A Quinn-tessential Afternoon

Fuechsl Leads Team to Title, Wins TFL Bowl XXVIII MVP Award

Matt Albert
TFL Press

CHAMPAIGN--After Team A came back to beat Team C two weeks ago in dramatic fashion, nobody could pick a favorite with total confidence for the winner of TFL Bowl XXVIII. Fittingly, this one would have to be decided on the field in front of friends and family with emotions running high.

Team A capped off a tremendous run with a hard-fought 35-28 win over Team C. Fuechsl was incredible yet again as he passed for 69 yards and rushed for 121 more. He could not be reached for comment after the game, but it was clear how emotional he was after the win. Fuechsl visibly choked back tears throughout the team photo taken afterwards.

Fuechsl's 40 yard touchdown run with 1:23 left in the game put the finishing touch on what was a complete team effort. Andy Gradl anchored the defense all day long and was the leading tackler for the day with six. Brad Wheaton also had major contributions by intercepting Team C twice, catching one pass for a touchdown, and by having 19 yards receiving on the day. The victorious super-senior was nearly speechless afterwards. "It was a good game." Wheaton was also mobbed by his parents when he jogged off the field with the win.



Hilary Antosh was able to draw many defenders away from Joe Griglione and Brad Wheaton all day with her juking ability. She along with two other trumpettes, Allissa Carter and Val Billing, made sure that two weeks ago was no fluke. Billing put pressure on Team C quarterback Eric Forry late in the second half, and it led to an interception by rookie Rob Greathouse. Carter meanwhile found her way onto the stat sheet in many ways. She had one tackle, one hurry, and one catch for seven yards.



As for Team C, it was another frustrating experience as an early lead slipped away by the end. The Achilles heel for them was the interception as Team A picked them off four times. Two went to Wheaton, one went to Greathouse, and the other was the most painful of all--an Eric Tolar interception that went all the way back for a touchdown and ultimately proved to be the deciding factor. Forry was distraught after the game but managed to utter a few words. "The only reason we lost was because of interceptions." It cannot be said any plainer.

Valiantly giving effort for Team C along with Forry was Calvin Braker. He came in at brief moments to handle the quarterback position, and he put up very respectable numbers. He went 5 for 9 good enough for 45 yards through the air. This included a late touchdown pass to Forry to pull Team C within one score. Braker also found Andy Imig late in the first half with a 16 yard touchdown pass that put Team C up 14-7 and sent them into halftime with the lead.



Also contributing were Mike West, Kevin Bassett, and Zach Geller. West had 4 tackles equaling his season high. West pretty much summed up his team's frustration after the game when he said, "I'd like to see Tim Schwaegler's credentials as an official."

Bassett had 2 catches for 7 yards and 5 tackles on the day. He was much more positive in the post game interviews. "We've got lots of young and new talent out there. It's great for the league."



The rookie Geller 11 yards receiving and 3 tackles for his team. He couldn't help but look forward to October 22nd when the Trumpets play the Trombones. "I think we're going to give them a great game."

Most of the scoring took place in the second half. With 18:17 remaining, Forry was able to find the end zone from 14 yards out to make it 21-7 Team C. The lead looked insurmountable, but Fuechsl came right back five minutes later with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Rob Greathouse. This made it 21-14 with 13:11 to go. After a defensive stand, Team A got the ball back and Fuechsl hooked up with Brad Wheaton for an 8 yard score that tied the game at 21 with 8:08 left. Tolar's interception came one minute later and gave Team A the lead for good.

Game Notes

The Wheaton family was well represented on the field and and off the field as the parents of Brad showed up to take in the insanity. More family members were present at this game than any other TFL game before.



The field looked to be less slippery than when the previous game was played...The opening ceremony was supposed to be a fire-eating group from Mongolia, but they found a hot time elsewhere and chose not to participate...With numerous weekend engagements on the calendar, it appears no TFL games will be played until November. Whether this happens is still up in the air...The quote of the game came from Kim Lareau. "Early in the first half, Val and I were lined up against each other when all of a sudden I got hit by a truck. Obie and Rob flattened me down to a B cup."

All photos courtesy of TFL photographer and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Michelle Lewis.