San Francisco – (5 February 2001) — With the clock ticking down the final seconds of the game, and the were Demons down by a single point in their franchise opener at Pac Bell Park. It’s the final down, and the Demons need a score, a TD, a FG anything!
Demons kicker, Mike Panasuk, was up to kick the winning field goal with time against him. The entire Demon’s team was confused, with both special teams and offense in the field with 5 seconds remaining. My heart was pounding, hoping this wouldn’t become an ugly loss, like the Raiders losing the ball when they were confused 4th down with 3rd down.
Three seconds left, all Demons were lined up. A slight pause with one second gave doubts that they will get the play before the game. Hike! The kick is up! And it’s good! Demons win! DEMONS win!
Despite outplaying the LA Xtreme 127 yards, the Demons struggle to score because of penalties and turnovers. The Demons has 12 penalties for 121 yards, plus they fumbled three times, losing the ball twice.
But kudos to the Demons Defense. Kevin Kaesvihan intercepted the ball ending the Xtreme’s threat of scoring. (But the Demons turn it over with a fumbled. Can’t say it was Roberson Brian’s fault. He was hit hard! But that was one of his two fumbles of the day.) Davis Wendell had 6 tackles to lead the Demons. Eric England had the Demons only sack along with two tackles.
The Demons offense played very consistent, but so were the penalties. Demons RB, Vaughn Dunbar had some great runs, but sadly they were called off due to holding penalties. Demons QB Mike Pawlawski was 31-47 for 288 yards and a 2 Touchdown passes. The go-to WR was Brian Roberson with 12 catches for 127 yards.
The Demons, who were seven point underdogs, came up with an impressive win. Pac Bell was sold out and packed. I wasn’t sure why they came. I didn’t. But after today’s win, Demons just got a new fan. Go Demons!
