Fire Burn Hammers For Inaugural Win
April 7, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Georgia Fire News Release
ROME, GA (April 7, 2014) - The Georgia Fire (1-0) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) defeated the defending champion Alabama Hammers (0-2) in a 57-55 shootout for the franchise's inaugural win.
It was a knock down drag them out kind of showdown in which the Georgia Fire offense figuratively lit the defending champs on fire scorching them for over 330 yards including 317 through the air from starting quarterback Cecil Lester.
Lester torched the Hammers secondary completing 23 of 37 passes with receiver Antwontis Cutts his top receiver hauling in eight receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown. WR John Harris was another main threat grabbing seven receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown.
Last season, the Alabama defense was mostly known for their ability to create havoc in the backfield earning a league-high 40 sacks in eleven games. Through two games in 2014 the Hammers have only created three including just one in Saturday's loss to the Fire.
Late in the 4th quarter down 61-45, coupled with a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Caleb Bostic and a successful two-point conversion kept the defending champs within reach turning the deficit to two. Alabama QB Kevin Huff matched his counterpart's aerial assault completing 28 of 45 passes for 311 yards and four touchdowns.
Previously held by Knoxville Nighthawks WR Charles Gilbert, Hammers WR Charles McClain had a career night tying the PIFL single-game high with 17 receptions. McClain notched 168 receiving yards and total of three touchdowns (1-receiving; 2 rushing). 2013 PIFL MVP grabbed six receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown with Dupree and Grier hauling in Huff's other two TD throws.
Despite the career night, two key interceptions including one late in the 4th quarter by DB Robert Durham put the Hammers on coal and in desperation mode. The intense game concluded with the Fire defense staving off overtime by stopping a two-point conversion at the end of regulation to preserve the franchise's first victory.
Fire Head Coach Cosmo DeMatteo improved his coaching record over his counterpart Dean Cokinos to 2-1 and will have to prepare his squad with a quick turnaround next week with a meeting against American Division foe Columbus (1-1) this Friday April 11th at 7:00 PM. To follow all the action log on to www.georgiafire.us and click on the Listen Live icon to activate the 99.5 The Jock link.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 7, 2014
- Fire Burn Hammers For Inaugural Win - Georgia Fire
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