Mass Fury vs. CT. Gamblers

Milton Smith is carried off the field after returning an interception for the game winning touchdown against the Gamblers.


It was a story that was fit for a Sports Movie. Al Michaels could almost be heard asking if everyone believed in miracles.

After enduring many issues over the course of the first half, the Mass Fury hit the jackpot in the fourth quarter and overtime and walked off winners over the Connecticut Gamblers 20-14 in overtime at Plainfield, CT.

In the first half the Fury came out with plenty of aggression, the only problem was it was not all channeled at the Gamblers. Issues with questionable calls from questionable referees lead to high tension between players on the sideline. Between the Gamblers, the referees, and themselves it was like taking on three card sharks at a poker table.

"We are going to see calls from referees that we do not agree with sometimes," said Coach Chris Chambers. "We still have to find a way to work around them, and I think we did that in the second half today."

Despite the turmoil the Fury found themselves down by only 14. One of those touchdowns off a lucky pass that was tipped by Eugene Miller. The Fury were nowhere near out of this game.

The second half showed the classic tale of two different teams as the Fury came out with a vengeance. They were united and focused all there energy on the Gamblers and the score.

After a scoreless third quarter the Fury made a statement with a 23 yard Touchdown reception by Fran Collins off a perfect ball from Ryan Minns. The PAT by John Carpenter cut the lead in half 14-7.

The Fury had one last chance to tie the game up with less then a minute left. A 21 yard pass by Minns to Eugene Miller in the endzone looked as if it may have been broken up. But the football gods returned the favor to Eugene from the earlier tipped pass. The ball landed on Miller's chest in the end zone for a touchdown. Another PAT by Carpenter tied the game 14-14 with nine seconds left.

"That was a tale of two different teams," said Chambers. "It was a rough three and a half quarters, but I think we saw what this team can do when they are together."

The Fury proved they were not just going to accept a moral victory against the Gamblers. They wanted to hit the jackpot.

In overtime Cedrick Crawford proved to be the ace up the Fury's sleeve. His 33 yards rushing in overtime set the Fury up for a Field Goal attempt by Carpenter. Carpenter's kick looked like a game winner, perfectly down the line, but was inches too short.

This did not mean the Fury busted out against the Gamblers though. They were able to cash in a victory on the Gambler's first drive. An interception by Milton Smith lead to a walk off win for the Fury. They overcame the odds to put up a score of 20-14 that even blackjack would not be able to beat.

It was a lesson to all who watched. No matter what the situation is or how bad it looks, never say that it is over. As long as this team is together, anything is possible.

The Fury next play the Outlaws on Saturday Aug 15 at Leicester Community Field. Another chance to see if the Fury can wi