Calls Don't Go the Aces' Way in Defensive Struggle Vs. Mastbaum

It was from the very first moments a battle between defensive squads as the Lower Merion Aces squared off against Mastbaum – trying to get their first win of the season. 

In their initial drive downfield the Aces were making headway with their running game. An intercepted pass ended the drive, and was returned all the way back for a touchdown to give Mastbaum a 6-0 lead. Mastbaum failed to connect on the extra point.

The defenses dominated the first half, keeping their opponent's drives in check.

Special teams helped put Lower Merion on the board late in the first half. Aces middle linebacker Mike Deuber broke through the line on a Mastbaum punt attempt from deep in their own territory, pushing his blocker into the kick. The low kick bounced off the helmet of the blocker before a Mastbaum player was able to fall on the loose ball in his own end zone – safety for Lower Merion.

The first half ended with a score of 6 - 2.

The second half was a continuation of the defensive battle with the neither Lower Merion nor Mastbaum able to mount an effective offense.  Each side had its share of quarterback sacks, busted plays, and almost-made-its. 

Tempers flared on more than occasion with personal foul penalties costing both teams.

Late in the third quarter, Mastbaum managed to pull out six more points on the board through a series of pass and run plays.  The 12 -2 score was looking like it would be the final outcome. But the Aces didn't quot. 

The team never stopped trying.  As the fourth quarter was drawing to a close, Mastbaum had the ball and was being held in its own red zone.  A running play resulted in a Mastbaum fumble that was scooped up by Ace's Jimmy Chimekas.

Chimekas cut across the field, taking the ball into the end zone for an Aces touchdown.  With a score of 12-8 the Aces attempted an onside kick, but Mastbaum held onto the ball with only 58 seconds to go in the game. The Mastbaum quarterback went to his knee on three successive plays to end the game.  Final score Mastbaum 12, Aces 8.

Throughout the game Aces' coaches protested the officiating, with the referees handing out several warnings to cease or avoid consequences.  To avoid being penalized, the Aces' coaches finally buttoned up. The game went on for its final five minutes without protest.

The officials struggled to make a decision on the play that ended up as a safety, and on another occasion, they initially signaled a touchdown on what was clearly an incomplete pass – reversing the call on protest.