OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Fall Flag Football League playoffs got underway this week with four of the top seeds earning.
Three of the perennial league leaders- Buxy’s Salty Dog, Kirby’s Pub and Tequila Duffybird- along with a relative newcomer in Gemcraft Homes advanced in the first round of playoffs and move on in the winners bracket while the four teams that lost on Monday head to the loser’s bracket where they will have to fight their way back for a shot at a championship. The following is a quick look at some of the opening round action:
(bullet) Kirby’s Pub 27- Crab Cake Factory 6: Kirby’s Bart Talbert ran for a 58-yard touchdown to get his team on the board early. Talbert also threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Trey Stokely, an eight-yard TD pass to Steve Lewis, and a 17-yard scoring strike to Mike Tyler. CCF’s Steve Fawler threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Blair Gallion for his team’s only score.
(bullet) Tequila Duffybird 27- Greene Turtle 20: Chase George completed three touchdown passes all day including a four-yarder and an eight-yarder to J.R. Emmanuel, a 36-yard TD pass to Kevin Hooker and a 62-yard bomb to Denny Ferry. Allen Hawk was involved in every one of the Greene Turtle’s scores, rushing for an eight-yard TD and throwing to touchdown passes to Tommy Jesson.
(bullet) Buxy’s Salty Dog 32- Three Brothers Pizza 12: This contest was dominated by players named Purnell on both teams. Three Brother’s quarterback Chip Purnell got the scoring started with a 22-yard TD pass to Kyle Seitz. Buxy’s Kurt Purnell through a touchdown pass to Pat Spicer and then ran for a 10-yard touchdown. Kurt Purnell threw two more long touchdown passes before completing his big night with a five-yard touchdown run. If that wasn’t enough Purnell’s in a box score, Three Brother’s Antwine Purnell ended the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Seitz.
(bullet) Gemcraft Homes 32- Blue Ox 20: Blue Ox got on the board first with a one-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Gartland to Todd Barshinger. Gemcraft answered with a two-yard touchdown pass from Ray Taranto to Eric Givens. Taranto followed that score with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Adam Rones. Blue Ox answered again with a four-yard scoring strike from Gartland to Jamie Lewis to make tie the game at 13-13. Gemcraft went ahead for good on a six-yard TD pass from Taranto the Ron Strickler to make it 20-13. Blue Ox has a chance to get back in the game before an interception by Taranto, who then added to the lead with a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.D. Hitchens. Blue Ox got back in the game with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Gartland to Josh Ray. Gemcraft sealed the win with a 44-yard touchdown run by Givens.