LAS VEGAS LOCOMOTIVES

BY JOHN MASTALIR jmastalir@yahoo.com

The first college football overtime game ever was played at Sam Boyd Stadium...I was there !

The first pro football championship overtime game was played at Sam Boyd Stadium...I was there !

The first regular season UFL overtime game was played at Sam Boyd Stadium...I was there !

See a pattern here !

This last one was a dozzy and maybe one of the best competitive football games this 66 year old reporter has ever seen.

From an entertainment angle which is what this column is...Saturdays UFL game between Las Vegas and Hartford provided everything...coaching, preparation, mechanics, GREAT DEFENSE (I have seen enough touchdowns), wind strategy in overtime, momentum swings, a constant doubt about the outcome until 15 seconds remained in a 1 minute overtime and a sensational value for your entertainment value.

The UFL is first class in every way, the football first of all sensational and competitive, great venue here in Las Vegas and fan friendly promotion.

Oh..... Las Vegas wins on a 53 yard field goal that hit the crossbar at the finish.

The league says...Kicker Steve Hauschka connected on a 53-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining in overtime to send the Las Vegas Locos to a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Hartford Colonials on Saturday afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium.

The game marked the first regular-season contest to go to overtime in UFL history. In an exciting climax, Hartford’s Taylor Mehlhaff missed wide right on a 38-yard field goal attempt with five minutes left in overtime as a strong wind played its part. Both teams had failed to score on their opening possessions of the extra period.

As a working press member the league is reporter friendly with non stop updates, communiques and general league info they deserve success with their superb efforts.

One more game in Las Vegas 8 P M November 6 Sam Boyd Stadium.

We can still complain about the noise...has rap music between plays ever helped the experience...unfortunately I discovered this the last six minutes when we wished to enjoy the great Nevada Saturday afternoon weather outside. I fail to grasp where "On your feet" "Make some noise" "Get loud" and this added noise enhance the experience, certainly puts a sole black mark on my afternoon experience.

99 A+