Published: August 18, 2008 09:08 pm            

SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL: Lockport Rage back to the drawing board

LOCKPORT — Having been outscored more than 2-to-1 in 2008, the Lockport Rage know they need to pick things up on the offensive end if they hope to improve upon their 1-4 start in the Northeastern Football Alliance.

The Rage dropped a 40-8 contest at defending-league champion Monroe County last week, their fourth straight loss in games that were played. The team’s only win thus far this season is by forfeit.

The only good news coming out of the Rage’s loss is that Monroe County (5-0 NFA) has moved up in two national semi-pro football rankings. Ranked fifth in the nation heading into Saturday night’s game against Lockport, the Sting are now ranked third.

The Rage’s new starting quarterback, Tony DeMartino, will get some much needed practice time prior to this week’s game at Glove Cities. Staring last week in Rochester without a practice, DeMartino tossed five interceptions against the Sting, including two that were brought back for touchdowns and two more that were returned inside the Rage 10-yard-line.

“It’s hard to keep a game close when they intercept you five times, run two back for scores and run two more back deep in your own zone,” said Rage linebacker Will Stiles.

“Basically we have to get our quarterback on the right page. As soon as we get the offense rolling, we’ll be good. I thought the defense stepped up and did a good job against the Sting. After the game, players said we were the toughest defense they faced so far.”

Lockport’s only touchdown against Monroe County was a 30-yard pass play from DeMartino to wide receiver Kenny Spencer.

Next up, the Rage will play at the Glove Cities Colonials (2-3 NFA) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“They’re better than they were last year, but they’re still very much a rebuilding team and a team we feel that’s very beatable,” Stiles said.

Glove Cities is owned and coached by Mike Capano.

        

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