Has the Clock Struck Midnight?

CGBC News Network - Staff Writer Randy Pifer
Updated: October 11, 2012, 10:41 PM ET

The Fightin' Reformers played poorly tonight and lost for the first time in five game dropping a 59 to 73 decision to an athletic team from the Pelzer Church of God.  The story, however, wasn't that the Reformers lost, but rather how they lost.  Jon Goforth was slightly off and it became very evident across press row that if he is missing shots, this team has no chance to advance past the first round of the playoffs.  Josh Harbert played well as he seems to be almost back to his early season form, but there was not much more positive play from any member of the team.  Michael Moon grabbed his double digit rebounds yet again, but as shot after shot clanged off the rim the energy was sucked right out of the arena.  Defensive stalwart Aaron Cline was back in the first half and helped keep the team in the game and to only a four point deficit at the end of the first half, but left at halftime to play in a volleyball game.  His teammates were disappointed in his choice and all hope he gets his priorities in the right place for the rest of the season.  Forward Benji Hutson was frustrated by the physical play that was being allowed.  His frustration boiled over at one point when he got into a heated exchange with head referee Wayne Fowler.  "I got upset and lost my cool.  I felt like he was calling the game very one sided out there tonight" Hutson exclaimed.  Thomas Richardson threw up wild shot after shot barely grazing the rim and Randy Pifer was only able to muster two points due to referee Fowler swallowing his whistle.  Player/Coach Zack Blount left late in the first half and didn't return with an undisclosed injury.  He is listed as day to day.

This loss comes at the absolute worst time for the Reformers.  The team facility was buzzing earlier today and team moral was at an all time high with the unveiling of the new logo and the plans to open the new team shop, The Reformers Respite, that will allow fans to purchase all their Fightin' Reformers gear.  "Not good.  Not how we wanted this week to end.  It's going to be a long weekend.  I hope we can do a better job next week, especially on fan appreciation night" Goforth said.  "There were very few positives tonight.  We need to burn the footage and just forget this game and move on" Moon said.  There were representatives from Addidas and Nike in attendance tonight as they were both vying to sponsor the team and introduce a whole line of Reformer gear, but one has to think the way the team played tonight will leave a sour taste in the mouth of both companies.  Lets hope this was a one game aberration and not a sign of things to come.  Cinderella's slipper still fits, but for how long?

News and Notes: Donny Mathis II is still out with his wife and newborn son, and Ben Skaug missed the game as he scheduled to meet with a specialist this weekend.  Fan attendance was at an all time low.  The late start may have played a part in this poor showing, but GM Pifer expressed his concern after the game.  "This team need support.  CGBC needs to step up as we go down the stretch or we might as well kiss this season goodbye".