Sinners Take Manhattan

Turnovers Hang Maniacs in Own Defensive Rope

Cleet Face Becomes First Kicker to Be Hyperbowl MVP

In the first half the Maniacs had 3 fumbles to Vegas and an interception, despite defending as well against the Vegas offense as they had before. The best drive of the half was Manhattan's, 64 yards in 6 plays, beginning with a 28-yard pass from QB Lance Boils to WR Ezra Doctrine-House (the biggest gain from scrimmage in the game), and heading to the goal line. RB Bud Hole was on his way to the end zone from the 16-yard line when he was hit for Manhattan's 4th fumble, and so went the Maniacs' scoring. At that point, Vegas had already eked out 3 of their field goals, and suddenly that 9-point lead looked comfortable again.

The crowning achievement had come right before that Manhattan drive. Face had hit two field goals in succession off Manhattan turnovers, and when the next Vegas drive stalled out on the Manhattan 43, he was given a chance at a 60-yarder. The Sinner coaches must have thought the gamble was as good as any with the going so tough against the Maniacs. Even Face seemed stunned when he made the field goal, with a few yards to spare. So tight was the game, that none of the marquis players were getting big numbers. While Vegas had 3 big drives in the 2nd half, scoring touchdowns on 2 and controlling possession, on the 2nd of those they opted for Face from the 2-yard line, feeling that was more secure. Though it was only a 19-yarder, it was his 4th straight and almost half the Sinners' points. Face became the first kicker to be named most valuable player of the championship game.

Las Vegas WR Jason Rainbows did finish with 8 catches for 84 yards, to lead all in yards from scrimmage, but that was hardly stellar, or even typical for him. RB Drew Blood, who finished 2nd in the league in rushing yards and was named to the All-West team, had only 31 yards rushing, while running mate Buster Gutt had 38 and a TD. QB Andy Christ, who had rushed for 100 yards in an earlier playoff game, had 16 here, though he finished the scoring with his 1-yard plunge. Christ completed only 17 of 40 passes for 159 yards and no TDs.

This time, Vegas got the more impressive defensive numbers. Manhattan's Boils completed 10 of 19 passes for just 108 yards, with the interception. Despite giving up the biggest play in the game to him, Vegas allowed All-East Doctrine-House just 3 catches for 42 yards for the game. Boils scrambled for 25 yards, but Vegas held DeTubb to 36 yards rushing and Bud Hole to 17.

For Las Vegas, it is the 2nd Hyperbowl victory in 3 tries, while Manhattan has lost in all 3 of its Hyperbowl appearances. But it may be the end of an era for Las Vegas, as there is speculation Christ wants to retire with the victory and turn to coaching.