BlueCats Fall 40-37 on Last Second Field Goal
March 26, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Evansville BlueCats News Release
EVANSVILLE, IN: The Evansville BlueCats were defeated 40-37 by the River City Rage in the 2007 season opener. The BlueCats lost a critical fumble in the games final minute set up wild finish with 17 points being scored inside the games final 32 seconds.
The Rage pulled ahead at halftime with the score at 18-13 after a rare blocked extra point conversion by the River City defense in the final minute of the first half. The BlueCats scored a touchdown and took a 21-18 lead on their first possession of the 3rd quarter, and took the lead again in the 4th quarter 30-23. With the game tied at 30-30 and less than a minute to go, the BlueCats had the ball and were driving for a chance at the game winning score when the Evansville offense fumbled and lost the ball with 32 seconds to go. River City scored a touchdown 2 plays later, and kicked off back to the BlueCats offense, who also took just two plays to score a touchdown of their own. Now tied at 37-37, Evansville kicked off to the River City with 4 seconds left on the clock. The Rage stopped the clock with 1.7 seconds left and Rage kicker Derek Kutz hit the game winning 42-yard field goal as time expired. His 42-yard field goal is among the longest ever at Roberts Stadium. The BlueCats fall to (0-1) and the Rage start the season (1-0).
The BlueCats offense was led by a strong running game, with Ray Kirkley rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Quarterback Richard Johnson added 44 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Odest Shannon and Michael Cosey rushed for 12 yards and 3 yards respectively.
The BlueCats only completed 4 passes in the game, but 2 of them went for touchdowns. Tommy Manus recorded 2 receptions for 25 yards and one touchdown, and Dale Jennings scored on 25-yard touchdown pass on his only reception.
Linebacker Rudy Foye led the BlueCats defense with 7 tackles in the game, including 1 tackle for loss. Defensive end Deion Holts tallied 5.5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 sack. Defensive back Tez Morris grabbed 2 interceptions and recorded 4.5 tackles in the game, 3 of his tackles came on special teams as part of the kickoff coverage unit.
BlueCats kicker Ton-Ton Luzayadio had a uncharacteristically off night, going 0-5 on field goal attempts, with 4 of his 5 attempts coming from inside 25 yards.
The BlueCats return home next Saturday, March 31st, when they host the Ohio Valley Greyhounds (0-1) at Roberts Stadium. Gates open at 6pm, kickoff is scheduled for 7:05pm. Last week, the Greyhounds lost their home opener 44-37 to the Lexington Horsemen. For tickets, please visit Ticketmaster.com or contact the Roberts Stadium box office at (812) 476-1383 extension 25. For the complete Evansville BlueCats 2007 schedule, please visit the website at www.evansvillebluecats.com.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from March 26, 2007
- Extreme's Johnson gets tryout with Miami Dolphins - Bloomington Extreme
- BlueCats Fall 40-37 on Last Second Field Goal - Evansville BlueCats
- UIF Week One Summary - UIF
- UIF Names Rogol Player Development Coordinator - UIF
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