Thursday, October 24, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
DEC GETS THE SEASON STARTED WITH A DOUBLE-HEADER SWEEP
GAME 1
On the very first play of the game, the defense set the tone for the season with a sack by rookie lineman Sam Harris!
That's the way it was going to go for Bais all night. The defensive pressure was intense throughout.
After a punt, the offense methodically took their time getting downfield for the first score of the game. A touchdown pass to Dani Eastman, plus the extra point made it 7-0, 5 minutes into the first game. After another punt by Bais, Gilad Silverman again led the offense down the field, this time with a behind-the-line-of-scrimmage forward pass to Zak Lenik from the 2 yard line. 13-0.
Another 3 & out for Bais had them punting again. Having already felt the pressure on the two previous punts, the quick kick was low, 1st-year player Meyer Tennenbaum was able to pull it out of the air from his defensive position just 15 yards from the line, and he ran it back to the Bais 12 yard line.
Gilad threw an uncharacteristically soft pass to the TE which was picked off at the 5-yard line. Bais was able to capitalize on the turnover and drive the length of the field for their lone touchdown of the evening bringing the score to 13-6. And that remained the final score as it was late in the game and DEC was able to run out the remaining clock.
Final score Game 1:
DEC: 13
Bais: 6
GAME 2
With a bit of the rust off, the DEC offense & defense both picked it up a notch in the 2nd game.
DEC received the ball to start the 2nd game and promptly drove down the field scoring on a 10 yard pass to TE Avner Denicoff. The defense got the ball right back for them. In Game 1, the defense had a sack on Bais' 1st play, this time they did one better, with Tannenbaum's 1st INT of his AFI career. Gilad and Eastman connected once again, and Dani Strauss caught the extra point putting DEC ahead 13-0.
On the very next play, just Bais' 2nd offensive play of the game, it was Shlomo Berman's turn, with an incredible interception. He and the opposing WR made a simultaneous catch of the football in the air, and when they came down Berman alone had the ball and the pick. This set up yet another Dani Eastman TD (that would be his 2nd of this game, 3rd of the night overall . . . with 2 more still to come...).
On the next set, the Bais offense was finally able to move the ball to mid-field . . . before another Tennenbaum interception gave DEC the ball back! Starting from their own 1-inch line, a short dump-off pass to Eastman provided a beautiful display of jukes, jump-cuts, and missed flags and a 59+ yard TD for DEC. A turnover on downs set us up for his final score of the night, Eastman took a short pass from Gilad and weaved through all 6 defenders. This took us down to the 1-minute warning and the end of the game.
Final score Game 2:
DEC: 32
Bais: 0
On the very first play of the game, the defense set the tone for the season with a sack by rookie lineman Sam Harris!
That's the way it was going to go for Bais all night. The defensive pressure was intense throughout.
After a punt, the offense methodically took their time getting downfield for the first score of the game. A touchdown pass to Dani Eastman, plus the extra point made it 7-0, 5 minutes into the first game. After another punt by Bais, Gilad Silverman again led the offense down the field, this time with a behind-the-line-of-scrimmage forward pass to Zak Lenik from the 2 yard line. 13-0.
Another 3 & out for Bais had them punting again. Having already felt the pressure on the two previous punts, the quick kick was low, 1st-year player Meyer Tennenbaum was able to pull it out of the air from his defensive position just 15 yards from the line, and he ran it back to the Bais 12 yard line.
Gilad threw an uncharacteristically soft pass to the TE which was picked off at the 5-yard line. Bais was able to capitalize on the turnover and drive the length of the field for their lone touchdown of the evening bringing the score to 13-6. And that remained the final score as it was late in the game and DEC was able to run out the remaining clock.
Final score Game 1:
DEC: 13
Bais: 6
GAME 2
With a bit of the rust off, the DEC offense & defense both picked it up a notch in the 2nd game.
DEC received the ball to start the 2nd game and promptly drove down the field scoring on a 10 yard pass to TE Avner Denicoff. The defense got the ball right back for them. In Game 1, the defense had a sack on Bais' 1st play, this time they did one better, with Tannenbaum's 1st INT of his AFI career. Gilad and Eastman connected once again, and Dani Strauss caught the extra point putting DEC ahead 13-0.
On the very next play, just Bais' 2nd offensive play of the game, it was Shlomo Berman's turn, with an incredible interception. He and the opposing WR made a simultaneous catch of the football in the air, and when they came down Berman alone had the ball and the pick. This set up yet another Dani Eastman TD (that would be his 2nd of this game, 3rd of the night overall . . . with 2 more still to come...).
On the next set, the Bais offense was finally able to move the ball to mid-field . . . before another Tennenbaum interception gave DEC the ball back! Starting from their own 1-inch line, a short dump-off pass to Eastman provided a beautiful display of jukes, jump-cuts, and missed flags and a 59+ yard TD for DEC. A turnover on downs set us up for his final score of the night, Eastman took a short pass from Gilad and weaved through all 6 defenders. This took us down to the 1-minute warning and the end of the game.
Final score Game 2:
DEC: 32
Bais: 0
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Are you ready for some football!
The dawn of a new season is upon us, as regular season games begin this weekend at Kraft Stadium in Jerusalem.
After weeks of practicing, the Derech Etz Chaim team can't wait . . . unfortunately they must wait, as their traditional 1st week bye means they won't play their first game until next Motzei Shabbos.
Once they hit that field though, it will be tough to stop them, as they enter the season as favorites to win it all.
Lead by veteran quarterback Gilad Silverman (DEC years 9,10,11), the team features a nice mix of rookies and return players. On the offensive side, world-beater Dani Eastman will be joined in the receiving corps by Dani Strauss & Zak Lenik.
The offensive line is comprised of 3rd year vet Daniel Romero and 1st-year Tight End Avner Denicoff, looking primed for a big rookie season.
This offense will be tough to stop. Their quickness and experience should light up the scoreboard right out of the gate.
The DEC defense is going to have a tough time matching them on the other side of the ball, but they're up for the challenge. Doni Raskas returned for year 3 to Israel over Sukkot (pretty sure solely to play football, and who hasn't done that before?) and he brought with him an intense 3-3 defensive scheme that will leave opposing offenses scratching their heads. Playing back there with Doni will be Shlomo Berman, an experienced veteran in the League playing his 1st season with DEC, and rookie DB Meyer Tenenbaum.
At the front of the defense look for Tuli Margolese to set the tone playing alongside rookies Sam Harris and Eli Siebzener. Ben Huisman, Mendel Silverman, and Ari Gold round out the rest of the roster. Looking to supplement the defensive push when their number is called.
Check back each week for news & notes!
After weeks of practicing, the Derech Etz Chaim team can't wait . . . unfortunately they must wait, as their traditional 1st week bye means they won't play their first game until next Motzei Shabbos.
Once they hit that field though, it will be tough to stop them, as they enter the season as favorites to win it all.
Lead by veteran quarterback Gilad Silverman (DEC years 9,10,11), the team features a nice mix of rookies and return players. On the offensive side, world-beater Dani Eastman will be joined in the receiving corps by Dani Strauss & Zak Lenik.
The offensive line is comprised of 3rd year vet Daniel Romero and 1st-year Tight End Avner Denicoff, looking primed for a big rookie season.
This offense will be tough to stop. Their quickness and experience should light up the scoreboard right out of the gate.
The DEC defense is going to have a tough time matching them on the other side of the ball, but they're up for the challenge. Doni Raskas returned for year 3 to Israel over Sukkot (pretty sure solely to play football, and who hasn't done that before?) and he brought with him an intense 3-3 defensive scheme that will leave opposing offenses scratching their heads. Playing back there with Doni will be Shlomo Berman, an experienced veteran in the League playing his 1st season with DEC, and rookie DB Meyer Tenenbaum.
At the front of the defense look for Tuli Margolese to set the tone playing alongside rookies Sam Harris and Eli Siebzener. Ben Huisman, Mendel Silverman, and Ari Gold round out the rest of the roster. Looking to supplement the defensive push when their number is called.
Check back each week for news & notes!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
DEC 2012-2013 Season Highlights
The season did not end as well as DEC had hoped. Though they put up a great regular season record and and #2 seed in the league (out of nearly 50 teams) and though it was the 6th straight year that DEC made the top tier finals DEC fell short and their season ended in the quarter finals for the second year in a row. Four DECers made the all star team and as they say, there is always next year.
Ben Spear put together this highlight reel of a truly great team, many of whom will be back again next year, with a good infusion of new talent.
We sign off for the summer. Enjoy:
Ben Spear put together this highlight reel of a truly great team, many of whom will be back again next year, with a good infusion of new talent.
We sign off for the summer. Enjoy:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Derech Etz Chaim moves on to the Quarter Finals
Derech Etz Chaim handily defeated Jerry's Kids (Beis) 32-7 in the opening round of the AFI Holyland Bowl playoffs to set up this weeks rematch against Bagelsberg - formerly known as Flying Pizzas.
Last year DEC met Flying Pizzas in the quarter final and were winning with 3 minutes left in the game. The defense made a great stand and the officials, over the vociferous objections of DEC miscounted the downs to grant Flying Pizzas a 5th down and DEC was knocked out of the playoffs.
One year later Flying Pizzas now called Bagelsberg is facing a new DEC team in the same round of the playoffs. Bagelsberg lost a game in the interim round and came in to the playoffs as a lower seed which set up the meeting, but Bagelsberg handed DEC is worst regular season loss earlier in the regular season. This should be an exciting game with DEC wanting to avenge last years 5th down.
Ben Spear has put together creative highlights of last weeks game against Jerry's kids. Enjoy!:
Last year DEC met Flying Pizzas in the quarter final and were winning with 3 minutes left in the game. The defense made a great stand and the officials, over the vociferous objections of DEC miscounted the downs to grant Flying Pizzas a 5th down and DEC was knocked out of the playoffs.
One year later Flying Pizzas now called Bagelsberg is facing a new DEC team in the same round of the playoffs. Bagelsberg lost a game in the interim round and came in to the playoffs as a lower seed which set up the meeting, but Bagelsberg handed DEC is worst regular season loss earlier in the regular season. This should be an exciting game with DEC wanting to avenge last years 5th down.
Ben Spear has put together creative highlights of last weeks game against Jerry's kids. Enjoy!:
Monday, January 14, 2013
DEC Crushes Lobos 46 -0
Nobody expected it to be this easy. Last years champions Lobos, newly invigorated with QB Micha Muschal have always had close games with DEC. Going back 5 years when DEC stunned Lobos in the championship game, these two teams have met for some of the most exciting games in the AFI with both teams winning and losing in this great rivalry. This game was suppose to be close but DEC came out from the beginning and never stopped and the DEC defense smothered the Lobos for a 46-0 victory. Ben Barel had 3 interceptions and Dani Raskas capped the game with a final pick 6. Gilad Silverman threw to Dani Eastman, Daniel Macks and Raphy Kintzer for TD's and Daniel Romero ran in a short pass for a TD as well.
DEC now goes into the top tier playoffs for the 6th year running as the number 2 seed and has a bye this coming weekend
Highlights by Ben Spear
DEC now goes into the top tier playoffs for the 6th year running as the number 2 seed and has a bye this coming weekend
Highlights by Ben Spear
Sunday, January 06, 2013
DEC defeats LA Nutrition to move on in Intermediate Stage Play
Derech Etz Chaim had to make a tremendous come back on a rainy cold night to defeat LA Nutrition 27-21 and move on in the intermediate stage playoffs.
Kraft Stadium has probably never had worst field conditions. With the rain pounding and the drainage system not working one side of the field was ankle deep in water from the back of the end zone to the 30 yard line. The difficult conditions took away much of DEC's natural advantage over the weaker team. LA Nutrition is the same team that gave DEC trouble last year in the opening week and with DEC receivers dropping the slippery ball and the defense missing flags the game did not look good as DEC went into half time down by a touchdown.
The game began with LA Nutrition quickly scoring and a DEC touchdown off a long Ben Barel run called back by our favorite ref (there is your shout out). It did not go much better until late in the second half when the defense stepped up. Doni Raskas made a clutch interception in the end zone and Gilad Silverman connected with Dani Eastman, Ari Silberstein and Daniel Macks to take the lead finally with 2.5 minutes left in the game. The defense held and DEC was able to breath and take a knee to end the game.
Hats off to Avi Aryeh, Sammy Tover and crew for giving DEC a difficult time with good play. They should still be able to make the final 16 with two victories in their coming games.
Next week DEC faces defending champions Lobos in a rematch of week one. It should be the annual excitement that occurs every year between these two teams.
Due the to rain and there is no highlight video this week.
Kraft Stadium has probably never had worst field conditions. With the rain pounding and the drainage system not working one side of the field was ankle deep in water from the back of the end zone to the 30 yard line. The difficult conditions took away much of DEC's natural advantage over the weaker team. LA Nutrition is the same team that gave DEC trouble last year in the opening week and with DEC receivers dropping the slippery ball and the defense missing flags the game did not look good as DEC went into half time down by a touchdown.
The game began with LA Nutrition quickly scoring and a DEC touchdown off a long Ben Barel run called back by our favorite ref (there is your shout out). It did not go much better until late in the second half when the defense stepped up. Doni Raskas made a clutch interception in the end zone and Gilad Silverman connected with Dani Eastman, Ari Silberstein and Daniel Macks to take the lead finally with 2.5 minutes left in the game. The defense held and DEC was able to breath and take a knee to end the game.
Hats off to Avi Aryeh, Sammy Tover and crew for giving DEC a difficult time with good play. They should still be able to make the final 16 with two victories in their coming games.
Next week DEC faces defending champions Lobos in a rematch of week one. It should be the annual excitement that occurs every year between these two teams.
Due the to rain and there is no highlight video this week.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Highlights from last weeks game
This Saturday night DEC faces LA Nutrition in the first game of the intermediate stage. As the #2 seed DEC faces the 31 seed, a team it faced last year in the same game. In the intermediate round two wins gets you into the round o 16 top tier Holyland Bowl playoffs where DEC has been for the last 6 years.
Here are the highlights from last weeks thumping of Toras Shraga:
Thanks again to Ben Spear productions:
Here are the highlights from last weeks thumping of Toras Shraga:
Thanks again to Ben Spear productions:
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Derech Etz Chaim Secures the #2 Seed While Crushing Torat Shraga
In the last week of the AFI regular season Derech Etz Chaim manhandled AFAC - Torat Shraga (A team) 27-8 32-6 to capture the #2 seed going into playoff qualifying round.
After a terrible start with Doni Raskas fumbling the kick off return on the one yard line leading to a safety and a 2-0 Torat Shraga lead. That was the last time they would lead as the DEC defense held the entire night only allowing two TD's with three interceptions. The DEC offense led by new father Gilad Silverman was precise marching down field time and again with Gilad hitting both Doni Eastman and Rafi Kintzer with long bomb touchdowns to cap the games. Daniel Macks had several receptions and even Gilad did when Doni Eastman took over at QB.
The game was a great way to finish the regular season. The next round DEC needs to win 2 out of 3 games to advance to the upper tier, Holyland Bowl playoffs. This coming week they face the same team they did last year int he first round (different name same players) .
Highlights should be up later this week (and with 49 points there are allot of them!)Stay tuned
After a terrible start with Doni Raskas fumbling the kick off return on the one yard line leading to a safety and a 2-0 Torat Shraga lead. That was the last time they would lead as the DEC defense held the entire night only allowing two TD's with three interceptions. The DEC offense led by new father Gilad Silverman was precise marching down field time and again with Gilad hitting both Doni Eastman and Rafi Kintzer with long bomb touchdowns to cap the games. Daniel Macks had several receptions and even Gilad did when Doni Eastman took over at QB.
The game was a great way to finish the regular season. The next round DEC needs to win 2 out of 3 games to advance to the upper tier, Holyland Bowl playoffs. This coming week they face the same team they did last year int he first round (different name same players) .
Highlights should be up later this week (and with 49 points there are allot of them!)Stay tuned
Thursday, December 27, 2012
DEC Splits with Big Blue
Last Saturday night Derech Etz Chaim took on the number one ranked Big Blue and came away with a split.
The first game started poorly for DEC with the opening kick off returned by Big Blue for a touchdown. From that point on the DEC defense held Big Blue until the very end of the game. DEC marched down field and was in the red zone on their first drive when QB Gilad Silverman threw an interception on a mix up on the receiver’s route. Big blue got the ball but was forced to punt and DEC came right back scoring on a great catch by TE Ari Silberstein that tied up the score 6-6 .
Big Blue could not get anything going and it came down to DEC with the ball in the final minutes. The DEC offense stalled on the 40 and decided to go for the win on a long pass with a minute left. It failed and Big blue with good field position was able to score to take the first game 13-6.
In game two once again DEC controlled the ball driving down on every possession to score two touchdowns while holding Big Blue to one score. The big play of the game came on the Big Blue extra point try with Ben Barel intercepting the ball in the end zone and out ran the entire Big Blue team to take it back for the score.
With the DEC defense holding Big Blue, DEC got the ball back with the ability to run out the clock but Dani Eastman stepped out of bounds on a run to give Big Blue the ball back with 40 seconds to go. The DEC defense held and the final score was DEC 14 Big Blue 6
Highlights this week are once again from Ben Spear productions (warning – the subtitles with the scores are incorrect)
The first game started poorly for DEC with the opening kick off returned by Big Blue for a touchdown. From that point on the DEC defense held Big Blue until the very end of the game. DEC marched down field and was in the red zone on their first drive when QB Gilad Silverman threw an interception on a mix up on the receiver’s route. Big blue got the ball but was forced to punt and DEC came right back scoring on a great catch by TE Ari Silberstein that tied up the score 6-6 .
Big Blue could not get anything going and it came down to DEC with the ball in the final minutes. The DEC offense stalled on the 40 and decided to go for the win on a long pass with a minute left. It failed and Big blue with good field position was able to score to take the first game 13-6.
In game two once again DEC controlled the ball driving down on every possession to score two touchdowns while holding Big Blue to one score. The big play of the game came on the Big Blue extra point try with Ben Barel intercepting the ball in the end zone and out ran the entire Big Blue team to take it back for the score.
With the DEC defense holding Big Blue, DEC got the ball back with the ability to run out the clock but Dani Eastman stepped out of bounds on a run to give Big Blue the ball back with 40 seconds to go. The DEC defense held and the final score was DEC 14 Big Blue 6
Highlights this week are once again from Ben Spear productions (warning – the subtitles with the scores are incorrect)
Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov to Gilad Silverman, long time quarterback of the DEC football team on the birth of a baby boy! He and his wife Avital should be Zoche to raise him to Torah, Chuppah and Maasim Tovim and to bring him into the Bris of Avraham Avinu in its proper time.
Monday, December 10, 2012
DEC splits with Dhani's Bowties
Derech Etz Chaim suffered its first loss of the season as Dhani's Bowties played 5 men in coverage to thwart DEC's potent passing game. In game #1 QB Gilad Silverman could not solve their defensive coverage and DEC lost 7 - 12.
In the second game the offense continued to have trouble until Dani Eastman threw a TD to Daniel Macks to tie the game 7-7. The DEC defense failed to stop the Dhanis drive and they were on the verge of scoring when Dani Eastman came through again with an interception in the endzone , running it back he lateraled to Dani Raskas who ran the length of the field for the game winning TD.
Here are the highlights (thanks again to Ben Spear productions)
In the second game the offense continued to have trouble until Dani Eastman threw a TD to Daniel Macks to tie the game 7-7. The DEC defense failed to stop the Dhanis drive and they were on the verge of scoring when Dani Eastman came through again with an interception in the endzone , running it back he lateraled to Dani Raskas who ran the length of the field for the game winning TD.
Here are the highlights (thanks again to Ben Spear productions)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Derech Etz Chaim crushes Kesher in Week 3
Derech Etz Chaim crushed Kesher (Yoeli’s Cholent Fiends) this past Saturday night to bring their record to 6-0 going into the bye week. It was another display of an offense that worked, with Gilad Silverman hitting all of his receivers, Raphy, Daniel, and especially Dani Eastman for TDs throughout the game. The defense dominated including two stands in the red zone. Aryeh “short shorts” Eastman had two interceptions one returned for a TD and Dani Raskas ended a red zone drive with a pick. The D- line stopped Kesher’s main weapon, the run, consistently and forced a safety as well.
Here are the highlights: (Thanks again to Ben Spear)
Here are the highlights: (Thanks again to Ben Spear)
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Derech Etz Chaim demolishes Toras Moshe (Idaho Burgers Bar)
Derech Etz Chaim dominated Toras Moshe (Idaho Burgers Bar) this week with the final scores of 20-0 21-0 . The offense clicked with Gilad Silverman connecting primarily to Dani Eastman and touchdowns scored by Rafi Kintzer, and TE Daniel Romero and big catches by Daniel Macks as well. The O-line led by veteran center Aron Hertz gave Gilad as much time as he wanted and the offense, with few glitches, controlled the ball the entire game.
The big story this week was a dominating defense with ToMo only getting two first downs the entire night. Their QB was hassled the entire night with three sacks recorded by Brennen Muller and Ari Silberstein and Tully Margolese putting pressure and stopping the QB consistently. Aryeh Eastman replaced Avi Raskas (who is done for the season) at CB and made a number of big plays. And Ben Barel and Doni Raskas came up with an interceptions. Special teams had a great time with Raskas, Dani Eastman and Ben Barel all having big run backs on kick returns.
Next week DEC takes on Kesher
Highlights (produced this week by Ben Spear and Eitan Parnass – thanks Ben and Eitan)
The big story this week was a dominating defense with ToMo only getting two first downs the entire night. Their QB was hassled the entire night with three sacks recorded by Brennen Muller and Ari Silberstein and Tully Margolese putting pressure and stopping the QB consistently. Aryeh Eastman replaced Avi Raskas (who is done for the season) at CB and made a number of big plays. And Ben Barel and Doni Raskas came up with an interceptions. Special teams had a great time with Raskas, Dani Eastman and Ben Barel all having big run backs on kick returns.
Next week DEC takes on Kesher
Highlights (produced this week by Ben Spear and Eitan Parnass – thanks Ben and Eitan)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
DEC Defeats Lobos In Season Opener
Derech Etz Chaim opened its season with two big wins over defending champions Lobos 12- 7 and 20 -19 . The games were not as close as the scores indicate with DEC’s new defense never allowing a true drive by Lobos. The offense clicked with great catches and clean plays and tremendous blocking by Aron Hertz and Daniel Romero on the O-line throughout both games.
In the first game DEC kicked, held Lobos to three and out. Once Gilad Silverman took over on offense, passes to Daniel Macks and a TD pass to Avi Raskas and DEC took a quick 6-0 lead.
Lobos was able to quickly get on the board with a long Pass downfield to score and make the extra point DEC 6 Lobos 7.
DEC came right back driving downfield with a pass to Dani Eastman, a great catch by Daniel Macks and a TD to Dani Eastman to take the lead 12-7 . Lobos went three and out and a pass to Rafi Kintzer and them to Dani Eastman gained first down. DEC then ran the clock out to take a 12- 7 win in game one. The only bad news was Avi Raskas getting hurt defending the Hail Mary pass to end the game
DEC received in the second game and quickly moved the ball with a pass to Dani, then new TE Daniel Romero , then to Rafi Kintzer who took it in for the TD and a 6-0 lead.
A missed flag let Lobos get right back to tie 6- 6 . DEC came right back a quick 15 yard pass to Dani Eastman who turned it into a DEC TD when Dani outran the entire Lobos team down the field for a TD. Extra point to Romero. 13-6
Lobos went three and out and DEC came right back with passes to Daniel Macks, and Dani made it DEC 20-7.
Lobos finally put together a drive and scored to bring the score to 20-13 and DEC suffered from dropped passes to give Lobos one more shot with less then a minute left to play. Lobos QB Micha Muschal sent a Hail Mary pass to Aryeh Rudman with 18 seconds left to bring the score to DEC 20 – Lobos 19 . They went for the win and a 2 point conversion which was stopped by a great defensive effort by Dani Eastman to end the game.
DEC starts its season against one of its most difficult opponents and walks away with two wins – a great start to what will be a great season.
Highlights:
In the first game DEC kicked, held Lobos to three and out. Once Gilad Silverman took over on offense, passes to Daniel Macks and a TD pass to Avi Raskas and DEC took a quick 6-0 lead.
Lobos was able to quickly get on the board with a long Pass downfield to score and make the extra point DEC 6 Lobos 7.
DEC came right back driving downfield with a pass to Dani Eastman, a great catch by Daniel Macks and a TD to Dani Eastman to take the lead 12-7 . Lobos went three and out and a pass to Rafi Kintzer and them to Dani Eastman gained first down. DEC then ran the clock out to take a 12- 7 win in game one. The only bad news was Avi Raskas getting hurt defending the Hail Mary pass to end the game
DEC received in the second game and quickly moved the ball with a pass to Dani, then new TE Daniel Romero , then to Rafi Kintzer who took it in for the TD and a 6-0 lead.
A missed flag let Lobos get right back to tie 6- 6 . DEC came right back a quick 15 yard pass to Dani Eastman who turned it into a DEC TD when Dani outran the entire Lobos team down the field for a TD. Extra point to Romero. 13-6
Lobos went three and out and DEC came right back with passes to Daniel Macks, and Dani made it DEC 20-7.
Lobos finally put together a drive and scored to bring the score to 20-13 and DEC suffered from dropped passes to give Lobos one more shot with less then a minute left to play. Lobos QB Micha Muschal sent a Hail Mary pass to Aryeh Rudman with 18 seconds left to bring the score to DEC 20 – Lobos 19 . They went for the win and a 2 point conversion which was stopped by a great defensive effort by Dani Eastman to end the game.
DEC starts its season against one of its most difficult opponents and walks away with two wins – a great start to what will be a great season.
Highlights:
Monday, October 22, 2012
DEC begins new season against Lobos
We have been waiting months but the new season finally begins this Saturday night with the new look Derech Etz Chaim team taking on last years AFI champions Lobos. Lobos and DEC have had a friendly rivalry since DEC surprisingly defeated Lobos during the 2009 regular season then went on to trounce them in the championship game. Ever since, the two have met not only in the regular season but in the playoffs, until last year when they ended up on different sides of the playoff divide.
Lobos brings back many of its players and has bolstered its offense with QB Micha Muskal formerly of Tov Pizza who was injured in his last AFI game which just happened to be against DEC!
Derech Etz Chaim brings back veterans from last year with QB Gilad Silverman, C Aron Hertz, WR Rafi Kintzer, and CB Doni Raskas. Daniel Romero moves to TE from the D- line. Other veterans who have joined the team include WR-CB Avi Raskas, and WR Dani Eastman who is now first year at DEC but led the Israeli national team this past year. Other new players include WR Daniel Macks, CB Ben Barel and D-line Ari Silberstein. The team is filled out by a couple of DEC brothers Tuli Margolese and Ari Eastman on D-line.
DEC’s season ended disappointingly last year when the AFI official Dov Rabinowitz mis-counted the downs and gave the ball back for a 5th down with DEC leading their playoff game with 3 minutes left. The mistake turned the game around, ending DEC’s season prematurely in what looked like another DEC title run. DEC has looked very good through the preseason scrimmages and this week’s game is much anticipated by all.
Lobos brings back many of its players and has bolstered its offense with QB Micha Muskal formerly of Tov Pizza who was injured in his last AFI game which just happened to be against DEC!
Derech Etz Chaim brings back veterans from last year with QB Gilad Silverman, C Aron Hertz, WR Rafi Kintzer, and CB Doni Raskas. Daniel Romero moves to TE from the D- line. Other veterans who have joined the team include WR-CB Avi Raskas, and WR Dani Eastman who is now first year at DEC but led the Israeli national team this past year. Other new players include WR Daniel Macks, CB Ben Barel and D-line Ari Silberstein. The team is filled out by a couple of DEC brothers Tuli Margolese and Ari Eastman on D-line.
DEC’s season ended disappointingly last year when the AFI official Dov Rabinowitz mis-counted the downs and gave the ball back for a 5th down with DEC leading their playoff game with 3 minutes left. The mistake turned the game around, ending DEC’s season prematurely in what looked like another DEC title run. DEC has looked very good through the preseason scrimmages and this week’s game is much anticipated by all.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Letter from Steve Leibowitz
Dear Rabbi Katz and the DEC Football Team,
I carefully read you account of the AFI quarter-final game and viewed the video of the "Five Down" incident a number of times. I also asked our Chief Referee and Game ref Dovi Rabinowitz to have our leading rules expert Avi Steinhardt review the "evidence" before a ruling was made about your appeal.
As far as I can tell from the video, a clear mistake was made by our referees in allowing a "fifth down" to take place. I think their confusion was caused on down two. After the play the refs had a discussion about ball placement or whether a penalty had occurred. Dovi may or may not have announced third down and fourth down on the next two plays. I could not tell by video. After fourth down there was clearly confusion on the field. DEC players were certain that it was now their ball and their offense huddled on the field. The announcement by the refs that it was fourth down coming up was argued, and the refs wrongly determined that it was fourth down and still Flying Pizza's ball. The DEC defense took the field. Based on the video I think that the Refs made an additional mistake by not allowing the DEC defense enough time to set up before allowing the snap. The play probably should have been blown dead.
I acknowledge the refs mistake(s), but the AFI rules do not allow for the re-playing of a game. During more than two decades of playing and refing in the AFI, I experienced more than a few calls that may have impacted the outcome of games. When I was on the winning side it felt like compensation for earlier calls against us. When it goes against us I would always feel like there should be a do over. As a ref I would just feel horrible if I got it wrong. Refs make mistakes and we all have to live with it.
The existance of a video proving the bad call makes the refs mistake that much clearer. But the fact is than not all AFI games are videotaped. Even if they were, we are not equipped to use video reviews to assist the referees. The video of the game is really only useful as a review of what took place, after the fact. The only way to efficiently run our league is to have the decision on the field by the refs stand. The most important thing is that we have refs that are capable, experienced and honest. Dovi is one of the two most capable and experienced refs, and is certainly one of the most honest men I know. He tries to do his best in every game. He is also human and makes mistakes. He made a crucial one in this game.
The DEC football team feels that they have been wronged and I can certainly understand their feelings. You had a great regular season and you were a very solid club heading into the playoffs with a real chance to win the title. It is possible that if the ball had been turned over to you after fourth down, you may have gone on to win the game. Unfortunately sports (and its refs) are not a perfect science, and it could be, that as a result, the better team was not the victor.
I applaud your team for its achievements on the field, both in terms of playing ability and more importantly in terms of sportsmanship.
With love of Israel
Steve Leibowitz
President
American Football in Israe
I carefully read you account of the AFI quarter-final game and viewed the video of the "Five Down" incident a number of times. I also asked our Chief Referee and Game ref Dovi Rabinowitz to have our leading rules expert Avi Steinhardt review the "evidence" before a ruling was made about your appeal.
As far as I can tell from the video, a clear mistake was made by our referees in allowing a "fifth down" to take place. I think their confusion was caused on down two. After the play the refs had a discussion about ball placement or whether a penalty had occurred. Dovi may or may not have announced third down and fourth down on the next two plays. I could not tell by video. After fourth down there was clearly confusion on the field. DEC players were certain that it was now their ball and their offense huddled on the field. The announcement by the refs that it was fourth down coming up was argued, and the refs wrongly determined that it was fourth down and still Flying Pizza's ball. The DEC defense took the field. Based on the video I think that the Refs made an additional mistake by not allowing the DEC defense enough time to set up before allowing the snap. The play probably should have been blown dead.
I acknowledge the refs mistake(s), but the AFI rules do not allow for the re-playing of a game. During more than two decades of playing and refing in the AFI, I experienced more than a few calls that may have impacted the outcome of games. When I was on the winning side it felt like compensation for earlier calls against us. When it goes against us I would always feel like there should be a do over. As a ref I would just feel horrible if I got it wrong. Refs make mistakes and we all have to live with it.
The existance of a video proving the bad call makes the refs mistake that much clearer. But the fact is than not all AFI games are videotaped. Even if they were, we are not equipped to use video reviews to assist the referees. The video of the game is really only useful as a review of what took place, after the fact. The only way to efficiently run our league is to have the decision on the field by the refs stand. The most important thing is that we have refs that are capable, experienced and honest. Dovi is one of the two most capable and experienced refs, and is certainly one of the most honest men I know. He tries to do his best in every game. He is also human and makes mistakes. He made a crucial one in this game.
The DEC football team feels that they have been wronged and I can certainly understand their feelings. You had a great regular season and you were a very solid club heading into the playoffs with a real chance to win the title. It is possible that if the ball had been turned over to you after fourth down, you may have gone on to win the game. Unfortunately sports (and its refs) are not a perfect science, and it could be, that as a result, the better team was not the victor.
I applaud your team for its achievements on the field, both in terms of playing ability and more importantly in terms of sportsmanship.
With love of Israel
Steve Leibowitz
President
American Football in Israe
Official Decision
Having reviewed the video (see posting) there was an official AFI meeting regarding the possibility of replaying the last minutes or entire game between Flying Pizzas and DEC. Prior to the meeting DEC requested of Flying Pizzas to acknowledge that they had won through official error and agree to re play. Their response was that even though they knew they received an extra down - and they admit knowing it at the time, that it was irrelevant being as they convinced the game officials so it makes no difference.
The officials ruled to up hold the game's outcome even while acknowledging the mistakes made (and hoping to do better next time).
Derech Etz Chaim can add this to a feeling that there is a list of discriminatory decisions made by the league over the years and know their season finished prematurely due to official error. They also can at least find some comfort in a great season and the fact that they know they are the better team.
Flying Pizzas can continue their playoff drive hoping for more help by officials to beat teams they otherwise cannot defeat.
Season Recap and other stories coming up before we close down the Blog for the off season.
The officials ruled to up hold the game's outcome even while acknowledging the mistakes made (and hoping to do better next time).
Derech Etz Chaim can add this to a feeling that there is a list of discriminatory decisions made by the league over the years and know their season finished prematurely due to official error. They also can at least find some comfort in a great season and the fact that they know they are the better team.
Flying Pizzas can continue their playoff drive hoping for more help by officials to beat teams they otherwise cannot defeat.
Season Recap and other stories coming up before we close down the Blog for the off season.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Flying Pizzas 5 Downs
Here is the video of Flying Pizzas 5 downs to win their playoff game against DEC this past Sat. night
Monday, February 06, 2012
DEC loses to Flying Pizzas on 5th down!
Who said there is no 5th down in football! DEC lost in the quarter finals to Flying Pizzas when the officials mistakenly, and after protest, mis counted and granted Flying Pizzas a 5th down that began without the DEC defense on the field, where they went ahead and scored the winning touchdown.
It was a close game with DEC on incredible passing from Gilad Silverman leading by 1 point for most of the game. On Flying Pizzas (FP) opening drive they were forced to punt and DEC drove down field quickly but was unable to punch it in in the red zone. FP took scored on their next drive missing the extra point and DEC came right back to go up by 1. The teams each scored one more time to end the first half with DEC leading 14-13.
The second half contined as a defensive battle each team scorning one more time and DEC holding a 1 point lead late in the game. With FP in the red zone and 3 minutes left the DEC defense stopped them again. Chief AFI official Dovi Rabinowitz called 4rth down accurately, DEC held and as the offense was switching onto the feild the FP bench started claiming it was only 3rd down. After consulting with the other official FP was granted another down which they began while players were still protesting to the ref in spite of the fact that the clock had been stopped and the clock official was involved in the conversation and did not see the play start to start the clock. Video confirmation shows it was a 5th down. Fly Pizzas took advantage of no defense on the feild scored to go ahead 25-19 with less then 3 minutes on the clock.
DEC tried to drive and was forced with under a minute to go in the game to go for it on 4rth and long unsuccessfully and FP scored one more time from the DEC 20 to put the game away.
We hope to soon post video of the game as well as a season recap. This was another great DEC team whose season has unfortunately come to a premature end.
Stay tuned for more posts before we head into the off season.
It was a close game with DEC on incredible passing from Gilad Silverman leading by 1 point for most of the game. On Flying Pizzas (FP) opening drive they were forced to punt and DEC drove down field quickly but was unable to punch it in in the red zone. FP took scored on their next drive missing the extra point and DEC came right back to go up by 1. The teams each scored one more time to end the first half with DEC leading 14-13.
The second half contined as a defensive battle each team scorning one more time and DEC holding a 1 point lead late in the game. With FP in the red zone and 3 minutes left the DEC defense stopped them again. Chief AFI official Dovi Rabinowitz called 4rth down accurately, DEC held and as the offense was switching onto the feild the FP bench started claiming it was only 3rd down. After consulting with the other official FP was granted another down which they began while players were still protesting to the ref in spite of the fact that the clock had been stopped and the clock official was involved in the conversation and did not see the play start to start the clock. Video confirmation shows it was a 5th down. Fly Pizzas took advantage of no defense on the feild scored to go ahead 25-19 with less then 3 minutes on the clock.
DEC tried to drive and was forced with under a minute to go in the game to go for it on 4rth and long unsuccessfully and FP scored one more time from the DEC 20 to put the game away.
We hope to soon post video of the game as well as a season recap. This was another great DEC team whose season has unfortunately come to a premature end.
Stay tuned for more posts before we head into the off season.
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