Coyotes come up short 54-53

Published on June 5, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


FRESNO - Tulsa WR/DB Donovan Morgan caught a two-point conversion on the last play of regulation to give the Tulsa Talons (8-2) a 54-53 victory over the Central Valley Coyotes (5-4) in front of a crowd of 2,638 at Selland Arena.

The Talons needed a 21-yard Robert Reed touchdown reception as time expired to bring Tulsa within one, 53-52. Without hesitation, Tulsa head coach David Alexander kept his offense out on the field to go for the win.

Tulsa QB Josh Blankenship was able to find Morgan up against the goaline wall to solidify the Talon victory and give them a two-game lead in the West Division.

The Coyotes, who were down 34-10 with 1:20 to go in the first half, scored 28 unanswered points to take a 38-34 lead, one minute into the fourth quarter.

Three of the four touchdowns were to WR/LB George Williams, who earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors with 11 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

Central Valley held the Talons scoreless in the third quarter with the help of two defensive stops.

The second was a fourth-and-eleven pass attempt from the Tulsa 19-yard line intended for Morgan. Coyote defensive specialist Tierre Sams was able to knock down the ball and give Central Valley possession as they trailed 34-31.

Sams earned "Defensive Player of the Game" with 11 and a half tackles and one deflection.

Tulsa took an early 13-0 lead after DS Chris Canty recovered a ball off the net on their first kickoff after opening the game with a 13-yard touchdown to OS Robert Reed.

The Talon defense set the tone early, forcing the Coyotes into two field goal attempts in the first half.

Coyote kicker John Gockman was successful on a 42-yarder which made the score 13-3 with 5:14 left in the first quarter, but later missed a 25-yarder before the period ended.

QB Juston wood was 27-of-45 for 266 yards and five touchdowns and rushed another in for a score. His last touchdown pass was a 16-yard strike to WR/DB DeRonn Finley which was followed by a successful two-point conversion that gave the Coyotes a 53-46 lead with 22 seconds left.

Finley earned "Ironman of the Game" honors with seven catches for 68 yards and also recorded an interception on defense.

The Coyotes will stay at home next weekend to take on the San Diego Riptide at Selland Arena on Saturday, June 11. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

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