As DEC prepares for the Championship it is worthwhile to recall some recent DEC football history.
DEC is preparing to play in its second Holyland Bowl in three years, winning in 2009, and "only" making it to the final four in 2010. This years DEC team has only one player who played in that game two years ago and is made up mostly of first year Talmidim! In the last three years DEC's record is 40 wins and 3 losses, and is one of the most dominant teams in the AFI. Year after year the DEC system seems to not only attract some of the top athletes but prepares them to succeed like no other Yeshiva team has succeeded, and all this from a pool of only 40 students.
They face a worthy opponent in Big Blue. They have won more championships over the years then any other team, consisting of Israelis who have been playing together for many years. Last year, to the shock of many, they did not qualify for the top tier playoffs and they entered this year with some younger additions to bolster their team.
These two teams met earlier this year with DEC winning the first game and tying the second (for an overall win) but both teams are much improved since then.
Derech Etz Chaim manhandled Lobos 40 - 6 to move on to the Holyland Bowl Championship next week against Big Blue.
Lobos, who knocked DEC out of the playoffs last year in the semi finals came into the game looking to do it again, but not this time. The game began with DEC going three and out and Lobos scoring on their first drive to lead 6-0 , that was Lobos last score of the game. Gilad Silverman marched the team down field spreading the passes around to Jacob Kon, Joseph Gomez, Pinchas Schwartzbaum, Sam Ash and TE Noam Silverman. DEC scored on their next two drives and the defense held Lobos to no gain, with the turning point coming on a Gavi Guterson interception that led to another score to give DEC the lead 20- 6 at the half. Lobos could not get anything going with interceptions by Dovi Pollack and Lior Goldstein and DEC kept rolling up the score. As the final minutes approached the fans went wild and DEC returns to the Championship game for the second time in three years.
Since losing in the intermediate round to Tov Pizza, DEC has been on a roll defeating GR Eagles, TJ, Joes Eagles (Torat Shraga) and now Lobos with the scores getting higher each game and the defense giving up less points every week.
Highlights will be coming soon and there will be several posts this week leading up to the championship game
DEC destroys Lobos 50 - 6 . Derech Etz Chaim is going back to the Championship for the second time in 3 years and will play Big Blue next week for the title! Game report and highlights coming soon
Derech Etz Chaim completely controlled the game from beginning to end, to send Joe's Eagles (Torat Shraga) home 54- 12 to move on to the final four for the third year in a row.
On both ends the team played with intensity with Gilad hitting Pinchas, Sam Ash, Jacob, Gomez and Noam for touchdowns and Dovi Pollak and Lior Goldstein making interceptions to stop the only serious Joe's Eagles drives in the first half.
With the score 42 - 0 at the half the starters took a rest and Jake Moritz, Mendel Lazarous got some playing time.
Credit goes to Levi Klein, Ephraim Addato, Gavi Guterson and Ezra Isaacs, who played great defense from beginning to end to completely squash any hope for Joe's Eagles.
DEC now gets ready to play Lobos for the thrid year in a row and second straight semi final match .
As the AFI and Derech Etz Chaim enter the “Elite Eight” lets update the overall playoff picture.
This week DEC takes on Joe’s Eagles, (Torat Shraga), the team with the second best record this year (following DEC) and the #1 seed in the playoff’s. But that is a bit misleading as they were a Friday team and played a very weak schedule. DEC is the favorite to win, but, it is playoffs and upsets happen.
Including DEC the top 6 teams are still in the playoff picture. The playoffs on the same side of the bracket as DEC pit last years champions, Lobos, vs. Klein Management. The winner will play the winner of the DEC - Joes’ Eagles game. Both Lobos and Klein are very strong teams and the outcome is far from certain. Lobos are still led by QB Yitz Weider who lost to DEC 2 years ago in the Holyland Bowl and beat DEC last year in the semi finals and went on to win it all. Klein is a team that has usually fallen short and was knocked out in the playoffs the last two years by DEC, but this year restocked with a number of the players from the Lobos team that lost to DEC two years ago. Klein is widely viewed as the most talented team in the league.
On the other side of the bracket the 4 teams remaining include three of the leagues strongest teams. Bitach take on Tov Pizza. Tov is without their Quarterback Micha Muschel who was injured three weeks ago in the DEC game and is out for the season. Tov Pizza is still strong but without that mishap they would be favorites to take their bracket. Big Blue takes on Jerry’s Kids and are the strong favorite to emerge and go on to the Holyland Bowl, though Bitach or Tov Pizza could pull off an upset.
Stay tuned for Saturday night to see who goes on to the final four.
In the leagues most anticipated first round playoff match up, Derech Etz Chaim handily defeated the highly rated TJ (Tifferet Yerushalyim) team 31-19 and moves on to face Joes Eagles (Torat Shraga) in the playoff quarter finals.
The game began poorly for DEC with TJ scoring first. Gilad Silverman quickly got DEC back into the game with a long bomb to Jacob Kon to quickly bring the team down field and score. TJ leading 7-6 quickly scored as well on a long down field pass and it looked like it was going to be a difficult night for DEC at this point down 13-6.
The team drove down field scoring again to bring the score to 13-12. This time the defense held and TJ could not put up points getting the ball back to the DEC offense with 3 minutes left in the half. That is when the big turn around occurred.
DEC drove down field scoring just at the 1 minute warning to take their first lead 18-13 . TJ got the ball and on their first play from scrimmage, Dov Pollack picked off the pass giving DEC the ball with under a minute at the TJ 10 yard line. DEC quickly scored and looked to head into the half with a 24- 13 lead.
The TJ quarterback threw a long pass which was well defended by Lior Goldstein who tipped the ball, but the TJ receiver made a great effort and grabbed the ball to put TJ on the 5 yard line with seconds to go in the half. On the next play Lior intercepted the pass in the endzone and ran it all the way back for a touchdown as time expired. With the extra point DEC went into the half leading 31-13 having scored 19 points in the last minute of the first half!
The second half was all defense with TJ getting a meaningless touchdown late in the game and the game ended on an appropriate note with Ezra Isaacs intercepting the final TJ pass of the season.
Pinchas Shwartzbaum caught two TD's, Jacob Kon caught one and ran for one and Noam Silverman caught one for the DEC scores. Defense played incredibly well, Gavi Guterson made important stops and the D-line - Sam Ash, Levi Klein and Efraim Addato all kept the pressure on the TJ QB and made big stops.
In its first elimination game Derech Etz Chaim took on a determined GR Eagles in a physical game and handily defeated them 40 – 18. The game began very one sided and ended one sided. DEC’s first three touchdowns,on two TD passes to Pinchas and a Jacob Kon interception went unanswered until late into the first half when GR Eagles scored twice to bring the halftime score to 19- 13. Derech Etz Chaim dominated the second half with a 30 yard TD run by Sam Ash, a TD to Jacob and a trick play pass from Jacob Kon to Joseph Gomez. All went unanswered as the DEC defense held the GR Eagles to one touchdown at the end of the game.
It was a powerful second half showing from DEC who had been struggling late in games the last several weeks and it was a great win entering the Holyland Bowl playoff tier for the 4rth year in a row. DEC will face a resurgent TJ in the first round of the playoffs next Sat. night. Last year TJ lost in the finals and the same team is back. Though they did not perform well in the regular season, they have played strong in the post season and will be a challenge for DEC in what will again be the game of the week at Kraft Stadium.
Online voting for the 2011 All Star Game is underway.Vote for the DEC nominees
The ballot is at www.afisports.weebly.com . The All Star Game is tentatively scheduled for Championship weekend, immediately preceding the Holyland Bowl.
The All Stars are chosen in a combined online poll and officials’ poll.
DEC suffered its first loss of the season to Tov Pizza in the qualifying round and now must beat the GR Eagles next Sat. night to advance to the playoffs. In an extremely close game decided by extra points, DEC with 2 chances in the last 5 minutes to win the game could not punch it in. On the first play of the game Gilad threw a TD pass to Pinchas to go up 6-0 but Tov Pizza immediately scored on their first two drives to take the lead 14-6. DEC came back with another touchdown and had the ball with time to score at the end of the first half but could not get into the endzone ending the first half down 14-13. In the seond half the DEC defense stood tough giving the offense plenty of opportunities to score but the DEC offense sputtered to lose 21-19 Next weeks game is now a must win to get back into the playoffs. Hopefully the team will take some lessons from this week, win next week, and get it back together for a strong playoff run now going into the final round as a 2 seed.
In what is becoming an annual event, Derech Etz Chaim crushed Neve Tziyon 39 - 13 in their opening game of the group stage to once again move closer, to a playoff berth. Jacob Kon starred on the night with 3 TD receptions, one extra point, two interceptions as well as throwing a TD to Joseph Gomez to cap off the night. Gilad threw 5 TD’s on the night, 3 to Jacob one to Noam and another to Pinchas. Levi Klein had a big night on D-line with some timely big sacks as well as applying pressure throughout the game. Next week DEC moves on to play Tov Pizza, a team at the top of the league in a game the league is buzzing about. DEC is looking forward to Sam Ash returning to help with the playoff run. Here are this weeks highlights:
This Saturday night DEC will face Neve Tziyon in its first group stage game. The format was changed this year so that to qualify for the upper tier playoffs, a team needs to win 2 out of 3 group stage games.
DEC has faced and beaten Neve Tziyon each of the past two years on their way to the playoffs, creating a yearly rivalry and thrilling games that have gone in DEC's favor. You can see great highlight reels of the games at :
Derech Etz Chaim handily won their last two regular season games against All the Kings Men 13-0 and 27- 6 to finish with a team all time best record 12-1-1 and 25 points and the #1 rank in the league.
After the game team officials reversed the results and granted DEC a forfeit, the reasons why are still unclear but here is what we do know.
During the game the officials approached the DEC team captain questioning the eligibility of a DEC player. The team Captain, Pinchas Shwartzbaum told the official that the player in question, began the year playing two games for another team and was removed from their roster. He also told the official that the player in question also played a game on another team without being on that teams roster, but that DEC understood that being as he was not rostered they could add him to the DEC roster as they did. The referee allowed the games to continue without requiring DEC to remove the player.
Following the game the league decided to reverse the decision, declare the player ineligible and grant DEC two forfeits moving them down the standings to the 9th seed.
Team reaction was obviously one of shock having been accused of deceiving the league when the captain felt he had been up front with the knowledge he possessed.
The feeling around the league is that the teams that are being punished are essentially those who now have to play DEC with the new seedings, essentially taking teams that succeeded in a achieving higher seedings and forcing them to face the highest ranked team in the league, DEC, while rewarding the lower seeds (Canaan Bar-Am) by now giving them a weaker opponent.
Derech Etz Chaim is presently getting ready for their first second round game where they will face Neve Tziyon, an opponent they have defeated each of the past two years on their way to the playoffs.
The highly anticipated match up of two of the best teams in the AFI did not disappoint, and DEC proved itself once again to be a serious contender to go all the way. The game was played to a packed Kraft Stadium, in spite of the cold, wet and windy weather conditions. The game did not stayed close and with clutch plays on both ends of the field.
Big Blue received the opening kick off and took advantage of DEC defensive confusion to score on the first play of the game, but that was to be the last time they would lead. Gilad Silverman took over for DEC and drove downfield and threw the first of 3 touchdown passes to Jacob Kon who played incredible despite being sick. The DEC defense then held Big Blue, who punting into the wind, gave Gilad great field position to set up his next TD. Pinchas caught the extra point and it was DEC 13- Big Blue 7 .
Big Blue drove down the field and on a play from the 2 yard line seemed to throw an interception to Lior Goldstein who took it all the way back. In what would be one of many controversial calls the officials called it back and Big Blue went on to score tying up the game 13-13.
Once again DEC drove down field with a TD pass to Jacob Kon capping the drive getting the extra point to bring the score to 20-13. Though the DEC defense held Big Blue to 3 and out the offense could not run out the clock and Big Blue had the ball for one final drive but threw an interception to Jacob to end the first game.
Game two began with DEC receiving and throwing an interception on the first play of the game. Big Blue could not turn it into points and both sides stalled with the game remaining scoreless through 15 minutes. Finally Gilad connected with Pinchas for a touchdown missing the extra point with Big Blue coming back and scoring on an incredible catch by Sammy Tover for a TD. With the extra point coming once again after officials called a controversial pass interference callBig Blue led 7-6 with under 3 minutes left . Gilad was able to find Gavi Guterson in the end zone for a TD and an great catch by Joseph Gomez made the score DEC 13- Big Blue 7 with under a minute remaining.Big Blue seem to stall but after DEC was called for a tackling penalty was able to get into the end zone with no time remaining. The final extra point to win it was intercepted by Dov Pollack to end the game tied 13-13.
Noam Silverman also playing sick had 5 incredible receptions, and Noam, Josh and Aron Hertz held the Big Blue line giving Gilad all the time he needed. Levi Klein and Efraim Adatto on D-line put pressure on and got key sacks to end drives.
With the win and only on week remaining in the regular season DEC is on track to finish in first place and their best record ever going into the group round.
Following the Chanuka bye week, DEC goes back into action this Motzei Shabbat with a huge game against Big Blue. (We have been waiting for this game for 3 weeks since it was last canceled). Derech Etz Chaim heads into the game with its best record (9-1) after 10 games, and hopes to improve and put themselves on the road to another championship with a big win. The forecast is for rain and that will necessitate a competley different offensive scheme for both teams. This will also be Josh Weisel's last game for DEC as he is heading back to the US. Josh who is considered the best kicker in the AFI, and who plays a big role in the red zone offense for DEC will be missed. There are several other big games in the AFI this week with Klein Management facing Tov Pizza and Lobos going up against TJ. All these teams have already qualified for the round of 32 and are the favorites to make it to the playoffs. These games will have a major effect on the seedings going into the next round. Check back on Sunday for the results.
Coming off of a two week bye, Derech Etz Chaim brought their record to 9-1 rolling over a Drimark team that talked big prior to the game. Drimark (a team made up primarily of South Shore Yeshiva students presently attending Ohr Yerushalayim) won the Five Towns tournament last year, came into the game with a winning record, but quickly found out that they do not belong in the same league with Derech Etz Chaim! DEC scored 10 touchdowns, one for every possession of the night with Gilad Silverman throwing for 7 touchdowns and running for one. Jacob Kon besides catching and running for 4 TD’s threw to Pinchas for a long TD as well. Pinchas caught 3 TD’s on the night, Joseph Gomez 1, and Lior Goldstein had two interceptions one that he ran back for a TD. Though there were some serious defensive lapses and flags missed, Levi Klein came through with two sacks, Mendel Lazarus came up with some important stops, and Ezra Isaacs intercepted a pass. Aron Hertz at center dominated at line and Josh Weisel filling in for an injured Noam Silverman at TE played great, blocking well, and catching an extra point. With the group stage approaching (December 25th) DEC has asked to play Big Blue in an anticipated showdown of two league heavy weights following the Chanuka bye week. Highlights:
Israel has been named the host of the 2014 IFAF Flag Football World Championship. Although this will be the federation's first time hosting an IFAF sanctioned event, Israel has many years of experience in organized Flag Football.
"It is an exceedingly proud moment for all of us in Israel to be awarded what we know we will be an incredible event," said Israel Football League Commissioner URIEL STURM. "To bring the World Championships to the Holy Land is the continuation of a life-long dream for both our founder STEVE LEIBOWITZ and our close partners ROBERT AND MYRA KRAFT, and we thank IFAF for this wonderful privilege.
"We look forward to the perpetual growth of American football in Israel, and more than anything, we can't wait to welcome the world in 2014!"
American Football in Israel is the government-recognized federation and enjoys a unique partnership with New England Patriots owner ROBERT KRAFT, who built the Kraft Family Stadium to benefit the growth of the sport in Israel.
The Israeli Women's national team was established in 2002, and in 2005 the women shocked the flag football world with a first place finish at the 2005 Flag Oceane - one of the largest flag football tournaments in Europe. In 2008, Israel participated in their first IFAF Flag Football World Championship claiming fifth place then in 2010, the Israeli men took ninth place and the women finished in fifth.
Derech Etz Chaim's big showdown with Big Blue has been delayed as Big Blue requested a last minute bye due to a scheduling conflict. DEC will be playing Drimark this week. Drimark is a team from OJ that prior to coming to Israel played together in NY and won the Five Towns tournement so they should be a challenge. (Rabbi Katz has reported that he interviewed many of the guys for DEC before they made the mistake of going elswhere!) It will be DEC's first game without Micha Rafkin, and Ezra Isaacs is expected to step up and fill his role at CB and Joseph Gomez at WR. After a two week layoff the team is ready to get going. Stay tuned for the Game report and results on Sunday.
Coming off of last weeks bye Derech Etz Chaim was looking forward to getting back to playing. Some confusion in league scheduling led the league to ask DEC to take another week off, so everybody gets another week to be edgy and look forward to the next game. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Derech Etz Chaim requested from the league to play some of the elite teams. After having already played Bitach, DEC will next week be playing Big Blue in what is certainly the game of the week in the AFI. Big Blue has a long tradition as one of the top teams in the AFI and has not played DEC since the first game of the season three years ago. The team is pumped up and looking forward to the challenge.
Derech Etz Chaim played their most difficult opponent yet in Bitach and came away with an overall win, winning the first game 21-6 and losing the second 13-0. In the first game DEC was in control after Bitach’s initial score the defense held firm stopping Bitach twice inside the 20 on 8 downs, and the offense clicked with Gilad throwing two TD passes to Pinchas and another to Jacob Kon. The second game was another story with DEC only having 3 possessions after kicking off the game and throwing an interception on another possession. Bitach utilized their size and ran down the entire field one play at a time to wind down the clock scoring twice with DEC having no answer. DEC learned a few lessons this game, they are going to have to learn to defend the run better, but at the same time they put the league on notice that they are once again for real. This coming week DEC has a bye. Here are the highlights:
Derech Etz Chaim once again dominated Moret Group (Torat Shraga Shana Bet) winning 26-6 and 27-14.
During the first two weeks DEC's defense had yet to give up any points, that changed quickly as Moret scored on the first play of their first drive after receiveing the kick off. DEC looked rusty as they went three and out on their first set but that changed quickly. After holding Moret on their next set, Gilad Silverman went to work with a TD pass to Jacob Kon. As soon as Moret got the ball back Jacob intercepted and this time it was Gilad connecting with Pinchas for the TD. From that point on Moret (Shraga) never had a chance.
Both games featured long touchdowns to Jacob Kon, Pinchas, Joseph Gomez (recording his first two TD's) with Gilad spreading the ball around to Micha, Noam and Weisel as well.
On defense Levi Klein dominated on D-line, Dov Pollack putting in another solid game and CB Lior Goldstein stopped everything coming his way.
With DEC's record a solid 6-0 they head into the coming week for what should be their first challenging game against a real contender when they face Bitach. The team is pumped up and looking forward to the challenge. Highlights:
Week 2 of the AFI season had Derech Etz Chaim showing up even stronger then the great play of week 1.
Jacob Kon in his first appearence this year put on a show, running the length of the field for a TD on the opening play of the game and an acrobatic catch for another score in later action. Every one of the receivers played great with Joseph Gomez displaying his incredible ability on his first reception of the year making a diving catch. Pinchas Shwartzbaum, Micha Rafkin and Noam Silverman making big catches on scoring drives.
The story this season though is the defense. They have yet to give up a point! The CB's have shut down the opposing team's passing offense. Dov Pollak had two interceptions bringing one back for a TD, Micha had an interception for a TD, and Lior Goldstein made a big stop in the end zone on 4rth and goal for Yesod to stop their only potential scoring drive. Pollak plugged the middle stopping the run and sacks by the entire D-line Levi Klein, Jake Mortiz, Nassan Paul and Efraim Addato. This weeks highlights (including defense)
Derech Etz Chaim is off to a great start in the new 2010-2011 AFI season. Playing their first games of the season without star CB/WR Jacob Kon, and with a team full of untested rookies, DEC made a powerful first week statement crushing the Medrash Shmuel (2) Shudaggs 13-0 and 19-0. In the first game Gilad Silverman connected with Micha Rafkin for a long pass leading to a TD and extra point to Pinchas Schwarzbaum and later marched down the field on passes to Pinchas and another long bomb to Rafkin leading to a short run into the endzone by Rafkin to bring the score to 13-0. The defense played extremely well, except for Nassan Paul they are all first year in the league, with Dov Pollack at middle linebacker directing the team and Lior Goldstein, Ezra Issacs and Micha Rafkin making amazing stops. The Shudaggs could get nothing. The defense was even stronger in game 2 and Gilad connected with Rafkin on the very first play of the game for a TD. Two touchdown passes were caught by Noam Silverman with more down field passes to Pinchas who seems unstoppable. It was a great start to the new season and the first time DEC opened winning two. Next week will be a bigger challenge playing an experienced team Yesod. Here are the highlights from the game:
This upcoming Motzei Shabbos DEC football returns for another season with a new team look. Last years team posted the best regular season record in DEC history going 12-2 and made it to the semi finals to only to lose to Lobos who ultimately won the AFI championship. Lobos are back with even a stronger team and DEC is rebuilding with a great new group of first year players as well as some returnees. The only member returning from the 2009 Championship team is team captain Pinchas Shwartzbaum. Gilad Silverman returns at QB and Aron Hertz, Noam Silverman and Josh Weisel are back on O-line with Nassan Paul stepping up this year on D-line. An interesting addition this year is Jacob Kon who is back after a two year break. Jacob played on the DEC team that made the playoffs the year before the team gelled into Champions and we will see if he can bring with his experience and skill the extra push to both defense as cornerback and offense as receiver. Newcomers include: Micah Rafkin CB and WR Joseph Gomez WR Lior Goldstein CB Ezra Issacs CB Levi Klein and Efraim Addato D-line Dov Pollak at middle linebacker Yossie Edelman and Jake Moritz round out the team.
The team has played three scrimmages in the pre season and shows allot of promise. With the season starting this week we will have to see if they can live up to the DEC winning tradition.
Four Derech Etz Chaim players, Kobi Schwartzbaum, Pinchas Shwartzbaum, Sam Ash and Jeffrey Mally have been nominated on the ballot for the first AFI All Star game to be held this Motzei Shabbat prior to the Holyland Bowl. Please use the link http://www.allstarisrael.com/footballPoll.html to vote for the DEC players!
Derech Etz Chaim’s season came to an end last night with a devastating loss to Lobo’s in the Semi Final round of the Holyland Bowl playoffs 45 - 14. From the very beginning of the game it was clear that this was not DEC’s night when Jeffrey Mally dropped an interception and Lobos went on to score in their first possession. Lobo’s clearly studied DEC over the season and came out on fire with QB Weider hitting all his receiver’s and DEC’s usually invincible defense had no answer. The defensive line penetrated and put pressure the entire night but Weider kept finding his receivers. On the offensive end the DEC QB Gilad Silverman who had thrown all of two interceptions the entire season kept finding the Lobos CB’s for a night of five interceptions two in the end zone killing potential DEC touchdown drives. Though Kobi Shwartzbaum made some incredible catches it was not nearly enough as potential interceptions on the DEC side by Yochi Naiditch tipped into the hands of Lobos players for 2 TD’s. It was the first loss for DEC in a full length game in two years, many players on the team had never experienced a loss and it ended a brilliant streak for Derech Etz Chaim that began last year through the Championship and all the way to this years semi final game. With returning students and a good new class coming in DEC looks to continue to be one of the more dominant teams next season as well. There is not much in terms of highlights but we hope to post once or twice more before shutting down the blog until next season. So check back.
Derech Etz Chaim defeated Klein Management (Medrash Shmuel)25- 24 in a nail biter that was not over until the last extra point attempt. Derech Etz Chaim now advances to the Semi Finals where they will face Lobos, a rematch with the opponent they defeated in last years Championship game. The game started badly for DEC going four and out. Klein came right back and on their first play threw long for a touchdown into blown coverage. Derech Etz Chaim marched down field penetrating the red zone but on four downs could not put it into the end zone turning the ball back over Klein who quickly scored bringing the score to DEC 0 Klein 12. The DEC defense came alive holding Klein but the offense could not generate points once again getting into the red zone before throwing an interception on the 1 yard line. But Klein could not capitalize and elected to go for it on 4rth when their receiver dropped the pass giving DEC the ball deep in Klein territory with less then a minute left in the half.Gilad threw to Avi to bring the ball into the red zone. Another pass to Sam to cut the distance and finally a touchdown pass to Sam Ash to put DEC on the board as the half came to a close. DEC 6 Klein 12 The second half Klein received and was held but was held by the DEC defense and was forced to punt. DEC took over. Gilad ran to the Klein 40. A pass to Pinchas, one to Kobi and a TD pass to Sam brought the score to DEC 12 Klein 12. On Klein's first play QB Yissy Ben Zaken threw an interception to Jeff Mally who ran it back to the 1 yard line. Touchdown pass to Josh Weisel. The Extra point to Sam Ash proved later to be the game winner. DEC 19 - Klein 12 Klein the put together a scoring drive on passes to Kleiner and Koppelman no extra point DEC 19 - Klein 18 DEC began advancing up the field and on 4rth and short seemed to get the first down but a penalty of an extra man on the field called the play back and DEC was forced to punt. Klein could not capitalize as Jeff Mally made another interception. Gilad ran and passes to Sam and Pinchas set up a TD pass to Kobi to bring the score to DEC 25 - Klein 18 with a minute to play. Klein came up field with passes to Koppelman and Kleiner and as they were about to turn the ball over Gilad Silverman was called for taunting penalty giving Klein 15 yards and a first down in the red zone. DEC held on for 3 downs on fourth BenZaken found Kleiner on the edge of the end zone for a score. Klein was now down by one point and elected to go for the two point conversion to win the game . The pas was no good with great defense by Efrayim Prero to end the game Derech Etz Chaim 25 Klein Management 24. Highlights:
The Motzei Shabbos Derech Etz Chaim takes on Klein Managment (Medrash Shmuel) in the Quarter Finals of the AFI Holyland Bowl playoffs. The two teams met earlier this year with DEC winning but Klein is much improved, having started the year 0-6 then winning their next 8 games to make it into the playoffs. Derech Etz Chaim is also much improved with Sam Ash and Jeffrey Mally back on the team though Levi Naiditch will most likely be missing. Medrash features a high powered passing attack and a number of players who know DEC well. The QB from Klein lost in the Semi Finals last year to DEC while playing for Maimo Magic and several other players were members of the Lobos team that lost to Derech Etz Chaim in last years Championship game. The winner of this weeks game will move on to face the winner of the Lobos vs. Tov Pizza game on the in the semi finals next week. Tune in Sunday to find out the results and to follow DEC as it looks to repeat as AFI champions.
Derech Etz Chaim opened up their playoff drive with a statement drubbing Armitron (Netiv Aryeh) 52- 6 (this is the correct score!) The DEC defense clamped down and completely controlled the game while the offense came alive to score on almost every drive. The game opened with Gilad Silverman hitting Avi Aryeh the length of the field on the very first play for a TD. That set the tone for the night. Levi Naiditch immediately intercepted the ball on defense and Gilad hit Kobi Shwartzbaum for a TD. Three minutes into the game DEC was leading 12- 0 . Again Armitron threw an interception this time to Jeffrey Mally , with Gilad throwing to Levi for a diving catch and another TD. (Extra point Sam Ash) The next drive Gilad hit Sam for a TD and extra point then another pass to Avi ending the half with the score 32-0 The second half began with DEC using the time for practice, unfortunately unsuccessfully, for the only non scoring possession of the game. Armitron finally got into the end zone for their 6 points. DEC took the ball back down field with Levi running and on a missed snap Levi managed to shuffle the ball to Sam Ash who scrambled in for a touchdown. Next TD drive included a pass to Gilad from Levi, then Gilad hit Pinchas Shwartzbaum to bring the ball down to the one yard line and a pass to Kobi for the TD. DEC then successfully went for a two point conversion on a pass to Noam Silverman. An interception by Yochi Naiditch and a pass to Pinchas finished the scoring at 52 points. Derech Etz Chaim now moves on to the Quarterfinals next week against Klein Management, (Medrash Shmuel) having made a statement that they are back and everyone should look out as they are looking to repeat as Holyland Bowl Champions! This weeks highlight reel is a bit more one sided then the past few weeks. (We also have been playing on South field and its a bit more difficult to see) Enjoy!
This coming Motzei Shabbos DEC takes on Pallorium in a meaningless game. Derech Etz Chaim by virtue of their victories over Neveh and Karelitz own the #1 seed in Group C and will face the #2 seed in Group G next week in the opening round of the upper tier playoffs. (Whoever wins the Karelitz vs Neve game this week will have the same record as DEC - 2 wins 1 loss but because they lost to DEC will remain the #2 seed in the group). Because of this DEC plans on resting some starters and giving some other players a chance. QB Gilad Silverman hopes to use the opportunity to reconnect in his timing with his receivers whom he was missing in the previous weeks game vs Karelitz. Do to the late hour of the game there may be no highlight reel this weekend as well. Please stay with us and follow the playoffs as DEC makes another run at the Championship
Game Report; Karelitz, the team that gave Derech Etz Chaim the most trouble in the playoffs last year once again had DEC on the ropes until the final minutes of the game when DEC’s defense stepped up and stopped Karelitz to win a close game 27 – 20. The win clinches the number one seed in the group for DEC, regardless of next week’s outcome, and once again a spot in the Holyland Bowl upper tier playoffs beginning in two weeks. The game began with Karelitz receiving and they capitalized on their very first possession for a touchdown to take the lead 0 – 6. Gilad Silverman lead Derech Etz Chaim right back with a touchdown pass to Kobi to tie up the score at 6-6 The next several sets both Karelitz and DEC could produce little offense until Karelitz pinned down on the 2 yard line by a beautiful punt by Josh Weisel got an incredible break with a controversial pass interference call on Efrayim Prero which put them in TD range. They took advantage and scored plus an extra point. DEC 6 Kareltiz 13 DEC got the ball with 45 seconds left in the half and Gilad led a drive downfield on a long pass to Kobi and a TD pass to Pinchas with Kobi running in the extra point to tie the game at the half 13- 13. DEC received the ball and marched downfield only to lose it on an interception. Karelitz took advantage of the turnover to drive downfield and score to make the score DEC 13- Karelitz 20. Once again DEC came right back a short slant to Sam Ash led to a long downfield run for a TD and an extra point caught by Pinchas to tie the game DEC 20 Karelitz 20 The Derech Etz Chaim defense took over. Jeffrey Mally intercepted a long pass but DEC could not convert the turnover and was forced to punt. Once again Efrayim Prero came up with the interception and this time DEC marched downfield and scored on a pass to Sam Ash and an extra point to Noam Silverman. In the final minutes of the game DEC’s defense held Karelitz as they approached the red zone to win the game 27 – 20
In one of the most exciting games of the season, Derech Etz Chaim held on to defeat Neve Tziyon 40 – 26 in the opening game of the group round. At the end of the next two weeks two teams from each group will advance to the Holyland Bowl playoffs. DEC’s defense had trouble most of the night containing Neve’s physical and talented offense but the DEC offense was just too much for Neve only twice giving the ball back without a score. Levi Naiditch last years championship QB filled in for Gilad Silverman showed no rust, and led a tremendous game taking DEC downfield over and over utilizing all of his talent and creativity at QB against a strong Neve defensive line. Derech Etz Chaim kicked off and Neve drove downfield and scored on their very first possession. DEC came back with passes to Kobi, Pinchas and after a short run for first down and a TD pass to Kobi finished the drive. DEC held Neve on their next possession forcing Neve to punt but with the game tied failed to capitalize as Levi on a long throw to Kobi gave up an interception. Neve was held again turning the ball over on downs with the DEC defense holding them on 4rth and short. Levi attacked with passes to Avi, Sam and a TD pass to Sam again plus a beautiful diving catch for the extra point. DEC now leading by 7 Neve drove all the way down to the DEC 10 but failed to punch it in turning over the ball. Levi led another drive with passes to Pinchas, Kobi, Sam and finally a short TD pass to Pinchas with Kobi making an acrobatic catch for the extra point. DEC leads 20 – 6 with less then a minute left in the half. Neve not giving up before the half, throws a long bomb which is caught on the two yard line and this time they punch it in to bring the score to 20- 13 at the half.
The second half began with Neve Tziyon kicking off and Efrayim Prero making a huge return bringing the ball down to the 30 yard line. Three plays later Levi passes to Sam Ash for the TD and Kobi for the extra point. DEC 26- Neve 13 Neve began another drive down but just as they were stalling Yakov Hill was called for tackling with the penalty bringing the ball down to the 5 yard line. Neve utilized the opportunity to score bringing the DEC lead back to one TD. DEC 26 Neve 19 But DEC came back with a pass to Pinchas who out ran the entire Neve backfield for a 40 yard run to score. DEC 33 – Neve 19 Neve came right back with a quick slant pass and a number of DEC defenders missing flags to score bringing it back to a one TD game. DEC 33 – Neve 26 Here the DEC offense stalled with a dropped pass on third forcing the team to punt but the Derech Etz Chaim defense held Neve in their own territory forcing them to punt. On the punt from Neve’s 20 yard line there was a penalty on the kicker and DEC got the ball back deep in Neve territory. After a few short runs Levi passed to Pinchas who hauled in the ball to give DEC a two touchdown lead with a few minutes remaining in the game. Neve tried again for the long ball and Jeffrey Mally intercepted the pass to essentially end the exciting game. Here are the game highlights:
Derech Etz Chaim finished the regular season last night with 12 wins and 2 losses in the first 7 weeks of the season for the number 3 spot in the rankings. It is the best record in DEC history! Next week begins the group play with DEC in the C grouping together with #6 Pallorium, #27 Karelitz and #30 Neve Tziyon. During the next three weeks the 4 teams in each group will play each other with the two top teams advancing to the final 16 Holyland Bowl playoffs. From this point on the games are a full 50 minutes (two 25 minute halves as opposed to the previous weeks each game was 25 minutes). Each first and second place team will be assigned a predetermined slot in the playoffs. The C1 will play the second seed from the G group and the C2 will play the top seed from the G group. For more information go to www.israelfootball.net
Game Report- The last game of the regular season was another DEC rout. Canaan Studios (Rabbi Center's Yeshiva) entered the game with 9 wins and a spot in the top eight teams but DEC was way to much for them knocking them down to the second rung by defeating them in both games. The DEC defense showed itself in full form with Jeffrey Mally returning and making an immediate impact with two interceptions on the night. Efrayim Prero pulled in two interceptions as well and the Defensive line with Yakov Hill back in the line up gave the Canaan Studio QB no time to throw. On offense the first game was QB'd by Gilad Silverman though playing without Kobi Shwartzbaum who missed the game, hit his other receivers to lead DEC to a 20- 0 victory in the first game. In the second game Levi Naiditch, a bit rusty this year but last year's championship QB led the team to a 20 - 6 victory. Sam Ash had a run for the entire length of the field for a touchdown. Normally reliable TE Pinchas Shwartzbaum missed a number of passes and left the game injured after jamming his thumb. Next week begins the group round of the AFI season we hope to have an intro on the blog some time this week as well as highlights from this weeks game
December 27, 2009 Derech Etz Chaim soundly defeated Lev Hatorah, once again controlling the game throughout the night. The explosive DEC offense put up over 50 points for the night with QB Gilad Silverman hitting all his receivers Kobi, Pinchas, Sam, Avi and Yochi for TD's. On defense the D-line playing this week without Yakov Hill kept up steady pressure on on the Lev HaTorah QB and only a few defensive mistakes which led to line up changes let three touchdown's through for the night. Yochi Naiditch started at cornerback and after allowing an initial TD picked off three passes on the night. Eli Rafkin was brought in at CB and shut down the opposition receiver. Final Score Game 1 DEC 26 - Lev HaTorah 13 Game 2 DEC 26 Lev HaTorah 6 Unfortunately there are no game highlights this week.
DEC vs. Ohr Dovid December 12, 2009 Game report This week was no contest with Derech Etz Chaim completely overwhelming Ohr Dovid. The DEC offense to put up an AFI single night season high total of 74 points and allowed Ohr Dovid only one touchdown- in fact only one first down all night. Levi Naiditch was back and took some reps at QB giving Gilad Silverman some of the night off. With Avi Aryeh out again sick and an injury to CB Efraim Prero, DEC used back ups and still completely controlled both games from start to finish rolling to an 8 – 2 record with two weeks left of the regular season.
In game one DEC recorded 6 TD’s beginning with Noam Silverman running back the opening kick off for a TD to get things started. Gilad and Levi each connected with Kobi and Yochi for two TDs, and Sam Ash intercepted a pass at the end of the game and ran it back for his first TD of the season. There was also a blocked pass interception by Yakov Hill that led to the 3rd score of the night. Final score Derech Etz Chaim 41- Ohr Dovid 6
In the second game with DEC kicking off it was more of the same. On DEC’s first drive a long pass from Gilad to Kobi set up the first of 3 Pinchas Shwartzbaum TDs. The extra point saw Sam spin his way into the end zone for the score. DEC drive #2 was a long pass to Pinchas to set up another scoring reception by Pinchas. The third drive had Levi Naiditch behind center and scoring on a long throw to Kobi. The defense took its turn with Sam Ash intercepting a lateral taking it down field and lateralling it to Yakov Hill for another score. To finish the game Levi threw long to Kobi to set up a short pass to Pinchas for the final TD. Final score Derech Etz Chaim 33- Ohr Dovid 0 Here are the game highlights
Derech Etz Chaim football had a big night putting up 50 points on offense and winning both games. QB Gilad Silverman connected with Kobi Shwartzbaum for 3 Touchdowns including a thrilling play at the last second of the second game.
DEC received the kick off and dominated in the first game. On the very first drive of the night Gilad found Kobi for a touchdown with Josh Weisel getting the extra point, and that set the tone for the rest of game 1.The defense dominated HAS who went 3 and out with no yardage gained on their first drive. Gilad took over and once again threw a long bomb to Yochi Naiditch for the second TD of the night connecting with Kobi for the extra point.
HAS then come back beating the DEC backfield with a long TD pass.
Gilad went back to work hitting Pinchas Shwartzbaum with a long pass to set up a touchdown to Yochi. The next DEC drive was set back by penalties but ended on 4rth and goal with a TD pass to Kobi with Yochi getting the extra point.
Game 2 was a bit of a different story with a thrilling ending. DEC kicked off and on HAS’s opening drive they were able to score and get the extra point. HAS 7 DEC 0 DEC came right back on the very first play on a long pass to Kobi for a TD plus the extra point with Kobi running it in on a screen. HAS and DEC traded punts with HAS turning it over on downs deep in their own territory. Gilad throws another TD pass this time to Noam Silverman to take the lead. DEC missed extra point which will come back to haunt them. DEC 13 - HAS 7 HAS gets the ball back and once again turns it over on downs deep in their own territory but DEC failed to put the game away as Gilad threw his very first interception of the season in the end zone. HAS capitalized on the turnover and marched down field to score and get the extra point with only 37 seconds left on the clock. DEC is down 14- 13 Gilad calmly took over at the DEC 20 . First play a long pass to Yochi for a first down to stop the clock. Gilad runs on the next play getting out of bounds to stop the clock. With only 6 seconds remaining Gilad finds Kobi on a leaping catch in the end zone DEC wins 20 – 14.
Game Notes: Sam Ash was back on D line for a large part of the game getting himself back into things after a long lay off due to a torn ACL. The team is still waiting for Jeff Mally at cornerback, who is recovering from wrist surgery. Noam Silverman played receiver for an absent Avi Aryeh. This weeks game was played at the Bayit Vegan field. Next week DEC has their 4rth bye with one more off week the second weekend of Chanuka. Here are highlights of the game:
Game Report – Nov 14th DEC vs. Yesod In the third week of Derech Etz Chaim’s season (games 5 and 6) there were moments when they showed their championship form from last year, but still fell short through some glaring weaknesses on defense and offensive line. In the first of the two 25 minute games DEC kicked off and Yesod using their speed marched down field using short passes and several runs to score. (Missed the extra point) DEC game right back with QB Gilad Silverman connecting on a 40 yard pass to Avi Aryeh to tie up the game. Yesod came right back with a long bomb of their own into blown coverage to take the lead 12- 6. DEC had another chance to win the game after an interception by Efraim Prero, who played outstanding defense the entire night, in the end zone gave DEC the ball back with 5 minutes to play. Two passes to TE Pinchas Schwartzbaum another to Kobi, and a run by Gilad put DEC on the 5 yd line but they were unsuccessful in two downs to get it into the end zone and lost the game 12 – 6 . Protection issues on O-line led to the Center Josh Weisel being pulled for back up Aron Hertz who did a great job of keeping out the speedy Yesod defensive line. One highlight was the tentative return of Sam Ash who came in for a few plays and made a difference in bolstering the defense. Sam suffered a season ending torn ACL last year during the playoffs and had to watch the DEC championship run from the side lines helping with play calls. Having recovered from off season surgery he is hungry to win it again.
The second game DEC received and made significant adjustments and dominated both on offense and defense. Using their size to run and a number of passes to Pinchas led to a TD in the opening drive. With the extra point caught by Josh Weisel. Yesod went three and out with DEC again driving down field on passes to Kobi, Pinchas, and Avi leading to a diving touchdown by Pinchas on 4rth and goal form the 10. Yesod again capitalized on a long bomb with Prero getting the flag on the 5 yd line. DEC defense held strong through 3 downs but Yesod was able to find the end zone on 4rth to score and convert the extra point score DEC 13- Yesod 7. DEC came right back with a run, and pass to Yochi Naiditch who took it way down field. Another pass to Avi, then Gilad found Avi alone one more time in the end zone for a touchdown. Final score DEC 20 Yesod 7
Stand out on offense was Pinchas Schwartzbaum and on the defense Efraim Prero who has proven to be one of the leagues top CB.
Derech Etz Chaim has a number of members of the championship team back.
Returning veterans from the Championship team include QB Levi Naiditch who will be in the army for most of the season Pinchas Shwartzbaum – TE Kobi Shwarzbaum WR Yakov Hill D-line Sam Ash and Jeff Mally are on injured reserve until December Gilad Silverman who switched to the Yeshiva in mid season was Quarterback for a team that went to the Semi finals last year and will be the starting QB this year at DEC
Newcomers to the team include:
Rookies Adam Kass CB
Eli Rafkin Corner DEC Alumni Efraim Prero CB Noam Silverman D-Line Nassan Paul Middle LB / CB Aron Hertz Center and D line Josh Weisel Center – TE Yochi Naiditch WR Avi Aryeh WR
The league is expecting big things from DEC and the team has allot to live up to!
DEC Football is back! The 2009- 2010 season with Derech Etz Chaim defending its AFI Championship title began with games on October 24, and 31. After a sloppy opening in the first game DEC has won 3 straight against Excalibur and Klein Management. After two byes this coming Motzei Shabbat DEC gets back to work against the Yesod Cobras. Yesod split their two games with Big Blue and are a formidable opponent. From this point on DEC will be playing every other Sat. night until Chanuka after which they will be playing every week. Follow all the news right here. Here are highlights from week 1
With starting quarterback Levi Naiditch in the army this week, Yerucham Pliner grabbed the reigns of the offense in Derech Etz Chaim's quarterfinal matchup against Orli Print. During DEC's first possession, Pliner followed beautiful blocking down the length of the field for a touchdown. The DEC offense stalled twice more in the red zone and did not find the end zone the rest of the first half. After halftime, a long pass to Kobi Schwartzbaum led to a touchdown reception by Pinchas Scwartzbaum. The following drive was capped by a catch and run by Sam Ash for the touchdown.
With Sam Ash returning to the defense, DEC repeated their shutout performance against Orli Print during the group stage.
The weather was wet and stormy and effected DEC's ability to run up the score on long throws. Instead, they marched up the field five times, scoring on two of those drives. The weather also impeded our film crew from recording footage of this game. We apologize for this; in place of highlights from this week, here is a highlights remix from the game against Orli Print during the group stage...
Next up: Miamo Magic, who defeated AH Schrieber to advance to the semifinals, as you can see from the updated playoff brackets...
Derech Etz Chaim entered the first round of the playoffs hoping to have their entire team available for the first time since December. Sam Ash, the teams leading defensive lineman, was an idiot and injured himself playing basketball the Friday before the game, hurting the DEC defense and making the game against Karelitz a bit scarier then expected.
Karelitz took advantage of the depleted DEC defense and scored on their first three drives while holding DEC without a score. Karelitz led DEC 19 – 0 with less then 3 minutes in the half. At that point the DEC offense sparked by Yerucham Pliner and Kobi Schwartzbaum started to get on the board and DEC was down 19 – 7 at the half.
Receiving the ball to begin the second half, DEC put up another touchdown to cut the deficit to 19 -14, but Karelitz came back with another score to lead 25 – 14 with under eight minutes to play. At that point DEC came alive. Levi Naiditch ran the ball and threw two perfect passes as DEC drove downfield to bring the game within reach. The score was 25- 20 with under four minutes remaining.
The defense held and Karelitz made a tremendous mistake on 4th and 20 attempting a fake punt which failed, giving DEC the ball with great field position and an opportunity to take the lead. DEC scored on an accurate pass from Naiditch and a great catch to Pinchas Schwartzbaum. The stadium went wild after the successful two-point conversion gave DEC the lead 27-25 for the first time all game with under two minutes to play.
DEC held on to win with a crazy crowd and a relieved team to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time! Their quarterfinal opponent this motzei shabbos will be Orli Print, a team DEC defeated 33-0 during the group stage last month.
After beating the top seed in the group, Neve, in the first game of the group stage, Derech Etz Chaim beat Orli Print in the second game 33-0. Here are the highlights...
DEC entered the third game, against D&B, without its two starting wide receivers and our starting quarterback. Because D&B had defeated Neve the previous week, a loss would keep DEC from winning the group and would make them dependent on other teams to assure them a spot in the Holyland Bowl playoffs.
Last year's quarterback, Yerucham Pliner, ran the offense with a new playbook that relied more on the ground game and screens. The greatest threat to a DEC victory was the fact that five players were playing both offense and defense requiring them to spend more energy than they were used to.
The game began with DEC sacking the D&B quarterback for a safety . Unfortunately, Pliner could not get the offense moving and D&B took a 7-2 lead with a touchdown.
DEC came back on the next series; on first down, Pliner threw a bomb to Sam Ash to take back the lead 9-7. DEC scored again on a couple of good runs and a pass to Pinchas Schwartzbaum to take a 15 – 7 lead.
D&B benefited from our tired defense and missed flags and came back to score and convert a two point conversion to tie the game up 15-15 at the half.
A tired DEC re-energized and re-focused during halftime, received the kick off and quickly converted to take the lead 22- 15. On the next drive Pliner intercepted a D&B pass and returned it with a great block from Ash for a touchdown. From that point D&B lost their composure and DEC held on . One more touchdown run by Pliner and the score was 35 – 15 .
With the win DEC wins the group with a record of 3-0. This means that DEC will enter the Holyland Bowl playoffs as one of the top eight seeds for the first time. We have three weeks to recover form all the injuries. DEC will learn which group runner-up they will face in the Holyland Bowl round-of-16 when the draw is held Motzei Shabbos February 7; that game will be played on February 14.
The calendar has turned to 2009, which means that AFI has moved on to the group stage. Derech Etz Chaim played their final regular season game against Neve Tziyon. A rowdy affair ended in a split of the two games. The split kept DEC out of the top eight teams in the standings meaning that DEC would have to settle with a #2 seed in the group stage. As luck would have it, DEC was paired in the same group as Neve, and scheduled in the first game of the group stage to face their opponent from the previous week.
This time DEC game out prepared and completely shut down the Neve offense while opening up for a crushing 67-12 victory.
The DEC defense, ranked first in the league with the fewest points allowed, shut down Neve so completely that in the first half they gained only negative yardage and did not even complete a pass until late in the second half when the game was basically over. The ferocious front line of Sam Ash, Yaakov "Diesel" Hill and Adam Seibsener got through Neve's offensive line and shut down every play either sacking the quarterback, stopping the run, or pressuring the quarterback into interceptions or bad throws.
Jeffery Malley returned one interception for a touchdown and great blocking let Yerucham Pliner return a punt for another.
On offense, with #1 receiver Chaim Gross sidelined with an injury, Kobi Schwartzbaum stepped up, catching seven touchdown passes from quarterbacks Levi Naiditch and Yerucham Pliner.
DEC next faces #3 seed Orli Print to clinch a spot in the Holyland Bowl playoffs. DEC stunned the crowd this past week and if they keep playing like they did in this game, they will have a great shot at going all the way! Remember to save all those nickels, dimes and arugot so you can book a ticket on the group flight to the Holyland Bowl. More details to follow as the playoffs progress, but in the meantime enjoy the highlights below, which is the best quality footage we've seen in a long time. (Tip: if the video stutters, click pause until the video buffers.)
Derech Etz Chaim played Lobos, one of the best teams in the league, in Week 7. They showed their potential and issued a warning to the rest of the league that DEC is not a team to underestimate. DEC won the first game 14-6, and even though they lost the second game 13-12 on a controversial call, they came away with a moral victory on the night.
Derech Etz Chaim are keeping pace with the front-runners after 6 weeks of play in the AFI season. They currently sit in tenth place with two games in hand on the leaders. You can now find current standings on the blog.
DEC has posted the following results:
Week 1: DEC 15-7 Dan Cohen/DEC 6-6 Dan Cohen
Week 2: DEC 12-6 Pizzeria Efrat/Pizzeria Efrat 13-7 DEC
Week 4: DEC 15-0 Klein Management/DEC 25-6 Klein Management
Week 6: DEC 33-0 J Caf?/DEC 26-6 J Caf?
This Motzei Shabbos DEC will play against fifth-place Lobos, the highest ranked team that has played only eight games, so the boys will have a great challenge in front of them, but also an opportunity to make a statement of their intentions this season.
Here are some highlights from earlier this season:
In preparation for the new AFI season we've done some renovations to the DEC Football blog that we think you'll enjoy.
Keeping up to date with the team has never been easier. You can now subscribe to the blog's RSS feed through the widget found near the top-right of the page.
In our links section just below the RSS widget is a new link to a Google Map of Kraft Stadium and the yeshiva. For those who plan on visiting the yeshiva and catching a football game, the Google Map can be used as a tool to get directions to the stadium. Just click on the marker by Kraft Stadium, click "Get directions: To here", and then type in the address you want to start from. Even if you don't plan on visiting any time soon, the map gives you a good visual idea of where the yeshiva and stadium are.
We've also added a widget which makes sharing blog posts and videos with your friends and family easier than ever. Whether your preferred method of online communication is through email, instant message or Facebook, you'll be able to spread word of Derech Etz Chaim triumph across the web in seconds.
There's a fun map we've added as well which shows all the exotic places we're getting hits from. Believe it or not, we're getting hits from places as far away as Tasmania and Singapore.
We're well aware that everyone is waiting for news of the season's first few results, and that will be posted in the coming days. Until then enjoy the new features.
After the first phase of the AFI season, which consisted of fourteen "games", Derech Etz Chaim finished as one of the top 32 teams in the league, qualifying for the group stage. In contrast to previous seasons when the round-robin groups were determined mathematically using each team's position in the standings, this season the league took into account which day each team plays their games, either Friday or Saturday night, when forming the groups. Saturday night has historically been the day with the hardest competition, and so DEC ended up in what the league reported as likely the toughest group out of the eight.
The other three teams in DEC's group are Lev Hatorah, Croton Watches, and Tov Pizza, the defending Holyland Bowl Champions. The group stage would consist of one fifty-minute game against each of the other three teams in the group with three points awarded for a win, one point for a tie and zero points for a loss. The teams with the two best point totals after the six games played in the group would advance to the Holyland Bowl playoffs, a feat that DEC had never previously achieved.
After receiving byes the last few weeks of the regular season to celebrate the marriage of captain Eli Mirlis, DEC began the group stage in Week 13(December 29) against Tov Pizza without their honeymooning captain.
DEC walked the walk with the defending champs for a half. The defense's goal-line stand helped maintain a 13-13 halftime score. It didn't stay that way for long, though, as Tov Pizza came out firing in the second half and DEC could not come up with an answer.
A 40-13 loss was not the way DEC wanted to open the group stage, but if they could afford a loss, it had to come at Tov Pizza's hands. A loss in the first game meant that DEC's last two games would both be must-win games and they no longer held their fate in their own hands.
DEC's first must-win game was in Week 14(January 5) against Croton Watches. Some strategic alterations to the defensive lineup led to shut-out domination in the first half. The offense was in sync, posting 35 first-half points.
The nice cushion allowed the back-ups to see some playing time before the final whistle closed out a 56-6 statement-maker.
With the understanding that the chances of Tov Pizza losing to Lev Hatorah were minuscule, a DEC win over Lev Hatorah in Week 15(January 12) would almost certainly clinch a spot in the Holyland Bowl playoffs. Difficult as it may have been, the team overcame the butterflies in their stomachs and the weight on their shoulders to post an impressive 26-6 victory. Here are some highlights...
With Tov Pizza's win over Lev Hatorah in Week 16(January 19), DEC has officially qualified for the knockout stage of the Holyland Bowl playoffs for the first time in program history. Tov Pizza finished atop the group with nine points and DEC finished second with six points; Croton Watches and Lev Hatorah will fight out the last two spots in Week 17. The draw for the Holyland Bowl playoffs will take place following Week 17 play, with the playoffs expected to begin in Week 18. As a second place finisher in the group stage, DEC will be drawn against a team who finished in first place. Although it has not been confirmed, we believe that, because DEC plays on Saturday night, they will be drawn against a team who finished first in a group of teams who play on Friday.
We're going to try to provide bigger and better coverage for this special occasion. We've added interactive polls on the right side of this page; be sure to participate in the one which asks about improved coverage of the playoffs. If you are or someone you know is in Israel and interested in video taping a playoff game, please send an email to rak@ondec.net. We are always looking for volunteers to help record games; game footage is one of the best ways to offer our readers access to the game.
We'd like to thank our readers for remaining loyal through the lean years and hope that this playoff birth has made it all worth it. Feel free to leave comments and stay tuned for further playoff coverage.
Derech Etz Chaim closed out the initial 14-game portion of the season with doubleheaders against Ohr Dovid and Jump Gym.
After the defense held Ohr Dovid to a 3-and-out to begin the opener, Yerucham Pliner got DEC on the board with his legs and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Simcha Feldman. After a successful 2-point conversion, DEC had an 8-0 lead.
Ohr Dovid was held again to a 3-and-out, but they got the ball back at the 10-yard-line after intercepting a Pliner pass in the end zone. They converted the turnover into a 50-yard touchdown and a game-tying 2-point conversion.
DEC regained the lead with Jacon Kon's 30-yard touchdown catch, and the defense denied Ohr Dovid from tying the game back up, stopping them at the goal line.
Pliner found Kon once more in the end zone to give DEC a 20-8 lead. After the teams swapped scoring drives - this time Pliner running the ball in himself - the game ended with a 26-14 victory for the Trees.
In the second game, Pliner led the offense, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass to Kon. The defense dominated Ohr Dovid, Josh Gersten got his first flag-pull...
The first game against Jump Gym got off to a quick start as Kon returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Ensuing touchdowns were scored by Simcha Feldman and Pliner. Interceptions by Kon and Sam Ash helped DEC cement a 22-6 victory.
The latter half of the doubleheader was not such a walk in the park. Jump Gym opened the scoring but DEC tied the game on their first possession. However, Jump Gym jumped out to a 14-point lead with five minutes remaining in the game.
Pliner's touchdown pass to Kon reduced the lead to 8 at the 2-minute warning. The defense forced Jump Gym to punt. Pliner led the offense down the field for another touchdown and found backup tight end Mordechai Landesman on the game-tying 2-point conversion, salvaging a point in the final game of the first round.
We apologize that our first post of the 2007-2008 Moshiko American Football in Israel season is coming several weeks into the schedule, but we have tremendous news to report for our first time readers, and especially for those who have subscribed to our blog for a few years now. Apparently, Derech Etz Chaim is the talk of the league. They find themselves at the top of the standings with 14 points after 10 games. Though the rest of the teams in the league do hold games in hand, DEC has put themselves in good position to make a run deep into the postseason.
In a clever money-making scheme, the league has set up a new doubleheader system this season whereby each half of what was a single game last season is now considered its own game. So whichever team is leading at halftime is awarded a victory and the scores revert back to 0-0 for the second half.
In Week 5 action last weekend, DEC played their ninth and tenth games against the previously undefeated Ner Yaakov Cobras. The DEC offense was forced into a 4-and-out on their first possession, and trailed 7-0 when Ner Yaakov scored a first-possession touchdown. DEC quarterback Yerucham Pliner was intercepted on the next possession, which the Cobras quickly turned into a 14-0 lead just four minutes into the game. Fortunately for DEC, there was still enough time to make a comeback.
The offense took the field and got it into gear... A long pass from Pliner to Jacob Kon led to a touchdown. After a successful 2-point conversion, DEC was left with just a 6-point deficit at 14-8.
After the defense did its job and held the Cobras, the offense continued on their comeback trail... DEC scored a tying touchdown, but could not take the lead as the extra-point attempt was not converted.
Ner Yaakov was left with two minutes to come up with a winning drive. However, on the ensuing drive, the DEC defense forced a timely turnover (the play is in the first ten seconds of the video)... Eli Tabaria took the brunt of a correctly penalized tackle after intercepting a Ner Yaakov pass that was tipped by safety Sam Ash and cornerback Jacob Kon. DEC had one last opportunity to score and come away with the win... The offense reached the brink of the goal line, but were unable to pierce their way through as time expired, settling instead for the tie.
The second game of the doubleheader started out with a bang... Pliner connected with Ash for a 60-yard touchdown pass, and Kon converted the 2-point conversion with an incredible leaping catch for an early 8-0 lead.
The defensive squads dominated the remainder of the game until Ner Yaakov put together a lengthy drive in the final minutes to finally get on the board. But the DEC defense made the stop that really counted, and that was on the Cobras' two-point conversion. Ner Yaakov was out of luck after the unsuccessful attempt, as DEC ran out the clock and handed the Cobras their first defeat of the season.
DEC will have byes in Week 6 and Week 7, during which we will attempt to give our readers a better understanding of who the players on the team are and what kind of success we may expect from the team. Here's to a record-breaking season!
Derech Etz Chaim played Pizzeria Efrat at Kraft Stadium on November 25.
DEC received the ball to begin the game, but the offense had trouble building any momentum. Meanwhile on defense, quarterback rushes and missed flags helped Pizzeria Efrat quickly build a two-score lead.
Finally reaching a 1st-and-Goal, the DEC offense stalled in the red zone. A dropped touchdown pass and a sack on 4th Down helped Pizzeria Efrat maintain their lead.
After DEC managed to score twice on acrobatic touchdown catches by wide receivers Sam Israel and Jonah Zisquit, it appeared the clubs would go to halftime with an even score. But two long rushes by the Pizzeria Efrat quarterback with under a minute left in the half gave them a 19-13 halftime lead.
DEC's first drive of the second half featured two long passes to wide receiver Jonah Zisquit, the second of which was for a touchdown.
Unfortunately, the defense was met with an immediate response and another Efrat touchdown.
After some confusion among the referees delayed the game for several minutes, quarterback Betzalel Gersten ran the ball into the end zone from the 12-yard line.
Holding on to a five point lead with less than a minute left to play, Pizzeria Efrat had 4th-and-Goal, which represented an opportunity to put the game out of reach. But a block by cornerback Yitzi Adelman gave DEC the ball at the their own 18-yard line and 35 seconds remaining.
The potential winning drive started steady, reaching midfield with 13 seconds left and a couple of opportunities to hit the end zone. Though an interception on the next play seemed to seal their fate, DEC was given renewed hope when a defensive pass interference penalty gave the ball back to them at the Efrat 5-yard line with two seconds remaining. But a blitz together with a covered Zisquit on the ensuing play proved too much to overcome to record a victory. An incomplete pass secured another stinging defeat. The final score was 31-26.
On November 11, Derech Etz Chaim faced Kesher in their third game of the AFI season.
DEC received the ball to start the game, and tallied the first score when quarterback Betzalel Gersten threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jonah Zisquit.
The first half saw the sides trade four touchdowns. DEC held a two point lead late in the half by virtue of their two extra-point conversions. Just before halftime, Kesher had an opportunity to tie the game up with a successful two-point conversion. However, they were denied by cornerback Dovi Zwebner, who made a diving play to prevent a catch.
On their first possession of the second half, DEC scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Gersten to wide receiver Sam Israel. A missed extra-point attempt kept it a one-possession game.
With Kesher driving, looking to tie the game up with a score and a minute remaining, Zisquit intercepted a pass at the Kesher 20-yard line, forcing a crucial turnover.
With point-differential in mind, DEC elected to try to score another touchdown, instead of just running out the clock. They accomplished their mission when tight end Eli Mirlis caught a pass from Gersten, and rumbled to the end zone, eluding several defenders. His second touchdown of the game gave DEC a 38-24 win.
On Motzei Shabbos November 4th, Derech Etz Chaim took on the defending Holyland Bowl Champions, Big Blue, in the second game of the season.
A tremendous upset seemed possible early when wide-receiver Jonah Zisquit caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Betzalel Gersten for the first score of the game.
The defense kept open the possibility of an upset with their play throughout the game. They held Big Blue to a slim 7-6 halftime lead and just 19 points overall, including three impressive goal-line stands.
Unfortunately, the offense wasn't able to keep their end of the bargain. Big Blue's defensive line harassed Gersten all night, keeping the offense out of rhythm for the entire game, and sacked him about ten times.
DEC 2009 Championship Team
