Xplosion Remain Undefeated at 3-0
by Randy Snow
April 15, 2007 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Kalamazoo Xplosion
The Kalamazoo Xplosion have yet to taste defeat in the Continental Indoor Football League. In a battle of undefeated teams last night, the Xplosion topped the Chicago Slaughter 34-21 in front of 3,543 fans at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo.
After two straight road victories, Kalamazoo (3-0) was hosting its first ever home game. Things were going Kalamazoo's way right from the start. Kicker Brad Selent sent the opening kickoff rolling down the middle of the field where it bounced over, past and through several Chicago players. It was eventually recovered by Xplosion RB Dwight White inside the 10-yard line. A few plays later, Kalamazoo QB Bill Skelton connected with WR Dan Muslelewicz for a touchdown. The extra point was missed, but Kalamazoo had an early 6-0 lead.
Chicago (1-1) got on the board on their first possession when WR Dontrell Jackson caught a touchdown pass from QB Matt Schabert and the Slaughter took a 7-6 lead.
In the second quarter, with Kalamazoo up 13-7, Xplosion DB David Gator made a spectacular one-handed intercepted at the goal line to end a Chicago drive. That eventually led to a 1-yard QB sneak by Skelton, giving Kalamazoo a 20-7 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, running back Little John Flowers scored on a two-yard run and, in the fourth quarter, WR Brian Dolph added his second touchdown catch of the night as the Xplosion cruised to their third straight win of the season.
Xplosion head coach Bob Kubiak said this was definitely the kind of home field advantage that he had hoped to receive from the hometown Kalamazoo fans. "I couldn't ask for anything more," said Kubiak. "A lot of times people are skeptical of a new thing like (indoor football), but when I started seeing âThe Wave' I thought we might have something going."
As far as his team's play, Kubiak had high praise for his defense. "Defensively, were playing very well. Our defensive ends, Dominick Brown and Andy Story, as well as Alf Fertil rushing up the middle, really kept (Chicago QB Matt Schabert) in check and didn't allow him to make plays and that was really key."
League co-founder Jeff Spitaleri was in attendance last night as well. After the game, he spoke about his impressions of the first CIFL game in Kalamazoo. "Outstanding," said Spitaleri, "The crowd was great all the way through to the end of the game. Even at the end there was a standing ovation from everybody. They were behind the team all night and were really into the game. It's a great thing for the city. I'm happy for everyone involved."
Spitaleri also attended the Muskegon Thunder-Summit County Rumble game on Friday night in Muskegon. The Thunder won that game 54-12.
FORT WAYNE CONNECTION
While several Xplosion players have local ties to Kalamazoo area high schools and colleges, there are also six players currently on the Xplosion roster that all played last season in United Indoor Football year for the (defunct) Fort Wayne Freedom, QB Bill Skelton, WR Dan Muslelewics, DB David Gator, QB Randy Hutchison, TE Keith Recker and DL Alf Fertil. In last night's game, Skelton threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, Muslelewics had a touchdown catch, Gator had an interception and Fertil had a sack. Most of them still live in the Fort Wayne area and carpool together to practices and games.
NEXT GAME
Kalamazoo will host the Marion Mayhem next Saturday night, April 21. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from April 15, 2007
- Xplosion Remain Undefeated at 3-0 - OSC Original by Randy Snow
- Chesapeake Tide Lose In A Shootout. - Chesapeake Tide
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
