MINNEAPOLIS SETS MORE RECORDS, STILL UNSTOPPABLE

MINNEAPOLIS - In the first meeting with the Cleveland Vipers, the Minneapolis Maulers put on a show, outscoring Cleveland 63-51. Since then, the Maulers have accounted for many more wins and the Vipers many more losses. There was more of the same on display Sunday night in the Maulers regular season home finale. Minneapolis clinched a first round home playoff game with a 66-40 victory over Cleveland, setting new league records for passing yards in a game and points in a game.

Rocco Marconi was on fire after a slow start, completing 45 of 58 passes for 695 yards and nine touchdowns. Marconi did through five interceptions, however - a season high - which kept Cleveland in contention for a while. The game's biggest play occured in the third quarter. With Cleveland threatning near the end zone, Johnny English fumbled (foced by Koma Keleka) recovered by Jeb Gatlin, allowing the Maulers to take over with all momentum on their side. Despite the loss, the Viper defense accounted for an interception returned for a touchdown and returned a kickoff 92 yards for a score. The Cleveland offense did not score an offensive touchdown until the fourth quarter.

Ayanojyo Aburatsubo recorded a new career high 319 yards on 21 receptions and hauled in four touchdowns. James Cooley chipped in another 246 yards. Both receivers are over 1,000 yards for the season with two games to go. Cleveland still has playoff hopes - 1 1/2 games back of fourth place with two games to go. The Vipers face San Francisco and Honolulu in their final two games. Minneapolis has road tests with Honolulu and New York looming.

Full box score download: http://www.mediafire.com/download/6p59jm19yq9v2t3/W15+Week+8+-+Cleveland+at+Minneapolis.zip

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