Blog: Raeder of the Lost Blog
Grizzlies/Hammerheads
Published Saturday, May 24, 2008
(11:42) Well folks, I'm not sure how to wrap this one up.
The fight was a crying shame. No way should you let that happen. Security has to be on the fan quicker, and the players need to find a way to extricate themselves from the situation.
From all accounts, the fan started it, but no one escapes blame here.
Dittman said it best, we're all lucky no one got hurt.
It will be interesting to see what security measures are taken, and I'd love to hear from fans who were at the game and got a better view than I did (you couldn't see much from the press area).
You can read all about the game (which ended in a 77-54 loss BTW) and the fight in your Sunday paper.
For what it's worth, Chad Dittman handled it well and my view of Anthony Parks went way up from this.
I was about to tell you it's a shame again, but you all know that. Hopefully I never have to write that type of story again. I hated seeing what I did see and the news of the traumatized kid just turns my stomach. Props to the heads-up unsung heroes who spirited that kid out of harms way.
Thanks for sticking with me in this way-too-eventful night.
(10:07) Well that one could keep this from looking respectable.
Dunn dragged a tackler 5 yards to finish off a 16-yard scoring strike from Almond.
76-47 3:45 4Q.
Nice move by Dittman. He just apologized to the fans and told them that, if they took a ticket from today's game to the Fairbanks Grizzlies office, they could get a ticket for the game against the Alaska Wild for just $1.
Very nice move.
(10:04) The Grizz caught a break on that one.
Bartik connected with Jones on an 8-yard touchdown pass.
Only, replay shows Jones didn't catch the pass. He trapped it on the turf.
Too late though, he sold it well and it was called a score.
70-47 CC, 5:35 to go.
(9:51) OK, here's what I was told about the fight...
This is information garnered talking to fans and I hope to have more info in the newspaper, hopefully confirmed by the teams.
But it sounds like a fan was talking smack to the Hammerheads. The Hammerheads started jawing back and fans who saw the thing develop said the fan took the first swing at Corpus Christi.
The Hammerheads swung back and a brawl ensued.
A fan in the front row said the fan who instigated the fight had a kid with him, making him a candidate for the Worst Father of the Year Award.
There was also fecal matter in the stands right by the Hammerheads' bench. The speculation is that it's from the kid who was scared during the fight.
I said before that this was an embarrassment for all involved, but if the reports are true and someone got a kid involved in this, well, then those words aren't harsh enough.
I hope the kid is OK.
In the game, the Grizz scored on a six-yard pass from Bartik to Sydeny Dumas.
70-40 9:50 left in this one.
(9:42) Now, this is exactly what this game didn't need.
The Corpus Christi Hammerheads bench got into a fight with some of the fans during a timeout. Punches were thrown. I couldn't tell who started it, but I can't help but feel if it gets to that point, both sides are horribly in the wrong here.
Fans are still taunting the Hammer heads and the Grizzlies are trying to restrain them. This is an embarrassment for everyone involved.
Chad Dittman came over and was just shaking his head.
(9:33) Well, that could be the fumble that breaks the camel's back.
With the Grizzlies driving, Bartik fumbled the ball and Roy Salas picked it up and returned it for a touchdown.
Bartik, who was rolling out on the play just seemed to lose the ball from his hand after a pump fake. He wanted it called an incomplete pass, but replays show that his hand wasn't going forward yet.
63-34 CC, 58.1 seconds left in the half.
And as I'm typing the rant below, Jason Lee just straight-up steals the ball from Derek Zak on the ensuing kickoff return and waltzes in for a touchdown. 70-34 now. Wow. That was one heck of a play.
In a related note, did people in olden times have a problem with straw breaking their camel's back? Just exactly how much straw were they transporting in those days? Why? Were there big straw conventions? Straw lugging contests?
I need to know these things.
(9:26) Wow Schuyler Anderson was WIDE OPEN.
How open was he? He was so open I wished I had a finish for this joke.
Something broke down seriously on that one. I mean, really, really, really broke down.
Anyway, 56-34 CC, 6:31 3Q.
(9:22) Parks finds paydirt.
The wideout scored on a 4-yard end around, pulling the Grizzlies within 49-34 with 7:25 to go in the third.
the best part, though, came after the touchdown, when Parks ran the length of the field, jumped into the stands, ran up about 10 rows then gave the football to a little girl.
Very nice move.
(9:16) Hammerheads keep their distance.
Almond hit Giddings for their second touchdown strike today, this one coming from 25 yards out.
The Hammerheads then faked the extra point try, running it in for two points.
Their lead is back up to 22 points, 49-27 CC with 8:57 to play in the third.
(9:08) The Grizzlies open the half the right way.
After five plays, the Grizzlies get back on the board with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Bartik to Solomon Jones.
The Grizzlies then picked up two when the kick was blocked, bounced around the ground, then was picked up by Josh Craft and run into the end zone.
41-27 CC, 11:23 3Q. Can the Grizzlies get enough stops to make a comeback?
(8:37) HALFTIME -- 41-19 CC.
Want something positive from this half?
Kenny Wilson has six catches for 42 yards and one touchdown with no drops.
He's played well. Everyone else, well, it's been a struggle. The defense has looked good at times, getting pressure on Almond.
But, the story of the season, they've given up too many big plays. And it looks like defensive breakdowns in the secondary are at least partly to blame.
That's what happens when you keep changing your personnel, though. It's not easy to get everyone on the same page, even if you only have five different cover schemes.
(8:31) So, that holding Corpus I talked about? Didn't happen.
Even though Corpus started at their own 3 with less than 50 seconds left, they marched down the field -- the big play coming on Almond's 44-yard strike to Schuyler Anderson.
Justin Hardman then finished off the drive with a 2-yard dive.
41-19 CC, 22.3 seconds left in the half -- enough time for the Grizz to answer?
(8:27) Fairbanks keeps itself within striking distance.
Kenny Wilson, who is just having a great game, caught a 6-yard (cue Dr. Evil voice) "laser" from Bartik for a touchdown.
Now, Fairbanks needs to keep Corpus from scoring before half.
35-19 CC, 50 seconds left in the half.
(Oh, YMCA is playing now. Want bad dance music? We've got it!)
(8:16) 35-12 Corpus Christi.
Stephen Fillmore took a pitch off tackle for a 6-yard touchdown.
The big play, though was a pass interference call on Derek Zak that gave Corpus Christi a first down after a pass was dropped on fourth down. (It was a legit call. Zak clearly grabbed on to the guy's jersey. If he didn't, he would have been burned badly.)
3:47 left in the first half.
And... we're listening to the Macarena (is that how you spell it?). Wow, the Macarena. Nice...
(8:05) One touchdown got called back. Second one stands.
After what looked to be a lateral was scooped up by Terrel Sutton and run in for a touchdown only to be called incomplete after the fact, Bartik found Parks on the next play in the corner of the end zone for the score.
The extra point, after a penalty, was missed wide left.
28-12 CC, 7:28 2Q.
(8:00) It seems like I type this every week (probably because I do), but Fairbanks NEEDS to get a score.
Dustin (don't call me Diamond) Almond found Anderson again, this time on a 13-yard drag route as the Hammerheads scored another touchdown.
28-6 CC, 9:53 2Q.
(7:56) Three yards and a cloud of dust that was not.
Fairbanks called four runs inside the 10, three coming from inside the 3, but couldn't score.
Bartik was pushed backwards on a fourth down keeper.
Now, Hammerheads are deep inside Fairbanks territory.
21-6 CC, 10:14 2Q.
(7:50) The Grizz could have used that penalty.
Instead of getting a safety, they get burned.
One day after The Great Intentional Grounding Debate '08 (last post), the Hammerheads used a trick play to beat Fairbanks.
Almond threw behind the line to Nathaniel Dunn near the right boards who reared up and passed to a wide-open Matt Ross.
Ross caught the ball at the 25 and ran untouched for the score.
21-6 CC, 14:15 2Q.
(7:48) Welcome to The Great Intentional Grounding Debate '08.
Almond, under pressure threw the ball to absolutely no one on the last play of the first quarter.
The refs at first didn't throw a flag. Then, 3 minutes later, threw one. Then, waved it off. So, no grounding. We think.
Maybe because he was outside the tackle box? (7:44) That hold cost Fairbanks 3 points.
Brian Stuvek's 35-yard field goal was called back by a holding. His 41-yard try had the distance but went wide left.
14-6 CC, 30.8 seconds left in the first.
(7:38) The Grizzlies defense holds.
Getting pressure on Almond, and taking advantage of some Corpus penalties, Fairbanks forced a three-and-out.
14-6CC, 2:57 1Q.
(7:32) Fourcade has been saying for weeks his team can't turn the ball over.
The message must not be getting across.
After catching a swing pass and running for about 11 yards, Solomon Jones fumbled the ball and the Hammerheads recovered at their own 12.
Corpus Christi just had a 38-yard touchdown called back on a hold.
14-6 CC, 5:32 1Q
(7:28) Another play, another score.
On the Hammerheads' first play from scrimmage after the Grizzlies score, Almond finds Ed Giddings wide open on a post route for a 34-yard touchdown.
There seemed to be a breakdown in the secondary and Daniel Dumas was yelling to one of his teammates after the play.
14-6 CC, 9:18 1Q.
(7:22) The early returns are good on the Fairbanks offense.
Bartik completed both his passes and Sydney Dumas found paydirt on a 1-yard run as the Grizzlies answered right back.
Brian Stuvek's extra point try was off the right upright.
7-6 CC, 9:48 1Q.
(7:15) Give John Anderson credit for some good hands and a good celebration.
After catching a 3-yard touchdown pass from Dustin Almond, Anderson and his teammates sat down at mid field, making two rows of three players and rowed like they were in a canoe.
7-0 Hammerheads, 12:22 1Q.
(7:08) With our moment of silence over, Chad Dittman, owner of both teams, took some time to thanks the fans for coming out and their continued support.
The irony, it's easily the smallest crowd the Grizzlies have had in their short existence. I could probably count the people in the upper deck, there's so few and the lower bowl is maybe 30 percent full (although take that last number with a grain of salt. I stink at estimation.)
Anyway. The Grizz are set to kickoff. Game time, folks.
(7:06) In honor of Memorial Day, there's a pregame moment of silence as the Grizzlies show their appreciation of our troops here on Military Appreciation Night.
(7:00 p.m.) Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the running blog for today's game between the Grizzlies and the Hammerheads.
I just watched the opening intro that they play on the video scoreboard. It's been a while since I'd seen it and it seems to have undergone some changes.
Apparently, the grizzly can throw the ball into the sun and cause a supernova, or something like that. I'm not entirely sure. He might also be able to level entire cities with his pickax.
Anyway, I didn't have a chance to talk to coach Fourcade before the game, but he already seemed to be steamed about something.
I'm told the Bartik will start the game at quarterback -- working out of the shotgun -- but there will be a short leash if he can't get the job done.
Less than 5 minutes until kickoff stay tuned.
From the stands, it looks as though the Grizzlies' offensive line has been doing pretty good as well. Aside from getting stuffed on the One, they haven't allowed a sack.
Actually, good point. They can't let Bartik get knocked around and they haven't yet. Getting stuffed on the 1 did hurt, though.
Macarena, mi amigo.
Hi, Adam!
What has been the most exciting/interesting part of this game?
Hopefully the most interesting part hasn't happened yet, though the offensive lineman, Jay Fulk, just running for about 23 yards was kind of fun.
Looks like this one is staying respectable (well, compared to last week). Dang, I was hoping for more top 5s.
I think some of the Grizzlies really, really need to work on their upper-body strength -- the ball is getting ripped out way too easy.
And incidentally, the loudest cheers tonight have been for the Army v. Air Force flag football game at halftime. I've also enjoyed the smacktalk betwe -- players rushing the stands.
Let's see...another lost and the coach still blames the players...hmmmmmm seems to me, if he plays the guys that's suppose to be out there then there wouldn't be any problems. The head coach is a joke! He may know football but he doesn't know the players strengths! He definitely made a statement by rushing most of the Fairbanks players off to the sidelines and have the lower 48 players doing their thang.....LOSING BADLY! Where is he getting these players!? The way I see it, if you aren't on a team already and playing for someone in the lower 48s...hmmmmm, you think that's a problem! Try scouting more instead of listening to players on the team say they know someone and he knows someone that can play...obviously they can't! Now what? More players from the bottom or really start looking in our own backyard...Fairbanks! I've heard this statement too many times that Fairbanks have no players...obviously the players from the south are feeling the wrath also that this coach is a joke! Chad Ditman was so quick to crucify Lee Mireles but still keeps John Fourcade on staff...why? He's done alot worst than Lee and he's suppose to be the more experience in the entire league as he puts it! I've never heard of a coach that blames the players as much as Fourcade does. That right there should tell you exactly what we are dealing with. We have alot of players in the interior down through Anchorage, he just needs to present a better package deal to the would be recipient. We're all behind this team and want this program to stay up here, but with shadie coaching and cut throat tactics we don't have a shot at keeping this program around. I have nothing but love for this team....the head coach at the moment needs an attitude adjustment on reality and quit casting blaming and look in the mirror every game! Playing players seriously and critically injured is definitely not the answer!
Ok here is what I have heard from talking to a few of the CC players. I don't know about the fecal matter. I know there was blood left in the stands from the fan punching the HELMET of the CC player. The person who was Talking smack was a ex player from Fairbanks. Not sure of his name was talking to (talking smack) Sanderson from CC. Sanderson being the Professional that he is took it in stride and let it roll off his back. Knowing that he was playing and the "superfan" as I have seen him called was not. Well even though Sanderson let it go another player on CC took some offense to the statements being made. He (not sure which player) took It upon himself to get involved. From what I gathered there were words exchanged and the fan got upset and thre the punch. Now the CC player had the chance to still let it go but his temper and his fight or flight senses took over. I can only imagine that the adrenalyn (sp) from the game had him jacked up so it is understandable that he got in the fight. Its pretty bad when the Players on the players on there own team were upset that it happened.
It's not understandable that he got in a fight. That's just more excuses being made for these athletes who need to be held to a higher standard than the fans. Every CC player played against the Grizzlies for free becasue Chad Dittman had to fork over $1500 to the hotel they were staying at here in Fairbanks because they were running around naked and damaging the hotel rooms there were staying in. Standing out in the hallways naked and smoking...they are just about the complete opposite of a class act team. They are the most out of control team I have ever seen. I would be surprised if Chad keeps the players who were involved in this hotel incident on the team.
Listen we all know Chad isn't going to do a thing! For all of you who are reading and listening, Chad only cares about the money and what the team can do for his pockets! If he cared anything about the players, these types of incidents wouldn't be happening at all. A professional atmosphere is what is suppose to be displayed at all times and all that has been gong on with this team is corruption and unfair treatment of the Fairbanks and some of the players from the lower 48. Anytime a Fairbanks players would question the coaches, he's sidelined but when an out of state player questions or disrespects the coach or players....well as you can see, they're still here, on the team and playing. Chad knows about all what goes on and cares nothing except to avoid them when he arrives in town! What kind of owner hides from his own franchise team!? Chad talks a good game but has lost on all accounts because as bad as Fourcade is, he's still coaching regardless of his continued losses by large deficits! I thought this was suppose to be professional football with a professional atmosphere.....hmmmmmmm I wonder. I think if the sponsors get more involved and start to question the integrity of the main owners and coaches that there would be some changes and improvements! There's just no reason the owners can't get quality players/coaches to represent this team instead of...as I heard over the past weeks...players who just want to be associated with or only on the team for the prestige of a Grizzlie jersey! The towns folks deserve better for their money than to come watch nonsense going on and off the field and nothing being done about except a coach who keeps blaming players and his lame excuses to keep protesting the players can't play this game or for 60 minutes. This isn't a reality show or news brief! Men want to play this game because they love it! If the best shows up for practice that week and out shines, then they should be playing and not sideline because the headcoaches(present and past) showing favortism instead of trying to win games....period!
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