BonnerSprings.com

In a game the Kansas Kaos needed to keep alive their division title hopes, the team wilted in the summer heat.

The Kaos, leading 7-0 at halftime, couldn't keep their defense off the field in the second half, ultimately losing 27-14 to the Kansas City Shockers on the road.

"Offensively we really moved the ball well in the first and second quarter," Kaos coach Ed Williams said. "We got bogged down a couple of times, but we had every opportunity to score. In the second half we just came out and we were flat."

The team was playing from behind before the game even began. The team's starters at center and left tackle were unable to make the trip due to personal obligations, and the team's new starting fullback, Rodney Boston, had to be taken away in an ambulance due to heat exhaustion.

"Losing our fullback was a big thing," Williams said. "Playing the Shockers, we needed players in there to block. We had a tough time against them the first time. Rodney had been helping (running back) Allen (Williams) with running lanes. We had a lot going on offensively before he had to leave."

Williams said that Boston's arrival has really helped the Kaos offense. The Kaos lost both fullbacks from last season, and up until a few weeks ago had been using a tailback as the starting fullback. Boston immediately became the starting fullback when he signed three weeks ago.

"In the past, we have always had solid fullbacks," Williams said. "My offense is predicated on that. I like to use them in the run and the pass game, and I need them for pass protection."

The Kaos had previously fallen to the Shockers on July 21 at Bonner Springs, 23-16.

The Kaos took a 7-0 lead into halftime after Chuck Smiley blocked a Shocker field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown after retrieving the ball from a frenzied scrum.

The Shockers tied the score midway through the third quarter. After another Shocker touchdown, the Kaos were working deep in their own territory when a blocking breakdown led to a big hit on running back Allen Williams which led to a fumble. The ball was recovered by the Shockers and brought in for another touchdown, making the score 21-7 heading into the fourth.

The Kaos struggled offensively throughout, racking up several three and outs, but the problems were exacerbated by Boston's absence in the second half.

Allen Williams scored on a 5-yard run with a little over eight minutes left in the game, but the Kaos couldn't prevent the Shockers from returning the favor. The Kaos wouldn't score again.

The team wasn't able to capitalize on its opportunities. The Kaos missed two field goals, one of which was blocked.

Quarterback Jason Sutherland was able to minimize mistakes, only throwing one interception, but the offense could never consistently move the ball.

"We had a little rust early on, but I didn't think Jason did a bad job," Williams said. "The Shockers are a tough team. They blitz a lot and give us a lot of looks. They do a cover-1 and cover-2. They do a 3-4 and a 4-3 look. We need to execute regardless of what they do. Even though Jason doesn't have the most experience, he is doing a good job."

Williams said his team was rusty after last week's game against the St. Louis Bulldogs was postponed.

Last week Williams called this a must-win contest. How disappointed was he in the results?

"It was very disappointing," Williams said. "It was a border war game, and we certainly felt the first time that we played them at home that they got away with a win. We certainly did not need to do enough offensively; we put our defense on the field too much. They can only be out there so much. When the defense takes 80 percent of the snaps in the second half, you won't be successful, especially with the heat."

Williams said the team could still reach the postseason.

"There will have to be several variables for us to compete for the division title, but playoffs are still within our reach," Williams said. "That will be up to the players and how much efforts they put in. I will do what I can to rally the troops."

Williams said there are two opportunities for teams to make the playoffs in the NAFL. Division winners and top-tier, wild-card teams go to the main playoffs. In a secondary tournament, called the NAFL2, the best of the rest from around the country are invited to compete for a consolation title. Williams compared winning the NAFL2 title to securing a bronze medal in the Olympics.

Williams is confident his team can bounce back from the disappointing loss.

"At this point, I probably won't make many changes," Williams said. "Hopefully we can get healthy, and we will get our lineman back. I think we will be OK. It's a matter of getting the morale of the team up and bouncing back."