BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Albany Metro Mallers (1-0) will be hosting the Watertown Red & Black (0-0) in the Week Two, EFL Game of the Week. Albany will be looking for a 2-0 start to the 2011 season, while Watertown is playing in their season opener. In other action around the league, Montreal (0-0) will kick off their 2011 campaign as they travel to Plattsburgh (0-1), who hopes to bounce back from a tough loss to Albany last week. Glens Falls (1-0) will host Elmira (0-1), as the Greenjackets also seek a 2-0 start.
The Mallers coming off a season-opening victory over the North Stars, are seeking to continue their second-half outburst from last week. Albany defeated Plattsburgh 19-10 last Saturday, as quarterback Scott Lawson threw for three second half touchdowns. The EFL Offensive Player of the Week threw for touchdowns of four, 23 and 80, eclipsing the 40,000 yards passing plateau in the process. Lawson, who came in for starting quarterback Emmanuel Isaac, will hope to continue the Mallers success through the air.
Watertown, playing in their first game of the 2011 season, are hoping to disrupt Albany’s success. The Red & Black have played in the last two EFL championship games, winning the title in 2009, are booming with confidence. Watertown returns the league’s top rusher from 2010, quarterback Brian Williams. Along with Williams, running back Joe Brennan will lead the EFL’s top running attack from last season against the Mallers. Williams ran for 933 yards in 2010, while Brennan added 814 of his own. Williams’ 9.7 yards per carry was three yards better than his closest competition. Both Williams and Brennan scored six touchdowns on the ground. Williams, though limited in the passing game, was very efficient in 2010 throwing for 10 touchdowns and just one interception.
Albany’s ability to stop the run will be a key factor in tonight’s matchup. The Mallers only gave up 38 yards rushing last week to Plattsburgh, while Watertown boasts two of the league’s best runners. The offensive front for Watertown will be tested, as the Albany front four was able to push around the Plattsburgh offensive line last week. If the Red & Black are able to stabilize their blocks, they could create seams for Williams and Brennan, if not the game could turn into a shootout, which doesn’t play to the strengths of the Red & Black.
The other two games on tab for week two pits Montreal against Plattsburgh and Glens Falls hosting Elmira. Plattsburgh will be looking to bounce back after a season-opening loss at Albany. The North Stars are hosting the Montreal Conqueror’s, who return to the EFL after an nine-year absence, formerly know as the Montreal Condors. The Conqueror’s are playing in their first game of the season and facing a motivated Stars team after a hard-fought loss to the Mallers. The connection of quarterback Ken Stay and receiver Jordon Keleher was a highlight in the Stars defeat. Stay found Keleher seven times for 131 yards and a touchdown. Playing without all-league tight end, Trevor St. Clair, the Plattsburgh passing game was effective at times against Albany. The Conqueror’s will have some difficulties stopping the stable of receivers on the North Stars offense.
Glens Falls is looking for a 2-0 start and be considered part of the elite in the EFL, early in the season. The Greenjackets will welcome the Elmira Evolution, who is looking to respond after a lopsided loss to Syracuse. The Greenjackets were led by steady play from quarterback Ian Godfrey and quality defense to defeat the Amsterdam Zephyrs 27-6. Godfrey supplied the Greenjackets’ offense with 195 of total offense with 107 through the air and 86 on the ground and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Greenjackets defense picked off Amsterdam quarterback Nick Shepard three times. The Evolution were unable to get much going against a superior Syracuse Shock team. After scoring a touchdown in the first quarter, the Shock defense held the Evolution scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. Elmira hopes to correct week one errors and execute better in Glens Falls.
Week Two is Syracuse’s bye week, while Amsterdam will be awarded a forfeit victory because of their previously scheduled matchup with Vermont (Vermont is on a one-year leave of absence).
WEEK TWO SCHEDULE:
Watertown at Albany – 7:30 p.m., Bleecker Stadium
Montreal at Plattsburgh – 7:30 p.m., Plattsburgh High School
Elmira at Glens Falls – 4:00 p.m., East Field
