[MIJB#19]

Maassluis versus Astoria recap
The Merchantmen played another classic game. In a 20-7 loss, Maassluis never got grip on the Astoria Heroes running backs and were handed a big loss at home. It marked the fifth loss at home for the Merchantmen in seven games. Last week is their last home game against Paris.

As the fans are used to, the Merchantmen started of scoring on their first possession. Randy Harris scored on a short yardage rush. The score was setup by Astoria's xxx Watterson, who fumbled the ball on the kickoff return. Former Heroes player Ellsworth Thelen tackled Watterson to make his mark against former teammates.

In the remaining time of the first half, the Merchantmen defended the lead with ease, allowing only a 44-yard field goal early in the second quarter. The fans were full of expectations for a win against the last opponent from the other conference of the season and a possible sweeping of all four NAC Mid-Atlantic opponents.

In the second half, the Merchantmen starter of with a good drive. Devin Henson had returned the kickoff tho the middle. A 21-yard pass from Leonard Lyon to Jim Reiser moved the Merchantmen within nine yards, but a tripping penalty moved them back. Cary Coles missed the 39-yard field goal attempt and a seven-point lead.

The Heroes responded with a so-so drive, marked by a big 43 yard rush from fullback xxx Gleason on a third and eigheen situation at the Astoria 21-yard line. Julius Irvine spread the ball around and eventually found Jack Potter for a 10-yard touchdown pass to put the Heroes 10-7 up.

On their next drive, Julius Irvine inspired his offense again to keep moving and early in the fourth quarter, Stan Girard ran around the Merchantmen defensive line and scored from 10-yards out. The Heroes were 17-7 up and could lean back to remain in a good position for their playoff hopes.

The Merchantmen offense looked lost and the Heroes front four haunted the Merchantmen backfield. Leonard Lyon and Randy Harris left the field after three plays, black-and-blue of the tackles under their gear. The Merchantmen got the ball back as Ellsworth Thelen had a crucial defended pass, but their possession again produced nothing.

Ellsworth Thelen kept making crucial plays against the Heroes, making a tackle and a quarterback hurry, making his role crucial in getting the ball back. The Merchantmen moved up field, but as Leonard Lyon suddenly scrambled, he fumbled and the Heroes got the ball. Eventually John Burch kicked in a 44-yard field goal with a minute left.

The game was over as the Merchantmen had no shot at scoring two touchdown in the last drive. Julius Irvine was handed the MVP honors, though the rushing game was more crucial with 150 yards. Leonard Lyon kept in pace with Irvine, yet Lyon's fumble turned out to be game ending. Of course, the Merchantmen fans are used to this way of losing.

For the Astoria Heroes, the victory means that a victory at Chespaeke will clinch a playoff ticket. If the lose there, they need the Miami Sharks to lose. For the Merchantmen, their goal will be to end a losing streak against their French rivals. The loyal fans want to see a third win at home, a loss against 2-13 Paris would really hurt.