EFL Communications – August 27, 2011
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BINGHAMTON, NY – In week eight of the Empire Football League season the Syracuse Shock (6-0) will look to stay unbeaten against the visiting Plattsburgh North Stars (5-1). Plattsburgh, sitting in second place with Albany, could vault to the top of the EFL standings with a road victory over Syracuse. In other action around the league the Albany Metro Mallers (5-1) will make the quick trip down Interstate 88 to take on the Amsterdam Zephyrs (2-4). The week’s final matchup has the Watertown Red & Black (2-4) hosting the Elmira Evolution (1-5). The Montreal Voyageurs (3-4) will enjoy their bye week, while the Glens Falls Greenjackets (4-3) earn a forfeit victory over Vermont. All teams will be off next week as the EFL will break for Labor Day.
In game with a pair of winning streaks and first place on the line (Syracuse six games, Plattsburgh five) any mistake Saturday night could prove crucial. The Shock are coming off an impressive 44-10 win over Glens Falls, while Plattsburgh snuck by Amsterdam 14-8 in week seven. Syracuse running back Dewayne Gordon racked up a league-best 249 yards rushing, scoring four total touchdowns to lead the Shock offense. Plattsburgh back Zach Blocker had a successful night on the ground himself, amassing 144 yards rushing with a touchdown. Whichever team gets their running game going first should have the upper hand in a pivotal matchup.
The Mallers will also look to stay atop the EFL standings when they travel to Amsterdam. Albany coming off their bye week, following a week six heartbreaking loss at Syracuse, will try to get back on track against the Zephyrs. Amsterdam played a hard-fought game last week against the North Stars, but were unable to get points at crucial moments in the game. Depending on what happens in the Syracuse/Plattsburgh game, Albany could also hold a share of first place with a victory. The Zephyrs will have a hand in Albany’s fate as they look to establish a sound running game and control the clock.
In the week’s final game, Elmira will make the trek up Interstate 81 to face Watertown. Last week Watertown earned their first victory on the field this season. The Red & Black defeated Montreal 21-6, scoring the same amount of touchdowns in the game as they have all season. Running back Joe Brennan led the Red & Black with 63 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Watertown running attack totaled over 100 yards rushing for the fourth time this season. Elmira was awarded a forfeit victory over Vermont last week, giving the Evolution their first win of the season. A stingy team that always plays tough, Elmira will look to stop the Watertown running game and gain their second straight victory.
Week eight in the EFL will be an interesting one as the top of the league could witness a little bit of a shake up. Syracuse, Plattsburgh and Albany are all playing for a piece of first place heading into next week’s break. Whoever comes out victorious could have the momentum going into the final stretch of the season.
WEEK EIGHT SCHEDULE:
Plattsburgh at Syracuse, 7:00 p.m. – Sunnycrest Field at Henninger High School
Elmira at Watertown, 7:30 p.m. – Alex Duffy Fairgrounds
Albany at Amsterdam, 7:30 p.m. – Lynch Middle School
For live streaming of the Watertown/Elmira game please go to:
http://www.steveweedproductions.com/live.html
For score updates please follows us on Twitter at #EFLcomms or go to the empire-football-league.com and follow the Twitter feed.
