Evansville BlueCats Win at Sioux City

June 25, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Evansville BlueCats News Release


EVANSVILLE, IN: The Evansville BlueCats earned a 40-30 victory last Saturday night against the Sioux City Bandits behind a strong defensive effort in the second half. The BlueCats trailed 16-10 at halftime but came up big in the second half forcing four Sioux City turnovers in the fourth quarter with two of them returned for touchdowns by the BlueCats defense. The win avenges the BlueCats 28-26 home loss to the Bandits back on April 21st and keeps the BlueCats playoff hopes very much alive while the loss eliminates Sioux City from the postseason.

The first takeaway for the BlueCats defense came just two plays into the 4th quarter when defensive tackle Johnny Brown forced a fumble by Sioux City running back Andre Raymond which was scooped up and returned 48 yards for the touchdown by defensive back Hunter Pingston. The 48-yard fumble return is the longest fumble return in team history and the longest ever in the UIF. On the very next possession, defensive back Tez Morris picked off Sioux City quarterback Marlin McKinney and returned the interception 21 yards for the touchdown. It was the 4th pick of the season for Morris and the first touchdown of his professional career. The BlueCats defense continued to play strong with Pingston making 2 more interceptions on the next two possessions to help shut the door and seal the win.

Evansville BlueCats Head Coach John Hart said, "It's an absolutely huge win for us, we played pretty well tonight and dominated in the fourth quarter. Right now we're focused on getting back to the playoffs and with three games to go it's a very real possibility."

Running back Ray Kirkley led the way for the BlueCats offense with 145 all-purpose yards in the game. He was the team's leading rusher and receiver against Sioux City, finishing the game with 17 carries for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns and with 5 receptions for 61 yards. Wide receiver Levron Williams added 4 receptions for 48 yards and scored a touchdown in the 1st quarter.

Hunter Pingston came up with three turnovers for the BlueCats defense and recorded 3 solo tackles. John Winchester and David Reese contributed 5.5 tackles each and reigning UIF Defensive Player of the Week Deion Holts made 3.5 tackles, 2 sacks, and forced a fumble.

The BlueCats road trip continues this week when they travel Wheeling, West Virginia to take on the Ohio Valley Greyhounds for the third time this season. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm (Evansville time). This game can be heard live on News-Talk 1280 WGBF-AM and on the web at 103GBFrocks.com. The BlueCats return home on Saturday, July 14th when they welcome the Bloomington Extreme. For single game tickets, please visit ticketmaster.com or contact the Roberts Stadium box office at (812) 476-1383 extension 25. For group ticket rates and to purchase the Cold Stone Creamery Family Four Pack, please contact the BlueCats office at (812) 437-CATS. For more information on the Evansville BlueCats, please visit the website at www.evansvillebluecats.com.



United Indoor Football Association Stories from June 25, 2007


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