Sports stats



Axemen Defeat Cavalry 92-49

March 17, 2014 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Minnesota Axemen News Release


Bemidj, MN - The Bemidji Axemen are 2-1 after defeating the Wyoming Cavalry 92-49 here Saturday night.

After receiving the opening kick off, Cavalry wide receiver Rolan Woodland hauled in a 37-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Sam Durley on the second play from scrimmage.

The Axemen fired back, capping off a three-play drive with a three yard touchdown run by running back Warren Matthews. On the next Cavalry possession, Axemen defensive back Adam Lucas picked up a botched Cavalry snap and returned it 21 yards to put the Axemen on the top of the scoreboard, 13-7.

"We challenged our guys after the Nebraska game and they responded in a big way," Axemen head coach Robert Fuller stated. "They worked through the bye week and prepared very well. It is nice to see their hard work and effort pay off in a victory."

Axemen running back DeMario Pippen capped off the first quarter with a three yard touchdown scamper to increase to Axemen lead to 19-7.

The Axemen went on to find the end zone five times in the second quarter with wide receiver Maurice "Moe" Patterson catching two touchdown receptions and receivers Phil Browder and Ryan Balentine each catching one touchdown reception a piece. The final touchdown of the quarter came with five seconds remaining in the half as defensive back and kick returner De'Markus Washington returned a kick off 52 yards for a touchdown to increase the Axemen lead, 57-37.

Bemidji powered through the third quarter as Patterson and Balentine reach caught a touchdown reception courtesy of Axemen quarterback Hunter Wanket. Wanket was the only Axemen to score in the fourth quarter as he record three one-yard touchdown rushes.

Matthews led the way on the ground for the Axemen, carrying the ball four times for 58 yards and 1 touchdown while Pippen tallied 9 rushes for 47 yards and one touchdown. Wanket finished the game with nine carries for 26 yards and three touchdowns.

Balentine, a 2013 All-IFL selection, led the Axemen in the air, catching 8 passes for 155 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Patterson recorded three receptions, all touchdowns, for 44 yards while Browder caught one touchdown reception for 25 yards.

Washington led the Axemen defense, recording nine tackles. Linebacker Jory Johnson made Axemen history by having the first interception in the history of the franchise. Johnson paired that interception with seven tackles and one-and-a-half tackles-for-loss. Defensive linemen Montez Robinson and Jordan Morgan each tallied one sack and one tackle-for-loss while Lucas had three tackles and two pass breakups in addition to his returned fumble recovery.

"We had a lot of big plays in all three phases of the game and didn't let up but we understand we still have a lot of work to do yet if we are going to compete with the top teams in the IFL," Fuller said. "We'll get the opportunity to gauge our improvement Friday against Nebraska."

The Axemen improve to 2-1 on the season and play the Nebraska Danger (3-1) this Friday, March 21. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 on Palace Casino Field at the Sanford Center. All fans are encouraged to wear as it's BLUE OUT Night in addition to Native American Night. Tickets are available for purchase at the Bob Lowth Ford Ticket Pickup Window at the Sanford Center, both Lueken's Village Foods locations, and online at TicketMaster.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from March 17, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Minnesota Axemen Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central