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PART V : AKRON |
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Saturday Football was back on the agenda! But we cunningly scheduled to go a 6pm college game kickoff in Akron, as opposed to an earlier Ohio State game, so we could make a return visit to The Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio! Revisit our first visit in 1999 here. |
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We could spend ages talking about how great this place is, but we won't. Suffice to say it is it the essential pit stop for any serious football fan. Some notable changes in the 3 years since we've been were (i) A poignant display on the NFL, Patriotism and its role in various conflicts (such as WWII and Vietnam), (ii) The shocking disappearance of Dameyune Craig's 611 yards shirt and (iii) The induction of Cheddar favourite Marv Levy! |
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And then it was onto The Rubber Bowl for some MAC football! Akron is only a short ride from Canton and less than an hour from Cleveland. (The stadium used to host a Browns pre-season every year). The stadium is also notable for having a runway just outside, however it's best selling point had to be the $1 beer at the pre-game party! See official evidence of us at the party here! |
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The Akron Zips had a miserable start to the season, being down 37-0 at the end of 1st quarter of their 1st game to Iowa! They were 0-2 entering this game, but had reason for optimism thanks to the play of QB Charlie Frye (#5) who was following up a solid season in 2001 with a good start here. |
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MAC rivals, the Central Michigan Chippewas on the other hand were 2-0 led by QB Derrick Vickers (#10). |
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The Zips got off to a great start in this one. Frye quickly got his team downfield and fired a 13 yard TD pass to WR Billy Fortener. ZIPS 7-0 (End of 1st) ZIP |
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Both teams added FG's in the 2nd Q, but another TD pass for the Zips - this time a flea flicker from WR Nick Sparks to fellow WR Matt Cherry, extended their lead. The Chippewas had a chance to reduce the lead at the end of the half - but CM's RB Kenan Lawhorne (minus the helmet) couldn't convert on 4th down! ZIPS 17-3 (HT) |
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These 2 Zips fans were feeling confident at half time - but they had not counted on the Zips D flopping in the 2nd half! You can just about make out the runway strip to the left of Shuggie. We watched some planes in the 2nd half, as well as a dramatic thunder storm approach from the distance! |
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In the 3rd Q, RB's Robbie Mixon (top) and Kenan Lawhorne (bottom) scored on short runs to tie the game. The Zips O meanwhile was struggling. ALL TIED 17-17 (end of 3Q) |
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Lawthorne got his 2nd TD of the day 5 minutes into the 4th Q as the Chippewas started to dominate. Frye, who passed for 246 yards on the night, led one final drive with time running out, but was unable to connect with anybody for the tying TD. |
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FINAL CENTRAL MICHIGAN 24 AKRON 17 Game MVP: Chippewas RB Kenan Lawhorne who ran for 133 yards on 30 carries and 2 TD's. After the game, we headed up to Cleveland, found a Hooters, watched some more college ball and then crashed for the night, saving some energy for our Sunday doubleheader ... |
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