Nassau County , on sun The Punishers took on The Nj Longhorns , Being led by there M.V.P. candidate Quinton Dupree and the darkside defense . The game had all the thrills chills and bonecrushing big hit by both teams ! The 9Th wonder of the world and his tag team partner The silent assassin Alex Azure were ready willing and very very able to carry the team . The game started of slow both teams going 3 and out on there first few drives but it was the longhorns being able in the 1st half to get within scoring range and twice the wind and field conditions in the Black hole that's why we play the regular season for the this advantage said President Tyrone beatty . the 1st half ended with no scores by either team the defences were ready and proving why they were ranked 1 and 2 in the empire conference .The Nassau Punishers finished the BNEFF regular season at 10-0 and won the first seed in the Empire Conference. Someone must have forgot to tell the 5Th seeded NJ Longhorns that. Fresh off a win against the 4th seed NE Knights the Longhorns entered the Black hole with a game plan that they executed to damn near perfection as there defense dominated the Punishers offense all day. The offense couldn't get going as they only managed 2 first downs in the game and well under 70 yards total. The cold weather and crappy field conditions played a major factor. The good thing about that is the Punishers defense as usual was well up for the task as they bent but didn't break all day and made sure the Punishers stayed in the game.the Punishers like much of the game came out flat after the half with a quick 3 and out and Longhorns came down the field once again and got into field goal range as the quarterback continued to deliver darts to his receivers. There kicker pulled it right yet again and missed his second field goal of the day. "They moved the ball on us to well. Showed some glaring weaknesses in our defense." said a Punisher. But if you put the ball up to much eventually the other team will get a chance to make a play and safety and savior Alex Arzu made a great play on a pass and returned it 60 yards and add a 15 yard personal foul penalty and the Punishers offense was in business. The offense tried to runs of tackle and gained no yards and then QB Quinton Dupree takes the snap on 4th down falls down and gets up scrambles for a good 5 seconds and finds TE Dennis Levinson in the corner of the end zone, kicker BOOTZ added the extra point and with under 3 minutes left in the game the Punishers were in business or so they thought. The Punishers covered the kick well and the defense came on to the field fired up. They played great on the first two downs but on third and long they gave up a big 40+ pass play on the left side of the field and put the Longhorns in good position. The Punisher once again came out and played defense on the first two downs but on third down Coach Jim called for a late switch and the player couldn't come over quick enough and they were able to connect with a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone! The Punisher held there breath as they were unsure whether or not the Longhorns would go for the win or kick the extra point. The extra point was blocked by Grid Iron All Star Travis Jinks. With under a minute an a half left the Punishers only had to cover the on side kick an they would be in business. After an extremely well placed on side kick, it bounced right into the hands of Travis Jinks. QB Quinton Dupree took the knees and the game was over. This was the true essence of BNEFF play off football it doesn't matter where you finish but the play offs is a new season. The Longhorns gave the Punishers all they could handle in both games but the defense and heart of the Punishers out stood the Longhorn onslaught. The Punishers will take the win and understand that focus is needed to finish this thing strong, its going to be cold, its going to be wet, but its not going to stop the game! The Punishers take this win and are set to face the NJ Hawks the number 2 seed of the Empire as the final four in the league has been set! Hawks @ Punishers and Giants @ Eagles...... Only one team can hold up the trophy at the end!
