Slow Start to a Strong Finish

(Dewayne “Flash” Gordon takes three Colonials for a ride.)

Syracuse, NY - The Syracuse Strong hosted a familiar opponent for its Memorial Day GDFL league play opener. The Charlotte Colonials came to town with a chip of their shoulders and hopes of upsetting the defending GDFL Champions.

The Strong offense started the first half off with a decent pace, driving straight down the field and scoring 6 points on the opening possession with a short touch down pass from QB Shakem Buckmon to WR Josh Thomas.

But then things slowed down; a Syracuse drive ending in a missed field goal; a safety at the other end after pinning the Colonials within their in 4 years line, the Strong was up 8 - 0 in the first. On another drive that fell short, the Strong kicked a successful field goal making the score 11 - 0 in favor of the Strong going into the half.

The second half was a much different story. The Strong defense was a factor for the entire game. Strong LB - Jeremy Cathey (#45) led the way with 5 tackles. OLB - Dewayne “Flash” Gordon and DB - DePaul Crowell contributed a sack each. DBs - KJ White, Patrick Twum, and last year’s GDFL championship co-MVP, DB - Jeff McDuffie each had an interception. Rounding off a phenomenal defensive showing was DE - Ronald Pierce Jr.,  DL - Qwanvelique “Lucky” Perttiford and DL - Cartezz Carroll who each had force fumbles. Yes, your count was accurate, the Strong defense caused 6 turnovers, making it a long night for the Colonials.

The Strong offense exploded in the second half gaining 242 yards on the ground, with Ishmiek “Loodie” Allen leading the way with 105 yards in 13 Carries.

In the end the Strong scored 33 second half point to close the game out with a 44 - 7 victory.

Next week the Syracuse Strong travels to Watertown to take on the Red & Black.

The Syracuse Strong would like to wish all the best to now former Charlotte Colonials owner, Carlo Olivares and his family, whose relocating to Georgia. #GDFLFamily4Ever

#WEAREGDFL #THEBRAND