Combines Sign Michael Pittman

(Lind, WA) - The struggling running back corp of the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines got some much needed good news today when the team claimed RB Michael Pittman off of waivers Wednesday morning. Pittman is returning from a three game league suspension and will move into the Buccaneers starting lineup due to the season ending injury to RB Charlie Garner. Last season Jones rushed for 751 yards and caught 75 passes for 596 yards while splitting time with RB Thomas Jones.

Combines coach Brandon Sparks called the move a turning point for the team. "We needed some serious help at running back. I've got a second round draft pick who never even touches the ball. Needless to say our situation isn't nearly what we had hoped. Now we have a starter who should, at the very least catch some passes and it could get this season going in the right direction."

To make room for Pittman the Combines released injured running back Ron Dayne. "I'm not ready to give up on T.J. Duckett yet so Ron was the odd man out," said Sparks. "Neither really deserves a roster spot but I can't drop my second rounder yet."

The Combines also made another move on Wednesday signing the Steelers defense and releasing the Chiefs defense. The Steelers shut down the Miami Dolphins last week and should continue to play well against the Bengals in week 4. Sparks said that he will make a decision whether he will start the Steelers or the Buccaneers on defense Thursday or Friday.

Combines Crushed

Brett Favre celebrates the Boarders drubbing of the Combines

(Lind, WA) - QB Brett Favre (30), WR Issac Bruce (13) and TE Tony Gonzalez (16) combined to score 59 points for the Boarders this weekend one more than the entire Inland Empire Fightin' Combines team. Needless to say the Boarders crushed the Combines 91-58 leaving the fans in Lind stunned and Combines management shaking their heads. The Combines failed to score a touchdown and no player managed to score more than nine points in the rout. The loss drops the combines to last place in the Capital Fantasy Football League.

"We are an all or nothing team," said a somber Brandon Sparks following the game. "This unfortunately is going to happen occasionally. This hopefully is the low point. I'm not sure how much worse we could possibly be."

WR Andre Johnson and RB Rudi Johnson led the way for the Combines scoring nine points each but neither found a way to get into the endzone for some extra points.

"We have to score some touchdowns," continued Sparks. "I doubt I've ever had a team not score a touchdown for me but there is a first time for everything. You absolutely cannot win a game without a touchdown and so far this season we're not very scoring many and if that keeps up it's going to be a long season."

Tom Brady and the Western Division leading Blowhards roll into Lind this weekend for an inter-division matchup. The Blowhards will be without the services of RB Shaun Alexander and WR Roy Williams due to their bye weeks while the Combines will be at full strength but the matchup still worries Sparks.

"It's great that we won't have to see those two guys, but we didn't see the Boarders best players and we were at full strength this weekend and look what happened. Our full strength might not be as strong as their weakest moments."

The Combines wrap up their three game homestand this weekend against the Blowhards. It is Othello Community Day. Othello residents get into the game for half-price and receive a Combine logo Sombrero courtesy of Casa Mexicana. As always don't miss the Combine Demolition Derby halftime show and another performance from the Inland Empire's most beautiful cheerleaders, the Thresherettes and Tejano music pre and post game in honor of our the Othello community.

Combines Thresh Sissyboys

Michael Vick danced his way to over 100 yards rushing and 21 points

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire strikes back! In front of an opening day crowd of 45,000 screaming fans at the Lind Lion's Club Arena the Fightin' Combines did not disappoint. QB Michael Vick and RB Kevan Barlow scored 21 and 23 points respectively leading the Combines to a 93-73 threshing of the Sissyboys2.

"We still have some holes to plug but that was an awesome performance out of some of these guys and it gives us great hope going into the next couple of weeks," said a jubilant Brandon Sparks after the game. "We knew we needed to put some distance between us and the Sissyboys before Daunte (Culpepper) played on Monday and these guys stepped up and did just that."

The Sissyboys were led by Culpepper who scored 19 points in the loss. However his effort came a little to late. The Combines led 93-54 going into the Monday night game thanks to Vick, Barlow, WR Andre Johnson (14 points) and the Buccaneers defense (18).

"We knew we weren't out of the woods yet," Sparks continued. "Daunte could score those points, but rather than sit there and watch the game and sweat it out we watched the World Series of Poker finale and checked the updates. It was very relaxing."

Sparks has already announced some changes to the starting lineup for week 3. WR Donte' Stallworth will start at the RB/WR position while Eric Johnson will replace Dallas Clark at tight end. The two positions combined for only one point this week and only six total on the season.

The Fightin' Combines look to stay unbeaten in Lind this weekend when they take on WR Issac Bruce and the Boarders in a non-conference matchup. This weekend at the Lion's Club Arena is Soap Lake Community Day. All Soap Lake residents get into the game for half-price and receive a free Combine logo mini Lava Lamp courtesy of GiantLavaLamp.com. Of course there will be a Combine Demoliton Derby exhibition at halftime and a performance from the Inland Empires most beautiful cheerleaders, the Thresherettes.

Week Two Preview - Combines vs. Sissyboys2

The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines open their home campaign this weekend taking on the Sissyboys2. FightinCombines.blogspot.com takes a look at the matchups...

Quarterback: Daunte Culpepper (Sissyboys2) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Culpepper had a career game in week one and looks like the best quarterback in the league at this point. Vick was solid but failed to score big points. His running game was not in effect, look for him to get more carries this week. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Runningback 1: Stephen Davis (S) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Davis struggled against Green Bay on Monday night behind a brand new offensive line. They should get better and so should he. Johnson had a so-so game scoring a touchdown and running for 70 yards. He should get better too. Advantage: Even
Update! - Stepen Davis will have arthroscopic surgery on his knee and is now out 2-5 weeks. If the Sissyboys don't change their lineup by Sunday the Combines have a huge advantage in this game. Even if they do make a change they will either start William Green or Warrick Dunn, both of who would be major downgrades.

Runningback 2: Eddie George (S) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - George looked good in the first half for the Cowboys rushing eight times, but didn't appear in the second half. The Cowboys plan to use a committee again this week but George appears to be in Purcell's doghouse, not a good place to be. Barlow plays for arguably the worst team in the league. He is one of the lone bright spots and hopefully will show that he can handle getting most of the work. If they can move the ball at all look for out for a big game. Advantage: Combines

RB/WR: Justin McCareins (S) vs. Ron Dayne (IE) - McCareins is a solid number two receiver for the Jets and last week got as many throws as Santana Moss. Could have a big game against San Diego. Dayne rushed four more times than starter Tiki Barber in week one and scored a touchdown. Still the number two guy but his role may be increasing. He is however playing a very good defense this week in the Redskins. Advantage: Even

Wide Receiver 1: Darrell Jackson (S) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - Jackson has emerged as the go to guy in the Seahawks potent offense since Koren Robinson is unable to catch the ball. Johnson couldn't get loose in week one but still figures to be a big play receiver for the Texans. Should have a nice game against the Lions. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Wide Receiver 2: Rod Gardener (S) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Gardener has been really inconsistent in his career. Which Gardener will show up, the big play receiver or the invisible man. Last week we asked the question who would the Raiders throw to. They answered that question and none of them were named Jerry Porter. Look for the Bills to recognize these other receiver and slack off on Porter allowing him to post some big numbers. Advantage: Combines

Tight End: Boo Williams (S) vs Dallas Clark (IE) - Williams was a non factor catching three passes for only 13 yards in the opener. Clark only caught one pass but rumbled for 64 yards and showed good speed. Look for Clark to catch a few more and use his speed to his advantage. Advantage: Combines

Kicker: John Kasay (S) vs. Martin Gramatica (IE) - The Panthers should be able to score more on the lowly Chiefs defense. Gramatica's team has no big play receiver now and a suspect running game. Look for them to stall in the redzone often against Seattle leaving field goals for Martin. Advantage: Combines

Defense: Redskins (s) vs. Buccaneers (IE) - Both defenses are very even overall. However the 'Skins take on the struggling Giants offense while the Buccaneers battle the high flying Seahawks. Advantage: Sissyboys2

Overall: The main battle to watch is at quarterback. The Sissyboys have a big advantage with Daunte Culpepper. If Michael Vick can come anywhere close to matching Culpepper's production then this will be a very close game. If he struggles or can't break loose any big runs then the Sissyboys should be able to take this game with ease. Hopefully the Combines can put some distance between themselves and the Sissyboys before Culpepper takes the field on Monday night.

Combines Sign TE Johnson

Please stop Daunte at the one, please stop Daunte at the one...

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines signed tight end Eric Johnson on Wednesday morning and released TE Jerramy Stevens. Johnson scored 14 points last week in the 49ers loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Stevens was only a Combine for one week scoring no points in week one.

The Combines also announced that Ron Dayne will get the start at RB/WR in place of the disappointing T.J. Duckett. Dayne ran for 45 yards and a touchdown in week one while Duckett was limited to seven total yards. Martin Gramatica will also replace the injured Kris Brown at kicker this week.

The Combines open their home schedule this weekend when Daunte Culpepper and the Sissyboys2 come to the Lion's Club Arena in Lind. It is Lind Community Day with half-price tickets for Lind residents and a free Combine logo rally towel courtesy of Goble's Golden Grain Cafe. There will be tons of entertainment including a Combine Demolition Derby exhibition at halftime and the premier of the Combines new cheerleading squad, the Thresherettes.

Combines Lose, Sparks Loses It

Warrick Dunn runs for a TD while Duckett hides in the tunnel

(Lind, WA) - Seven total yards. That's what second round draft pick RB T.J. Duckett contributed to the Inland Empire Fightin' Combine's 67-69 loss to the Ramblers this weekend. The Rambler's RB Clinton Portis single-handedly did the Combines in scoring 21 points, two more points than the Combines three runningbacks. The performance also cost one scout his job.

"This was an amazing embarrassment." said a furious Sparks following the game on Sunday night. "How a guy we were so convinced about can only rush for seven yards....It's...it's....well, it's just a black eye for this organization."

On Monday, Bill Lumbergh, head of scouting for the Southeast, was fired by the Combines. "He didn't do his job," commented Sparks at Goble's Golden Grain Cafe in Lind during his weekly meet the Combines appearance. "He convinced us to pick a backup number two and really dropped the ball...mmmm, OK. And he kept going on about TPS reports. Is that some kind of scouting lingo? Whatever it is, it didn't work."

The blame did not end at Duckett. "Everybody stunk. We have nothing to be happy about," continued Sparks in a 45 minute rant that chased many people out of the Golden Grain. "What? Ron Dayne scored 10 on the bench. So what? You like that? You think that's good? It isn't good enough, and it can't continue."

The Combines look to improve on this weekend when they come home to Lind to take on the Sissyboys2 who also lost in week one. It is Lind Community Day at the Lion's Club Arena. Lind residents get into the game for half price and receive a Combine logo Rally Towel courtesy of Goble's Golden Grain Cafe.

Week One Preview - Combines vs. Ramblers

Kevan Barlow (above) could be the key...

Each Friday FightinCombines.blogspot.com will preview the upcoming weekend's game. The preview will consist of a position by position breakdown and rating This week the Combines face Randy's Ramblers in a division showdown of epic proportions.

Quarterback: Peyton Manning (Ramblers) vs. Michael Vick (Inland Empire) - Manning already scored 18 points in the Thursday night game while Michael Vick is certainly a risk. Nobody knows exactly if Vick can stay healthy or master the West Coast offense. Advantage: Ramblers

Runningback 1: Clinton Portis (R) vs. Rudi Johnson (IE) - Portis is a stud who should score big points under Joe Gibbs. However it is his first game on a new team facing a tough Tampa Bay defense. Johnson comes in highly touted after a surprising first season. Will the Jets focus on stopping him and force QB Carson Palmer hurt himself or can Palmer put together a good enough performance to open things up. Time will tell. Advantage: Ramblers, barely

Runningback 2: Steven Jackson (R) vs. T.J. Duckett (IE) - Two guys who won't play full-time. Jackson has to back up Marshall Faulk but figures to see some carries. Duckett on the other hand will play much more extensively and is the main guy on the goalline. Advantage: Combines

RB/WR: Charlie Rogers (R) vs. Kevan Barlow (IE) - Usually you figure the runninback should outperform the receiver, but Barlow is on the worst team in the league and Rogers is the number one receiver on an up-and-coming team. Advantage: Even

Wide Receiver 1: Torry Holt (R) vs. Andre Johnson (IE) - The rules changes for defensive interference should really help Holt and push him into the elite category of wide receivers. Andre Johnson looks to improve on an incredible rookie season with the upstart Texans and should score big points. Advantage: Ramblers

Wide Receiver 2: Plaxico Burress (R) vs. Jerry Porter (IE) - Burress is a very nice receiver but figures to be the second receiver behind Hines Ward. Factor in the dangerous talent of Antwaan Randle-El and Plaxico has some competition for catches. However, Porter is the man in Oakland. Jerry Rice figures to have some catches, but after that, who do they throw to? Advantage: Combines

Tight End: Ituli Mili (R) vs Dallas Clark (IE) - If Jeramy Stevens can play well, then Mili may become a non-factor although he is always dangerous around the goalline. Clark scored six points in the Thursday night game, which is about as much as you can ask out of a tight end. Advantage: Even

Kicker: Josh Brown (R) vs. Kris Brown (IE) - Seattle should score lots of points, Houston might not. Seattle's might all be touchdowns though, while Houston could very well stall in field goal range. Advantage: Even

Defense: Dolphins (R) vs. Buccaneers (IE) - The Dolphins offense is going to be so bad, that the defense will probably play quite a bit meaning lots of scoring but more sacks. What can you say about the Buccaneers? They might be the best. Advantage: Combines

Overall: It should be a very even game. It boils down to how well Michael Vick plays and if Steven Jackson plays. The matchup to watch though is Charlie Rogers vs. Kevan Barlow. Rogers was a mid draft selection while the Combines spent their third pick on Barlow. Barlow could account for 90% of San Francisco's offense, but Rogers is the man in Detroit. Whoever comes out on top will probably mean victory for their team.

2004 Combines Promotional Schedule

Week 2 vs. Sissyboys2 - Lind Community Day - Combine logo Rally Towel sponsored by Gobles Golden Grain Restaurant

Week 3 vs. Boarders - Soap Lake Community Day: Combine logo Mini Lava Lamps sponsored by GiantLavaLamp.com

Week 4 vs. Blowhards - Othello Community Day - Combine logo Sombreros sponsored by Casa Mexicana

Week 8 vs. Ramblers - Ritzville Community Day - Michael Vick Bobblehead Doll sponsored by Ritzville Blues Festival

Week 9 vs. Olympia Slugs - Beat the Slugs/Inland Empire Pride Day - Free Tickets for Eastern Washington residents. Western Washington residents pay double sponsored by Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana separatists

Week 10 vs. OTHG - Odessa Community Day - Combine logo Beer Stein sponsored by Odessa Deutschesfest

Week 14 vs. Brentwood Bears - Our Fans Are #1 Day - $1 tickets, $1 beers, $1 hotdogs sponsored by the Lind Lion's Club, Lind Rodeo and Combine Demolition Derby

Fightin' Combines Sign Stevens

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines announced Tuesday that they have signed tight end Jerramy Stevens to a one week contract. Stevens replaces Jed Weaver who was released earlier in the day.

"We just needed a body," commented coach Brandon Sparks during his weekly radio show. "Jerramy won't play this week and we'll evaluate him on a week-by-week basis. Don't be surprised if we are talking about somebody else next week, although his presence on the sidelines might shake Randy and the Ramblers."

The Combines open up the 2004 season on the road against Peyton Manning and the Ramblers before returning home for three weeks. The Sissyboys2 will be in Lind next weekend to open up the home campaign and tickets are going fast.

It will be Goble's Golden Grain Rally Towel giveaway night for the first 15,000 fans who pack the recently expanded Lion's Club Arena. There will be a Combine Demolition Derby exhibition at halftime and the premier of the Combines new dance team, theThresherettes. The rest of the promotional schedule will be released on Wednesday.