The Central Coast Barnstormers have had a week to work on pass
protection for quarterback Bryan Smith. Smith, whose Barnstormers
play the Capitol City Fury this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Benicia High
School for the American Football Conference title of the Golden
State Amateur Football League, felt strong pressure at times during
last Saturday’s playoff game with the Elk Grove Wolverines.
The Central Coast Barnstormers have had a week to work on pass protection for quarterback Bryan Smith. Smith, whose Barnstormers play the Capitol City Fury this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Benicia High School for the American Football Conference title of the Golden State Amateur Football League, felt strong pressure at times during last Saturday’s playoff game with the Elk Grove Wolverines.
The Barnstormers won 27-24 on a late touchdown pass from Smith to Slade Williams, but Smith had his foibles.
The Wolverines picked off two of Smith’s passes and returned them for first half TD’s. Smith estimated the returns at 12 and 51 yards.
“They had some defensive backs who were bigger than our receivers and they did a good job of jamming them at the line of scrimmage,” said Smith.
Smith felt heat from Wolverines defensive end Brian Stegger. Stegger kept fighting off blocks and either made tackles downfield or bothered Smith.
“They really had us scouted well,” said Smith.
Though the Barnstormers had won a playoff game before, this is the furthest they have gotten – the AFC championship game.
“This is great for the team,” said Smith. “We’re looking forward to the matchup. We had a good workout Wednesday.”
The Barnstormers will be without backup receiver and former Hollister High running back Michael Reyes. Reyes suffered a twisted knee on Saturday. David Gittens, who had an outstanding game against the Wolverines, will be one of Smith’s top targets this Saturday.
“He has really helped,” said Smith of Gittens. “He has a lot of speed.”
Gittens ran a return back from his own one all the way for a score vs. the Wolverines. It was nullified for a clip and the ball was spotted at the Wolverines’ 32-yard line.
“We watched the tape and we thought their guy rolled into ours,” said Smith.
Didn’t matter. Smith hit Williams on that series to win the game.
The Barnstormers-Fury winner advances to the Golden State Bowl at Kezar Field on August 2.
