Steeldogs Rally Falls Short in Overtime, 44-43
April 14, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Rio Grande Valley Dorados defeated the Birmingham Steeldogs, 44-43, after a furious Steeldogs' rally fell short in overtime.
Anthony Morris' nine-yard touchdown run in the extra period put the Steeldogs within one-point, following Rio Grande's first possession touchdown pass from Josh Kellett to Dwight Counter. But, after deciding to forego the extra-point try, QB Ryan Hawk's two-point conversion pass fell incomplete and the comeback stopped one-point shy of sudden death.
Down 24 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Steeldogs, who had struggled offensively throughout the game, rallied behind QB Ryan Hawk and OS Kerry Wright to erase the deficit and hold the Dorados scoreless, forcing an extra period.
The rally began with 13:00 left in the fourth quarter, as Hawk found Wright from 28 yards out to narrow the Dorados lead to 37-19. Hawk and Wright hooked up again minutes later, this time from 27 yards out. A two-point conversion run by Terrell Browden narrowed the disadvantage to 10.
The defense stepped up on Rio Grande's next drive, planting the Dorados inside the Steeldogs' five-yard line, forcing a three-and-out and a field goal attempt by Dustin Bell. From inside his own end-zone, Bell's attempt was blocked and recovered by Browden for a touchdown.
Now down by three, the defense forced another three-and-out and yet another field goal attempt. Bell's attempt was short, and the Steeldogs began the final drive of regulation from their 15-yard line. After several unsuccessful attempts to punch the ball in for a touchdown, Alex Walls converted a 34-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.
Hawk rebounded after a difficult start to finish 14 of 34 for 179 yards and three touchdowns. Wright caught five passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns. Back-up quarterback Robert Kent was the second leading Steeldogs' pass catcher with five receptions for 53 yards.
Kellett finished 26 of 52 for 264 yards and five touchdowns. Dwight Counter caught 12 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
SCHUTT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Dwight Counter (RGV)
U.S. ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME: Terrell Browden (BIR)
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Bobby Keyes (BIR)
CUTTER'S CATCH OF THE GAME: Kellett to Counter, 20 yard-touchdown, 12:15 remaining in overtime
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