The Kings Comets, Inc.: Comet News
Comets make All-LeagueCOMET ALL-LEAGUE - Larry Turney, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive end for the Kings Comets, was recently named to the All-Mid Continental Football League team.
Turney, a graduate of Taft High School, was the only Comet named to the All-League team and one of eight selected to the All-Eastern Division team.
Turney, along with guard Brandon Fawley and defensive tackle Diron Bolar were named first-team All-Eastern Division. Tackle Tony Railey and cornerback Cleon Plummer were named to the second team. Wide receiver Daryl Moore, quarterback Scott Stigers and safety Wayne Edwards were honorable mention.
Comets give area a pro team that wins
Comets give area a pro team that wins
By Mike Murphy, Post contributor
Brian Wells laughs when he hears people whining about how pathetic the Bengals are and how they wish the area had a winning football team.
Wells wants those fans to know that there is a playoff-caliber football team in the area - the Kings Comets.
The Comets - a second-year franchise in the nine-year old Mid Continental Football League - are a creation of Wells and several of his colleagues.
''After playing semi-pro football and suffering two injuries, I thought maybe playing just wasn't for me,'' said Wells, head coach and general manager of the Comets.
''I felt like I could be a good coach and I wanted to bring a team to the Mason-Kings area. So I prayed on it and decided to go ahead and start.''
Two years later, Wells has built one of the top franchises in the 14-team MCFL. In their first season, the Comets advanced to the playoffs. Last week, they qualified for a second straight playoff berth.
The Comets roster is made up of a potpourri of former high school and college athletes from around Greater Cincinnati.
Wells has a number of former NCAA Division I players, including cornerback Cleon Plummer (Miami University), wide receiver Tremayne Banks (Miami), safety Marcus Martin (Michigan), running back Ike Fuller (Texas Tech) and defensive lineman Diron Bolar (University of Cincinnati).
The Comets are one of seven teams in the MCFL East Division along with the Southern Michigan Timberwolves, Jackson Bombers, Cleveland Lions, Louisville Bulls, Dayton Drive and Ohio Swarm. The teams in the MCFL West are the Kalamazoo Tornadoes, Kane County Eagles, Racine Raiders, Fort Wayne Rhinos, Will County Buccaneers, Kokomo Mustangs and Lafayette Lions.
The other 13 teams in the MCFL also have a number of former collegiate stars. The Timberwolves' offense boasts quarterback Major Harris (West Virginia) and running back Ricky Powers (Michigan).
''This is legitimate hard-nosed football with big-time college players,'' said Wells. ''Once we get people in the door, they always come back. It's a lot of fun.''
After an impressive expansion season in 1998 in which they went 6-4, the Comets, who play their home games at Reading High School, have come on strong to earn another playoff berth.
The Comets (6-5, 6-2 MCFL) will travel to play the powerful Timberwolves (8-0) on Oct. 2 in the first round of the MCFL playoffs. The Comets were trounced 42-7 by the Timberwolves earlier this season.
''They're No. 1 in the country,'' said Wells. ''I think if everyone on our teams shows up to play, we can beat them. There is no doubt in my mind that we have the talent to beat them. We just need to go out on the field and do it.''
The Comets hope that they can take the momentum from last week's crucial 14-12 win over Dayton into this weekend's playoff game.
Wells said the league is aiming toward the goal of becoming a feeder system into the NFL.
Many involved with the MCFL feel their league offers a better and cheaper alternative to the NFL than European leagues or the Arena Football League.
''That's just a dream for now,'' said Wells. ''Right now, we want to provide the most quality entertainment we can with the best football players we have in this area.''
Publication date: 09-30-99
1998 AFA All-Americans (Offense)
1998 AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SEMI-PRO ALL-AMERICAN TEAM OFFENSE
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE:
QB Dave Palazzi
Marlboro Shamrocks
RB Frank Bianchini
Marlboro Shamrocks
RB Lorenzo Davis
Topeka Knights
WR Vince Coors
Lafayette Lions
WR Bryan Keats
Marlboro Shamrocks
TE Eric Henson
Lake County Chiefs
C Scott Boyd
Kalamazoo Tornadoes
OL Carlton Haselrig
Pittsburgh Colts
OL Mike Balzarini
Marlboro Shamrocks
OL Gary VanderWeele
Kalamazoo Tornadoes
OL Jamie Humphries
Lafayette Lions
K Paul Tocco
SM Timberwolves
KR Shonn Bell
Central Va. Storm
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE:
QB Pat Gucciardo
SM. Timberwolves
RB Josh Schwochow
Dayton Drive
RB Dwaylon Alexander
SM Timberwolves
WR Pinklon Thomas
No. Oakland Tigers
WR Jerome Bell
Kansas Plainsmen
TE Matt Garretson
Connecticut Chiefs
C Anthony Corvino
Marlboro Shamrocks
OL Neil Ott
Kalamazoo Tornadoes
OL Charles Allan
Virginia Ravens
OL Tyreese Duncan
Jefferson City Jaguars
OL Dave Connell
Palos/Orland Force
K Scott Perry
Scranton Eagles
KR Jeff Higgens
Glens Falls Greenjackets
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE:
QB Tim Kubiak
Kalamazoo Tornadoes
RB Paul Carter
Kokomo Mustangs
RB Robert Johnson
Arbutus Big Red
WR Marcel Kerr
Will Co. Bucs
WR Christian Wiley
SM Timberwolves
TE Alexander Cotton
Bay Neptunes
C Robert Maloney
Kingston Panthers
OL Trent Patterson
Broome Co. Jets
OL Rep Lampman
Central Va. Storm
OL Keith Nash
Wayne Co. Twisters
OL Chris Leonard
Middleboro Cobras
K Clay Rush
St. Louis Bulldogs
KR Craig Avery
Columbus Fire
AFA HONORABLE MENTION
QUARTERBACKS: Roy Stone - Topeka Knights; Major Harris - Huntington Hawks; Orlando Wright - No. Oakland Tigers; Dean Hornaday - Lafayette Lions; Chris Wigler - Syracuse Storm; Paul Ohm - Chicago Chargers; Bob Yurachek - Virginia Ravens; Corey Kennedy - Bay Neptunes; Mike Bradley - Boston Cowboys; Chris Esterly - Minnesota Maulers
RUNNING BACKS: Moe Demery - Pittsburgh Colts; Sylvester Stevens -No. Oakland Tigers; Jeff Yeoman -Lafayette Lions; Jackson Bey -Scranton Eagles; Matt Holmes -Kingston Panthers; Jamin Woods -Cleveland Lions; Derek Walker -Chicago Thunder; Demonte Shakkur -Palos/Orland Force; Anthony Barns -Virginia Ravens; Aaron Murchison -Fayetteville Prowlers; Jermaine Bellamy -Bay Neptunes; Lou Pacheco -Middleboro Cobras; Johnnie Ballard - Souix Falls Falcons
WIDE RECEIVERS: Lamont Skipper - Dayton Drive; Jeff Higgins - Glens Falls Greenjackets; Mike Carr - Broome Co. Jets; Christian Porter - SM Timberwolves; Jerome McCray - Kansas City Panthers; Brian Giachetti - Pittsburgh Colts; Fletcher Davis - Chicago Chargers; Kevin Jackson - Kansas City Panthers; Darrell McCatty - Virginia Ravens; Tim Jones - Virginia Ravens; Reggie Crosby - Bay Neptunes; Paul Patterson - Bay Neptunes; Reggie Brandon - Wayne County Twisters; Bunny Jefferson - Boston Cowboys; Marcus Harris - Lumberjacks; Charles Klug - Minnesota Maulers; Tracy Byrd - Minnesota Maulers
TIGHT ENDS: Cory Aubaugh - Dayton Drive; Joe Harter - Kokomo Mustangs; Kevin Rushing - SM Timberwolves; Lamar Redditt - Kansas Plainsmen; Scott Bowers - Virginia Ravens; R.J. Johnson - Arbutus Big Red; Kiowa Hawkins - Minnesota Maulers
CENTERS: Jeff Howard - Dayton Drive; Mike Mulhern - Kane Co. Eagles; Robert Boyd - Fayetteville Prowlers; Steven Spenser - Arbutus Big Red; Dave Shaw - Middleboro Cobras
OFFENSIVE LINE: Brandon Fawley - Kings Comets; Anthony Casbar - Kings Comets; Brian Schremp - Lafayette Lions; Anthony Jones - Kingston Panthers; Aaron Clark - Fayetteville Prowlers; Larry Chambers - Arbutus Big Red; Chris Lynne - Arbutus Big Red; Bill Fuller - Middleboro Cobras; Butch Dennis - Kansas Plainsmen; Harvey McIntosh - Jefferson City Jaguars; Stan Johnson - St. Louis Bulldogs; John Harrel - Pittsburgh Colts; Chris Therman - Chicago Thunder; Duane Schwemlien - Chicago Chargers; Issac Green - Chicago Chargers; Tim Kinzie - Chicago Thunder; Greg Erchull - Racine Raiders; John Hammes - Racine Raiders; John Westawski - Scranton Eagles; Chris Patterson - Broome Co. Jets; Tom Madigaia - Connecticut Chiefs; Sean McKay - Kingston Panthers; Alan Barnett - Cleveland Lions; Frank Battagila - Racine Raiders; Darryl Dugger - Virginia Ravens; Nevin Huff - Arbutus Big Red; Cory Fowler - Arbutus Big Red; William Davey - Wayne County Twisters; Marcus Smith - No. Oakland Tigers; Todd Oberdorf - Dayton Drive; Garrnett Asmundson - Lumberjacks; David Johnson - Minnesota Maulers
KICKERS: Tom Sellers - Dayton Drive; Tom Van Anrooy - Will Co. Bucs; Jim Czesnakowski - Pittsburgh Colts; Joe Ahkteebo - Chicago Thunder; Barry Hollingsworth - Virginia Ravens; Jason Babb - Bay Neptunes; Joe Caruso - Boston Cowboys
RETURN SPECIALIST: Carlos Chambers - Kings Comets; Tony Knox - Kalamazoo Tornadoes; Brian Burton - Lafayette Lions; Clayton Baker - Jefferson City Jaguars; Pernell Moore - Lake County Chiefs; Tyrone Allen - Virginia Ravens; Robert Johnson - Arbutus Big Red; Shawn King - Arbutus Big Red
1998 AFA All-Americans (Defense)
1998 AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SEMI-PRO ALL-AMERICAN TEAM DEFENSE FIRST TEAM DEFENSE:
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
Eric Fersuson - Kalamazoo Tornadoes
Zak Butkus - Palos/Orland Force
Harry Pettaway - Kalamazoo Tornadoes
Colin Cathey - Topeka Knights
LINEBACKERS:
Andre Vaughn - Kalamazoo Tornadoes
Andre Clopton - Ft. Wayne Rhinos
Tyrem Harmon - Virginia Ravens
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
James Worthy - SM Timberwolves
Jason Grayson - Huntington Hawks
John Holland - Kansas Plainsmen
Chris Butts - Marlboro Shamrocks
PUNTER:
Troy Faunce - Kane Co. Eagles
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE:
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
John Cvitkovich - Dayton Drive
Steve Venckus - Randolph Oilers
Vince Kuziomko - Plattsburgh North Stars
Will Ford - Kane Co. Eagles
LINEBACKERS:
Tony Bettendorf - Dayton Drive
Jimmy Norman - Topeka Knights
Larry Dorey - Marlboro Shamrocks
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
Marcus Patterson - Cleveland Lions
Brian Pagel - Randolph Oilers
Ernest Pitman - No. Oakland Tigers
Khalid Rucker - Marlboro Shamrocks
PUNTER:
Pierro Setta - Chicago Chargers
THIRD TEAM DEFENSE:
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
Lane Johnson - Ft. Wayne Rhinos
Larry Turney - Kings Comets
Nils Leaf - Boston Cowboys
Wilbert Kennedy - Racine Raiders
LINEBACKERS:
Greg Woodward - Kingston Panthers
Ray Jepsen - Palos/Orland Force
Aaron Brothers - Wayne County Twisters
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
Troy Dolbee - Will Co. Bucs
CJ Richardson - Virginia Ravens
Jermaine Johnson - Arbutus Big Red
Monte Spiller - Topeka Knights
PUNTER:
Jerry Romano - Kingston Panthers
AFA HONORABLE MENTION
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Julius Boshko - Kings Comets; Jerry George - Lafayette Lions; Dwayne Shaw - Syracuse Storm; Dan Davis - Broome Co. Jets; Jeremy Blythe - Louisville Bulls; Roland Simon - Chicago Thunder; McCartha Pleasants - Virginia Ravens; Ricky Johnson - Fayetteville Prowlers; Kenny Williams - Arbutus Big Red; Charles Kirby - Arbutus Big Red; Mike Summers - Dayton Drive; Terry Kaufman - Lafayette Lions; Patrick Ivey - Jefferson City Jaguars; Kevin Oragne - Kansas Plainsmen; Sam Joshua - Jefferson City Jaguars; Jeff Laing - Marlboro Shamrocks; Todd Pietrasiak - Marlboro Shamrocks; Jerome Jackson - Maine Blizzard; Chad Clark - Scranton Eagles; Tony Barravecchio - Pittsburgh Colts; Orlando Hoye - Chicago Chargers; Frank Trentadue - Chicago Thunder; Barry Hurt - Central Va. Storm; David Wheatley - Virginia Ravens; Samuel Williams - Arbutus Big Red; Rob Grecco - Charleston Townies; Ralph Duke - Souix Falls Falcons
LINEBACKERS: Rodney Foust - Dayton Drive; Brian Issacs - Kings Comets; Adam Rowe Will Co. Bucs; Keith Borum- Will Co. Bucs; Doug Klopp - Scranton Eagles; Mike Waldron - Glens Falls Greenjackets; Mike Burke - Glens Falls Greenjackets; Mark Rogers - Kingston Panthers; Sean Price - Capitaland Thunder; Greg Tacket - SM Timberwolves; Bantu Hester - Racine Raiders; Ron Holden - Kansas Plainsmen; Corey Walk - Jefferson City Jaguars; Mike Sims - Pittsburgh Colts; Skip Tramotana - Chicago Chargers; Phillp Robinson - Lake County Chiefs; Stan Clanton - Virginia Ravens; Sean Patrick - Fayetteville Prowlers; Darren Parker - Southern Huskies; Butch Mullin - Arbutus Big Red; Kevin Moore - Arbutus Big Red; David Eaton - Arbutus Big Red; Ron Shimko - Elkton Mustangs; Joe Johnson - Marlboro Shamrocks; Matt Mercer - Marlboro Shamrocks; Jon Yancy - Minnesota Maulers; Larry Singleton - Souix Falls Falcons; Scott Wolter - Minnesota Lumberjacks
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Marvin Morgan - Kingston Panthers; Carlos Jackson - Broome Co. Jets; Pat Patterson - Kokomo
Mustangs; Tyrone Watson - Central Va. Storm; Jeff Daniello - Elkton Mustangs; Eric Perks - NH Wolfpack; Hank Brooks - No. Oakland Tigers; Arron Rivers - Kokomo Mustangs; Antoine Patton - Palos/Orland Force; Guy Nardulli - Chicago Thunder; Johnny Anderson - Syracuse Storm; Cameron Chadwick - Connecticut Chiefs; Mike Greenlee - SM Timberwolves; Roosevelt Norfleet - Ft. Wayne Rhinos; Robert Hall - Kansas City Panthers; Tony Holmes - Kansas City Jazz; Todd Hall - Pittsburgh Colts; Mike Ponzo - Palos/Orland Force; Stacy Douglas - Chicago Thunder; Tyrone Allen - Virginia Ravens; Dante Taliferro - Fayetteville Prowlers; Sakima Brown - Elkton Mustangs; Eric Foster - Arbutus Big Red; Anthony Comer - Randolph Oilers; George Fernandes - Middleboro Cobras; Peoples - No. Oakland Tigers; Jeff Rogers - Lafayette Lions
PUNTERS: Mike Smith - Kokomo Mustangs; Travis Sparrow - Virginia Ravens; Steve Sparks - Elkton Mustangs; Robert
Holderfield - Arbutus Big Red
Football's part-time pros
Football's part-time pros
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, May 11, 1998
BY STEWART MANDEL
Enquirer Contributor
By day, they're electricians, utility operators, grass cutters and masons. But on Saturday nights this summer, they'll become quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and linemen.
John Holton is playing his 15th season of semipro ball. The 42-year-old quarterback will be leading the Kings Comets.
(Saed Hindash photos)
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The Kings Comets are hoping to become a mainstay of Cincinnati's summer sports season when they kick off their first semipro football season July 4. By playing their home games at Galbreath Field -- home of high school football power Moeller and the pro soccer Riverhawks -- they hope to provide an entertainment alternative to pricey neighbor Kings Island.
But before any of that, coach Brian Wells just hopes to get a sponsor or two. And more players to show up for practice.
With nearly 300 teams in 40 registered leagues, semipro (also called minor league) football is considered a high level of competition throughout the country. Its biggest claim to fame may have been producing NFL All-Pro Eric Swann in the early '90s.
Wells, 26, Mt. Washington, and co-founder Steve Wernke, 24, of Loveland, were disenchanted with their playing experiences here. About four months ago, they set out to start a team that would bring stability to the area semipro scene.
"I've played on several different teams; They were not run very well," Wernke said. "In a lot of cases you've got no funds, no equipment, coaches trying to be player-coaches. You just can't do it that way."
To provide his team more stability, Wells set out on an escapade that included trademarking the Comets' name and logo, finding a team doctor and trainers, securing Galbreath for games, buying liability insurance and contacting potential sponsors. The team got incorporated as a non-profit group to join forces with several area drug and alcohol awareness programs.
All that was left was finding players. Word got out over the Internet and through fliers posted at area gyms. The roster is up to about 50 players, though more are always welcome. Players must pay $100 for equipment and fees.
"Most of the guys that get excited about playing is because this will keep them out of trouble," Wells said. "Now they'll spend their summer on the football field instead of hanging out in bars."
For about one-fourth of the roster, this is their first experience with semipro football. And the assortment of veterans reads like a script for the football version of "Major League," led by the time-tested quarterback, John Hollon.
"We've got a lot of rookies, but I think we'll do all right," said Hollon, 42, playing his 15th year of semipro ball.
He'll be protected by Brandon Fawley, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman half his age. He and several friends from the Goshen area jumped at the opportunity to play for the Comets.
Wendell Fails runs high speed drills at Kings High School, where the team practices.
| ZOOM |
"It's a bunch of men getting together, having fun," said Fawley, 21. "The competition's intensified. It's twice as good as high school because you're going against ex-pros, college vets." The top receiver, Mike Beasley, 32, played for Aiken High School and Marshall University in the mid-'80s. Tony Bray, a speedy, 26-year old running back, played briefly for Georgia. Julius Boshko, 28, is a former member of the World League's Orlando Thunder. Trent Skipper, 27, is an outside linebacker who is 10 years removed from organized football but can bench press 420 pounds.
"These guys aren't out here to make money," Wells said. "They're out here for the love of the game."
It's only semipro, but the Comets take themselves seriously. They have offensive and defensive coaches and use a modest playbook. They are even trying to convince several former Bengals to play for them.
The Comets will play in the Mid-Eastern Football League, whose defending champ, the Lafayette (Ind.) Lions, finished 1997 ranked in the Top 10 nationally by the American Football Association. The Comets' 10-game season runs July 4 through Sept. 26, with possible playoff games running through October. Home games are Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
"If we get 500 fans or so a game, we'll be able to cover expenses and start-up costs for next year," said Wells, "but we sure would like to pack the place."
2004 All American Team
!
National Football Events name the following Comets to the All-American Team: SS Chico Lockhart and OT Todd Oberdorf (3rd Team), DE Sean Middlebrooks and RB Keith Brooks (Honorable Mention).
MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL NEWS REGIONAL "ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS"
MIDWEST REGION (Indianapolis, Illinois, Kentucky and SOUTHERN OHIO.
OFFENSE:
QUARTERBACK -Eric Drech, Kane County Eagles
2nd TEAM -Ryan Smoot, Indiana Tornados 3rd TEAM -DeWayne Whitfield, Hardin County Wolverines HONORABLE MENTION -Marcus Warren, Louisville Bulls; Lamont Rhim, Dayton Drive and Paul Digiacomo, South Bend Stampede.
RUNNING BACK - Keith Brooks, Kings Comets
2nd TEAM - Krishawn Gilmore, Central Ohio Lions
3rd TEAM - Darrian Story, Indiand Tornados
HONORABLE MENTION -Francois Cunningham and Jitu Taylor, Louisville Bulls; Israel Thompson, Indiana Tornados.
FULLBACKS - Brent Lewis, Central Ohio Lions
2nd TEAM -Orville McDonald, Kings Comets.
3rd TEAM -Tony Coniglio, Kane County Eagles
TIGHT END -Mark Stevens, Indiana Tornados
WIDE RECEIVERS (2)-Adam Rich and Kenny Beatty, Indiana Mustangs.
2nd TEAM -Curtis Gordon, Kane County Eagles and Adreas Stevens, Chicago Thunder.
3rd TEAM -Brett Scheckles, Hardin County Wolverines and Lamont Skipper, Central Ohio Lions
HONORABLE MENTION -Jason Hicks, Belleville Justice and Jovonne Palmer, South Bend Stampede.
OFFENSIVE LINE (5)-Rich Rousch, Ohio Swarm; Roger Wortham, Louisville Bulls; Paris Longs, Columbus Xtreme; Todd Oberdorf, Kings Comets and Josh Richart, South Bend Stampede.
2nd TEAM -Chris Roe, Kane County Eagles; Kevin Hyme, Central Ohio Lions and J.D. Crawford, Central Ohio Lions.
KICKER -Jerry Lakin, Belleville Justice
2nd Team -Rich Wrightington, Louisville Bulls.
PUNTER -Dave Rigell, Belleville Justice.
2nd TEAM -Travis Johnson, Kings Comets.
RETURN SPECIALIST - Robert Lon-Dayton Drive.
LONG SNAPPER - Dennis Morris, Lafayette Lions _________________________________________________
DEFENSE:
DEFENSIVE BACKS (4) -Chico Lockhart, Kings Comets; Brad Clark, Indiana Tornados; Jonathan Martin, Kane County Eagles and James Owens, Central Ohio Lions.
2nd TEAM -Karl Rose, Central Ohio Lions; Shawn Diamond, Central Ohio Lions;Reginald Jones, Ohio Swarm and Tracy Sheppard, South Bend Stampede.
HONORABLE MENTION - George Cook, Louisville Bulls.
LINEBACKERS (3) -Dee Bostic, Indiana Tornados, Tony Rubio, Indiana Tornados and Rich Rufus, South Bend Stampede. 2nd TEAM -Brett Roberts, Decatur Bears; Mike Garnet, Cental Ohio Lions and Chris Branham, Louisville Bulls.
HONORABLE MENTION - Marcus Allen, Central Ohio Lions; Doug Lavell, Indiana Tornados and Darryl Kelso, Columbus Xtreme.
DEFENSIVE LINE (4)-Sean Middlebrooks, Kings Comets; Scott Stanton, Central Ohio Lions; Ken Day, South Bend Stampede and Brian Ceaser, Kane County Eagles.
2nd TEAM -Tah Shai Jenkins, South Bend Stampede; Brandon Walter, Ohio Swarm, Ralph Shewsberry, Louisville Bulls and Larry Turney, Kings Comets.
HONORABLE MENTION -Stan West, Kings Comets.
MCFL names Comets to the All-Star team: RB Keith Brooks, OT Todd Oberdorf and Sean Middlebrooks are named to first team. SS Chico Lockhart named to second team and FB Orville McDonald, WR Ross Sferra, OG Jesse Olverson, DT Stan West, DE Larry Turney and P Travis Johnson were named honorable mention. Congratulations Comets!<
2005 All American Team
Following are the league's First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention selections by position.
TOP LEAGUE HONORS
League MVP Robert Hunt Detroit Seminoles
Defensive MVP Peni Faitele Indiana Mustangs
Offensive MVP Melvin Stewart Cleveland Lions
Coach of the Year Rich Dial Cleveland Lions
Executive of the Year James Stamper Indiana Mustangs
SPECIAL TEAMS
All-Star Selection Position Team First Last Ht Wt College
1st Team AP Cleveland Lions Lawrence Vickerstaff 6-2 210 Ohio State
2nd Team AP Louisville Bulls Jarmel Hopson 5-10 185 Iroquois High School
HM AP Michigan Twisters Raymond Flemming 5-9 197 Louisiana Tech. Univ.
1st Team K Indiana Mustangs Shawn Wood 6-0 185 Butler University
2nd Team K Cleveland Lions Joe Lindway 5-8 170 Heidelberg University
HMK Detroit Seminoles Rasko Apostolvski 6-0 230 Eastern Michigan University
1st Team P Cleveland Lions Sinisa "Sam" Poucki 6-1 275 Thiel College
2nd Team P Indiana Mustangs Shawn Wood 6-0 185 Butler University
Honorable Mention P Central Ohio Lions Jeff Morningstar 6-4 240 Bowling Green University
1st Team RS Cleveland Lions Brian Giovinazzi 6-1 205
2nd Team RS Detroit Seminoles James Worthy 5-11 185 Western Michigan
Honorable Mention RS Louisville Bulls Bernard Barnes 5-7 170 Kentucky State
Honorable Mention RS Central Ohio Lions Danny Mack 6-4 200
DEFENSE
All-Star Selection Position Team First Last Ht Wt College
1st Team CB Indiana Mustangs Eddie Vann 5-11 180 St. Joseph College
1st Team CB Cleveland Lions Hassan Brown 5-10 175 Toledo/Tiffin
2nd Team CB Central Ohio Lions Karl Rose 6-0 198 Bowling Green University
2nd Team CB Cleveland Lions Rico Franklin 5-11 185 Thiel College
Honorable Mention CB Michigan Twisters Raymond Flemming 5-9 197 Louisiana Tech. Univ.
Honorable Mention CB Louisville Bulls Keric Seals 5-4 150 University of Louisville (track)
Honorable Mention CB Flint Fury Keyon Menifield 5-9 150
1st Team DE Cleveland Lions Tim Weeks 6-2 255 Central State
1st Team DE Detroit Seminoles Mike Kyler 6-2 235 Central Michigan
2nd Team DE Central Ohio Lions Calvin Johnson 6-1 300 Urbana University
2nd Team DE Louisville Bulls Ricky Williams 6-2 285 Kentucky State
Honorable Mention DE Cleveland Lions William Powell 6-1 245 Bowling Green
Honorable Mention DE Michigan Twisters Markus Hatch 6-1 260
1st Team DT Indiana Mustangs Peni Faitele 6-0 285
1st Team DT Kings Comets Jesse Black 6-4 315 Cincinnati
2nd Team DT Detroit Seminoles Derrick Bolton 6-3 290 Southern University
2nd Team DT Detroit Seminoles Joe Chatman 6-2 340 Florida A&M
Honorable Mention DT Michigan Twisters Richardson Lacy 6-0 355
Honorable Mention DT Central Ohio Lions Chris Young 6-3 325 Robert Morris University
1st Team FS Cleveland Lions Woody Allen 5-10 190 Tiffin University
2nd Team FS Detroit Seminoles James Worthy 5-11 185 Western Michigan
Honorable Mention FS Louisville Bulls Matt Wright 5-9 170 Cambellsville University
1st Team MLB Cleveland Lions Mike McCrary 6-0 210
2nd Team MLB Detroit Seminoles Ato Polk 6-3 250 Delaware State
Honorable Mention MLB Kings Comets Bobby Atkinson 5-10 215 Hanover
Honorable Mention MLB Louisville Bulls Chris Branham 5-10 220 Thomas More
Honorable Mention MLB Indiana Mustangs Keith Jackson 6-1 260 Joliet JC
Honorable Mention MLB Michigan Twisters Keith Rowe 6-2 245 Illinois Valley
Honorable Mention MLB Flint Fury Prince Goodson 6-1 240
1st Team OLB Cleveland Lions Dave Schierbaum 5-8 190 Baldwin Wallace
1st Team OLB Michigan Twisters Aaron Brothers 6-2 255 Akron/Central Michigan
2nd Team OLB Indiana Mustangs Mike Schmitt 6-0 230 Purdue University
2nd Team OLB Southern Michigan Scott Sergent 6-3 231 Adrian
Honorable Mention OLB Kings Comets Thomas Sewell 6-6 205 Ball State
Honorable Mention OLB Southern Michigan Chuck Smith 6-1 235
Honorable Mention OLB Flint Fury Jacoby Brandon 6-0 204
1st Team SS Cleveland Lions Jerry Adams 5-11 205 Ohio Northern
2nd Team SS Central Ohio Lions Jamie Owens 5-8 185
Honorable Mention SS Indiana Mustangs Jason Spear 5-11 215 Indiana University
Honorable Mention SS Southern Michigan Brian Snook 6-2 200 Adrian
OFFENSE
All-Star Selection Position Team First Last Ht Wt College
1st Team FB Detroit Seminoles Bo Rush 6-0 220 Central Michigan
2nd Team FB Indiana Mustangs Ramon Stallings 6-2 260 Butler University
Honorable Mention FB Central Ohio Lions Brent Lewis 6-0 260 Wilmington College
1st Team OC Cleveland Lions Don Cornelius 6-3 315 Clarion University
2nd Team OC Detroit Seminoles Pierre Dubose 6-2 290 Ferris State University
Honorable Mention OC Southern Michigan Joe DeVault 6-1 275 Olivet
1st Team OG Cleveland Lions Don Smith 6-2 320
1st Team OG Central Ohio Lions Kevin Hyme 6-4 325 Ohio State University
2nd Team OG Indiana Mustangs Scott Tyrcha 6-3 335 Valpariso University
2nd Team OG Southern Michigan Mitchell Brock 6-0 310 Tennessee State
Honorable Mention OG Detroit Seminoles Stephen Vivier 6-6 310 Windsor A Fratmen
Honorable Mention OG Kings Comets Joe Washington 6-3 330 Western Kentucky
Honorable Mention OG Michigan Twisters Art Cunnings 6-2 330
Honorable Mention OG Louisville Bulls Phillip Cummings 6-1 280 Eastern Kentucky
1st Team OT Detroit Seminoles Larry Waldon 6-8 350 Ohio State University
1st Team OT Indiana Mustangs Pat Copeland 6-3 275 W. Kentucky University
2nd Team OT Central Ohio Lions Alan McPherson 6-4 315 Morehead State University
2nd Team OT Kings Comets Jason Jones 6-5 350 Idaho
Honorable Mention OT Detroit Seminoles Aaron Meredith 6-6 320 St. Paul University
Honorable Mention OT Louisville Bulls Roger Wortham 6-2 285 Georgetown College
Honorable Mention OT Michigan Twisters Brian Ferguson 6-4 335 Mississippi State Univ.
Honorable Mention OT Flint Fury Mario Williams 6-3 310
1st Team QB Detroit Seminoles Robert Hunt 6-3 225 Grand Valley State
2nd Team QB Cleveland Lions Jon Hunek 6-2 225 Ashland University
Honorable Mention QB Kings Comets Ross Sferra 6-0 180 Elon
Honorable Mention QB Southern Michigan Ross Crist 6-3 200 Fordham
Honorable Mention QB Louisville Bulls Marcus Warren 6-0 210 Midwestern State
1st Team TB Cleveland Lions Chip McClain 5-9 195 Miami University of Ohio
2nd Team TB Kings Comets Keith "SoSo" Brooks 5-11 225 Western Kentucky
Honorable Mention TB Southern Michigan Chris Floyd 6-1 230 Michigan
Honorable Mention TB Indiana Mustangs Darrian Story 5-9 180 Earlham College
Honorable Mention TB Flint Fury Tony George 5-10 200 Eastern Michigan
Honorable Mention TB Louisville Bulls Bernard Barnes 5-7 170 Kentucky State
1st Team TE Cleveland Lions Mike Parris 6-5 245 Cornell University
2nd Team TE Central Ohio Lions Jamar Reid 6-3 225 Eastern Oregon University
Honorable Mention TE Detroit Seminoles Artez Baker 6-5 230
1st Team WR Cleveland Lions Melvin Stewart 6-1 180
1st Team WR Detroit Seminoles Roy Granger 5-9 180 Grand Valley State
2nd Team WR Kings Comets Anthony Tyus 5-9 175 Toledo
2nd Team WR Southern Michigan Corterris Reese 6-2 197 Toledo
Honorable Mention WR Detroit Seminoles Don Lonsway 5-9 180 Olivett
Honorable Mention WR Indiana Mustangs Kenny Beatty 6-3 210 Indiana University[/pre]
Tuesday, March 14
New Home for Coach Wells
NEW HOME FOR COACH WELLS
After an uncertain offseason for the Dayton Warbirds,
Comets head coach Brian Wells has decided join
Dayton's National Indoor Football League rivals to the
south, the Cincinnati Marshals, as a defensive backs
coach and associate head coach. Although it appears
the Dayton team will return for the 2006 season, Coach
Wells has remained committed to the 2005 Atlantic
Division finalist Marshals. Coach Wells has brought a
number of Comets players with him to the Marshals. Marshals have
also signed 2004 Second Team All-MCFL SS Chico
Lockhart, 2005 First Team All-MCFL DT Jesse Black, DT
Stan West, 2005 MCFL Honorable Mention LB/S Thomas
Sewell, WR Daryl Moore, LB Larry Byndon and OL Carlos Davis. Also in
camp will be receivers Billy Back, Gene Hellams, and
Anthony Tyus each of whom spent time with both the
Comets and Warbirds in 2005. Demetius Howard, a
linebacker with the Comets in 1999 and DE James
Spikes, who plans to join the Comets in 2006, also are
on the initial roster. Coach Wells has even brought
in the best from around the rest of the MCFL with the
league's Defensive MVP, Peni Faitele of the Indiana
Mustangs, being signed up. The Cincinnati Marshals
first game will be on March 18th. Good Luck in camp
fellas!
in camp.
Thursday, March 16
midwest regional all-americans
Three Comets Players make the MIDWEST REGIONAL ALL-AMERICAN team congrats to RB Keith Brooks,DT Jessie Black, and LB Bobby Atkinson!! Check the bottom of the page to see the rest of the all american team.
Thursday, March 16
Midwest Regional all americans
MIDWEST REGIONAL ALL-AMERICAN
QUARTERBACKS:
1st Team - Robert Hunt, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
2nd Team - Dan Richards, Grand Rapids Thunder (MLFA)
3rd Team - Justin Henderson, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
Honorable Mention-Ryan Ferguson, Michigan Admirals (The Other League)
RUNNING BACKS:
1st Team - Keith Brooks, King's Comets (MCFL)
2nd Team - Columbus Mitchell, Fort Wayne Flyers (MLFA)
3rd Team - Krishawn Gilmore, Central Ohio Lions (MCFL)
Honorable Mention-Chris Floyd, Southern Michigan Timberwolves (MCFL), Derric Ellis, Hoosier Hurricanes (OVFL) and Marvin Swope, Hardin County Wolverines (OVFL)
FULLBACKS:
1st Team - Brent Lewis, Central Ohio Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Anjuan Smith, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
TIGHT ENDS:
1st Team - Mike Parris, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Ken Beatty, Indiana Mustangs (MCFL)
3rd Team - Brian Weaver, Columbus Cowboys (USFA)
Honorable Mention-Dennis Smith, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
WIDE RECEIVERS:
1st Team - Roy Granger, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
1st Team - Melvin Stewart, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Scott Penick, Hoosier Hurricanes (OVFL)
2nd Team - Justin McHugh, Michigan Admirals (The Other League)
3rd Team - Mike Hunter, Albion Chargers (The Other League)
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN:
1st Team - Brock Hartman, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
1st Team - Don Gambrel, Indiana Titans (MSFL)
1st Team - Joe Prince, Columbus Blackhawks (USFA)
1st Team - Larry Waldon, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
1st Team - Joe D'Vault, Southern Michigan Timberwolves (MCFL)
2nd Team - Don Cornelius, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Mitch Brock, Southern Michigan Timberwolves (MCFL)
2nd Team - Kevin Hyme, Central Ohio Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Alan McPherson, Central Ohio Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Randy Goodnight, Penn/Ohio Raiders (USFA)
3rd Team - Jim Nenzia, Fort Wayne Flyers (MLFA)
3rd Team - Phil Cummings, Louisville Bulls (MCFL)
3rd Team - Al Barnett, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
3rd Team - Ted Serema, Grand Rapids Thunder (MLFA)
3rd Team - Todd Christenson, Indiana Titans (MSFL)
KICK/PUNT RETURNERS:
1st Team - Joe Butcher,Lima Warriors (MLFA)
2nd Team - Michael Skees, Hardin County Wolverines (OVFL)
3rd Team - Justin McHugh, Michigan Admirals (The Other League)
IRON MEN:
1st Team - Lawrence Bickerstaff, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Brent Huttis, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
3rd Team - Don Stradling, Indiana Mustangs (MCFL)
KICKERS:
1st Team - Rasko Apostilovski, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
2nd Team - Brian Clawson, Fort Wayne Flyers (MLFA)
3rd Team - Shawn Wood, Indiana Mustangs (MCFL)
PUNTERS:
1st Team - Chris Privett, Fort Wayne Flyers (MLFA)
2nd Team - Maciek Szafieski, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
3rd Team - Shawn Wood, Indiana Mustangs (MCFL)
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
1st Team - James O'Bannon, Detroit Metro Saints (MLFA)
1st Team - Peni Taitele, Indiana Mustangs (MCFL)
1st Team - Jesse Black, King's Comets (MCFL)
1st Team - Scott Stanton, Columbus Blackhawks (USFA)
2nd Team - Jon Horton, Waterford Warthogs (MLFA)
2nd Team - Tim Weeks, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
2nd Team - Brian Cooper, Detroit Downriver Diesels (The Other League)
2nd Team - Jim Stewart, Michigan Admirals (The Other League)
3rd Team - Jay Vamvas, Macomb County Strength (MLFA)
3rd Team - Denny Brown, Hardin County Wolverines (OVFL)
3rd Team - Terrance Clark,Indiana Titans (MSFL)
3rd Team - Brad Lyon, Genesee County Patriots (The Other League)
LINEBACKERS:
1st Team - Chris Branham, Louisville Bulls (MCFL)
1st Team - Dave Settlemire, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
1st Team - Mike Kyler, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
2nd Team - Alto Polk, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
2nd Team - Justin Hopgood, Waterford Warthogs (MLFA)
2nd Team - Bobby Atkinson, King's Comets (MCFL)
3rd Team - Scott Sergent, Southern Michigan Timberwolves (MCFL)
3rd Team - Greg Hamilton, Beaver County Warriors (USFA)
3rd Team - Brian Bate, Penn/Ohio Raiders (USFA)
Honorable Mention-Trent Miller, Genesee County Patriots (The Other League)
DEFENSIVE BACKS:
1st Team - James Worthy, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
1st Team - Corey Crumton, Hoosier Hurricanes (OVFL)
1st Team - Jerry Adams, Cleveland Lions (MCFL)
1st Team - Brent Huttis, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
2nd Team - James Brown, Detroit Seminoles (MCFL)
2nd Team - Charles Avant, Hoosier Hurricanes (OVFL)
2nd Team - Steve Gaugh, Genesee County Patriots (The Other League)
2nd Team - Justin Sherrod, Grand Rapids Thunder (MLFA)
3rd Team - Andre Hollis, Fort Wayne Flyers (MLFA)
3rd Team - Glen White, Lima Warriors (MLFA)
3rd Team - Mike Karan, Columbus Blackhawks (USFA)
3rd Team - Derrin Ellis, Detroit Metro Saints (MLFA)
Thursday, April 6
All Purpose SoSo
Marcatori: TD Giannini 34 yds pass from Paopao (Giannini kick), TD Brooks 74 yds kick off return, TD Brooks 48 yds run (Hope pass), TD Gensini 1 yd run (Giannini kick), TD Brooks 25 yds run (Bertolani pass).
ROME Left from the incredible emotions, closed with a winner only after 4 extra series and 3h and 42' of game. The derby capitulate that has open the season of A1 of the American football was a true battle, with the Gladiators that succeeded to come it outside thanks to the best gambler in field, Keith Brooks, that did the difference in the decisive moments, putting to mark the three touchdown and in defence I intercept it on the last repetition of the Marines. Besides Brooks I am signalled itself in knitting giallorosa Cerratti, Groves and Tortorici in defence, more the quarterback Crouch in attack. From the other part on everything the young Joy that replaced Burrego like running back in attack, more the quarterback Gensini, that drove the squad after the accident of the official Paopao, in attack and Capata and The Court in defence.
The competition begins with the Marines that go to mark after an attractive series of games with Giannini on throw of Paopao of 34 yard. The same Giannini kicks the additional of 7-0. The repetition giallorosa is immediate with an incredible return of kick off of Brooks from 74 yard. The transformation comes blocked and the score stays on 7-6 for the hosts. The I continue of the first time, that it sees also a brawl with two expulsions for part, is favorable to the Marines that however do not carry out within the last 20 opponents. In start of taken again Brooks seems to give a decisive turn with a race of 48 yard that together to the transformation to the hand overturns the situation on 14-7. The Gladiators can monitor the competition without anxieties until to the last two minutes, when the Marines, simply lacking foreigners in attack, succeed to pass. It is Gensini to cross the opposing end zones with 16 to play and Giannini to sign 14-14. It follows an endless extra one.
The Marines have the occasion to win it with an attempt to field goal of Giannini in the second series, the Gladiators give the decisive turn still with Brooks (race to the first down in goal) in the fourth one. On the repetition of the Marines is still Brooks protagonist with it I intercept that closes the comparison on 22-14. For me almost four hours of direct!
A thanks large why to Ettore in direction and to who it supported me for radio!
Wednesday, May 17
COMETS MAKING THEIR MARKS IN THE PROS
COMETS MAKING THEIR MARKS IN THE PROS
It has taken Chico Lockhart, Larry Byndon, and Stan West more than a combined 15 seasons of semi-pro experience to break into the professional ranks, but the three Kings Comets players have wasted little time making their impact.
After spending the last two seasons with the Comets, all three are playing their first season of professional football with the Cincinnati Marshals of the National Indoor Football League.
With Comets head coach Brian Wells also serving as an assistant with the Marshals, the three were invited to tryout with the team, but each player has had to earn his spot.
If you dont perform, you might not be there the next time, Byndon said. You arent promised anything.
All three survived the tryouts and mini-camps to earn their first taste of professional football when the Marshals traveled to St. Louis to play the River City Rage the last weekend in March.
The Marshals lost that game, 76-34, but thanks to the versatility developed through their years of playing semi-pro football, the trio has helped the Marshals go 4-2 since while seeing their roles on the field increase.
Lockhart played cornerback and safety to start the season, but has made his mark at linebacker where he now calls plays for the defense. In the Marshals second meeting with River City and also against West Palm Beach Lockhart led the team in tackles even though he had to postpone a shoulder surgery to play with the team.
I wasnt going to ruin my opportunity to play in this league, Lockhart said.
Byndon, a linebacker with the Comets, expected to play there with the Marshals too, but injuries gave him an opportunity to get more time at the running back position.
I would play anywhere; o-line, d-line, guard, center, Byndon said. I just love being on the field.
This past Friday he earned his first start in a 34-24 win against Tennessee.
West has seen action at both offensive and defensive line. While he has yet to see as much time on the field as Lockhart and Byndon, the West keeps working as hard as ever.
It will come with time, West said. Ive just got to do my thing when I get in the games.
Playing together with their Comet teammates has also helped the three adjust to the professional game.
Its pretty cool, especially having Chico, Demetrius Howard, LB (Byndon) and a couple of the other guys Ive gotten to know, West said. We kind of already knew each other, which helps.
Howard was a member of the Comets in 1999 and played with West on the Cincinnati Jets and Cincinnati Dolphins.
All three plan to return to the Comets after their indoor season is finished, and Lockhart said the experience is sure to improve his performance.
I think it will make me a lot better. Getting on that bigger field will make things slow down, Lockhart said.
Byndon adds that achieving his goal of playing professionally is something he fully appreciates.
Youre doing something you love and get to be paid for it, Byndon said. When you see little kids asking for your autographs, it overwhelms you at times.
Tuesday, May 23
Comets Make their mark
It has taken Chico Lockhart, Larry Byndon, and Stan West more than a combined 15 seasons of semi-pro experience to break into the professional ranks, but the three Kings Comets players have wasted little time making their impact.
After spending the last two seasons with the Comets, all three are playing their first season of professional football with the Cincinnati Marshals of the National Indoor Football League.
With Comets head coach Brian Wells also serving as an assistant with the Marshals, the three were invited to tryout with the team, but each player has had to earn his spot.
If you dont perform, you might not be there the next time, Byndon said. You arent promised anything.
All three survived the tryouts and mini-camps to earn their first taste of professional football when the Marshals traveled to St. Louis to play the River City Rage the last weekend in March.
The Marshals lost that game, 76-34, but thanks to the versatility developed through their years of playing semi-pro football, the trio has helped the Marshals go 4-2 since while seeing their roles on the field increase.
Lockhart played cornerback and safety to start the season, but has made his mark at linebacker where he now calls plays for the defense. In the Marshals second meeting with River City and also against West Palm Beach Lockhart led the team in tackles even though he had to postpone a shoulder surgery to play with the team.
I wasnt going to ruin my opportunity to play in this league, Lockhart said.
Byndon, a linebacker with the Comets, expected to play there with the Marshals too, but injuries gave him an opportunity to get more time at the running back position.
I would play anywhere; o-line, d-line, guard, center, Byndon said. I just love being on the field.
This past Friday he earned his first start in a 34-24 win against Tennessee.
West has seen action at both offensive and defensive line. While he has yet to see as much time on the field as Lockhart and Byndon, the West keeps working as hard as ever.
It will come with time, West said. Ive just got to do my thing when I get in the games.
Playing together with their Comet teammates has also helped the three adjust to the professional game.
Its pretty cool, especially having Chico, Demetrius Howard, LB (Byndon) and a couple of the other guys Ive gotten to know, West said. We kind of already knew each other, which helps.
Howard was a member of the Comets in 1999 and played with West on the Cincinnati Jets and Cincinnati Dolphins.
All three plan to return to the Comets after their indoor season is finished, and Lockhart said the experience is sure to improve his performance.
I think it will make me a lot better. Getting on that bigger field will make things slow down, Lockhart said.
Byndon adds that achieving his goal of playing professionally is something he fully appreciates.
Youre doing something you love and get to be paid for it, Byndon said. When you see little kids asking for your autographs, it overwhelms you at times.
Tuesday, June 13
Former player and coach
Former Comets Asst. Coach Joe Leta is now the Head Varsity Wrestling Coach at Shroder Paideia Academy. The whole Comets family would like to say Congrats to Coach Leta. We wish him the best this year.
Congrats to Comets FB Orville and his wife Tiffany for their new edition to the family. On May 7th they had a boy Orville the 4th he weighed 6lbs 7oz.
Saturday, July 22
Comets Pro Players for 2006
Kings Comets Pro Players updates: Steven Banks OL Comet of 04 is back for his second season with the Erie Freeze of the American Indoor Football League. Joe Washington OL Comet of 05 and Sam Crenshaw DB Comet of 05 are playing for the Miami Valley Silverbacks of the American Indoor Football League. Chico Lockhart DB Comet of 04,05 Larry Byndon LB Comet 04,05 Billy Back WR Comet of 05 Demetrius Howard DL/LB Comet of 99 and Stan West OL/DL Comet of 04,05 Carlos Davis OL/DL Comet of 04,05 Future 06 Comet James Spikes DE are playing for the Cincinnati Marshals of the National Indoor Football League. Anthony Tyus WR Comet of 05 and Tommy Sewell LB Comet of 04,05 Jermaine Woods DB Comet of 05 and Dontai Fikes DE Comet 04,05 and Demond Howell OL Comet of 05 Lamont Watson DB Comet of 99,05 and James Dickens DL Comet of 04,05 playing for the Dayton Bulldogs of the National Indoor Football League. Jason Jones OL Comet of 05 and Comet all time leading rusher Keith Brooks RB Comet of 04,05 are playing in Rome Italy for Rome the Gladiators in the Golden League.
2/26/06 in the AIFL Erie Freeze beats the Reading Express 59 to 40. 3/3/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks beats Syracuse Soldiers 54 to 30 where Joe Washington was named week 2 Lineman of the week honors. 3/3/06 Erie freeze wins home opener against Canton Legends 61 to 53. 3/11/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks gets beat down 62 to 13 against Huntington Heroes. 3/17/06 Erie Freeze put the freeze on the Syracuse Soliders 67 to 19. 3/24/06 Erie Freeze remains unbeaten by outlasting the Huntington Heroes 46 to 38. 3/25/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks edge out Steubenville Stampede 57 to 54. Sam Crewshaw had 4 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD he also had 1 pass break up of defense. 3/26/06 Cincinnati Marshals lose season opener to the Rivercity Rage 38 to 76. Billy Back had 6 Kick returns for 140 yards and also had 1 tackle, Chico Lockhart had 4 solo 2 ast. total of 5 tackles and 1 pass breakup, Larry Byndon had 3 solo 3 ast. total of 4.5 tackles, Demetrius Howard had 1 solo 1 ast. a total 1.5 tackle, and James Spikes had 2 ast. for total of 1 tackle in the game. 3/31/06 Erie Freeze destroys Steubenville Stampede 62 to 6. 4/01/06 Battle of I 75 round 1 belongs to the Cincinnati Marshals as they beat the Dayton Bulldogs 62 to 28 round 2 battle will be April 9th in Dayton. Bulldogs Anthony Tyus had 208 yards all purpose yards with 2 rushes for 10 yds, 6 catches for 77 yds 3 TDs, and 6 Kick off returns for 121 yds and Dontai Fikes had 1 solo tackle. Marshals Billy Back had 150 all purpose yards with 4 catches for 71 yds 1 TD and 4 kick off returns for 79 yds, James Spikes had a big night with four tackles, four assists for a total of 6.0 tackles, three tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks and Demetrius Howard had 2 solo and 4 ast for a total of 4.0 tackles. 4/01/06 The Rome Gladiators defeated the Marines Lazio 22 to 14 with the help of all purpose Keith (SoSo) Brooks. He had 261 all purpose yards and 3TDs, 23 carries for 158 yds 2 TDs(48,25) 1 catch for 5 yds, 1 punt return for 24 yds, 1 kick off return for 74 which was a TD. Did it on defense too 1 sack for 10yds and 1 Int. which gave them the victory. 4/7/06 Erie Freeze was given its first lose this season by the Huntington Heroes 55 to 33. 4/8/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks beat the Canton Legends 44 to 28. 4/8/06 Rome Gladitors fall to the Briganti Naples 28 to 7. Keith Brooks had 20 carries for 68 yds and 4 kick returns for 61 yds. 4/9/06 Dayton Bulldogs bite back with the home opener against the Cincinnati Marshals beating them 52 to 34 to win round 2 of the I 75 battle. Marshals Billy back was named Special Teams Player of the Week by the NIFL for week 5 he had 5 kick returns for 136 yds and 1 TD and 3 catches for 45 yds with 1 TD, James Spikes lead the team in tackles for the second straight week with 4 solos adn also return a block field goal attempt 9 yds for a TD, Demetrius Howard had 2 solo tackles with 1 tackle for a loss, Stan West had 2 solo tackles, Larry Byndon had 1 solo tackle and 1 kick return for 10 yds. Bulldogs Anthony Tyus lead the team in yards again with 9 catches for 98 yds with 2 TDs and 1 kick return for 17 yds Tommy Sewell had 1 solo 1 ast. for a total of 1.5 tackles and 1 INT. 4/13/06 Dayton Bulldogs lose a close one to the Tennesse Riversharks 56 to 52. Anthony Tyus had 211 all purpose yards. 1 carry for 8 yds, 5 kick returns for 53 yds, and 11 catches for 150 yds with 3 TDs. 4/15/06 Cincinnati Marshals beat down Big Sky Thunder 41 to 14. 4/15/06 Erie Freeze beat Miami Valley Silverbacks 58 to 28. 4/22/06 Cincinnati Marshals lose to Rivercity Rage 43 to 62. Larry Byndon scored his first professional TD with a 3 yd TD catch. 1 rush for 2 yds, 2 catches for 7 yds and 1 TD, 2 ast. tackles. Billy Back had 1 catch for 10 yds and 4 kick returns for 45 yds. Chico Lockhart lead the team in tackles with 3 solo and 10 ast a total of 8.0 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Stan West had 1 ast. tackle and 1 kick return for 7 yds. Demetrius Howard had 2 solo and 4 ast. for a total of 4.0 tackles. 4/22/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks lose to the Johnstown Riverhawks 20 to 38. Sam Crenshaw played almost every position trying ot get the victory. He had 1 catch for 6 yards, 2 kick returns fpr 16 yards, 1 tackle, 11 carries for -14 yards with 1 TD, and was 10 of 29 for 118 yards with 1 Int and 1 TD. 4/23/06 Dayton Bulldogs lose to Rapid City FlyingAces 38 to 66. Anthony Tyus had 6 catches for 51 yds with 1 TD and had 1 solo tackle. 4/23/06 Erie Freeze beats the Syracuse Soliders 44 to 22. 4/23/06 Rome Gladiators defeated the Marines lazio in OT 28 to 26 thanks to Keith Brooks game winning TD and 2pt conversion. Keith Brooks had 26 carries for 212 yds with 2 TDs and 1 kick return for 11 yds. 4/29/06 Erie Freeze lose top Johnstown Riverhawks 38 to 57. 4/29/06 Cincinnati Marshals comeback to beat the West Plam Beach Phantoms 47 to 44. Chico Lockhart had 2 solo 7 ast. for a total of 5.5 tackles. Demetrius Howard had 4 ast. for a total of 2.0 tackles with 1 Blocked FG attempt. James Spikes had 3 solo 1 ast. for a tolal of 3.5 tackles with 2 sacks for a loss of 14 yards, had 2 breakups with a recover of the block FG. Larry Byndon had 3 carries for 12 yards, had 1 solo 1 ast. for a total of 1.5 tackles. Billy Back had 3 catches for 39 yards with 1 TD and 5 kick returns for 75 yards. 4/29/06 Dayton Bulldogs win even though they do not score in the second half over the Tennesse Riversharks 28 to 24. Thomas Sewell had 1 solo tackle and Jermaine Woods had 1 solo tackle. 4/29/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks beats down Steubenville Stampede 73 to 28. 5/5/06 Cincinnati Marshals beat Tennesse Riversharks 34 to 24. 5/6/06 Erie Freeze destroys Steubenville Stampede 61 to 18. 5/6/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks lose to Johnstown Riverhawks 26 to 33. 5/8/06 Rome Gladitors lose big to Bergamo Lions 9 to 36. Keith Brooks had 13 carries for 19 yards, 1 punt return for 26 yards, 2 kick returns for 18 yards, and 1 catch for 35 yards with 1 TD. Jason Jones had 1 sack for a loss of 5 yards. 5/12/06 Erie Freeze lose to the Reading Express 59 to 48. 5/13/06 Cincinnati Marshals is held up by the Fayetteville Guard 70 to 26. Chico Lockhart had 5 solo tackles, Carlos Davis had 2 solo and 1 ast for a total of 2.5 tackles, Larry Byndon had 2 solo and 1 ast for a total of 2.5 tackles, Billy Back had 3 carries for 1 yard and 1 catch for 8 yards, and Demetrius Howard had 3 solo adn 4 ast for a total of 5.0 tackles. 5/13/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks are edge out by the Huntington Heroes 53 to 45. 5/20/06 Cincinnati Marshals win in overtime against the Montgomery Maulers 47 to 46. Chico Lockhart lead the team in tackles with 5 solo and 8 ast for a total of 9.0 and 1 fumble recovery, Billy Back had 1 FG return for 13 yards, Larry Byndon had 1 catch, Demetrius Howard had 2 solo 2 ast for a total of 3.0 tackle with 1 tackle for a loss of 1 yard, James Spikes had 2 solo and 3 ast for a total of 3.5 tackles and 1 breakup. 5/20/06 Dayton Bulldogs lose to Charleston Sandsharks 31 to 49. 5/20/06 Erie Freeze gets beat down by the Canton Legends 50 to 27. 5/20/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks swept the Steubenville Stampede this season by beating them 40 to 21. Sam Crewshaw ahd 6 catches for 30 yards and 2 TDs. 5/22/06 Rome Gladitors lose to the Parma Panthers 49 to 20. Keith Brooks had 14 carries for 85 yards and 1 TD, 1 Punt Return for 14 yards, and 3 Kick Returns for 31 yards. 5/26/06 Dayton Bulldogs lose to the St. Louis Rage 74 to 9. James Dickens had 1 Kick return for 9 yards, Jermaine Woods had 4 solo tackles 1 pass breakup, and 2 Kick returns for 21 yards and Thomas Sewell had 3 solo and 2 ast for a total of 4.0 tackles and Dontai Fikes had 2 solo tackles and 1 sack for a loss of 6 yards, Lamont Watson had 1 solo and 2 ast for a total of 2.0 tackles and 1 Int for 2 yards. 5/27/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks lose to the Erie Freeze 29 to 54. 5/27/06 Cincinnati Marshals shut out the Tennesse Riversharks 82 to 0! Anthony Tyus was traded to the the Marshals for the Bulldogs had 3 catches for 26 yards with 1 TD had 1 solo and 1 ast for a total of 1.5 tackles, Larry Byndon had 1 rush for 5 yards 2 solo and 3 ast for a total of 3.5 tackles, Billy Back had 1 catch for 23 yards, Chico Lockhart had 1 Kick return for 6 yards 1 solo and 3 ast for a total of 2.5 tackles, James Spikes had 3 solo and 4 ast for a total of 5.0 with a 0.5 sack for a loss of 2 yards, Demetrius Howard had 3 solo and 5 ast for a total of 5.5 tackles with 3.0 TFL of 17 yards. 5/29/06 Rome Gladitors gets shut out by the Bolzano Giants 0 to 26. Keith Brooks had 13 carries for 38 yards and 1 Kick return for 14 yards. 6/3/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks gets smashed by the Reading Express 73 to 14. 6/8/06 Miami Valley Silverbacks lose their last game of the season to the Canton Legends 50 to 28. 6/9/06 Erie Freeze beats the Johnstown Riverhawks 49 to 16. 6/10/06 Cincinnati Marshals lose to Osceola 58 to 26. James Spikes had 3 solo and 3 ast for a total of 4.5 tackles. Demetrius Howard had 1 ast tackle. Billy Back had 6 catches for 21 yards and 1 TD. Anthony Tyus had 4 catches for 37 yards. 6/17/06 Erie Freeze falls to Canton Legends in the AIFL Northern Conference semifinal 54 to 45. 6/17/06 Cincinnati Marshals Clinch Playoff Spot With Road Win Over Arkansas Stars 27 to 12. 6/19/06 Rome Gladitors lose to Bologna Warriors 9 to 21. 6/25/06 Cincinnati Marshals wins final home game of the regular season against the Greensboro Revolution 64 to 41. Billy Back had 2 catches for 16 yards. James Spikes had 2 solo tackles 1 tackle for lose of 16 yards and 1 fumble recovery. 6/25/06 Rome Gladitors lose final regular season game to Napoli Broganti 14 to 6. 7/1/06 Cincinnati Marshals lose final regular season game to Greensboro Revolution 34 to 29. Billy Back had 2 catches for 18 yds with 1 TD and a missed FG return for 31 yds. Anthony Tyus had 2 catches for 9 yds. Stan West had 1 solo tackle. Demetrius Howard had 2 solo and 2 ast. for a total of 3.0 tackles. 7/15/06 Cincinnati Marshals are swept by the River City Rage 48 to 30 in the second round playoffs. Anthony Tyus had 5 catches for 46 yards with 2 TDs and Chico Lockhart had 1 ast. tackle.
Monday, July 31
Comets return to area with games at Knights Stadium
>news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPT/607190386
Comets return to area with games at Knights Stadium BY KYLE BURCH | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER KINGS MILLS -- The Kings Comets football program has returned home for the 2006 season. The Comets, a semi-professional football team competing in the Mid-Continental Football League, will once again play its home games in Kings Mills after playing the past two seasons at Princeton High School. The Comets used to call Galbreath Field home from the organization's inception in 1998 until the switch to Princeton in 2004. The new facilities at Kings High School enabled the team to make the switch back to the Kings Mills area for the 2006 season. Comets' president Daryl Moore, says the decision to move back to the area was an easy one to make. "Kings really is a better fit for us," said Moore, who also plays for the Comets. "The community is familiar with us and it gives us an upgrade in facilities." The team kicked off its 2006 season on Saturday with a game against the Cleveland Cobras. It was the first of six home games for the Comets. Local high school football fans can look forward to seeing many familiar faces on the field for the Comets this season. Most of the players come from the Cincinnati and Dayton areas and have had experience playing at both the collegiate and professional levels. Some names that may be recognizable are; Bobby Atkinson (Kings), Zach Condo (Turpin), Casey Strong (Fairfield) and Keith Brooks (Western Hills). Being a semi-professional team, none of the players get paid for playing and most are just looking for a chance to sign a professional contract with any team. The team usually practices two to three times a week with a game nearly every weekend. The struggle to find time can be hard on the players. "It's a real balancing act," Moore said of players finding time between work, family and the Comets. "We try to do as much as we can to get everyone together, but sometimes it's tough." Head coach and co-founder Brian Wells says that the crop of talent brought in for the 2006 season may be the best in the history of the organization. "This is probably the best team we've ever had," Wells said. "We have about 10 guys who are coming in who are currently playing professionally and once we get them into the scheme of things we should be ready to go." Most of those professional players will be coming from the Cincinnati Marshals, who compete in the National Indoor Football League. Those players will begin play with the Comets when the Marshals season ends later this month. Being a non-profit organization, the Comets do charge admission to their games which go towards travel expenses, equipment costs and other fees for the team. An adult ticket cost $6, teen tickets cost $4, children between the ages of 6-12 cost $2 and 6 and under are admitted free. Another new aspect of the Kings games this season is the partnership they are looking to form with local charities in the area. "We want to bring in a different foundation for every game and have one dollar of the ticket price get donated to that charity," Moore said. "We have the American Cancer Society coming in and the United Way, we're looking to add more." The Comets compete in the highest level of semi-pro football and Wells says when fans come out to the game they can expect the highest level of competition. "Semi-pro football has gotten a bad rap because people think it's a back yard game and it definitely is not," Wells said. "These are hard-hitting, hard-working guys who are playing for the love of the game."
Monday, July 31
MIDWEST REGION PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
MIDWEST REGION
WR-Corteris Reese, Southern Mich Timberwolves (Mid-Continental). Reese had 4 catches for 162-yards and 2 TD's, as the T-Wolves demolished the Great Lakes Makos 51-20 in a non-league game.
TE-Tyler Holland, Louisville Bulls (Mid-Continental). This 18-year old rookie caught the game winning TD for the Bulls as they beat the Tennessee Rattlers in a non-league game.
LB-Don Crumpton, Hoosier Hurricanes (NAFL). A repeat performer, Crumpton lead the team with 15 tackles, a interception return for a TD, and blocked a field goal in the close loss to the Racine Raiders.
WR-Kenny Sanders, Hoosier Hurricanes (NAFL). Was 12 of 26 in receptions for 153-yards and had 3 TD's.
OL-Rodrick Tinker, Hardin County Wolverines (Ohio Valley League). Helped his team to a big win and the 400-yards they gained in the air and on the ground.
RB-Jimmmie Freeman, Western Michigan Force (Mid-Continental League). Freeman rushed the ball only four times and picked up a unbelievable 125-yards and four touchdowns as the Force won.
QB-Casey Strong, Kings Comets (Mid-Continental League). Strong had a strong showing as the Comets beat the independent Cleveland Cobras in a preseason game, 27-0. He was 10 of 15 for 188-yards and 4 TD's.
Tuesday, August 1
MATTEOS PARTNERS WITH COMETS
June 26, 2006 Media Contact: Daniel Wright (513) 561-4756 For Immediate Release MATTEOS PARTNERS WITH COMETS Special discounts offered to all Kings Comets fans The Kings Comets are pleased to announce Matteos in Fairfield has partnered with the team for the 2006 season. Owner Matt Visca has announced a 10% discount to all Comets players, coaches, and fans who come in wearing Comets apparel and mention the Comets. Matteos offers both dine-in and carry out of its various hamburger and hot dog meals since opening at its current location at 6600C Dixie Highway in Fairfield. Also featured on the menu is Matteos specialty, the sloppy plate, which comes with the meat placed on top of a choice of any two sides. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sunday, and can be reached by calling (513) 942-3730. The Comets, a Christian-owned minor league football team playing in the Mid-Continental Football League, finished the 2005 season with a 5-3 record in the MCFL, advancing to the league semifinals. The Comets 2006 schedule begins with a matchup with the Cleveland Cobras 7:30 p.m. July 15 at Kings High School. Their MCFL schedule kicks off July 29 against the Jackson Bombers.
Friday, August 4
Comets 7/29 update
BILLY, BE A HERO- Wide receiver and holder Billy Back
took a low snap on a field goal attempt and sprinted
to the corner of the end zone to score the
game-winning touchdown with 7.5 seconds left, giving
the Kings Comets (2-0, 1-0) a 32-25 win over the
Jackson Bombers (0-1, 0-1) Saturday night. The game
was the Mid-Continental Football League opener for
both sides, and the Bombers first game since a playoff
loss on October 2, 2004. This was not the first time
Back has provided late-game heroics for the Comets.
In the Comets second game last season, Back caught a
33-yard hail mary from Anthony Tyus on the final play
to give Kings a 19-15 win at the Indiana Mustangs last
season.
SPREADING THE WEALTH- Back wasnt the only Comet
receiver to make an impact Saturday night. After
surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for his career in
Kings season-opening 27-0 non-league win over the
Cleveland Cobras, Daryl Slash Moore led all Comet
receivers with seven catches for 104 yards and one
score against Jackson. Gene Hellams had three catches
for 82 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown to start
the scoring and a 42-yard reception to set up Backs
game-winning run. Tyus had an electrifying 49-yard
touchdown catch, weaving through the Jackson secondary
in the final minute of the first half.
STRONG AT QUARTERBACK- Coming off a four-touchdown
performance which earned him a Minor League Football
News Midwest Region Player of the Week Award,
quarterback Casey Strong held his own against
three-time MCFL MVP Jason Tokar. Strong was 14-of-29
passing with a career-high 265 yards and three
touchdowns. Included in that total were 57 yards on
the final drive that started at the Comets own
21-yards line with 1:57 remaining. Tokar completed 15
of 26 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
DEFENSE INTO OFFENSE- The Comets took advantage of
three first half turnovers forced by the defense to
build a 24-6 halftime lead. Defensive back K. C.
Cavette recovered two of those with Chris Wermuth
tracking down a third. Another Jackson fumble went
through the end zone for a safety late in the second
quarter.
FAMILY AFFAIR- With both his parents looking on,
Jermaine Woods recorded 1.5 tackles against the
Bombers. Jermaines father, Ickey Woods was recently
named running backs for the Comets. Chandra Woods,
Ickeys wife and owner of the Cincinnati Sizzle
womens football team, did the opening coin flip. A
portion of the ticket sales from Saturdays game went
to benefit the Ickey Woods Youth Foundation, which
aims to guide inter-city youth through education, drug
awareness, and sports.
MEET THE COMETS- Watch replays of Comets games with
the players 7 p.m. every Monday at the BW3 in
Fairfield Township at 3141 Princeton Road. You can
also meet you favorite players at Putters 2 Putt on
State Route 48 in Maineville before and after every
home game.
UP NEXT- The Kings Comets travel to Monroe, Mich. to
play the undefeated Southern Michigan Timberwolves
(4-0, 1-0) next Saturday. The Timberwolves are led by
a stingy defense that has allowed just 26 points in
their four games. Saturday, Southern Michigan was
held to less than 100 yards of offense, but scored off
a block punt and an interception in a 21-0 win over
the Flint Fury.
AROUND THE LEAGUE- In other Mid-Continental Football
League games, the Cleveland Lions (2-0-1, 0-0-1) and
Detroit Seminoles (2-1-1, 0-0-1) played to a 7-7 tie
in a rematch of last years championship game. The
West Michigan Force (4-0, 1-0) entered the MCFL with a
40-21 win over the Louisville Bulls (3-1, 0-1). The
Ohio Swarm (1-0, 1-0) picked up a 13-10 win at the
Indiana Mustangs (0-1, 0-1) in their first game back
after sitting out the 2005 season.
Sunday, August 20
BILLY BACK IS A HERO FOR THE COMETS
BILLY BACK IS A HERO FOR THE COMETS
Receivers ability in the clutch helps Comets pull out close wins
By Dan Wright
After providing two last-second game-winning plays in as many seasons with the Comets, it would appear Billy Back is one of those rare athletes who was born with the ability to come through in the clutch. Back may be the player the Comets have grown to rely on in crunch time, but his flair for the dramatic a trait hes developed ever since a costly mistake as an 11-year old.
Playing in a state championship baseball game, Back allowed a grounder to go through his legs in the final inning, allowing the tying and winning runs to score.
I remember feeling so disappointed in myself, Back recalled. Thats when I decided Im the kind of guy who makes all the clutch plays. Ive got to be clutch from now on.
Fueled by that memory, Back became well known for his end-of-game heroics at Edgewood. Backs legacy with the Cougars includes an array of buzzer beaters, including one from half-court, and walk-off base hits on the baseball diamond.
His reputation followed him to college, first at Miami where he hit a walk-off home run with the RedHawks and later at Wilmington College.
But it appeared that Backs game-saving ways would come to an end when he decided not to return to the Florence Freedom baseball team in 2004 in order to spend more time with his wife, Heather.
I realized I was not going to be making any money, Back said. Thats 95 games in 98 days and not a lot of money.
With his professional baseball career over, professional football came back into the picture when Keith Brooks spotted Back playing flag football and suggested he try out for the new Dayton Warbirds indoor team. Competing for spots with players like Ohio State standouts Steve Bellisari and Pepe Pearson, Back impressed the coaching staff enough to be signed at the tryout.
It was though Brooks and the Warbirds that Back also found out about how the Comets could help his career.
This (semi-pro) helps you work towards the goal of the CFL or maybe even NFL, Back said. It keeps you in shape. Also, the more you play, the smarter you get.
Back has used his experience to not only advance his playing career, but also his coaching career. He serves as the running backs and wide receivers coach at Edgewood, coaching under Steve Channell and helping his alma mater reach the Division II state championship game in 2003.
Ultimately, Id like to be a college coach, Back said. Maybe not a head coach, but the guy behind the scenes. Right now I can see myself being a college assistant.
Until then, Backs playing status is lending credibility to what he says to his high school players.
They listen because Im not just a coach, Im doing it out here too, Back said.
What Back has demonstrated best is being cool under pressure.
Two years ago against the Indiana Mustangs, he caught a 33-yard hail mary pass from Anthony Tyus as time expired to give the Comets a 19-15 win.
It was fourth down, but half our offensive line was yelling for us to spike the ball, Back said. I just remember sprinting off the line and then two guys from Kokomo tipped it up, batted it, and I was just in the right place at the right time.
Backs legend grew when he took a bad snap on a field goal and ran it in for the game-winning touchdown in the Comets 32-25 win over Jackson two weeks ago.
Back spiked the ball after a similar snap on third down, then noticed a new long snapper enter the game.
I thought this is going to be the same thing, Back said. I looked at Travis (Johnson, the kicker) and said Bad snap, which way do I run? and he said Right.
Thats exactly what happened, and thats what Back did, taking off to his right before diving into the corner of the end zone with 7.5 seconds remaining.
After losing a 24-6 halftime lead before coming back to win, Back said the game was evidence of how good the Comets can be, and what they need to work on.
We have the potential to be a pretty good team, but we have too many chiefs and not enough Indians, Back said. Ive always heard, If you have the potential to do something, all that means is you havent done anything yet.
Sunday, October 1
Brothers enjoying time as part of Kings Comets
Brothers enjoying time as part of Kings Comets
BY KYLE BURCH | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER
KINGS MILLS -- All Bobby and Andrew Atkinson have ever
known is football.
The two brothers first played together at Kings High
School.
Now, Bobby (22 years old) and Andrew (19 years old)
are a part of the semiprofessional Kings Comets
football team.
After leading the team in tackles last season, Bobby
suffered a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.
It didn't take long for Andrew to step into his place
in the lineup at linebacker. In his first year on the
team Andrew is leading the Comets in tackles,
interceptions and forced fumbles.
For both, the opportunity to play football anywhere is
all they could ask for.
"I pretty much grew up playing football," Bobby said.
"I'll probably play the sport until I can't walk
anymore."
Bobby played a year of football at Hanover College
immediately following his time at Kings.
Returning home his freshman year, he answered an
advertisement in the local paper for a tryout with the
Comets.
Two years later, younger brother Andrew has joined the
squad.
The two have wreaked havoc on opposing offenses in the
Mid-Continent Football League. The two, who now live
together in Oxford, have enjoyed playing together.
"He keeps me going," Andrew said of his older, but
shorter brother Bobby. "He has always inspired me to
play football, ever since we were younger."
Bobby says the presence of his brother on the team has
given them the opportunity to compete against each
other, while competing against the opponent.
"I love playing football with my brother," Bobby said.
"We both play linebacker, so we're always fighting to
make the most tackles and to make the bigger play."
The Atkinson's also have more on their mind then
competing at the semipro level.
After his team-leading performance from a year ago,
Bobby was offered a spot with the Cincinnati Marshals,
a National Indoor Football team.
Electing to retain his college eligibility, Bobby
declined the offer. Now both brothers say they would
love the opportunity to advance their football
careers.
"I decided to keep my (college) eligibility last
year," said Bobby, a junior at Miami University.
"But I think that maybe in the future I'd like to play
for a professional team."
"I think I would like to try out for an indoor team,"
Andrew said.
"If I could make the Marshals or another team, that
would be a dream."
The Comets will wrap up their season Saturday with a
home game at Kings High School against the West
Michigan Force at 1 p.m.
For the rest of the season Bobby will be forced to
watch from the sidelines, while Andrew will line up at
his familiar linebacker position.
Both are just happy to be around the game.
"I didn't play last year and I really missed it,"
Andrew said.
"I'm really enjoying this whole experience right now."
Friday, December 15
Marshals go from playing field to sidelines
Marshals go from playing field to sidelines
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Marshals fans who follow the Friday night lights of high school football may want
to keep an eye on the sidelines this fall.
Five members of the 2006 Cincinnati Marshals Three members of the Kings Comets have headed to the sidelines as coaches for various Cincinnati area high schools this fall.
Kicker Dan Breech and linebacker Chico Lockhart are on the coaching staff at
Lakota West. Billy Back is back at his alma mater, coaching at Edgewood while
Stan West is coaching at Central Fairmont and Donty Horton is coaching for the
Winton Hills Falcons.
In addition to coaching duties, starting quarterback Deontey Kenner has returned
to his alma mater, accepting duties as part of the University of Cincinnati
radio team.
The Marshals finished 8-6 in 2006, advancing to the Atlantic Conference
semifinals before falling to top seeded River City.
Owner Doug Hortman, and the rest of the Marshals front office, are busy
preparing for the 2007 season.
For more offseason updates, including ticket sales, keep an eye on the team's
website at www.cincinnatimarshals.com.
Wednesday, February 7
CHAMBERS CONTINUES COMETS LEGACY
CHAMBERS CONTINUES COMETS LEGACY
As the key figure throughout each of the Kings Comets first five seasons of play, one of Brian Wells primary rules was "Once a Comet, always a Comet."
While Wells will not be on the sidelines coaching the Comets for the first time in team history, his basic principle will remain as true as ever with the naming of new head coach Carlos Chambers.
Chambers and the Comets have agreed to a three-year coaching commitment.
Chambers began his six-year semi-pro playing career with the Comets in 1998, immediately making an impact. Chambers played wide receiver and corner back, but made his greatest mark on special teams where we was named an American Football Association honorable mention kick returner and Mid-Eastern Football League All-Star.
With the Comets, Chambers played with current Comets president Daryl Moore. The pair also played together on the Cincinnati Heat team that claimed the 2000 Ohio Valley Football League championship after the Comets took a four-year hiatus following the 1999 season.
"Playing with him, he had a combination of drive, a lot of energy, and football smarts," Moore said. "He has a lot of energy and discipline in everything he does. Being with him when we won a championship I saw everything I wanted in a coach."
Chambers spent one more season with the Heat and one year apiece with the Northern Kentucky Stallions and Southern Ohio Patriots before taking a break from football for his family following the 2003 season.
He returned as a defensive assistant coach in 2005 for the Northern Kentucky-Ohio Flames and last season was the defensive coordinator for the Patriots. Under Chambers, the Patriots defense recorded one shutout and had two defensive players selected for the United States Football Alliance All-Star Game.
"I loved his ambition and hunger and how he was improving that defense," Moore said. "He was our first option."
Chambers will focus much of his attention on a defense that ranked eighth in points allowed and rushing yards allowed in the 10-team Mid-Continental Football League.
"I want a consistent, attacking-style defense. Attacking is what we do," Chambers said. "On offense we will have a balanced attack with a high-percentage passing offense."
Matt Braun, last years offensive coordinator, has been retained in the same position to guide the offense. Chambers has also begun filling out the rest of his coaching staff with former teammates Derrick Hall to coach linebackers and Rico Essex for the special teams. Greg Lutz, a line coach for the Comets last year, is expected to take over as defensive coordinator.
"With this staff were going to put together, nobody is going to out-prepare us and nobodys going to be more in tune with their team," Chambers said. "The coaching staff is going to make or break our team."
Chambers has many goals for his time as Comets head coach, but he holds one goal above all others.
"I want our defense to be rated number one, our offense in the top five, but most importantly, I want the championship," Chambers said. "I dont care how we do it- win with style or win ugly, I want the championship."
Sunday, March 2
KEITH BROOKS DRAFTED TO ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
| KEITH BROOKS DRAFTED TO ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE |
| Comet Rushing Great Picked by Team Texas in the Ninth Round
Keith Brooks, who holds almost every rushing record in Kings Comets history, was selected Saturday to play in the new All-American Football League. Brooks was selected by Team Texas with the third pick of the ninth round, the 51st pick overall. Brooks led the Comets in rushing every year from 2004 to 2006, and has also played professionally with the Dayton Warbirds (NIFL), Rome Gladiators (NFL-Italy), Ohio Valley Greyhounds (UIF). Brooks is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, meeting the requirement of a college diploma to play in the league. The AAFL begins play April 12 with six teams, with the championship game scheduled for Fourth of July Weekend. Brooks was one of 50 players selected by Team Texas in the league's inaugural draft, along with former Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch and a pair of record-setting Texas Tech quarterbacks, Klliff Kingsbury and B. J. Symons. Team Texas, which is coached by former University of Houston head coach and run-and-shoot guru John Jenkins, drafted two other running backs, John Simon from Louisiana Tech in the 11th round and Paul Mosley from Baylor, a protected pick in the 28th round. |