Birmingham pulls off comeback victory over Wildcats, 42-35
June 10, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ryan Hawk completed four of six passes for 43 yards, including a game-winning, 23-yard touchdown strike to Allyn Sheffield as the Birmingham Steeldogs defeated the South Georgia Wildcats, 42-35, in front of 5,803 fans at the BJCC Arena on Saturday night.
Hawk, relegated to a back-up role for the first time since the season began, came off the bench late in the fourth quarter to spark the Steeldogs rally. Birmingham, who had led by as many as 17 points in the second half, became mired in a disastrous series of events in the fourth quarter. After a Dan Burnett field goal, Steeldogs' quarterback Robert Kent was sacked in the end zone for a safety, pulling the Wildcats to within 34-29 early in the final period..
Later, Wildcats' quarterback Julian Reese fired an 18-yard touchdown pass to Chris McKinney, to put South Georgia on top, 35-34, with one minute to play. That's when Hawk led a two-play, 30-yard drive, culminating in the Sheffield touchdown reception to put Birmingham on top for good.
The win evens the Steeldogs' record at 5-5. South Georgia falls to 1-9.
Steve Sills, a first time offensive specialist, led Birmingham's receiving corps with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. He was awarded the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game award. Sheffield caught three passes for 34 yards, including the game-winning score, while collecting 4.5 tackles defensively. He was named the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game. His game-winning reception was voted the Cutter's Catch of the Game.
Deon Deboise rounded out the Steeldogs' award sweep, taking home the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award. His sack of quarterback Julian Reese on South Georgia's final drive all but sealed the Steeldogs' fifth victory of the season.
Robert Kent started his first game at quarterback for the Steeldogs, finishing 14 of 25 for 152 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to Hawk. South Georgia's Julian Reese finished 24 of 38 for 210 yards and three scores. Chris McKinney led all receivers with 13 catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns.
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