In what looked to be a close game that may go down to the wire, turned out to be a disaster as the Arkansas Gryphons defeated the Topeka Wizards 50-7 in Fayettevile, AR on Saturday.  Though it was not the worst game of the season for TRFC, it was a disappointment in how the game started out in the first half and ultimately ended in the second ending any positive momentum from the KC Rogues game from two weeks prior.

It was a spirited first half and Arkansas scored the first two trys, but missed both extra points kicks as they went up 10-0.  Later in the half, T.J. McDonald scored a try for Topeka as the ball was moved well out to the back-line and got into McDonald's hands as he used his speed and athletic ability to finish out the drive for a nice try to put the score at 10-7.  Matt Crawford kicked and made the extra points after the try.  That would be the closest the game would be as the first half finished at 17-7.

The second half was a completely different game for the Wizards as they came out flat and gave up a try within the first minute of the half.  From then on out Topeka could not find its footing and Arkansas scored 5 more trys to end the match at 50-7.

Arkansas did a good job in exploiting holes in the back-line of Topeka with their kicking game.  The horrid tackling from earlier in the season resurfaced for the Wizards as they allowed seemingly easy trys for Arkansas.

Once again numbers were an issue for Topeka.   Traveling with only 16 and many of whom were rookies again showing that work needs to be done to increase player levels and commitment for the upcoming Spring season that begins in February.

This off-season is an important one for Topeka as they go into it trying to increase recruiting, fitness commitments and building of a strong core in the community.  The season was not a total loss.  Play did improve, considering injuries were considerably higher this season compared to seasons past.  TRFC gained more rookies and sipped more players than the season prior.  

All in all, the Wizards played the majority of their union schedule this fall and learned what is needed to begin seriously competing in the Heart of America Union.  The attitude of the team is good and players now know that they need to up their own off-season work to come into the spring ready to bring Topeka some wins.

It's going to be a long three months as the team is chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch.  The spring will be an intriguing one for the Wizards.