Combines Quiet Blowhards

Rudi Johnson had a big day scoring 18 points in the Combines victory

(Lind, WA) - A big Sunday night performance from RB Kevan Barlow (8 points) and TE Eric Johnson (11) propelled the Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (2-2) to an 86-79 victory over the division leading Blowhards (2-2). The Combines trailed by 12 points going into the Sunday night game despite 18 points from RB Rudi Johnson and 17 from WR Andre Johnson. The Blowhards were led by Tom Brady and Curtis Martin who had 19 and 20 points respectively.

"We said all week that we just needed out top three guys to match their top three guys and we would have a good shot at winning this game," said coach Brandon Sparks in his Monday afternoon radio show. "Our top three scored 43, theirs scored 48. Luckily EJ (Eric Johnson) came up big last night."

"That's fantasy football," replied Sparks angrily when asked if the Combines dodged a bullet by not having to play the Blowhard's number one running back Shaun Alexander. "Of course we dodged a damn bullet, but it doesn't matter. Alexander didn't play and we won. It all comes around, we don't have Rudi next week so maybe you can ask Dan if he dodged a bullet if they beat us. Of course he won't have Priest Holmes so maybe I'll have to answer that stupid question again."

With the win the Combines move to 2-2, tied with the Blowhards for second in the CFFL's Western division one game behind the 3-1 Brentwood Bears. They finish their inaugural homestand at 2-1. They take to the road for three weeks taking on the Bears in Brentwood this weekend.

The Combines return to the Inland Empire in week 8 when the Ramblers make their first appearance at the Lion's Club Arena. Week 8 is Ritzville community day featuring a Michael Vick bobblehead doll courtesy of the Ritzville Blues Festival.