Combines Explode To Beat Ramblers

Jake Plummer led the Combines with 32 points

(Lind, WA) - The Inland Empire Fightin' Combines (3-5) exploded for a season high 104 points this weekend beating the Ramblers (2-6) by 19 points. QB Jake Plummer got his first start and posted a huge game throwing for almost 500 yards and four touchdowns for 32 points. The Steelers defense chipped in another 26 points to lead the Combines to victory.

"I can't say how excited I am to get a win in front of these great fans this week," said coach Brandon Sparks in his weekly radio show. "They stood by us despite our poor play and they were rewarded with a great win."

Backup quarterback Michael Vick also had a huge game posting 29 points. When asked about a budding quarterback controversy, Sparks didn't rule out a competition.

"Jake is our man now," said Sparks. "His play lifted up everybody this week. However you can't ignore what Mike did and what he can bring to a game. He has a bye this week but he'll be our starter in week 10 since Jake is off and we'll see what happens."

The Combines continue their three game homestand this weekend when the Twisp Twirps (2-6) come to town. The Twirps started the season as the Olympia Slugs after moving from Seattle. The move forced the Capitol Mall Rats to move to Lind and become the Fightin' Combines. Since then the Olympia City Council evicted the Slugs from Banana Republic Field in Olympia and they relocated to Twisp for the remainder of the season.

"We can't look past the Twirps," continued Sparks. "Despite all of their problems they have some solid players. On the other hand, if we don't beat them, we'll have to seriously look at our team and figure out what went wrong."

The Combines had planned on a "beat the Slugs" promotion but have cancelled that promotion. It is still Inland Empire Pride featuring free tickets for Eastern Washington residents. Western Washington residents twice the price. Twisp residents also pay double. Inland Empire Pride day is sponsored by the Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Western Montana separatists.