There's No Place Like \'Holme', Maulers Win Second Straight
May 16, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
( MONTGOMERY, AL) Maulers' wide receiver and former Alabama State University standout, Shaun Holmes had three touchdowns and 90 yards receiving in the Maulers 65-12 win over the Beaumont Drillers at the Garrett Coliseum last Saturday. The win was the Maulers second straight and helped Montgomery improve to 3-5, placing them back contention for the 2006 Playoffs. Head Coach Michael Mink is now 2-0 since taking over as the Maulers skipper on May 3.
Montgomery came out in full force on Saturday night, scoring a season-high 65 points and collecting a near 300 total offensive yards. Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that the Maulers limited the visiting Drillers (4-4) to 110 offensive yards and held Drillers all-star running back Roland Hayes to 15 yards rushing. Hayes was averaging 60 yards per game prior to Saturday's game.
In addition, the Mauler defense, headed by defensive backs Archie Smith (Alabama State University) and Antoine Hill (Alabama State University) forced Drillers quarterback, Damon Scott, to four interceptions; Scott had only thrown four interceptions the entire season prior to Saturday's game. Smith and Hill both had two interceptions in Saturday's win.
"Our defense was tremendous [Saturday night]," said Maulers Head Coach Michael Mink. "To only give up 12 points in an indoor game is impressive, but to force four interceptions and limit their rushing game to under two yards per carry...you're going to win a lot of ballgames if you come out and play the way our guys did [Saturday night]."
The Maulers offensive unit, led by quarterback J.R. Richardson ( Alabama State University) has looked strikingly different in the last two weeks. Since the Maulers were purchased by Owner Michael Mink and John Morris, the Maulers have not only sported a perfect 2-0 record, but have also posted more impressive numbers. Richardson had thrown/scored just 10 touchdowns and thrown 12 interceptions throughout the first six games of the season. With the "New" Maulers, Richardson has completed 66% of his passes (27-41), scored/thrown nine touchdowns and thrown one interception. Other Mauler players have also stepped up their game in the last two weeks. Running back Charlie Rollins (Alabama State University) had not had a touchdown all season prior to Saturday's game and was averaging under two yards per carry; in addition to scoring a touchdown, Rollins increased his average carry to just under four yards in Saturday's game.
"I see how these guys are playing; Holmes, Richardson, Rollins, the whole team really, and I just don't understand how these guys haven't won more games than they have," said Mink. "I'm not sure if these guys weren't utilized correctly or if their confidence was missing, but these guys can play some football."
In addition to Holmes three-touchdown night, the Maulers had five other players contribute to the 65-point scoring frenzy; Richardson and wide receiver Machion Sanders (Alabama State University) both had two touchdowns in the win, while running backs Kevin Campbell (Troy State University) and Rollins each contributed a touchdown score. Kicker Brian Bostick ( University of Alabama) converted on eight of nine PAT's and completed a 13-yard field goal in the third quarter to extend the Mauler lead to 30-6. Quarterback Jeff Aaron ( University of Alabama Birmingham) was 2-2 with 21 yards passing including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Holmes in the fourth quarter.
The Maulers will travel to Cincinnati to take on the Marshals this weekend. The Maulers have a BYE WEEK Memorial Day weekend and will return to the Garrett Coliseum on June 3 to host the Osceola Football Club (6-3).
Tickets for the June 3 game can be purchased at three different locations including the Maulers Headquarters located in Eastdale Mall, at the Garrett Coliseum or online at ticketmaster.com.
National Indoor Football League Stories from May 16, 2006
- Fever to host Lincoln - Tri-Cities Fever
- Despite star power, Frenzy lose game note Lakeland - Florida Frenzy
- There's No Place Like âHolme', Maulers Win Second Straight - Montgomery Bears
- ThunderBolts Top the Frenzy - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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