Portland Portal

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KALISPEL, Mt. -- The Phantoms notch another win behind backup QB Jon Lee who continues to impress.

QB Jon Lee was again the star of the show for the Portland Phantoms as he tossed a pair of touchdowns and scrambled 67 yards on the day. Special mention must also go to OLB Orlando Harmon who managed to sack the Kalispel Stags' QB J.C. Hartman three times.

The first quarter started well as both sides managed to put points on the board with their first possessions of the game. Phantoms QB Lee found TE Hartman for a score before the Stag's hit back with a field goal. K Selmon missed a long field goal to finish the quarter.

The second quarter started with a couple of three and outs for both sides before the Kalispel Stags fired themselves back into the game with 10 unanswered points. First K Caldwell claimed his second successful field goal of the game before Stags' QB Hartman found WR Bronson for a score.

The Phantoms would find themselves on the wrong side of discipline this week as they struggled with penalties and the offensive line would also give up five sacks on the day. Thankfully QB Lee was in top form and forced Portland back into the game when he completed a touchdown pass to WR Leroy Henry. Stags QB Hartman was then picked off by CB Wheeler which set up an easy field goal to end the half 17-13 to the Phantoms.

Hartman tossed another interception early in the third quarter, this time to S Riddick Bravo. Phantoms' K Selmon would add another three points.

The rest of the game would be sloppy from both teams. Portland fumbled the ball deep into Kalispel territory and the Stags would turn the ball over on downs in a desperate attempt to claim a touchdown with the clock ticking down. Both teams would share seven punts in the second half alone.

Week 7 welcomes the 2-4 New Orleans Stingrays to Portland. Off the back of two wins, the Phantoms will be looking to increase momentum and hopefully make a claim for a wide open AC North division.

The Good: Another win and another impressive performance from QB Lee
The Bad: Five sacks given up on the day
The Ugly: Nine penalties for 68 yards

Portland Phantoms 20
Kalispel Stags 13

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- Phantoms offense restricted to under 250 yards as Stingrays take the win with last minute field goal.

The Portland Phantoms lost another close game this week to drop to 2-5 for the season. The Phantoms last three defeats has seen them lose by just three points in each.

The Stingrays started nervously and it showed. An interception on their first possession didn't amount to anything from the Phantoms offense but a blocked punt on their next drive allowed QB Lee to find WR Neal Joyner in the endzone for the first score of the day.

Five punts were exchanged before the Stingrays' OLB Deron Emerson picked off QB Lee which set up a 48 yard touchdown bomb to TE Calvin Hatcher to level the scores. K Selmon would kick a field goal wide right from 49 yards to continue his miserable season so far.

QB Eddie Clements linked up with WR Conner Emmons just before the break to give the New Orleans Stingrays a 14-7 lead.

Indiscipline would hit the Phantoms for the second straight week, this time three big plays were called back in succession at the start of the third quarter which would result in another touchdown for the away side. QB Clements finding RB Luther Timmerman for a 21 yard catch.

The Phantoms QB Jon Lee was finding it hard to get going this week and would throw his second pick of the day on their next possession. QB Clements would then throw a pick of his own which allowed the Phantoms to claw their way back with a touchdown catch from WR Mendheim at the start of the fourth.

A failed field goal attempt from Stingrays' K Durham gave up good field position for the Phantoms which was taken advantage of by RB Bart Shue to level the scores 21-21.

Starting on their own 20, the New Orleans Stingrays would then drive downfield on 17 plays to set up the winning field goal from Durham with 0:35 on the clock.

The Good: The defense played well for the most part. CB Wheeler with two picks.
The Bad: Offense just couldn't get going. Only 125 passing yards.
The Ugly: Giving up a 17 play drive in the last few minutes.

New Orleans Stingrays 24
Portland Phantoms 21

[Guest]

PORT CITY, Ms. -- Disappointing Phantoms drop to 2-6 as Steam notch their second W of the season.

You never know what you are going to get with this Portland Phantoms offense. The run game improved dramatically this week but another two interceptions from QB Jarrod Gaddy and the defense giving up 180 yards to the Port City Steam running backs contributed to their downfall.

Steam scored on their first possession courtesy of RB Vernon Clancy on the back of a 16 play drive. K Selmon would put points on the board for the Phantoms before the first quarter was out.

Another impressive drive from the Steam allowed them to increase the lead with another touchdown. This time RB Danny Woodcock would go in untouched from 11 yards after C Duane Perch opened up a hole.

A punt return from WR Brian Farley for the Steam set up good field position which allowed K Paul Schalman to convert from 38 yards. Schalman was perfect on the day and would finish 5 from 5.

Phantoms QB Gaddy returned from injury this week but was clearly not 100%. He struggled to get anything going for the rest of the first half. 17-3 Steam

The second half started much the same for the Phantoms. Inconsistent play and penalties would lead to punting back to the Steam but ILB Diego Levine would come up with a big play to intercept Steam QB Riddick Haroldson. The good field position culminated in Gaddy finding WR Neal Joyner for a touchdown.

Portland Phantoms offense was starting to click and they brought the game level when the much improved run game allowed RB Lukas Alexander to go 32 yards for the score.

Special teams was a major factor for the Port City Steam this week as WR Farley returned the kick off for 60 yards, deep into Phantoms territory. This allowed K Schalman to kick an easy field goal to re-take the lead.

The inconsistent Gaddy gifted the ball back to the Steam on an interception which set up another suucessful field goal attempt from K Schalman to extend the lead by six points.

The fourth quarter started with punts being exchanged before the impressive K Schalman kicked another one between the posts. The 52 yarder would be his longest of the day.

The Phantoms, desperate to get something going, turned the ball over again. Gaddy threw his second pick of the day to set up K Schalman to extend the lead by 12 points with the two minute warning approaching.

Gaddy would find WR Carter Garcia for a score in garbage time to boost his numbers but in truth, it's another poor outing from the Phantoms signal caller.

The Good: The run game stepped up this week for the first time this season.
The Bad: We gave up far too many yards on the ground after shutting down the pass game.
The Ugly: QB Gaddy was inconsistent yet again and looks like a nervous wreck out there.

Portland Phantoms 24
Port City Steam 29

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- The Phantoms ride RB Bart Shue to victory against divisional rivals Washington Bombers.

The Portland Phantoms could easily be described as the Jekyll and Hyde of the OSFL. After a disappointing loss at Port City in week 8, they came out on top in a scrappy game this week against AC North leaders Washington Bombers.

The game started slowly but kicked into life when Phantoms' QB Gaddy was picked off by Bombers' CB Fred McCullough. The away side couldn't take advantage so it was left to Portland K Selmon to add the first score of the game with a 37 yard field goal. Selmon would add another field goal in the second quarter

Both teams were struggling to get anything going on offense and it took until the last play of the first half for a touchdown when QB Granberry launched a long bomb into the endzone for WR Ackerman. 7-6 Bombers at the halfway stage.

Early in the third quarter, the impressive DE Randy Conway sacked QB Granberry and forced a fumble which was recovered by rookie DT Diego Cunningham for a score.

Field goals were exchanged before QB Granberry threw his second pick of the day which in turn set up QB Gaddy to drive downfield and find RB Bart Shue for a touchdown pass. A two point conversion to FB Shar Savea would make it a two score game with 5 minutes left on the clock.

The Washington Bombers would find themselves deep in Phantoms territory but would turn the ball over on downs when desperate for the touchdown.

The Good: Won the game in the trenches. Defensive line got good pressure on the QB and the offensive line opened up the holes for Bart Shue to pound the rock
The Bad: Another nervous display from QB Jarrod Gaddy
The Ugly: Can't complain too much but we have lost WR Garcia for 6 weeks

Washington Bombers 10
Portland Phantoms 24

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- Phantoms succumb to defeat in shootout against divisional rivals, Gladiators. Fall to 3-7.

The Portland Phantoms and the Anchorage Gladiators put up a great showing this week with both offenses ticking, they combined for over 800 yards of offense and 80 points. Unfortunately, someone had to lose.

The away side would be the first to draw blood in this divisional game, QB Rylan White finding WR Bryant Snyder in the endzone. The Phantoms hit back when DE Randy Conway forced a fumble and set up QB Gaddy to find WR Henry for a score.

The start of the second quarter saw Portland push in front for the first time, RB Bart Shue running in from 8 yards but Anchorage leveled things up when Shue coughed one up to OLB Waschke which led to QB White throwing a 10 yard touchdown pass to WR Snyder for his second of the day.

Both sides would score again before the half was out. The Gladiators retook the lead when QB White threw a long bomb to TE Bashford before the impressive Gaddy, having by far his best game of the season so far, completed to TE Hartman from 30 yards. 21-21 at the break.

The second half would start with good field position for the Glads after a big kick off return and they would take full advantage by taking the lead again through RB Mondragon's scamper. Portland wouldn't give up though, QB Gaddy finding rookie WR McWilliams from 14 yards.

The game was fast becoming a mini classic when the lead changed for a fourth time, Phantoms QB Gaddy and WR Henry combining for the second time in the match.

Both QB's were on top form and not making many mistakes. That would all suddenly change late in the game. Firstly, QB White would gift possession back to the Phantoms when S Bravo intercepted at midfield and the WR Henry coughed one up when tackled by Gladiators S Collins who then took it 73 yards to the house and tie it up yet again.

Anchorage RB Doelle would add a touchdown on the ground off the back of an 8 play drive to take the lead before Portland K Selmon would add the only field goal of the game and keep the Phantoms within touching distance.

With less than two minutes left and tasked with driving his team the whole length of the field, QB Gaddy would be picked up off by Glads' S Reid which allowed QB White to take a knee and put an end to this classic rivals match-up.

The Good: The offense led by QB Gaddy was on top form
The Bad: Could have done more defensively, need more pressure on the QB
The Ugly: A Heartbreaking way to lose but a great game

Anchorage Gladiators 42
Portland Phantoms 38

[Guest]

THE SEASON SO FAR.....

As we enter the bye week for the Portland Phantoms, lets just have a look at the season so far.

The Portland Phantoms travelled to divisional rivals Anchorage Gladiators on the opening week but would come away with a 29-14 defeat. This was followed up with another loss away to the Gainesville Gaels in week 2. They fared a little better in weeks 3 and 4 against some tough OSFL sides but would finish the first quarter of the season 0-4 after narrow losses to the Punxsatawney Phils and Waco Warhawks respectively.

Week 5 brought the first home game of the season and the first win. A 23-3 victory against the Memphis Showboats was followed up with a second win away to the Kalispel Stags, 20-13. New Orleans Stingrays would burst the bubble with a 24-21 win in Portland before travelling to the Port City Steam and coming away with a 29-24 loss. 2-6 at the halfway stage.

The Phantoms entertained Washington Bombers in week 9 and would record an impressive 24-10 win before serving up a mini classic with the Anchorage Gladiators in week 10. 42-38 was the score, but the Glads took the spoils and the Portland Phantoms dropped to 3-7 on the season so far.

STAND OUT PLAYERS SO FAR.....

QB Jon Lee impressed for a couple of games, standing in for QB Jarrod Gaddy. So far he has posted a 108.4 rating and scrambled for 162 yards in just under 3 full games.

WR Leroy Henry is probably the Phantoms best player on the roster. He has amassed over 500 yards receiving despite missing the first game of the season with injury. The Phantoms are hoping he signs a new long term contract soon.

SILB Alex Buchanan has been solid this season in a weak Linebacking corp. He has over 70 tackles combined and has been an unsung hero so far this season.

CB Darrin Wheeler has got three interceptions to his name so far this year and is defending passes at a respectable 78% success rate.

With the playoffs extremely unlikely this season, The Phantoms will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible and look to start rebuilding in the off season and address some needs in a roster that is performing below par.

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- QB Jarrod Gaddy tosses five touchdowns against zero picks and takes the Phantoms to 4-7 on the season over the Sentinels.

The Portland Phantoms clawed back a halftime deficit this week at home to the Charlotte Sentinels behind the impressive arm of QB Gaddy. The Phantoms signal caller would finish the game with a completion rate of over 80% and five touchdown passes, three to WR Neal Joyner.

The first drive showed a sign of things to come as the Phantoms drove downfield off the back of 13 plays and ended with veteran FB Shar Savea celebrating a touchdown catch. The Sentinels would level it up early in the second quarter though, QB Esquivel finding RB Ellision for a score.

The Phantoms hit back when QB Gaddy linked up with WR Joyner for a touchdown grab before Charlotte equalised again, the accurate Esquivel finding WR Choisser. The Sentinels defense would grab the ball back after QB Gaddy fumbled in Phantoms territory and took the lead when K Newsome stepped up and kicked through the posts. Newsome would score again before the end of the half to give Charlotte a six point lead at the break.

The second half saw a much improved Portland offense that scored on all four of their second half possessions. Firstly, Gaddy linked up with Joyner to re-take the lead after a turnover (fumble recovery from S Junior Dernbach), then K Selmon kicked one through the posts from 42 yards.

The Charlotte offense would fumble again on their third possesion of the half, RB Ellison coughed it up and was recovered by Phantoms DE Conway on the Sentinels' 23 yard line. Portland took full advantage when Gaddy found Joyner in the endzone.

Charlotte, desperate to claw their way back, managed to reduce the deficit with a successful kick before Gaddy tossed his fifth strike of the game when he found WR Leroy Henry for a score.

The Sentinels would put together some long gains before the clock run out but it would be too little too late and the Phantoms would record their fourth win of the season.

The Good: QB Gaddy is starting to show his talent. Let's hope it lasts.
The Bad: Despite shutting down the Charlotte run game, they still managed to pass for nearly 350 yards.
The Ugly: We are giving up far too many completions to the opposition QB. 68% and 71% in the last two weeks alone.

Charlotte Sentinels 23
Portland Phantoms 38

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- Phantoms scrape win with a minute to go over Riders. Gaddy leads the way yet again as Portland move to 5-7 on the season so far.

The Portland Phantoms claimed their third win in four games with good performances all round on offense. Two players in particular have upped their game the last few weeks. QB Jarrod Gaddy has been exceptional since returning from injury and RB Bart Shue is beginning to look like the player who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honours in 2030.

The Phantoms started the game in aggressive mood and went for it on fourth down at midfield but the ball would be turned over on downs. However, the Phoenix Riders would fail to take advantage when K Dodge missed a 44 yard field goal.

The Riders would draw first blood though, QB Jennings finding TE Mason from 5 yards for the only score of the first quarter. In the second quarter, K Selmon added Phantoms' first points of the day with a field goal before QB Jennings was picked off by S Dernbach who took it to the house to give the Phantoms the lead.

The Phantoms would soon gift the ball back to the Riders though. QB Gaddy fumbled and it was pounced on by Riders' DE Pepper. This set up a drive which culminated in QB Jennings throwing a touchdown pass to TE Mason for his second of the game. K Selmon added another field goal for the home side and at the break it was 14-13 Riders.

An impressive 15 play drive from the Portland Phantoms took up most of the third quarter which ended in RB Shue crossing over from 4 yards but Phoenix fought back with a field goal and kept ahead by one going into the fourth quarter.

QB Jennings drove the Riders 99 yards off the back of 12 plays to increase the lead, throwing 28 yards to WR Morrison for a score but the Phantoms hit back via a field goal from K Selmon who would be 3 from 3 on the day.

With just under 4 minutes remaining and down by 5, the Phantoms had possession on their own 15. QB Gaddy would lead the Phantoms downfield on 11 plays and run the touchdown in himself on a 16 yard scramble. The two point conversion failed.

With 50 seconds left on the clock and down by one, Riders' QB Jennings was picked off for the second time in the game, this time by CB Hansen to wrap up a hard fought win for the Phantoms.

The Good: Over 450 yards on offense. Real improvement last few games.
The Bad: Opposition QB's continue to play well against us. I think Defense will be priority come draft day.
The Ugly: Can't complain too much. I just wish we could have played like this at the beginning of the campaign.

Phoenix Riders 28
Portland Phantoms 29

[Guest]

MORGANTOWN, Wv.-- Mermen punish Phantoms mistakes to take the win. Phantoms drop to 5-8.

The Morgantown Mermen, cheered on by a full capacity crowd, took the win this week after turnovers came back to haunt the Phantoms. RB T.J. Barlow did most of the damage, running for 142 yards at over 8 yards a clip and forcing a fumble on a punt return.

The first drive of the day would end with a Mermen punt which was fumbled by Phantoms WR Henry. Morgantown K Whiting would miss his kick however firing wide left. But they would block a Portland punt on the next drive and from great field position, score a touchdown when QB Dakota found RB Barlow from 2 yards out.

QB Dakota would soon be intercepted by CB Burgower which led to a successful field goal from K Selmon to reduce the deficit at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams exchanged punts at the start of the second quarter before WR Henry coughed another one up on a punt return (tackled by RB Barlow). The Mermen recovered the ball and K Whiting converted to push ahead by seven points.

The next two drives brought turnovers. First QB Gaddy was picked off by CB West before QB Dakota was intercepted for the second time, OLB Guzowski with the pick in the endzone.

The Phantoms offense looked panicky as the end of the half approached. QB Gaddy had been reliable the last few weeks but struggled to get anything going and was trying too hard to force the ball downfield. With 3 seconds remaining in the half, K Whiting blasted a field goal through the uprights from 51 yards. 13-3 Mermen at the break.

Portland would score midway through the third quarter when RB Shue crossed over from 21 yards before a huge run from RB Barlow took the home side down to the Phantoms 3 yard line. QB Dakota completed to WR Von Oelhoffen for the score.

The fourth quarter began with missed opportunites again for the Phantoms when K Selmon missed a field goal from 48 yards before scoring from 21 yards to bring themselves back to within touching distance.

K Whiting would effectively end the contest though, converting from 42 yards before the Phantoms turned it over on downs with time running out.

The Good: Pass defense was a lot better. CB Burgower in particular had a good game
The Bad: Offense just couldn't get going against a tough Mermen defense
The Ugly: Two fumbles on punt returns, a blocked punt and an interception all in the first half

Portland Phantoms 13
Morgantown Mermen 23

[Guest]

We both need to take a look at our special teams, eh?

[Guest]

Funny you should say that, I am making a concerted effort to improve special teams this week. Your special teams are ok though, gotta be happy with three turnovers?

[Guest]

WASHINTON, Wa. -- Phantoms take the spoils against Granberry-less Bombers. Now 6-8 on the season.

The Portland Phantoms travelled to divisional rivals the Washington Bombers and came away with a morale boosting victory. The Bombers were missing star QB Clay Granberry through injury but Phantoms QB Gaddy looked back to his best after a drop off in performance in week 14.

Portland K Selmon got the ball rolling in the first quarter with a successful field goal before veteran RB Doyle ran one in from 46 yards after good blocking from the Washington O-Line.

The Phantoms would run one in themselves when RB Shue crossed over from 5 yards out early in the second quarter before adding to the lead when QB Gaddy found WR Garcia for a score. 17-7 Phantoms at the break.

The Bombers tried to respond in the third quarter but undrafted rookie QB Simpson threw an interception to Phantoms ILB Buchanan who returned it to the house to extend the lead.

With 5:00 on the clock in the third, QB Simpson was replaced by QB Buckley who led the Bombers downfield for a field goal on his first drive. With neither offense managing to get anything really going in the final quarter, K Selmon added three more field goals to take his tally to 4 from 4 on the day including a 51 yard attempt.

The Good: Defense restricted the Bombers to under 300 yards and 10 points
The Bad: Wasn't at our best offensively and the score flattered us a bit
The Ugly: Hitting form at just the wrong time. A bit of a meaningless win as the Bombers have already wrapped up a playoff spot.

Portland Phantoms 33
Washington Bombers 10

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- Phantoms snatch victory on final play and move to 7-8 on the season. Catfish fall to 7-8.

The Columbus Catfish arrived in Portland in Week 16 harbouring slim hopes of making the post season but all hopes were dashed when they gave up a 13 point lead with less that five minutes on the clock remaining.

The Catfish were quick out of the blocks, K Roberson putting up 3 points on the first drive before QB Johnson found WR Winslett for a touchdown to increase the lead.

The Phantoms offense were struggling to get anything going and would only find three points at the end of a long 16 play drive but were soon rewarded for their patience when QB Gaddy found WR Henry for a 34 yard strike to even things up. K Roberson added another field goal for the Catfish at the end of the second quarter. 13-10 Columbus at the break.

Midway through the third quarter, Columbus S Hickman would intercept Portland QB Gaddy and return it into Phantoms territory. Catfish QB Johnson would then take full advantage, finding WR Rayburn in the endzone. Phantoms would soon hit back though, QB Gaddy scrambling in from 7 yards to keep the score within three.

The Columbus Catfish would score early in the fourth quarter but the touchdown was chalked off for holding. They would have to settle for three points instead. They would soon have a touchdown though. QB Johnson threw a long touchdown bomb to WR Winslett (176 yards on the day) and increase the lead to 13 with 11:20 on the clock.

The Phantoms were desperate to get back in the game but QB Gaddy threw his second pick of the day, this time to rookie CB Hartman. Phantoms OLB Sullivan then stepped up and forced a sack fumble on QB Johnson, OLB Guzowski scooped it up and took it to the house and bring the game within 6 points.

QB Gaddy got the ball back just before the two minute warning and drove downfield courtesy of a couple of 4th down conversions. With 00:10 left on the clock, QB Gaddy would find TE Hartman from 30 yards for a touchdown and K Selmon kicked the extra point for the win.

The Good: Showed real heart at the end and never gave up. Defense claimed seven sacks and forced a crucial fumble. WR Henry with 171 yards in the game.
The Bad: Struggled to get anything going on the ground.
The Ugly: Still giving up the big play far too often. Strengthening the secondary is a must in off season.

Columbus Catfish 30
Portland Phantoms 31

[Guest]

PORTLAND, Or. -- Phantoms sign off season with a win against the Stags. Finish 8-8 for second season running.

The Portland Phantoms managed to grab a win in the final game of the regular season this week and finish the season on a positive note after a disappointing start to their campaign. The Phantoms will look back on the season with a sense of 'what might of been' though. After starting 0-4, they would then win 8 out of the remaining 12 including 5 from the last 6.

The 1-14 Kalispel Stags were the visitors to Portland this week and they would fumble on the first drive. Portland CB Wheeler forced it and recovered it but K Selmon would miss the field goal attempt. The Stags would score first through RB Bryant running it in from 2 yards before K Caldwell added to the lead.

K Selmon finally got some points on the board in the second quarter with a 53 yard attempt before adding another off the back of S Holly's interception. K Selmon booted his third successful kick before the half was out. 10-9 Stags at the break.

K Selmon has had a poor season by his standards but he added two more field goals in the third quarter including a 51 yarder to push the Phantoms ahead by 5 points at the end of the third. The Phantoms defense also played their part, forcing the Stags to punt throughout the second and third quarters.

QB Gaddy finally found his rhythm in the fourth quarter firing a touchdown pass to WR Joyner before RB Shue extended the lead, running one in from 15 yards after good plocking from G Randle. With Kalispel QB Hartman struggling, backup QB Sante would take over and almost immediately found WR Sinclair for a score to reduce the deficit.

But Portland K Selmon would convert another field goal and go 6 from 7 on the day before the Stags turned it over on downs in a last ditch effort to get back into the game.

The Good: Another win and pleased with the way we have finished the season
The Bad: Started badly and no sacks recorded on the day
The Ugly: No Post season games. Our season is over until 2039

Kalispel Stags 17
Portland Phantoms 32

[Guest]

I applaud you sticking with this the whole season. That's tough!