Richmond defeats Nashville, plays Columbus on Monday
June 30, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
Alex Johnson of the Richmond Raiders
(Richmond Raiders)
RICHMOND, Va. (June 29, 2015) - The Richmond Raiders (9-4) punched their ticket to the PIFL Championship game on Monday night at the Richmond Coliseum with a win over the defending league champions, the Nashville Venom (7-5), 54-35. This was the third time the two teams met this season and the Raiders' second win over the Venom in the 2015 season. Richmond will head to Columbus, Ga. next Monday to play the Columbus Lions in the league's championship game.
Monday night's game was dominated by the Raiders from the very first whistle signifying kickoff. The Raider defense held Nashville scoreless until midway through the second quarter. WR Robert Holland would find the endzone first for the team with just 1:07 gone from the game, putting the Raiders ahead and allow them to go to work. The Raiders led for the entire game, and the closest Nashville ever got was within eight after Richmond's first touchdown and uno of the game. The real unsung hero of Monday's game, however, was K T.C. Stevens. During the game, Stevens hit three field goals of 30, 49, and 30 yards, respectively, along with three unos. Following closely behind, the Raider defense was red-hot. They recorded six sacks for a total loss of 22 yards and snagged four interceptions on the night.
QB Jonathan Bane completed 13 of 23 passes for 208 yards and four touchdowns in spite of leaving the game with an injury in the first half. QB Phil Konopka would pick up the workload after Bane left, and he came in to complete three of 11 passes for 11 yards. He also called his own number once by running in for a touchdown. The two quarterbacks would connect with KR Daron Clark four times for 84 yards and two touchdowns and with WR Robert Holland four times for 66 yards and a touchdown to lead the offense. Devin "Sacman" Jones returned to action with a vengeance, laying out the Venom quarterback three times for sacks.
For Nashville, QB Charles McCullum completed 18 of 42 passes for 273 yards and four interceptions. He hit WR Jordan Jolly for nine catches totaling 111 yards and a touchdown. WR Mike Whittaker was close behind with two catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
The Raiders are next in action on Monday, July 6 as they head to Columbus, Ga. for the PIFL Championship game. For ticket questions, contact the Richmond Raiders ticket office at 804-780-0430 or to purchase tickets, call the Columbus Lions front office at 706-322-3336.
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 Alex Johnson of the Richmond Raiders |
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