Know Your Teammate : Chris Rodriguez

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Robertson Brothers combine for 5 TD's as Gamblers remain top dogs

The undefeated Delta Gamblers continued their winning ways in Sunday morning action topping the CSC Expendables in blow-out fashion. The victory marked the first year clubs third straight victory and a solo spot atop Division B standings. Lead by the Robertson Twins, the Gamblers cruised after two early first quarter touchdowns from Josh and Andrew respectively. Josh Robertson scored on a well executed direct snap that saw him jet by Expendable defenders for 40 yards while tail back Andrew Robertson scored on a quick route inside the redzone. Unfortunatly, the Gamblers tested their luck on 4th and twenty on their third drive of the game that eventually led to the Expendables only major score of the contest. The Gambler offence was able to take back momentum and the defence stood strong the rest of the way for a final score of 36-6. Chris Rodriguez looked calm, collect and poised in the pocket but also showed tremendous athleticism with his feet that saw him rumble on a handful of scrambles. Steady as always was Gamblers Wideout Matt Gross that saw him reel in three to four catches of hi-light variety. Josh Robertson capped off his stellar play with two long TD receptions late in the 2nd half while brother Andrew Robertson also knotted another major score. The Gamblers defence held their own after giving up six in the first half and blanked the Expendables the rest of the way. Kiele Campbell did his best at plugging up the middle as he collected two sacks while Defensive Ends Sajid Desai and Ethan Martin attributed to 4 sacks and a safety. Playing cover 1 the entire game, the Gamblers proved that their defence has what it takes after two lackluster performances. Hardeep Gill was targeted 5 times and saw no receptions completed in his direction and "Dunks" got the Gamblers on the board for their first INT of the season.

GAME NOTES:

- Andrew Robertson has scored in three straight games.

-Josh Robertson leads the team in TD receptions (6).

-Chris Rodriguez has thrown 12 TD in his last 2 starts.

-Sajid Desai got his bell rung courtesy Travis Topham's Elbow on a late 4th quarter stretch play

-Ranvir Khosla missed three opportunities to record his first reception of the year in his first reps on Offence

-Matt Gross reeled in two late INT's to lead the team

-Jacob Wideman was absent due to 3 year anniversary (lolwut?)

Opening day Shoot-out ends with last minute heroics

It may only be early April but the opening day match-up between Delta rivals, Longhorns and Gamblers, had a playoff feel. A late touchdown by wideout Matt Gross on the final play capped a 60 yard drive that had all the elements of a finish that would of made Gus Johnson yell with enthusiasm. It was a fitting ending to a chippy game that had its fair share of penalties, trash talk and the occasional push and shoves. It was evident early on that these two teams do not like each other.

This high scoring affair proved to be the coming out party for two gambler players that helped turn this timid offence in the pre-season, to a juggernaut-esk, west-coast styled offence. Pivot Chris Rodriguez and Josh Robertson carried the offence on their backs and led the Gamblers to two second quarter touchdowns after falling down early 12-0. But this first year squad showed poise, patience and resiliency and turned the tide in their favour and never looked back. The see-saw battle continued in the second half as both teams exchanged major scores three times in the final 30 minutes. Both teams did it in very different ways as Andrew Robertson rumbled in from 12 yards out on an option play the confused the Longhorn defence early in the third quarter. After a quick response by the Longhorn offence, Josh Robertson punched it in again for his third TD of the match. Both defences again allowed another touchdown each respectively to put the score at 31-27 in favour of the Longhorns.

After another single on the kickoff by the Longhorn kicker, the game was in the hands of Chris Rodriguez to prove his worth with only four downs to work with. A huge gain by Andrew Robertson set up two huge penalties charged to the Longhorn defence off a Josh Robertson pitch and catch and Matt Gross reception up the middle, that found the Gamblers inside the longhorn red-zone. After a broken scramble rush by Rodriguez, Matt Gross eventually caught the winning touchdown in traffic that sealed the Longhorn fate on the final play of the game. The storybook ending was a great way to celebrate the Gamblers birth into the Top Flight Flag Football League ranks and certainly had the Flag Football community in a buzz. The win wasn't all good news however, as the Gambler secondary got shredded for big plays in the second half. Working more Man-to-Man coverage on the outside receivers will surely be looked at for future contests. Full marks go to the undersized O-Line however, as they supplied plenty of time for Chris Rodriguez to work.

It was only game one of nine, but the newly formed Gamblers proved that Kevin Garnett was right, that "anything IS possible." As the season rolls and more experience is gained, theres no limit to how high this team can fly. So buckle your seat belts and enjoy the ride, The Gamblers have taken off.

Gamblers are Ready to Roll

After several tumultuous months of speculation and uncertainty, the Delta Gamblers Football Club are set to embark in their inaugural Top Flight Flag Football League season. This young but talented team is sure to come across its fair share of adversity, but all success will be greatly earned.

In two measuring stick pre-season games, this first year team has been nothing but competitive. Against the defending B Champions , the Enemies, it was clear that getting their feet wet would be the first objective as understanding league rules and formations was at the fore-front. However, the Gamblers showed great moxie as they out-played the veteran team and pulled off 4 straight touchdowns before the half and raised the bar for future games played. In the midst of a successful first game, it was clear this teams weakness was with the personnel. The first year club was undoubtedly man handled down in the trenches. Without a lineman taller than 6'2 with the exception of Blueberry, the front 3 players will have to play bigger than they are in order for the team to have success against the bigger and stronger defensive lines. Effort and Will is evident and it will be safe to say that heart is greatly present.

The following week saw the team take their talents to Slocan Park to bump heads with the Raider Franchise. This game proved to be a better test for the young club as they gave the bigger, and experienced team a run for their money. Leading after the first half, the very physical battle took its toll on the Gamblers after an unfortunate turnover in their own red zone sealed their fate. The team however showed all the tools and plays that proved to this team that success is a possibility if they play within themselves, use their incredible speed and play as one.

As the first of many game days loom, and a tedious 2 hour practice concludes, the spotlight will on this young team to see what they will be able to accomplish in their first year of existence. With two great pre-season performances in the books, its time to start from scratch again. It a league filled with other weekend warrior veterans from around the lower mainland, this young club will have to earn their stripes. No success will come easy and everything will be earned. Respect is not given out over night, but earned through pain, sweat and tears. The pressure of performing in the Gamblers initial season is a privilege. The cards are dealt, all bets must be placed and the Gamblers must be ready to roll the dice. Go GAMBLORS!!!