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Nighthawks Beat Hammers in Slug Fest

April 27, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Knoxville NightHawks News Release


There is something about playing the number one team in the PIFL that the Knoxville Nighthawks really enjoy. The Nighthawks hit the road again Saturday as they traveled to Huntsville, AL to take on the top team in the league, the Alabama Hammers. Knoxville went into tonight's game seeking to find the magic they had the first time they played the best team in the PIFL. Once again, the Nighthawks found that magic and beat the Alabama Hammers 53-51.

The first half was like two heavy weights in a slug fest. Alabama started off quickly with a strike to Mico McSwain on the third play of the game for the touchdown. The Hammers converted the extra point and kick off for the uno to make the score 8-0. Knoxville then slowly moved the ball down the field and got to the 12 yard line of the Hammers. Armando Cuko nailed a field goal to make the score 8-3. The Hammers wasted no time scoring their their second touchdown of the evening as Dan Ross ran the ball in from the two yard line. The Hammers then hit the extra point and got the no making the score 16-3. The Nighthawks were not fazed. On the third play of their next possession, the Nighthawks' new quarterback Ryan Porter found Kelvin Bolden for a long pass and the touchdown. The score was then 16-10. Then the Hammers struck again with a pass to CJ Johnson for the touchdown and the score at the end of the first quarter was 23-10.

In the second quarter, the Nighthawks marched right back down the field and capped off the drive with a 3 yard touchdown pass to Deandre Brown and cut the score to 23-17. The Nighthawks held the Hammers to a 3 and 15 situation, however CJ Johnson slipped by the defense for the long touchdown and the Hammer made the score 30-17 with 7:50 left in the first half. On the next drive for Knoxville, Daccus Turman scored on a long run. Cuko hit the extra point and uno bringing the score to 37-31 with one minute left in the half. Alabama started marching down the field and got inside to the 8 yard line of the Nighthawks. But Stanley Clark came up with a huge play on defense as he intercepted the ball with 6.5 seconds left. After one pass play, Cuko scored on a long field goal. The score at the half was 37-34 Alabama.

Things slowed down just a bit in the 3rd quarter. The Nighthawks received the ball to start the second half. They moved the ball down the field, however were intercepted in the end zone. The Hammers took advantage of the situation and appeared to have take control of the game as they scored two more touchdowns. The Nighthawks could only manage a field goal as Alabama lead 51-37.

In the fourth quarter, the Knoxville refused to quit. Nighthawk fullback Daccus Turman scored on a 1 yard touchdown run. Cuko hit the extra point and uno to bring the score to 51-45 with 5 minutes left in the game. On the Hammers next possession, the Nighthawk defense stepped up. Knoxville got a sack and forced Alabama to kick a field goal, which was no good. With less than a minute to play, the Nighthawks went to work from their own five yard line. It did not take long for Porter to hook up with a wide open Deandre Brown who raced down the sidelines for the score. Cuko connected on the extra point and made another uno to make the score 53-51. But it was not over yet. Alabama began moving the ball down the field. With 6 seconds remaining in the game. Alabama made a decision to go for the win on a field goal attempt. But it was not meant to be as Hammers kicker Brian Jackson missed the opportunity allowing the Nighthawks to win their second game of the season.

Nighthawks head coach Cosmo Dematteo said, "This was a great win for our team tonight. To beat the best team in the PIFL is truly a testament to the hard work our guys have put in on the practice field. We will enjoy this for now and get back to work and prepare for a good Louisiana team. We look forward to playing again at home next week and in front of our fans."

The Nighthawks will be back at home Saturday, May 4th as they take on the Louisiana Swashbucklers for the second of three meeting this season. Game time is at 7:00 pm EST. Single game tickets are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Box office or by calling Knoxville tickets at 865-656-4444 or on line at www.knoxvilletickets.com.

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