River Monsters out to Clinch Playoff Berth

April 22, 2011 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Northern Kentucky River Monsters News Release


HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - It didn't take long for the first grenade to be launched as Northern Kentucky prepared for Saturday's critical Ultimate Indoor Football League game with Saginaw.

In his radio show Sunday, a member of the Saginaw staff decided it was the appropriate time to call out the River Monsters defense when he quipped, "They are not very good defensively."

Northern Kentucky comes into the game fourth in the UIFL, allowing 45.1 points per game. However, Saginaw's defense isn't much better, yielding 41.5 points per game. The Sting is coming off a game in which they were a missed extra point away from going into overtime in their 62-61 victory over Canton.

While the River Monsters' defense has been put on notice, the game features the league's top two offenses. Quarterback's Jared Lorenzen and Tommy Jones have been battling all season for the top spot in the league's passing categories. The left-handed signal caller leads the UIFL in touchdowns (52) and yards (256.2), while Jones leads in efficiency (109.4). Jones is second in touchdowns (46) and yards (216.8) and Lorenzen is second in efficiency (101.4).

The quarterbacks are having their success in different styles. Northern Kentucky's receiving corps has been relatively unchanged for the entire season as only five players had recorded receptions. One of those players, Butch Abshire, has only played offense in two of the team's eight games. Meanwhile Saginaw has had 11 different players haul in a catch.

Lately for the Sting, the pair of Andrew Beaver and LaVaughn Macon has been the primary targets. They have combined for 17 catches and seven touchdowns in the last two games. They have each returned a kickoff for touchdowns as well.

Northern Kentucky's three primary receivers - Willie Idlette, Harry Lewis and Ricardo Lenhart - are putting their respective stamps on the offense. Idlette is leading league with 7.1 receptions with a team-high 88.7 yards per game, while Lewis is second in the league with 19 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lenhart is second on the team in yards, touchdowns and receptions per game.

The River Monsters are the UIFL's most potent offense with 65.1 points per game, including the top two single-game scoring marks. Meanwhile, Saginaw comes into the game averaging 52.4.

While the contest features the top two offenses, it also has the two hottest teams. NKY has won five straight and Saginaw four consecutive. Not only are streaks on the line, but the River Monsters can claim the league's first spot in the playoffs with a victory. A win would also give the team a two-game lead in the race for the UIFL's top seed.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Kentucky Center. The River Monsters will be hosting a pink game with part of the game's proceeds going to the Terri Krebs Dream Foundation. In addition to part of the proceeds, there will be a raffle for autographed University of Kentucky memorabilia. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show support for the breast cancer cause.



Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from April 22, 2011


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