August 13, 2006- It's difficult to find a better match up then the Sparrows (6-0) and the Icebergs (4-2) for BFL Bowl IX. The match put two of the most balanced teams in the league against each other. Coming into this game, the Sparrows did the impossible handing the Falcons their first loss by beating them in overtime in the semi finals. Then there are the Icebergs. Mark was a quiet team this year. The Icebergs went 2-1 took out the Gamblers in overtime and then would not be stopped against the Dragons in the Semi finals.

To add to the mix, Rich F. was scheduled to quarterback his first BFL Bowl, but had to pull out a day before the game because of family matters. So Howie Gogo decided to come out of retirement for just one game only, to quarterback his first game in over a year.

The scene was set, the field was painted, a crowd of 23 people were on hand to witness a classic BFL Bowl game.

The game began with the Icebergs driving down hill. Mark moved the ball with a few short passes before catching a great touchdown in the endzone over a leaping Ken to take a 7-0 lead.

Ken responded on his first drive, by using the same short play, (two steps, cut right) 5 consecutive times in a no huddle offense. He then was able to tie the score at 7-7 on his first touchdown.

Another drive would have the Icebergs up 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The two teams were very conservative on their play calling throughout the first half. The teams ate up the yardage on short range and medium passes. Mark took a 21-14 lead on a one handed touchdown in the south endzone.

Trailing 28-21, the Sparrows finally opened up the game with the first barnburner. Ken caught a long pass while battling the heavy sun in his eyes to once again tie the score up. And with under a minute to play, the Icebergs put together a beautiful drive to eat up the remaining clock. As time expired in the half, the Icebergs scored one last time to take a 35-28 lead, into the break.

Throughout the breaks in between quarters, the BFL had quite a few announcements. Rich of the Dragons was awarded the MVP for 2006 after going 3-0 for the first time. The BFL inducted its 4th hall of Famer, Adam of the Koala. Adam played from 1999-2000 and made the playoffs in 2000. And Marko was awarded as the Commentator of the Year for the 5th straight time. He then announced that the 2007 season will be his last.

The teams opened up the scoring in the 2nd half. The a miss yakle on the 2nd play of the half allowed the Sparrows to trot into the endzone and knot the game at 35-35.

Mark too began going for the barn burners much more in this half. On one play, Howie attempted a shuffle that Mark accidentally batted back to Howie, and then Howie fired it back into the hands of the Icebergs for a beautiful touchdown play.

The teams exchanged scores always to the final drive of the game. The Icebergs had a 70-63 lead with 47 seconds to play. Ken scored a quick first down on two plays. On 2nd and 1, he went for the tie, as Mark batted the ball away in the endzone. Ken converted on a crucial 3rd and 1. With 6 seconds on the clock, the Sparrows ran a play that was caught right at the goal line leaving only 2 on the clock. And on the final play of regulation the Sparrows ran a quick slant to the right. The ball was just out of Mark’s reach as Ken bobbled the ball quickly but managed to hang on for the game tying score.

In overtime, the Sparrows defense began to really step up. Mark attempted a 3 point play but as the play clock ran out, Howie’s passed sailed over Mark, who couldn’t get open. On the 2 point play, the Icebergs found themselves slipping throughout the endzone. When Mark did make his move as the play clock began winding down, he slipped allowing Kenny to catch up and cover Mark once again. Howie threw the pass, but Ken had great positioning and was able to intercept it and run it back for the game winning 3 pointer. Sparrows win their 5th championship 73-70 over the Icebergs. Remarkable game!

Notes: -This is the 4th all-time BFL Bowl game to go to overtime. The last overtime game was last year at BFL Bowl VIII.
-This is the 5th time that a championship was decided on the final play of the game. (III, IV, V, VIII, IX)
-The Sparrows improve to 5-0 in BFL Bowls
–The Icebergs join the Sparrows, Dragons, and Black Knights as the only team to appear in multiple BFL Bowls
-This was Howie’s 8th BFL Bowl Game at Quarterback
-The crowd of 23 ranks 2nd all-time
-This was the first time a team ran an interception back in overtime for the 3 points. (No one has ever ran back a two point conversion for 2 point either)
-This was the first time since BFL Bowl III that both teams scored touchdowns on every drive of the game.

Throwoff TDs