Week 1, 2003

Even with a couple changes from last year's squad, Team 1 looked like a group that had been playing together for years. The offense, led by Bob Glover's 7 touchdown passes, torched Team 2's defensive coverage, with quick drives down the field for virtually the entire game. Glover also had two impressive touchdown runs, which, combined with a few other scrambles, saw Glover as the game's leading rusher as well as passer. The offense was aided greatly by the return of Hall of Famer Tom Phelps. Team 1 used the veteran receiver's experience to their advantage against less experienced and athletic cover players to provide the majority of their offensive punch. Phelps tied for the game high with 3 touchdowns. Without the defense, however, Team 1's early struggles may have dug them a huge hole in the early going that could have been very tough to escape. Led by the 2002 Defensive Player of the Year, Josh Neace, the Team 1 defensive unit shut down Team 2's power running attack and stifled their passing game with relentless pressure. Last year's sack leader, Neace started the season off right with two sacks in the game, along with an interception and a touchdown catch. Matt Lams made his full-time return to the HSFL and looked as good as ever. His defense was so impressive that Team 2 Co-Captain Jeff Renn has stated publically that, in his opinion, Lams is the best tackler in the league. Lams also added a touchdown catch and a brilliant touchdown run. In a year that will likely be without a very strong rookie class, the Rookie of the Year favorite, Shaun Wehle, could very well be a Pro Bowler as well. Along with Neace and Lams, Wehle provides an intense tackling force for the Team 1 defense that didn't give Team 2 much to work with. Wehle also had a touchdown catch and a kick return for a touchdown. Team 1 received a big boost from Kenny Williams. It was not determined that Williams would receive the start on defense until Saturday night. Kenny helped Neace provide pressure on Kratochvil, recording a sack of his own. Kenny also recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass. 2002 Defensive Player of the Year finalist Chris Hott also continued his solid play, and despite failing to snag one of his trademark interceptions, he did break up a few passes and made some nice tackles as well.

Despite a dismal showing in their season debut, there were some bright spots for Team 2 to walk away with. Most notably, Justin Sawicki. The 2002 touchdown leader, Sawicki scored 3 times to start the season off, and showed that he can hang with Matt Lams like few others in league history have been able to. Jeff Renn also played well, and despite Team 1's improved run defense, Renn still managed two touchdowns, and after he took over the quarterbacking duties, he connected with Sawicki three times for scores. Team 2 could also point to the absence of Co-Captain Mike Arana as part of their struggles on both sides of the ball. Arana missed the game with personal issues, but will be back for the next contest. Also providing a surprising contribution was rookie Brian Potts. After being signed in late 2002, and not playing much last season, Potts saw the most action of his young career in Week 1, and caught his first ever HSFL touchdown. Unfortunately for Team 2, for their three positives, there were also three negatives. Hall of Famer Aaron Kratochvil made his return to the HSFL after playing only once in the last two seasons. After he was ineffective at quarterback, he was benched in favor of Renn. Krat looked less than impressive and rumors are circulating that his personal life took a toll on his performance in the game. He threw for 1 touchdown. Aaron's older brother, Eric also made his HSFL return. He hurt his elbow early on and was never quite the same after that. Also disappointing in Week 1 was third year man Ryan Geib. After an encouraging end to last season, many predicted Geib to have a breakout year in 2003, but Geib struggled in the opener, catching only one pass. Geib's defensive contribution was also limited, as he was often forced to play coverage and was burnt on several occasions. He did, however, make a nice play on an overthrown ball for an interception.