Shockwave post memorable Memorial Day weekend victory
May 28, 2007 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
San Diego Shockwave News Release
Shockwave defensive lineman Andre Reed batted down a Cavalry touchdown pass attempt at the goal line as time expired preserving a dramatic 52 - 45 victory over Wyoming on Saturday night at Cox Arena. Reed's play punctuated San Diego's goal line stand and a stellar Shockwave effort on both sides of the ball.
The Military Appreciation Night crowd of 4,952 were treated to sweets before the game and a sugar-rush of a contest featuring six lead changes, highlight reel moments and a thrilling, heart-stopping finish that was, well, frosting on the cake. Yes, there was even birthday cake for the first 2,000 fans in celebration of Shockwave owner Robert Sprowls' birthday and Memorial Day. But the game itself proved to be no cakewalk.
Midway through the fourth quarter, it appeared that whoever had the game's final possession would prevail. It really came down to who wanted the game more.
The Shockwave led 23 - 21 at the half. But they seemed to unravel early in the second half, giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown and losing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Both led to quick Wyoming touchdowns with speedy, diminutive Cavalry scatback James "Spiderman" Jones scoring both in a 1:59 minute span to open the third quarter and start to pull away; 35 - 23.
In all, Jones tallied three touchdowns on the night; two on the ground and one through the air. But Shockwave David Beverly answered Jones' kickoff return for touchdown with one of his own, a 53 yard gem to cut the lead to 35 - 30. Three touchdowns in less than three minutes to start the second half.
But if there was any question about desire, that was probably answered late in the third quarter, when the Shockwave, down by 12 points, 42 - 30, got a lift when running back Ali Culpepper stepped up. The Shockwave had driven the ball to the Cavalry five yard line. There Culpepper took a handoff and went off tackle only to be stopped for what seemed to be a short gain to the three yard line. But the whistle hadn't blown and Culpepper kept fighting; pounding his tacklers, finally breaking free for a crucial touchdown that cut Wyoming's lead, with the PAT, to 42 - 37.
The lead would change hands three times in the fourth quarter. Early in the quarter, while still down 42 - 37, Shockwave quarterback Matt Pound hit wide receiver Deondre Alexander for their second touchdown of the night, this a 31 yard pass along the left dasherboard. This reclaimed the lead for San Diego, 44 - 42, with the PAT. But just three minutes later, Wyoming went ahead again, when Cavalry kicker Trey Ransom hit a 29 yard field goal.
However, the Pound to Alexander connection wasn't finished, connecting again on a 26 yard touchdown at the 3:30 mark of the 4th quarter; making the score, 50 - 45. Shockwave coach Bob Bees went for a two-point conversion trying to extend San Diego's lead to seven points, putting additional pressure on Wyoming. And Culpepper didn't disappoint, sweeping around the right side to make it a 52 - 45 San Diego lead that wouldn't be relinquished.
Wyoming got the ball back with plenty of time and were driving, getting to the Shockwave one yard line before calling not one, but two timeouts with three seconds left in regulation to strategize their final play. A touchdown and extra point would've forced a very rare NIFL occurrence - overtime. A touchdown followed by a two-point conversion would've meant a Cavalry victory.
On the final play in regulation, Wyoming quarterback, Matt Strand, the Cavalry's leader and a seasoned NIFL veteran, took the snap and faded back, stepping to the right to avoid the rush before firing a pass to his favorite wide receiver, sure-handed Dante Dudley.
But it was not to be. Reed stepped into the passing lane and batted the ball away as time expired. Shockwave radio announcer Chris Ello perhaps put it best saying, "this was the kind of game they had in mind when they created indoor football more than 20 years ago."
"We showed a lot of heart tonight, this was a total team effort," said jubilant head coach Bob Bees of the Shockwave's win. "Our offensive and defensive lines did great jobs. Our defensive line pressured Matt Strand all night, forcing a fumble and one interception."
Some of the Shockwave players having solid performances included Gerald Sykes, Rico Curtis, Shedrick Harris, Darren Brooker, Nakoa McElrath and David Beverly. In fact, Brooker and Harris combined to break up a Wyoming pass earlier in the final drive, leveling a vicious hit on a Cavalry receiver near the end zone, dislodging the ball.
A Cavalry win at Cox Arena would have put Wyoming two games up on the Shockwave in the NIFL standings -- virtually ensuring a third meeting between these two elite NIFL teams - a playoff date in Wyoming later this summer. With the win, the Shockwave improved to 7 - 1; the Cavalry fell to 8 - 1.
"The Cavalry's been around since 2000, so they're a veteran team," explained Bees. "And even though we're a new team we played very well and are continuing to get better." Added Bees, "This was Matt Pound's coming out party. He played a great game, is really working hard and coming into his own as our starting quarterback."
Key stats:
- Shockwave quarterback Matt Pound was near perfect; 16 - 19 for 204 yds. with four TD's - (three to Alexander) and one INT. The one interception was an incredible, leaping, one-handed, over-the-head grab by Cavalry defensive back, Kuma Hatten.
- The Wyoming Cavalry, who were averaging a stratospheric 82 points per game were held to 45 points; 37 points below their season average.
- The Shockwave victory avenged their only loss of the season, to the same Wyoming Cavalry team in a week two road game.
- Wyoming, who remarkably hadn't turned the ball over this season had two turnovers on the night - a fumble and an interception - in the first 20 minutes. Ricky Leungwai had the fumble recovery; Samaji Akili, the interception.
- The Shockwave defense stopped Wyoming on three consecutive possessions in the 2nd half.
- Shockwave kicker, John "Auto" Matich was perfect on the evening, hitting on two field goals - 21 and 34 yards; and all five extra points.
The 7 - 1 first-place Shockwave are idle next week, with a bye. They then face another tough road test on Saturday, June 9th when they travel to Beaumont, Texas to face the Beaumont Drillers. The Shockwave beat the Drillers here in San Diego, 46 - 9 in week three of the NIFL season.
"It was a pretty good defensive effort for us against a high-scoring, very well coached team," said defensive coordinator Montra Edwards. "We're continuing to work hard and keep our eye on our only goal - an NIFL championship." Added Edwards, "We had too many penalties. Obviously, our discipline needs work. But we're enjoying this win."
Shockwave President and General Manager Jeff Sprowls added, "This is a great victory for us; certainly the biggest win in our short history. But it's what indoor football is all about. I think the roughly 5,000 people here tonight really had a great time; thoroughly enjoying the show."
The Shockwave return home on Saturday, June 23rd at 7:05 p.m. against the (Alameda) Tri-Valley Ranchers. Tickets remain on sale for this and the remaining home game on June 30th through Ticketmaster outlets, the Cox Arena box office, by going to www.sandiegoshockwave.com; or by calling 877.SHOCWAV (877.746.2928).
National Indoor Football League Stories from May 28, 2007
- Shockwave post memorable Memorial Day weekend victory - San Diego Shockwave
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