Rochester Giants
Giants score convincing win over Spartans
The Rochester Giants were looking for a big victory this weekend; they got just what they wanted Saturday night, as they put a solid performance defeating the Central Wisconsin Spartans 42-30.
The Giants, who moved to 2-3, started in dominant fashion, quickly ending the Spartans first three drives with two interceptions and a forced punt.
With the Giants offense on the field, the crowd saw near perfection for three quarters as the squad put together touchdown drives on each of their first six possessions.
Rochester used the early action to jump out to a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Central Wisconsin (0-5) got in on the scoring action, but Rochester kept moving the ball, and had the upper hand 28-10 when the teams headed to the locker room at halftime.
The Giants offense kept their foot on the gas as they received the second half kickoff.
Within the opening minutes of the half, wide receiver Andre Hernandez hauled in a 50 yard touchdown pass to highlight his game high of four receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
Overall, the Giants used a rotating pair of quarterbacks and a variety of runners to finish the day with 118 rushing yards and 222 through the air.
Central Wisconsin was able to close the gap some late in the game as they put up a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, but it was too little too late.
The Giants play their final home game of the season next Saturday as they take on the St. Paul Pioneers at 7 p.m.
Giants get handed second loss by ForceThe Rochester Giants got handled by the Fox Valley Force suffering a lopsided 45-10 loss in semi-pro football Saturday afternoon. The Giants, whose first two games were decided by a total margin of four points, battled a rain-soaked afternoon and a series of injuries, but weren’t able to keep things interesting as they fell to the undefeated Force. The Giants shot out to an early 7-0 lead, starting off with a bang on both sides of the ball, but quickly saw Fox Valley get the upper hand and never look back. The Giants defense shut down the Force early as linebacker Billy Quistorff recorded a pair of tackles for loss and an interception within the first two Fox Valley possessions. Rochester’s offense also got in on the early action as they responded by Andre Hernandez hauling in an 86 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Ferraro on the Giant’s first play of the day. After that it was all Force. Fox Valley, using a rotating pair of quarterbacks and speeding receivers, capitalized on multiple big plays during the contest. At the end of the day, Fox Valley had recorded four rushing touchdowns combined with three through the air as the Giant’s only managed an additional field goal. The Giants resume action next Saturday, traveling to Woodbury for a rematch with the Minnesota Phoenix. The Giants beat the Phoenix May 22nd in a close 21-20 battle. 7th Annual Giants Youth Football CampIt's coming to the time of year again kids, and parents! The 7th Annual Giants Youth Football Camp registration is underway. Below you will find a link to download the registration form. This years camp will take place June 22nd, 23rd, and 24th and will go from 12:30 P.M. until 3:30 P.M. on those days. It will be held on the same field the Giants play at; the RCTC stadium. We are giving an early-bird discount this year to all that register before June 1st. With registration participants will get a Giants camp t-shirt, a camp memorabilia package, a luncheon on the last day of camp, the chance to participate in the Rochesterfest parade, camp award recognition at the giants game, on field halftime activity at the giants game, a special guest from the Minnesota Vikings for autographs, and much more! Download the form, fill it out, and mail the form with payment to: Rob Cothern c/o Rochester Giants 3567 Arbor Dr. NW Rochester, MN 55902 |
Giants hang on to win close one over Phoenix
The Rochester Giants came away with a tight 21-20 victory over the Minnesota Phoenix as they found themselves locked in another close battle Saturday night. The victory was sealed as Michael Harley grabbed a key interception to end the Phoenix’s last chance drive and let the Giants, who lost by a field goal in overtime during their last game, run out the clock. Rochester won the turnover battle, forcing 6 fumbles in addition to one interception, but weren’t able to slam the door on Minnesota as they went 7 of23 on third and fourth down conversions. Rochester used the Phoenix’s fumbles to jump out to an early 14-0 lead, but after 14 unanswered points by Minnesota the game was tied up in the third quarter. With time starting to run low, the Giants took the lead for good as Jake Scharpen hauled in a fourth quarter touchdown to cap off a 56 yard drive. The Phoenix moved within one on a Darren Edwards 40 yd touchdown sprint, but the Phoenix failed to convert their 3rd PAT of the night, leaving the Giants with the edge. The windy night played havoc with the ball, leading to a couple of botched snaps and forcing both teams to focus on the ground game. The Phoenix, playing out of Woodbury, MN, overcame an almost nonexistent passing game to grind out 300 total yards on the ground. Giants featured a more balanced attack, gaining 190 yards rushing and 179 through the air. The Giants are set to resume action June 5th as they travel to Appleton, WI to take on the Fox Valley Force. |
