 7-0.
In the second quarter, rookie Norman Yono intercepted a Roy Sitto pass at his own 1-yard line and took it back 99 yards to paydirt, beating the entire Black offense for the length of the field, making the score 14-0 at the half.
In the second half Ray Shamoun caught a Kama TD pass from 10 yards out, and Karl Dallou received a TD pass for 15 yards.
Black finally scored in the fourth quarter when they got a safety on a bad snap by Gold in their own endzone. A late, meaningless TD pass from Sitto to Ray Dawood from 20-yards out was the game's final scoring play.
Tony Attisha and Norman Yono each had INTs for Gold. With the win, Gold placed themselves in a second place tie with Black at 5-3.
Game 2
Green 20, Red 6
In what looked to be Red''''''''s closest opportunity to win a game this season, Green pulled away late in the game to shatter their hopes.
After a scoreless first quarter, Russ Smith for Green found Randy Narra - candidate for Most Improved Player - for a 10-yard TD pass.
The score was 7-0 Green at halftime, when Nelson Brecko took a short dump pass 60 yards for a TD, making it 7-6 in the fourth quarter.
Green salted away the victory when Derek Putrus went 25 yards for a TD after a short pass. Green put the finishing touches on Red when Ernest Yeldo caught a diving TD in the back of the end zone from 50 yards out.
Green's defense had six INTs, and a pair of sacks. Red's defense came to play as well, with four sacks and an INT.
Game 3
White 27, Blue 6
With their fate already sealed for the season, Blue couldn't muster up enough offense to keep up with White's high-powered group.
Nolan Karrumi opened the scoring for White on a 15 yard TD reception from Joey Jonna.
In the second quarter, Blue kept things interesting when QB JR Kizy ran in a TD from 5-yards out. At the end of the first half, Jonna found Dennis Sarafa who shook his way into the end zone from 30 yards out, making it 13-6 at the half.
On the opening play of the second half, Joey Kejbou went 80 yards on a direct snap for a TD. And on the very next possession, on the first play, Jonna found Kejbou on an 80-yard bomb.
Blue is officially out of playoff contention and White has locked up the top seed in the playoffs.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama, for leading Gold to a huge victory over Black and throwing for three TDs.
Defensive Player of the Week
Norman Yono of Gold, for his electrifying 99-yard interception return
Gold 27, Black 8
Black is showing some Jekyll and Hyde traits, after getting shellacked by Gold 27-8. Tarik Kama played his best game in a few seasons, throwing for three TDs in the win.
Kama found wily veteran John Kello in the end zone from 10-yards out for the game's first score, making it 7-0.
In the second quarter, rookie Norman Yono intercepted a Roy Sitto pass at his own 1-yard line and took it back 99 yards to paydirt, beating the entire Black offense for the length of the field, making the score 14-0 at the half.
In the second half Ray Shamoun caught a Kama TD pass from 10 yards out, and Karl Dallou received a TD pass for 15 yards.
Black finally scored in the fourth quarter when they got a safety on a bad snap by Gold in their own endzone. A late, meaningless TD pass from Sitto to Ray Dawood from 20-yards out was the game's final scoring play.
Tony Attisha and Norman Yono each had INTs for Gold. With the win, Gold placed themselves in a second place tie with Black at 5-3.
Game 2
Green 20, Red 6
In what looked to be Red''''''''s closest opportunity to win a game this season, Green pulled away late in the game to shatter their hopes.
After a scoreless first quarter, Russ Smith for Green found Randy Narra - candidate for Most Improved Player - for a 10-yard TD pass.
The score was 7-0 Green at halftime, when Nelson Brecko took a short dump pass 60 yards for a TD, making it 7-6 in the fourth quarter.
Green salted away the victory when Derek Putrus went 25 yards for a TD after a short pass. Green put the finishing touches on Red when Ernest Yeldo caught a diving TD in the back of the end zone from 50 yards out.
Green's defense had six INTs, and a pair of sacks. Red's defense came to play as well, with four sacks and an INT.
Game 3
White 27, Blue 6
With their fate already sealed for the season, Blue couldn't muster up enough offense to keep up with White's high-powered group.
Nolan Karrumi opened the scoring for White on a 15 yard TD reception from Joey Jonna.
In the second quarter, Blue kept things interesting when QB JR Kizy ran in a TD from 5-yards out. At the end of the first half, Jonna found Dennis Sarafa who shook his way into the end zone from 30 yards out, making it 13-6 at the half.
On the opening play of the second half, Joey Kejbou went 80 yards on a direct snap for a TD. And on the very next possession, on the first play, Jonna found Kejbou on an 80-yard bomb.
Blue is officially out of playoff contention and White has locked up the top seed in the playoffs.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama, for leading Gold to a huge victory over Black and throwing for three TDs.
Defensive Player of the Week
Norman Yono of Gold, for his electrifying 99-yard interception return
WEEK 9 RESULTS
October 30, 2005
Game 1
Black 27, Blue 13
Blue was threatening an upset early on with a 13-0 lead, but Black, led by Nate Karrumi's three TDs, sent Blue packing yet again.
JR Kizy threw a jump ball to Amer Ghafari from 30-yards out to start the scoring for Blue. Blue followed that up with a tipped two-yard TD pass to Pete Rabban, making it 13-0.
Black took a 14-13 lead after scoring on two straight possessions - a Roy Sitto 5-yard TD pass to Ray Dawood, and a 5-yard TD run by Nate Karrumi.
Black scored twice more in the third quarter when Karrumi took a reverse 60 yards to paydirt, and then Karrumi caught a 40-yard TD pass from Sitto.
There were some classic one-on-one matchups in this one, including the ongoing battle between Kevin "Boomer" Denha and JR Kizy. Boomer was able to grab an INT in the game as well.
Black improved to 6-3 with the victory and Blue, which is out of the playoffs, to 2-7.
Game 2
White 25, Red 6
Red's looking more and more like a winless team in 2005, despite some solid individual efforts from the likes of Scotty George and Nelson Brikho in this game. Scotty started the scoring with a five-yard rushing TD, giving Red a very unheard of lead in the game.
Joey Jonna and White struck right back with a 70-yard bomb to Joey Kejbou. Jonna then ran in a two-yard TD to make the score 13-6 at the half.
In the second half, Jonna found John Katoula from 20 yards out on a nice grab out of the air by Katoula. Jonna capped the scoring with another rushing TD.
Defensively, Nolan Karrumi had a pair of picks for White, and Kejbou had one. Scotty George sacked Jonna once as well. Nick Ammori and Anthony Toma each had an INT for Red.
White stands alone in first place and is the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs in two weeks.
Game 3
Gold 33, Green 27
Whatever Green did, Gold & Tarik Kama had an answer for it.
Kama started the game''s scoring with a 5-yard TD pass to Ray Shamoun in the first quarter. He followed that up with an 45-yard TD pass to Karl Dallou, then ran in the 2-point conversion, making it 14-0.
Green struck back when Russ Smith found Derek Dickow from 15 yards out to make it 14-7.
But Kama and Dallou hooked up again, this time for a 60-yard bomb to make the score 21-7 at the half.
In the third, Smith came out firing, finding Derek Putrus, who rumbled for 45 yards and a TD to cut it to one score. Then Smith found Mike Zeer from 31 yards away but the extra point was no good, so Gold maintained a 21-20 lead after three quarters.
Kama then turned on the jets on the next possession, scoring on a 40-yard scamper to make it 27-20.
Green struck back when Smith found Ernest Yeldo from five-yards out for a TD, but again the extra point was no good and Green trailed by a point.
Kama sealed the deal late in the fourth with a 60-yard bomb to Tony Attisha.
On defense, aging veteran Saber Ammori had an INT and Derek Putrus had a pair of sacks. Ernest Yeldo also had two INTs for Green.
Gold positioned itself for the third seed in the playoffs, while Green will likely be fourth.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama had four passing TDs and one rushing TD to lead Gold to victory, in easily his best game of the season.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kevin "Boomer" Denha for picking up his first INT of the season!
Black 27, Blue 13
Blue was threatening an upset early on with a 13-0 lead, but Black, led by Nate Karrumi's three TDs, sent Blue packing yet again.
JR Kizy threw a jump ball to Amer Ghafari from 30-yards out to start the scoring for Blue. Blue followed that up with a tipped two-yard TD pass to Pete Rabban, making it 13-0.
Black took a 14-13 lead after scoring on two straight possessions - a Roy Sitto 5-yard TD pass to Ray Dawood, and a 5-yard TD run by Nate Karrumi.
Black scored twice more in the third quarter when Karrumi took a reverse 60 yards to paydirt, and then Karrumi caught a 40-yard TD pass from Sitto.
There were some classic one-on-one matchups in this one, including the ongoing battle between Kevin "Boomer" Denha and JR Kizy. Boomer was able to grab an INT in the game as well.
Black improved to 6-3 with the victory and Blue, which is out of the playoffs, to 2-7.
Game 2
White 25, Red 6
Red's looking more and more like a winless team in 2005, despite some solid individual efforts from the likes of Scotty George and Nelson Brikho in this game. Scotty started the scoring with a five-yard rushing TD, giving Red a very unheard of lead in the game.
Joey Jonna and White struck right back with a 70-yard bomb to Joey Kejbou. Jonna then ran in a two-yard TD to make the score 13-6 at the half.
In the second half, Jonna found John Katoula from 20 yards out on a nice grab out of the air by Katoula. Jonna capped the scoring with another rushing TD.
Defensively, Nolan Karrumi had a pair of picks for White, and Kejbou had one. Scotty George sacked Jonna once as well. Nick Ammori and Anthony Toma each had an INT for Red.
White stands alone in first place and is the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs in two weeks.
Game 3
Gold 33, Green 27
Whatever Green did, Gold & Tarik Kama had an answer for it.
Kama started the game''s scoring with a 5-yard TD pass to Ray Shamoun in the first quarter. He followed that up with an 45-yard TD pass to Karl Dallou, then ran in the 2-point conversion, making it 14-0.
Green struck back when Russ Smith found Derek Dickow from 15 yards out to make it 14-7.
But Kama and Dallou hooked up again, this time for a 60-yard bomb to make the score 21-7 at the half.
In the third, Smith came out firing, finding Derek Putrus, who rumbled for 45 yards and a TD to cut it to one score. Then Smith found Mike Zeer from 31 yards away but the extra point was no good, so Gold maintained a 21-20 lead after three quarters.
Kama then turned on the jets on the next possession, scoring on a 40-yard scamper to make it 27-20.
Green struck back when Smith found Ernest Yeldo from five-yards out for a TD, but again the extra point was no good and Green trailed by a point.
Kama sealed the deal late in the fourth with a 60-yard bomb to Tony Attisha.
On defense, aging veteran Saber Ammori had an INT and Derek Putrus had a pair of sacks. Ernest Yeldo also had two INTs for Green.
Gold positioned itself for the third seed in the playoffs, while Green will likely be fourth.
Offensive Player of the Week
Tarik Kama had four passing TDs and one rushing TD to lead Gold to victory, in easily his best game of the season.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kevin "Boomer" Denha for picking up his first INT of the season!
November 12, 2005
BY JOE KYRIAKOZA
Gold (6-4) vs. Black (7-3)
After a pair of trades that sent ripples throughout the CFL web site chat room and all around the league, Karl Dallou's Gold team seems to be clicking with Tarik Kama leading the charge at QB and Saber Ammori providing veteran leadership previously lacking from this squad.
Black has been a steady, consistent team throughout the season led by seasoned QB Roy Sitto and speedsters Nathan Karrumi and Ray Dawood. Roy's teams typically back into the playoffs and make a run at the cup, however this season Roy seems to have a fairly complete package, with a fast pair of receivers, a solid defense and a beefy offensive line.
MATCH-UP BREAKDOWN
D-Line
Black's Gabe Zawaideh (6 sacks) is a definite candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He has racked up a number of sacks and tackles this season, many of them crucial to game situations. Kevin "Boomer" Denha is simply a maniac, and draws lots of attention while creating havoc in the backfield.
For Gold, Tyson Yono (7 sacks) and Joey Foumia provide excellent CFL Chat Room presence, and also a lot of push upfront. Gold's defense has started to bring it together at the end of the season.
Both lines are solid - ADVANTAGE: Even
LBs and DBs
For Black, John Sesi, Ray Dawood (4 INTS) and Nathan Karrumi (3 INTS) have had a great season in the defensive backfield, locking down most opponents. Bash Taki (4 INTS) has been versatile all season at linebacker, and Lance and Roy Sitto both have great flag-pulling abilities. Black's defense was second-best in the league, only giving up 11.5 ppg on average.
Gold has given up over 14 ppg this season, but obviously a variety of changes in personnel makes that number difficult to quantify. Saber Ammori leads the defense at middle linebacker, along with rookie Norman Yono, and Ray Shamoun at linebackers. The defensive backfield of Dallou, Tony Attisha and Kama has plenty of speed but hasn't been stellar in the turnover department.
Black has the tools on D - ADVANTAGE: Black
O-Line
Black has utilized Sitto and Nathan Karrumi at the QB position all year, and they've been well protected by the tandem of Lance Sitto and Joe Jiddou. This pair has also been versatile in the air attack, providing a safety valve for Sitto and producing yards and scores (Jiddou had two TDs this season).
Gold's line has some bark to its bite, as Joey Foumia and John Hermiz provide the blocking for Tarik Kama. While Kama's wheels alone help him buy an extra 3-5 seconds in the backfield, Foumia and Hermiz provide strength and intimidation up front for Gold. Ray Shamoun is also mixed in here, who has good hands off the line. Plus, Foumia does Yoga.
Black's line is a little more versatile - ADVANTAGE: Black
WRs/C
Attisha (4 TDs) and Dallou (3 TDs) are a pair of methodical veteran receivers that provide solid production on a weekly basis. Rookie Norman Yono (6 TDs) adds a speed and strength element to the receiving corps for Gold that is difficult to match. John Kello (3 TDs) has been a workhorse at the center position and a favorite target of Kama.
The blazing speed of Karrumi (5 receiving TDs, 3 rushing TDs) and Dawood (5 TDs) cannot be denied. They are the masters of the YAC (yards after catch) and are deadly in the open field. Tim Abbo has found a niche at center, making big first down catches all season long.
ADVANTAGE: Gold
QB
Roy Sitto (17 TDs) has been around the CFL for a long time (just look at the grays on his head) and has played in dozens of big games. He's also been sharing the QB role with Karrumi, who's played sort of a "slash"-type role with his running ability.
Kama (22 TDs, 1 rushing TD) has been on fire since being traded to Gold. Kama has thrown 11 of his 22 TDs in the last three games - including a 3-TD performance in a Black blowout - and is looking sharper than ever. He's also the fastest guy in the CFL, so if he gets in the open field Black is in trouble.
ADVANTAGE: Gold
INTANGIBLES
Sitto has made it to the big game numerous times and fully expects to again this time. He has the playoff experience to lead his team to victory. Gold is a team that is hungry and rolling since their last blockbuster trade for Kama. They also pose match-up problems for Black, which were evident in their 27-8 shellacking of Black a few weeks ago. Gold has veterans in Ammori, Dallou and Kello that will provide the leadership necessary to get them to the big dance.
PREDICTION: Gold 21, Black 13
White (9-1) vs. Green (5-5)
Enough can’t be said about the successes of the White team over the past two seasons. They’ve only lost twice, and this season scored the most points and gave up the least. This squad is a little different from the 2004 group - mainly a little less explosive without Anthony Hesano – but definitely capable of putting up points. White showed a few chinks in its armor this year, but nothing it can’t overcome.
Green has been through a lot in 2005. Bob Semaan was on the other end of the blockbuster trade with Gold, in which he obtained Russ Smith and Derek Putrus for Kama and Foumia. Green has had its ups and downs, the evidence in its 5-5 record. But they’ve got the one thing going for them that no other team in the league does - they are the only team to defeat White in 2005.
MATCH-UP BREAKDOWN
D-Line
Derek Putrus (3 sacks) and Semaan provide most of the rush for Green, mixing in Cresto and Randy Narra. They have been a serviceable group, but nothing to get extremely excited about.
White’s line presence of Rassam, Dave Antwan, and Steve Sagmani have been formidable, especially the presence of Rassam, a rookie who has created problems for many QBs.
ADVANTAGE: White
LBs and DBs
Joey Jonna has been the ultimate “centerfielder” for White, picking off passes (5 INTs) and making countless tackles on defense. Nolan Karrumi (2 INTs) and Joey Kejbou (2 INTs) are two of the fastest guys in the league and can lock up anyone in the CFL. Danny Shaba has been one of the most improved players this season. He’s filled the role that Brandon Yono did in 2004 for White.
Ernest Yeldo (3 INTs) is a great one-on-one corner who is tough to beat deep. Derek Dickow, Mike Zeer and Randy Narra are experienced CFL defensive players who have held their own this season.
ADVANTAGE: Even
O-Line
The Green offensive line provides width and strength, as the pair of Al Abbo and Derek Putrus do a bang-up job protecting Russ Smith, who is primarily a pocket passer. Putrus has been an offensive juggernaut this season as well, scoring three receiving TDs from long distances. Everyone accuses Abbo of excessive holding, but as they say in life – if you didn’t get caught, you didn’t do it.
White’s behemoth tandem of Bruce Toma and Jordan Rassam have been a force to be reckoned with this season, and an entirely new look for Jonna from his ’04 line. Both linemen have great hands, while also doing what’s necessary to keep QB Joey Jonna relatively untouched this season.
ADVANTAGE: Even
WRs/C
White’s Joey Kejbou has recovered from his early season broken jaw and scored 8 TDs in seven games. Nolan Karrumi has also caught 5 TDs and rushed for a pair. Wily veteran Dennis Sarafa continues to create headaches for opposing defenses as he solidifies his role as one of the best possession receivers in the CFL. Center John Katoula has improved as the season has wore on, and has made some big grabs in the past few weeks.
For Green, Ernest Yeldo (10 TDs) has had an outstanding season despite having three different QBs throwing him the ball. Randy Narra is also a candidate for most improved player this season, making tons of important catches. Derek Dickow (2 TDs) and center Mike Zeer (4 TDs) have truly reaped the benefits of having Russ Smith at QB. Both have contributed plenty to the offensive attack this season.
ADVANTAGE: White
QB
Nobody ever wants to play Russ Smith in the playoffs. He’s got the savvy, the experience and the arm to beat you on any given Sunday, regardless of who he’s throwing the ball to. He’s thrown 21 TD passes and has made stars out of all of his receivers, even Bobby Semaan out of the backfield.
Joey Jonna has been outstanding in 2005, throwing for 26 TDs and running for two more. His play-calling and decision-making are second to none in the CFL, and he uses all available weapons in his arsenal. The unpredictability of the White offense is what makes them so effective, and the excellence in execution that Jonna provides is what makes them winners.
This is a tough one, but Jonna is easily this year’s league MVP - ADVANTAGE: White
INTANGIBLES
Both QBs know what it takes to win the big game in the CFL. Bob Semaan also coached back-to-back CFL championship teams earlier this decade. While Green is a team made up of mostly seasoned CFL players, White has a healthy mix of veterans and youngsters. Green’s victory over White exposed a few of White’s weaknesses, but there are very, very few. It also could have been just an off day for them, and everyone’s entitled to an off day – as long as it’s not in the playoffs. It should be a close game nonetheless.
PREDICTION: White 19, Green 14
Gold (6-4) vs. Black (7-3)
After a pair of trades that sent ripples throughout the CFL web site chat room and all around the league, Karl Dallou's Gold team seems to be clicking with Tarik Kama leading the charge at QB and Saber Ammori providing veteran leadership previously lacking from this squad.
Black has been a steady, consistent team throughout the season led by seasoned QB Roy Sitto and speedsters Nathan Karrumi and Ray Dawood. Roy's teams typically back into the playoffs and make a run at the cup, however this season Roy seems to have a fairly complete package, with a fast pair of receivers, a solid defense and a beefy offensive line.
MATCH-UP BREAKDOWN
D-Line
Black's Gabe Zawaideh (6 sacks) is a definite candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He has racked up a number of sacks and tackles this season, many of them crucial to game situations. Kevin "Boomer" Denha is simply a maniac, and draws lots of attention while creating havoc in the backfield.
For Gold, Tyson Yono (7 sacks) and Joey Foumia provide excellent CFL Chat Room presence, and also a lot of push upfront. Gold's defense has started to bring it together at the end of the season.
Both lines are solid - ADVANTAGE: Even
LBs and DBs
For Black, John Sesi, Ray Dawood (4 INTS) and Nathan Karrumi (3 INTS) have had a great season in the defensive backfield, locking down most opponents. Bash Taki (4 INTS) has been versatile all season at linebacker, and Lance and Roy Sitto both have great flag-pulling abilities. Black's defense was second-best in the league, only giving up 11.5 ppg on average.
Gold has given up over 14 ppg this season, but obviously a variety of changes in personnel makes that number difficult to quantify. Saber Ammori leads the defense at middle linebacker, along with rookie Norman Yono, and Ray Shamoun at linebackers. The defensive backfield of Dallou, Tony Attisha and Kama has plenty of speed but hasn't been stellar in the turnover department.
Black has the tools on D - ADVANTAGE: Black
O-Line
Black has utilized Sitto and Nathan Karrumi at the QB position all year, and they've been well protected by the tandem of Lance Sitto and Joe Jiddou. This pair has also been versatile in the air attack, providing a safety valve for Sitto and producing yards and scores (Jiddou had two TDs this season).
Gold's line has some bark to its bite, as Joey Foumia and John Hermiz provide the blocking for Tarik Kama. While Kama's wheels alone help him buy an extra 3-5 seconds in the backfield, Foumia and Hermiz provide strength and intimidation up front for Gold. Ray Shamoun is also mixed in here, who has good hands off the line. Plus, Foumia does Yoga.
Black's line is a little more versatile - ADVANTAGE: Black
WRs/C
Attisha (4 TDs) and Dallou (3 TDs) are a pair of methodical veteran receivers that provide solid production on a weekly basis. Rookie Norman Yono (6 TDs) adds a speed and strength element to the receiving corps for Gold that is difficult to match. John Kello (3 TDs) has been a workhorse at the center position and a favorite target of Kama.
The blazing speed of Karrumi (5 receiving TDs, 3 rushing TDs) and Dawood (5 TDs) cannot be denied. They are the masters of the YAC (yards after catch) and are deadly in the open field. Tim Abbo has found a niche at center, making big first down catches all season long.
ADVANTAGE: Gold
QB
Roy Sitto (17 TDs) has been around the CFL for a long time (just look at the grays on his head) and has played in dozens of big games. He's also been sharing the QB role with Karrumi, who's played sort of a "slash"-type role with his running ability.
Kama (22 TDs, 1 rushing TD) has been on fire since being traded to Gold. Kama has thrown 11 of his 22 TDs in the last three games - including a 3-TD performance in a Black blowout - and is looking sharper than ever. He's also the fastest guy in the CFL, so if he gets in the open field Black is in trouble.
ADVANTAGE: Gold
INTANGIBLES
Sitto has made it to the big game numerous times and fully expects to again this time. He has the playoff experience to lead his team to victory. Gold is a team that is hungry and rolling since their last blockbuster trade for Kama. They also pose match-up problems for Black, which were evident in their 27-8 shellacking of Black a few weeks ago. Gold has veterans in Ammori, Dallou and Kello that will provide the leadership necessary to get them to the big dance.
PREDICTION: Gold 21, Black 13
White (9-1) vs. Green (5-5)
Enough can’t be said about the successes of the White team over the past two seasons. They’ve only lost twice, and this season scored the most points and gave up the least. This squad is a little different from the 2004 group - mainly a little less explosive without Anthony Hesano – but definitely capable of putting up points. White showed a few chinks in its armor this year, but nothing it can’t overcome.
Green has been through a lot in 2005. Bob Semaan was on the other end of the blockbuster trade with Gold, in which he obtained Russ Smith and Derek Putrus for Kama and Foumia. Green has had its ups and downs, the evidence in its 5-5 record. But they’ve got the one thing going for them that no other team in the league does - they are the only team to defeat White in 2005.
MATCH-UP BREAKDOWN
D-Line
Derek Putrus (3 sacks) and Semaan provide most of the rush for Green, mixing in Cresto and Randy Narra. They have been a serviceable group, but nothing to get extremely excited about.
White’s line presence of Rassam, Dave Antwan, and Steve Sagmani have been formidable, especially the presence of Rassam, a rookie who has created problems for many QBs.
ADVANTAGE: White
LBs and DBs
Joey Jonna has been the ultimate “centerfielder” for White, picking off passes (5 INTs) and making countless tackles on defense. Nolan Karrumi (2 INTs) and Joey Kejbou (2 INTs) are two of the fastest guys in the league and can lock up anyone in the CFL. Danny Shaba has been one of the most improved players this season. He’s filled the role that Brandon Yono did in 2004 for White.
Ernest Yeldo (3 INTs) is a great one-on-one corner who is tough to beat deep. Derek Dickow, Mike Zeer and Randy Narra are experienced CFL defensive players who have held their own this season.
ADVANTAGE: Even
O-Line
The Green offensive line provides width and strength, as the pair of Al Abbo and Derek Putrus do a bang-up job protecting Russ Smith, who is primarily a pocket passer. Putrus has been an offensive juggernaut this season as well, scoring three receiving TDs from long distances. Everyone accuses Abbo of excessive holding, but as they say in life – if you didn’t get caught, you didn’t do it.
White’s behemoth tandem of Bruce Toma and Jordan Rassam have been a force to be reckoned with this season, and an entirely new look for Jonna from his ’04 line. Both linemen have great hands, while also doing what’s necessary to keep QB Joey Jonna relatively untouched this season.
ADVANTAGE: Even
WRs/C
White’s Joey Kejbou has recovered from his early season broken jaw and scored 8 TDs in seven games. Nolan Karrumi has also caught 5 TDs and rushed for a pair. Wily veteran Dennis Sarafa continues to create headaches for opposing defenses as he solidifies his role as one of the best possession receivers in the CFL. Center John Katoula has improved as the season has wore on, and has made some big grabs in the past few weeks.
For Green, Ernest Yeldo (10 TDs) has had an outstanding season despite having three different QBs throwing him the ball. Randy Narra is also a candidate for most improved player this season, making tons of important catches. Derek Dickow (2 TDs) and center Mike Zeer (4 TDs) have truly reaped the benefits of having Russ Smith at QB. Both have contributed plenty to the offensive attack this season.
ADVANTAGE: White
QB
Nobody ever wants to play Russ Smith in the playoffs. He’s got the savvy, the experience and the arm to beat you on any given Sunday, regardless of who he’s throwing the ball to. He’s thrown 21 TD passes and has made stars out of all of his receivers, even Bobby Semaan out of the backfield.
Joey Jonna has been outstanding in 2005, throwing for 26 TDs and running for two more. His play-calling and decision-making are second to none in the CFL, and he uses all available weapons in his arsenal. The unpredictability of the White offense is what makes them so effective, and the excellence in execution that Jonna provides is what makes them winners.
This is a tough one, but Jonna is easily this year’s league MVP - ADVANTAGE: White
INTANGIBLES
Both QBs know what it takes to win the big game in the CFL. Bob Semaan also coached back-to-back CFL championship teams earlier this decade. While Green is a team made up of mostly seasoned CFL players, White has a healthy mix of veterans and youngsters. Green’s victory over White exposed a few of White’s weaknesses, but there are very, very few. It also could have been just an off day for them, and everyone’s entitled to an off day – as long as it’s not in the playoffs. It should be a close game nonetheless.
PREDICTION: White 19, Green 14
2005 Chy Cup Championship Preview
November 17, 2005
Both teams have all of the tools necessary to win it all, as is displayed in the match-up breakdown. This game will be one to remember because of how evenly-matched these teams are. For the past few years the CFL has seen some lopsided Chy Cup Championship battles, including White Wall in 2004 routing Black, and Green's previous two championship seasons with a very talented team.
Saturday, November 19th is the date, at 8 pm, under the lights at Groves high school. This is where the 25th CFL Champion will be crowned. Let's break it down ...
THE BREAKDOWN
D-Line
Gold's D-line was ferocious against Black, and probably the difference-maker in the game, as Roy Sitto was pressured all day. Joey Foumia, Tyson Yono and Saber Ammori have been a penetrating force in the second half of the season.
For White, rookie-of-the-year candidate Jordan Rassam along with Steve Sagmani and Dave Antwan will bring the heat on Kama.
Kama's got wheels and automatically buys about 5 seconds on his own.
ADVANTAGE: Gold
LBs and DBs
White showed why it had the No. 1 defense in the CFL in last week's playoff game, picking off 6 Russ Smith passes. Their defensive backs are freaks, and very difficult to beat deep.
Gold has formidable personnel as well, and can cause problems for any receiving corps.
ADVANTAGE: White
O-Line
The Gold offensive line has done a tremendous job protecting Kama, but Kama's feet do that as well. Foumia and John Hermiz are a tough tandem to contend with, and Ray Shamoun provides some depth there as well.
White has been solid up front all season long, with the beefy line of Rassam and Bruce Toma, who both have excellent hands. That would be the one element of the O-line in which White possesses a greater advantage.
ADVANTAGE: White
WRs/C
I have two words for Gold: Dennis Sarafa. Somebody cover this guy! Not that Dennis can't get open on his own, but he always finds the seams in the defense to break open a big play, and is extremely reliable in the red zone. Let's not forget about the speedy tandem of Joey Kejbou and Nolan Karrumi. As a trio, these guys are extremely difficult to defend. John Katoula has really stepped up at center as well.
Tony Attisha, Dallou and rookie-of-the-year candidate Norman Yono are also a formidable trio of receivers, who made their presence felt against Black last week. John Kello has play-making ability at center.
ADVANTAGE: White
QB
Another very tough call. This would normally easily favor Joey Jonna, however Kama's play in the last five games has been tops in the CFL. If Kama plays within his skills - a solid mix of running and passing - White will be in for a shootout with Gold.
Jonna has all the tools, as we've seen over past few years, and always seems to get the job done in big games.
ADVANTAGE: Even
Coaching
This one's tough to call. On one side you've got Karl Dallou, who has proven he's got skills as a General Manager, pulling the trigger on the Kama/Foumia deal. Karl's also starting to come into his own as a coach, very calm and businesslike. And at his side he has Saber Ammori, a longtime CFL player and coach who has won and lost his share of Chy Cup titles.
On the other end you have Joey Jonna, who on the football field is a young guy with an old head. Plays with reckless abondon, but also has great play-calling ability, and is an excellent organizational and motivational coach who has full confidence in his approach and personnel.
ADVANTAGE: Even
Intangibles
Not enough can be said about the magnitude of the CFL Chy Cup trophy, its heritage is as storied as the Stanley Cup. The CFL's profile in the Chaldean community has shot up to new heights in the past few years, thanks to some great people in the league, and of course some great football on the field. There is a new pressure added to this game that all of the players will feel - lots of fans in a nighttime atmosphere that none are accustomed to.
White definitely has the experience - Four key players were on last year's championship team. Also, Gold's team has changed a few times this season due to trades.
This should be one of the more memorable match-ups in CFL History!
PREDICTION: White 25, Gold 18
WEEK 1 Results
August 28, 2005
Gold 28, Blue 14
Some opportune plays and great passing by Russ Smith helped Gold open the season with a victory. Gold came out firing and opened the game with a bomb from Smith to a leaping Tony Attisha for a 60-yard score. Blue answered when Chriz Zeer hooked up with Ray Loussia on a pretty post pattern good for 40 yards and a score, making it 7-6 Gold.
In the second quarter, Attisha was on the receiving end of the second of his three touchdowns in the game. Dylan Putrus scored for Blue from 15 yards out on a dump pass from Zeer. The two-point conversion was good, tying the game at 14 at halftime.
A scoreless third quarter was followed up by a solid fourth quarter drive by Blue, ending with a 5-yard TD pass to a sliding Karl Dallou in the back of the end zone. Blue was unable to answer, and Attisha scored again late for good measure for the 28-14 final.
Black 25, Red 0
It's not that Black played especially good ... it was more about Red pretty much not showing up on offense. Without a natural QB and limited experience at the wideout position, Red couldn't produce anything and Black steamrolled to this shutout victory.
Nathan Karrumi was explosive, scoring the game's first points on a 70-yard punt return in which he shifted in and out of various tacklers to get to the end zone. On their next possession, Black's Roy Sitto found Ray Dawood for a 15-yard TD pass.
In the second quarter, Tim Abbo was all alone on the left side of the field and Sitto threw across the field to hit him for a 40-yard TD pass, making it 19-0.
Black scored again in the third on a 55-yard bomb to Karrumi.
There were a couple of bright spots for Red. Oldie but Goodie Saber Ammori sacked Sitto twice as his hair flopped like Ernie McCracken from Kingpin.
And Anthony Toma's punting was superb. Unfortunately he got a lot of practice during this game.
Trade rumors were abound regarding the Red team's QB situation. The name that continues to spring up is Sal Kesto of the Gold team. Will Karl pull the trigger?
White 26, Green 12
White captain Joey Jonna entered the game with concern over injured Joey Kejbou. Those concerns were quickly overcome after he moved his offense methodically down the field drive after drive, and the White defense held Green to two scores.
White opened the scoring in the first quarter when Jonna broke free on a run for 20 yards, making it 6-0.
In the second quarter, Green answered when Tarik Kama connected with Randy Narra on a 35-yard TD pass, tying the game at six apiece.
White drove back down the field and Jonna hooked up with Bruce Toma, who caught the ball and exploded through the defense for a 35-yard TD reception, making it 13-6.
White delivered a crushing blow later in the first half when Tarik Kama threw up a duck which Jonna returned for a 30-yard score, making the score 20-6 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, White sealed the deal early in the fourth when Jonna drilled one into Dennis Sarafa for a 20-yard TD score.
Narra caught a late TD to make the final score 26-12.
Along with Narra, Ernest Yeldo was a bright spot for Green, turning in a solid game on both sides of the ball with various acrobatic catches and an interception. Bob Semaan also had a pick and Joey Fomia sacked Jonna once.
For White, rookie Jordan Rassam was a force to be reckoned with. While he only recorded one sack, he was in Kama's face all day and wreaked havoc on Green's passing game ... so much that Kama commented out loud at one point, "Will somebody stop this guy, seriously."
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nathan Karrumi showed great speed and agility throughout the game, scoring on a punt return and a long touchdown to help Black to a shutout victory over Red.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
White Rookie Jordan Rassam was too much for Green to handle, as he was in Tarik's face all day.
Some opportune plays and great passing by Russ Smith helped Gold open the season with a victory. Gold came out firing and opened the game with a bomb from Smith to a leaping Tony Attisha for a 60-yard score. Blue answered when Chriz Zeer hooked up with Ray Loussia on a pretty post pattern good for 40 yards and a score, making it 7-6 Gold.
In the second quarter, Attisha was on the receiving end of the second of his three touchdowns in the game. Dylan Putrus scored for Blue from 15 yards out on a dump pass from Zeer. The two-point conversion was good, tying the game at 14 at halftime.
A scoreless third quarter was followed up by a solid fourth quarter drive by Blue, ending with a 5-yard TD pass to a sliding Karl Dallou in the back of the end zone. Blue was unable to answer, and Attisha scored again late for good measure for the 28-14 final.
Black 25, Red 0
It's not that Black played especially good ... it was more about Red pretty much not showing up on offense. Without a natural QB and limited experience at the wideout position, Red couldn't produce anything and Black steamrolled to this shutout victory.
Nathan Karrumi was explosive, scoring the game's first points on a 70-yard punt return in which he shifted in and out of various tacklers to get to the end zone. On their next possession, Black's Roy Sitto found Ray Dawood for a 15-yard TD pass.
In the second quarter, Tim Abbo was all alone on the left side of the field and Sitto threw across the field to hit him for a 40-yard TD pass, making it 19-0.
Black scored again in the third on a 55-yard bomb to Karrumi.
There were a couple of bright spots for Red. Oldie but Goodie Saber Ammori sacked Sitto twice as his hair flopped like Ernie McCracken from Kingpin.
And Anthony Toma's punting was superb. Unfortunately he got a lot of practice during this game.
Trade rumors were abound regarding the Red team's QB situation. The name that continues to spring up is Sal Kesto of the Gold team. Will Karl pull the trigger?
White 26, Green 12
White captain Joey Jonna entered the game with concern over injured Joey Kejbou. Those concerns were quickly overcome after he moved his offense methodically down the field drive after drive, and the White defense held Green to two scores.
White opened the scoring in the first quarter when Jonna broke free on a run for 20 yards, making it 6-0.
In the second quarter, Green answered when Tarik Kama connected with Randy Narra on a 35-yard TD pass, tying the game at six apiece.
White drove back down the field and Jonna hooked up with Bruce Toma, who caught the ball and exploded through the defense for a 35-yard TD reception, making it 13-6.
White delivered a crushing blow later in the first half when Tarik Kama threw up a duck which Jonna returned for a 30-yard score, making the score 20-6 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, White sealed the deal early in the fourth when Jonna drilled one into Dennis Sarafa for a 20-yard TD score.
Narra caught a late TD to make the final score 26-12.
Along with Narra, Ernest Yeldo was a bright spot for Green, turning in a solid game on both sides of the ball with various acrobatic catches and an interception. Bob Semaan also had a pick and Joey Fomia sacked Jonna once.
For White, rookie Jordan Rassam was a force to be reckoned with. While he only recorded one sack, he was in Kama's face all day and wreaked havoc on Green's passing game ... so much that Kama commented out loud at one point, "Will somebody stop this guy, seriously."
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nathan Karrumi showed great speed and agility throughout the game, scoring on a punt return and a long touchdown to help Black to a shutout victory over Red.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
White Rookie Jordan Rassam was too much for Green to handle, as he was in Tarik's face all day.
September 12, 2005
White 27, Black 22
Roy Sitto and company looked like they were going to blow White out of Birmingham in the first quarter, but White stormed back and captured the victory. Roy opened the game with two TD passes, both to Ray Dawood for 60 and 8 yards, respectively, giving Black a 14-0 lead at the end of the first.
In the second quarter Joey Jonna drove his team down the field, throwing a 35-yard TD pass to Nolan Karrumi, who found his hands again. Jonna followed up that TD with a TD pass to Dennis Sarafa for five yards.
Down 14-13 at the half, White scored to open the second half on a TD pass from Jonna to Danny Shaba for 40 yards. Black cashed in on a safety after a bad snap by White. But in the fourth quarter, White sealed the deal on a 25-yard TD pass from Jonna to Sarafa again.
White improves to 2-0 while Black falls to 1-1.
Gold 25, Red 7
Russ Smith and the Gold team had its way with a struggling Red team, manhandling them in a 25-7 route. Smith connected with Tony Attisha on a 15-yard strike early in the contest, making it a 7-0 score after the first quarter.
In the second, Gold struck again as rookie Normany Yono caught a 5-yard TD pass from Smith. The same duo hooked up again for 36 yards later in the second after John Kello intercepted an Anthony Toma pass.
After a 19-0 halftime lead, both teams were scoreless in the third. Gold started the fourth with a 55-yard bomb from Smith to Ray Shamoun, who came up with it after laterals from Sal Kesto to John Hermiz. Red finally scored its first points of the season late in the game when Toma ran in from one yard out.
Gold's high-powered offense looks strong at 2-0, while Red has sputtered to an 0-2 start and needs some tinkering.
Blue 20, Green 14
Without QB Tarik Kama, Green gave Blue a scare at the end of the game, failing to score to tie the game on 4th and goal with 30 seconds left. Blue escaped with a victory behind some pinpoint passing from QB Chris Zeer. Zeer intercepted an early Bob Semaan pass and threw an 18-yard TD to Joe Kyriakoza on Blue's first offensive play.
In the second quarter, Ray Lousia found the end zone when Zeer hit him in stride on a post pattern from 40-yards out, making it 12-0 Blue at the half.
To start the third, Zeer turned a nothing play into a 45-yard TD pass to Brian Najor, who lost his short on the play.
Semaan hit Ernest Yeldo on a couple of touchdown passes late in the game to make things interesting.
Green is struggling to find itself at 0-2, while Blue is 1-1 without the services of Amer Ghafari and Pete Rabban.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joey Jonna was sharp again this week, marching his team right back into the game after a two TD deficit and throwing for four TDs.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyson Yono dominated the offensive line of red, sacking Anthony Toma three times.
Roy Sitto and company looked like they were going to blow White out of Birmingham in the first quarter, but White stormed back and captured the victory. Roy opened the game with two TD passes, both to Ray Dawood for 60 and 8 yards, respectively, giving Black a 14-0 lead at the end of the first.
In the second quarter Joey Jonna drove his team down the field, throwing a 35-yard TD pass to Nolan Karrumi, who found his hands again. Jonna followed up that TD with a TD pass to Dennis Sarafa for five yards.
Down 14-13 at the half, White scored to open the second half on a TD pass from Jonna to Danny Shaba for 40 yards. Black cashed in on a safety after a bad snap by White. But in the fourth quarter, White sealed the deal on a 25-yard TD pass from Jonna to Sarafa again.
White improves to 2-0 while Black falls to 1-1.
Gold 25, Red 7
Russ Smith and the Gold team had its way with a struggling Red team, manhandling them in a 25-7 route. Smith connected with Tony Attisha on a 15-yard strike early in the contest, making it a 7-0 score after the first quarter.
In the second, Gold struck again as rookie Normany Yono caught a 5-yard TD pass from Smith. The same duo hooked up again for 36 yards later in the second after John Kello intercepted an Anthony Toma pass.
After a 19-0 halftime lead, both teams were scoreless in the third. Gold started the fourth with a 55-yard bomb from Smith to Ray Shamoun, who came up with it after laterals from Sal Kesto to John Hermiz. Red finally scored its first points of the season late in the game when Toma ran in from one yard out.
Gold's high-powered offense looks strong at 2-0, while Red has sputtered to an 0-2 start and needs some tinkering.
Blue 20, Green 14
Without QB Tarik Kama, Green gave Blue a scare at the end of the game, failing to score to tie the game on 4th and goal with 30 seconds left. Blue escaped with a victory behind some pinpoint passing from QB Chris Zeer. Zeer intercepted an early Bob Semaan pass and threw an 18-yard TD to Joe Kyriakoza on Blue's first offensive play.
In the second quarter, Ray Lousia found the end zone when Zeer hit him in stride on a post pattern from 40-yards out, making it 12-0 Blue at the half.
To start the third, Zeer turned a nothing play into a 45-yard TD pass to Brian Najor, who lost his short on the play.
Semaan hit Ernest Yeldo on a couple of touchdown passes late in the game to make things interesting.
Green is struggling to find itself at 0-2, while Blue is 1-1 without the services of Amer Ghafari and Pete Rabban.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joey Jonna was sharp again this week, marching his team right back into the game after a two TD deficit and throwing for four TDs.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyson Yono dominated the offensive line of red, sacking Anthony Toma three times.
WEEK 3 RESULTS
September 18, 2005
Game 1
Green 21, Red 0
The trade that rocked the Chaldeanfootball.com message board didn't pay off for Anthony Toma in week 3, as his Red squad was shut out for the second time this season.
Sal Kesto started at QB for Red, and threw a pair of interceptions to Bob Semaan. Green scored early on a TD run by Tarik Kama to make it 7-0.
On the receiving end of a 1-yard TD pass was Joey "Chewy" Fomia, his first of the season. Mike Zeer got open for a 15-yard TD pass from Kama. The second half was scoreless.
Red walked off the field, many with blank faces, trying to make sense of their offensive problems. But then again, it's only Week 3.
Green gets its first win (1-2) and Red stays winless (0-3).
Game 2
White 34, Blue 7
Blue had numerous chances to make this a ball game, but couldn't capitalize on the opportunities, and White was able to roll once again and stay undefeated.
Joey Jonna was on fire on both sides of the ball. He had three interceptions on defense and four TD passes.
Blue opened the scoring when Chris Zeer hit Brian Najor from 15 yards out, making it 7-0 after one.
White scored twice in the second quarter on a 50-yard bomb to Nolan Karrumi and a 15 yard pass to Bruce Toma on the following possession. Blue ended the first half at White's five-yard line as time ran out on them.
White struck again in the third quarter on another Bruce Toma special, this time from six yards out, making it 20-7.
In the fourth Jonna hit Nolan Karrumi once again from 39 yards out. Karummi scored once more, getting some great downfield blocking on an option pitch from Jonna from 48 yards out.
White's offense was strong all day, with timely catches from Dennis Sarafa and Danny Shaba, along with solid blocking upfront.
Blue's offense struggled and they look forward to the eventual return of Pete Rabban and Amer Ghafari.
White won its 14th straight game over two seasons and is 3-0 this season. Blue is now 1-2.
Game 3
Black 18, Gold 7
Black played tenacious defensive on a very potent Gold offensive squad, holding them to seven points and picking up a big victory in the process.
Roy Sitto starting the scoring in the second quarter by hitting Nate Karrumi from 25 yards out, making it 6-0.
Russ Smith marched Gold down the field on the next possession, hooking up with Tony Attisha on an eight-yard TD strike and an extra point (John Hermiz), making it 7-6 Gold.
Black did not back down, however, and came back with a TD pass from Sitto to Tim Abbo from 10 yards, making it 12-7 at the half.
Black completed the scoring early in the third on a touchdown pass to Joey Jiddou from 8 yards out.
For Black, Bash Taki had a pair of interceptions, while Karrumi had one. Gabe Zawaideh sacked Smith twice in the contest, and Lance Sitto added a sack as well.
Gold's trade with Red that was to make them seemingly invincible didn't exactly measure up in this game. They fall to 2-1, and Black is also now 2-1.
Offensive Player of the Week
Nolan Karrumi was flying all over the field in White's man-handling of Blue. He had two long TD catches and a great run on an option.
Defensive Players of the Week
The entire Black defense, for shutting down Gold's high-powered, highly talented offense.
Green 21, Red 0
The trade that rocked the Chaldeanfootball.com message board didn't pay off for Anthony Toma in week 3, as his Red squad was shut out for the second time this season.
Sal Kesto started at QB for Red, and threw a pair of interceptions to Bob Semaan. Green scored early on a TD run by Tarik Kama to make it 7-0.
On the receiving end of a 1-yard TD pass was Joey "Chewy" Fomia, his first of the season. Mike Zeer got open for a 15-yard TD pass from Kama. The second half was scoreless.
Red walked off the field, many with blank faces, trying to make sense of their offensive problems. But then again, it's only Week 3.
Green gets its first win (1-2) and Red stays winless (0-3).
Game 2
White 34, Blue 7
Blue had numerous chances to make this a ball game, but couldn't capitalize on the opportunities, and White was able to roll once again and stay undefeated.
Joey Jonna was on fire on both sides of the ball. He had three interceptions on defense and four TD passes.
Blue opened the scoring when Chris Zeer hit Brian Najor from 15 yards out, making it 7-0 after one.
White scored twice in the second quarter on a 50-yard bomb to Nolan Karrumi and a 15 yard pass to Bruce Toma on the following possession. Blue ended the first half at White's five-yard line as time ran out on them.
White struck again in the third quarter on another Bruce Toma special, this time from six yards out, making it 20-7.
In the fourth Jonna hit Nolan Karrumi once again from 39 yards out. Karummi scored once more, getting some great downfield blocking on an option pitch from Jonna from 48 yards out.
White's offense was strong all day, with timely catches from Dennis Sarafa and Danny Shaba, along with solid blocking upfront.
Blue's offense struggled and they look forward to the eventual return of Pete Rabban and Amer Ghafari.
White won its 14th straight game over two seasons and is 3-0 this season. Blue is now 1-2.
Game 3
Black 18, Gold 7
Black played tenacious defensive on a very potent Gold offensive squad, holding them to seven points and picking up a big victory in the process.
Roy Sitto starting the scoring in the second quarter by hitting Nate Karrumi from 25 yards out, making it 6-0.
Russ Smith marched Gold down the field on the next possession, hooking up with Tony Attisha on an eight-yard TD strike and an extra point (John Hermiz), making it 7-6 Gold.
Black did not back down, however, and came back with a TD pass from Sitto to Tim Abbo from 10 yards, making it 12-7 at the half.
Black completed the scoring early in the third on a touchdown pass to Joey Jiddou from 8 yards out.
For Black, Bash Taki had a pair of interceptions, while Karrumi had one. Gabe Zawaideh sacked Smith twice in the contest, and Lance Sitto added a sack as well.
Gold's trade with Red that was to make them seemingly invincible didn't exactly measure up in this game. They fall to 2-1, and Black is also now 2-1.
Offensive Player of the Week
Nolan Karrumi was flying all over the field in White's man-handling of Blue. He had two long TD catches and a great run on an option.
Defensive Players of the Week
The entire Black defense, for shutting down Gold's high-powered, highly talented offense.
2005 CFL Playoffs
November 13, 2005
Game 1
Gold 25, Black 14
Karl Dallou and his Gold squad prevailed in this one thanks to their intensity, execution and teamwork. Gold set out to use the legs of QB Tarik Kama and lock down Black''''''''s best players, and they did it.
Gold set the tone early, when Kama fired a 70-yard pass to Tony Attisha down to the one-yard line. And the same duo completed the score, making it 6-0 early. The same pair went out and did it again, as Attisha out-jumped everyone from 15-yards out to grab his second TD of the game, making it 13-0.
Gold put big time pressure on Black when they scored in the second quarter on an 8-yard TD pass from Kama to Dallou, making the score 19-0 at the half, a big deficit in the CFL.
Black finally scored in the third when Roy Sitto hooked up with Nate Karrumi for an 80-yard bomb.
Kama sealed the victory when he ran one in from 19 yards out.
After a little scrum on the sidelines after a physical play, Black scored when Karrumi hit Omar "Bash" Taki on a 2-yard TD.
The Gold defensive line was the key to the victory, as Tyson Yono, Joey Foumia and Saber Ammori combined for six sacks.
Ammori, the 39-year-old veteran leader of the Gold team, is happy to be back in the Chy Cup championship game after winning it last season with the White team. "I am very happy to be here!" Ammori said with elation.
Game 2
White 28, Green 0
White dispelled any doubts about their dominance in the CFL, as they rolled to a shut-out playoff victory over Green. Dennis Sarafa was outstanding, catching a pair of TDs and making other big plays.
White's first drive resulted in a Joey Jonna five-yard TD pass to Sarafa, making it 6-0 White.
In the second quarter, the same tandem was successful again, this time from 28 yards out. Jordan Rassam was the recipient of the extra point, making it 13-0.
On their next drive, Jonna found the endzone on foot, running it in from 10 yards out (Rassam extra point) making it 20-0 at the half.
One more for good measure was scored by White in the fourth, when Jonna ran in from 15 yards out (Nolan Karrumi 2pt conversion).
Despite their success on offense, the story of the game for White was defense. The White secondary picked off Russ Smith six times, including three by Karrumi, and one apiece by Rassam, Joey Kejbou and Jonna. Rassam also sacked Smith once.
For Green, Ernest Yeldo, who was hobbled by an early hamstring injury, picked off two Jonna passes and Derek Dickow had one INT. Derek Putrus sacked Jonna once as well.
Offensive Player of the Week
This was a tough one to award to one person, but Joey Jonna was superb in all facets of the game in his two-TD pass and two-TD run performance.
Defensive Player of the Week
While the White team defense deserves recognition for its shutout, the Gold defensive line was stunning, recording three straight sacks in a third-quarter series against Black.
Gold 25, Black 14
Karl Dallou and his Gold squad prevailed in this one thanks to their intensity, execution and teamwork. Gold set out to use the legs of QB Tarik Kama and lock down Black''''''''s best players, and they did it.
Gold set the tone early, when Kama fired a 70-yard pass to Tony Attisha down to the one-yard line. And the same duo completed the score, making it 6-0 early. The same pair went out and did it again, as Attisha out-jumped everyone from 15-yards out to grab his second TD of the game, making it 13-0.
Gold put big time pressure on Black when they scored in the second quarter on an 8-yard TD pass from Kama to Dallou, making the score 19-0 at the half, a big deficit in the CFL.
Black finally scored in the third when Roy Sitto hooked up with Nate Karrumi for an 80-yard bomb.
Kama sealed the victory when he ran one in from 19 yards out.
After a little scrum on the sidelines after a physical play, Black scored when Karrumi hit Omar "Bash" Taki on a 2-yard TD.
The Gold defensive line was the key to the victory, as Tyson Yono, Joey Foumia and Saber Ammori combined for six sacks.
Ammori, the 39-year-old veteran leader of the Gold team, is happy to be back in the Chy Cup championship game after winning it last season with the White team. "I am very happy to be here!" Ammori said with elation.
Game 2
White 28, Green 0
White dispelled any doubts about their dominance in the CFL, as they rolled to a shut-out playoff victory over Green. Dennis Sarafa was outstanding, catching a pair of TDs and making other big plays.
White's first drive resulted in a Joey Jonna five-yard TD pass to Sarafa, making it 6-0 White.
In the second quarter, the same tandem was successful again, this time from 28 yards out. Jordan Rassam was the recipient of the extra point, making it 13-0.
On their next drive, Jonna found the endzone on foot, running it in from 10 yards out (Rassam extra point) making it 20-0 at the half.
One more for good measure was scored by White in the fourth, when Jonna ran in from 15 yards out (Nolan Karrumi 2pt conversion).
Despite their success on offense, the story of the game for White was defense. The White secondary picked off Russ Smith six times, including three by Karrumi, and one apiece by Rassam, Joey Kejbou and Jonna. Rassam also sacked Smith once.
For Green, Ernest Yeldo, who was hobbled by an early hamstring injury, picked off two Jonna passes and Derek Dickow had one INT. Derek Putrus sacked Jonna once as well.
Offensive Player of the Week
This was a tough one to award to one person, but Joey Jonna was superb in all facets of the game in his two-TD pass and two-TD run performance.
Defensive Player of the Week
While the White team defense deserves recognition for its shutout, the Gold defensive line was stunning, recording three straight sacks in a third-quarter series against Black.
September 9, 2005
While playing and watching the Week 1 CFL contests, I couldn't help but notice a disturbing trend in the league - unusual uniforms. I do understand that jerseys hadn't come in yet and therefore people were playing with whatever they had at home in their team's color, but some of the examples of what people considered a uniform were ridiculous.
- Take for example Mike Zeer. Zeer played for Black last season and was picked by Green in 2005. In Week 1 he decided to borrow his brother Chris's old Green uniform. I think Mike failed to recognize that his brother is about 40 lbs lighter than him. Mike called it a "muscle shirt". It looked more like a "spare tire shirt" to me.
- Then there was Joey Jiddou. Not exactly the most petite guy on the field, but a few sideline observers noted that it looked as if he was wearing a thong under his black shorts. I think I just threw up in my mouth.
- Tim Abbo was looking very Metro-Sexual with his cut-off black DKNY shirt. Roy, tell your player that it's a football field, not a catwalk.
- Everyone thought Derek Dickow was coming from a Bocce Ball tournament, wearing a baby's-poop-yellow collared polo shirt that he got at the Shenandoah End-of-Summer Fire Sale.
- Joey Fomia has this Ray Lewis thing going on. He paces the sidelines before game time listening to G-Unit on his headphones and looking like a walking advertisement for Under Armour gear.
With all of that said, let's hope the coaches do their jobs and get those jerseys to their players.
Chy Cup Championship Game - White 14, Gold 12
November 19, 2005
It was the type of ending White team Captain Joey Jonna had dreamed of only hours before, and the bitter ending that a stunned and battered Gold team could only sit back and painfully watch.
Jonna leapt into the arms of rookie lineman and new hero Jordan Rassam, a moment that will forever be frozen in Chaldean Football League history; the White team gathered around for a team picture, smiles all around, and Jonna uncorked a bottle of champagne and doused his teammates and himself with the chilled bubbly in celebration of his team’s second straight Chaldean Football League Chy Cup Championship.
On November 19, 2005, with the temperature dipping below 40 degrees under the lights at Groves High School field, the 25th CFL title was claimed by the White team by a final score of 14-12. Over 100 spectators, including current CFL players and some of the league’s founding fathers, braved the wintry conditions to witness the first ever CFL game played on a Saturday night.
White’s victory didn’t come without plenty of drama, however, as this contest will truly go down as one of the greatest Chy Cup Championship games in the history of the CFL. The heroics of Jonna and Rassam were the culmination of a textbook game-winning drive by White. With 19 seconds left in the game, and White trailing 12-8, Jonna found Rassam out of the backfield from five yards out for the game-winning touchdown.
“Jordan wanted the ball,” Jonna said. “He called for it in the huddle so I made sure I got it to him.”
Rassam earned game MVP honors thanks to his six receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Rassam, who will likely be named CFL Rookie of the Year, recently completed a college football career at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana. He was in awe of the magnitude of the CFL Chy Cup trophy.
“This feels great,” Rassam said after the game. “I played college ball, but this is really hyped. It’s crazy; it’s a lot of fun.”
The final drive of the game for White started from its own 20-yard-line with less than two minutes left, one in which Jonna was 4-5 for 49 yards, including a big third down grab by John Katoula, who had three catches for 43 yards for the game.
“I had no doubt in my mind that we were gonna go down the field and score,” Jonna said, referring to the last drive. “We overcame a lot of mistakes and pulled it out.”
Jonna delivered league MVP-like numbers for the title game, as he was 21-34 for 255 yards and two TD passes. He also rushed for 31 yards. For Gold, Tarik Kama played a memorable game before getting injured early in the fourth quarter. He was 9-16 for 98 yards and was responsible for both of Gold’s TDs, earning both of them on foot. He rushed for 75 yards as well.
Gold went three-and-out on the game’s opening drive but a surgically precise punt by Kama pinned White down to its own two-yard-line. White was able to march down the field, spurred by a 35-yard completion to Dennis Sarafa, but Gold’s Tony Attisha intercepted a Jonna pass in the end zone to halt the drive.
After another stalled first quarter drive by Gold, White marched down the field and scored on the second play of the second quarter, when Jonna found Rassam on a 30-yard TD strike to make it 6-0.
Gold got on the board late in the second quarter when Kama completed a 60-yard drive with a one-yard TD run. On the drive, Karl Dallou made two of his five catches in the contest (41 yards), and a 27-yard Attisha reception set up the scoring play.
White’s ensuing drive went nowhere and Gold capitalized on the following possession. Kama rushed for 52 of the 60-yards on the drive, including a 16-yard scamper for the score, making it 12-6.
White’s closing first half drive stalled at Gold’s 20-yard line.
In the third quarter, each team punted once, and a Jonna pass was picked off by Dallou late in the third. Gold started the next drive from its own one-yard-line. Attisha, who had three catches for 73 yards, was on the receiving end of a 21-yard third-down completion to keep the drive alive. After a 14-yard run by Kama, he fell to the ground after injuring his knee on the play. Kama left the game and was relieved by Dallou, who immediately hit Attisha on a 25-yard strike for a first down. With Gold driving to the White 5-yard-line, Rassam blitzed on third-down and sacked Dallou for a 10-yard loss. An incomplete pass ended the drive for Gold, which had a chance to seal the victory in the fourth quarter with a touchdown.
White then went on a 9-play drive, but could not convert on fourth down from the 8-yard-line with under two minutes remaining.
Gold was backed up in its own zone, and gained no yards after three plays of attempting to run some clock, but instead of punting it away, Gold took an intentional safety on fourth down to make the score 12-8 and pin White back to its own 20-yard-line. The two points Gold yielded would come back to haunt them.
White’s game-winning drive began with 1:23 remaining and was spearheaded by a Sarafa 14-yard reception. Sarafa finished with five receptions on the day for 94 yards to lead the White team. A 21-yard pass to Joey Kejbou set up the winning pass to Rassam. Kejbou caught six balls for 61 yards for White.
Steve Sagmani had a pair of sacks for the White team, while Saber Ammori for Gold also sacked Jonna twice.
Jonna sums up the season for White with one theme – confidence. “We had all of the confidence in the world all season long,” Jonna said. “We never got down on each other when we made mistakes … we had a team atmosphere all year long.”
The CFL’s 25th season concluded with plenty of excitement and drama, a testament to all involved with the league. The intrigue and anticipation surrounding the final game was unlike any other year for the CFL. Twenty-five years after a bunch of guys wanted to get together on Sunday mornings and play a little football, the founding fathers were able to look on with pleasure at the legacy they helped create.
One Source Talent
Jonna leapt into the arms of rookie lineman and new hero Jordan Rassam, a moment that will forever be frozen in Chaldean Football League history; the White team gathered around for a team picture, smiles all around, and Jonna uncorked a bottle of champagne and doused his teammates and himself with the chilled bubbly in celebration of his team’s second straight Chaldean Football League Chy Cup Championship.
On November 19, 2005, with the temperature dipping below 40 degrees under the lights at Groves High School field, the 25th CFL title was claimed by the White team by a final score of 14-12. Over 100 spectators, including current CFL players and some of the league’s founding fathers, braved the wintry conditions to witness the first ever CFL game played on a Saturday night.
White’s victory didn’t come without plenty of drama, however, as this contest will truly go down as one of the greatest Chy Cup Championship games in the history of the CFL. The heroics of Jonna and Rassam were the culmination of a textbook game-winning drive by White. With 19 seconds left in the game, and White trailing 12-8, Jonna found Rassam out of the backfield from five yards out for the game-winning touchdown.
“Jordan wanted the ball,” Jonna said. “He called for it in the huddle so I made sure I got it to him.”
Rassam earned game MVP honors thanks to his six receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Rassam, who will likely be named CFL Rookie of the Year, recently completed a college football career at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana. He was in awe of the magnitude of the CFL Chy Cup trophy.
“This feels great,” Rassam said after the game. “I played college ball, but this is really hyped. It’s crazy; it’s a lot of fun.”
The final drive of the game for White started from its own 20-yard-line with less than two minutes left, one in which Jonna was 4-5 for 49 yards, including a big third down grab by John Katoula, who had three catches for 43 yards for the game.
“I had no doubt in my mind that we were gonna go down the field and score,” Jonna said, referring to the last drive. “We overcame a lot of mistakes and pulled it out.”
Jonna delivered league MVP-like numbers for the title game, as he was 21-34 for 255 yards and two TD passes. He also rushed for 31 yards. For Gold, Tarik Kama played a memorable game before getting injured early in the fourth quarter. He was 9-16 for 98 yards and was responsible for both of Gold’s TDs, earning both of them on foot. He rushed for 75 yards as well.
Gold went three-and-out on the game’s opening drive but a surgically precise punt by Kama pinned White down to its own two-yard-line. White was able to march down the field, spurred by a 35-yard completion to Dennis Sarafa, but Gold’s Tony Attisha intercepted a Jonna pass in the end zone to halt the drive.
After another stalled first quarter drive by Gold, White marched down the field and scored on the second play of the second quarter, when Jonna found Rassam on a 30-yard TD strike to make it 6-0.
Gold got on the board late in the second quarter when Kama completed a 60-yard drive with a one-yard TD run. On the drive, Karl Dallou made two of his five catches in the contest (41 yards), and a 27-yard Attisha reception set up the scoring play.
White’s ensuing drive went nowhere and Gold capitalized on the following possession. Kama rushed for 52 of the 60-yards on the drive, including a 16-yard scamper for the score, making it 12-6.
White’s closing first half drive stalled at Gold’s 20-yard line.
In the third quarter, each team punted once, and a Jonna pass was picked off by Dallou late in the third. Gold started the next drive from its own one-yard-line. Attisha, who had three catches for 73 yards, was on the receiving end of a 21-yard third-down completion to keep the drive alive. After a 14-yard run by Kama, he fell to the ground after injuring his knee on the play. Kama left the game and was relieved by Dallou, who immediately hit Attisha on a 25-yard strike for a first down. With Gold driving to the White 5-yard-line, Rassam blitzed on third-down and sacked Dallou for a 10-yard loss. An incomplete pass ended the drive for Gold, which had a chance to seal the victory in the fourth quarter with a touchdown.
White then went on a 9-play drive, but could not convert on fourth down from the 8-yard-line with under two minutes remaining.
Gold was backed up in its own zone, and gained no yards after three plays of attempting to run some clock, but instead of punting it away, Gold took an intentional safety on fourth down to make the score 12-8 and pin White back to its own 20-yard-line. The two points Gold yielded would come back to haunt them.
White’s game-winning drive began with 1:23 remaining and was spearheaded by a Sarafa 14-yard reception. Sarafa finished with five receptions on the day for 94 yards to lead the White team. A 21-yard pass to Joey Kejbou set up the winning pass to Rassam. Kejbou caught six balls for 61 yards for White.
Steve Sagmani had a pair of sacks for the White team, while Saber Ammori for Gold also sacked Jonna twice.
Jonna sums up the season for White with one theme – confidence. “We had all of the confidence in the world all season long,” Jonna said. “We never got down on each other when we made mistakes … we had a team atmosphere all year long.”
The CFL’s 25th season concluded with plenty of excitement and drama, a testament to all involved with the league. The intrigue and anticipation surrounding the final game was unlike any other year for the CFL. Twenty-five years after a bunch of guys wanted to get together on Sunday mornings and play a little football, the founding fathers were able to look on with pleasure at the legacy they helped create.
One Source Talent
