North County Stars cruise past Phoenix to complete landmark season

Image Credit: Michael Burmy

FALLBROOK, CA (06/11/2016) The North County Stars (6-2) had a season to remember, as it ends with a convincing victory over the visiting Phoenix Phantomz (2-6).

Much like the previous meeting between these teams, the game started out close with North County holding on a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Stars pulled away with 30 unanswered points to secure a team-record sixth win.

The Stars not only ended the 2016 campaign on a three-game win streak, but also a third straight game where their opponent was held scoreless in the second half.

With a 6-2 record and their only losses coming from the undefeated Carson Bobcats, it would appear that North County is more than worthy of postseason consideration. 

But with the top two teams from each conference qualifying for the IWFL Playoffs, it will be the Bobcats facing the fellow unbeaten Utah Falconz for the Pacific Conference championship, while the third place Stars can only hope for a Founders Bowl selection.

“This is what we go by,” answered Stars head coach Calvin McClain when asked about his take on the league's playoff system.

“Everybody plays by the same rules, so if you want to get in [the playoffs] you have to win the games. We didn't take care of our business two times, so that's it. I can't blame the league for us losing football games, we loss those games, so that's just how it goes.”

North County Stars 2016 Schedule
DATE	OPPONENT	RESULT
April 9	at Bakersfield Bombers	Won, 26-0
April 16	vs. Carson Bobcats	Lost, 18-32
April 23	Bye
April 30	vs. Nevada Storm	Won, 46-40
May 7	vs. Bakersfield Bombers	Won, 27-0
May 14	at Carson Bobcats	Lost, 0-26
May 21	at Sacramento Sirens	Won, 32-7
May 28	at Pheonix Phantomz	Won, 26-12
June 4	Bye
June 11	vs. Pheonix Phantomz	Won, 44-8