Despite star power, Frenzy lose game note Lakeland
May 16, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Florida Frenzy News Release
On a hot and steamy Ft.Lauderdale night -- and with plenty of star power in the house -- the Florida Frenzy started strong, but then lost steam, and in the end the game to the undefeated Lakeland Thunderbolts.
Plenty of NFL stars were in the house, including new Dolphin QB Dante Culpepper, new Dolphin WR Kelly Campbell (fresh from his trade with Minnesota), former Dolphin WR OJ McDuffie who once led the NFL in receiving with a little help from Dan Marino, and other Dolphin alumni Oronde Gadsden and Jamie Nails, both retired within the last few years and now staff members for The Frenzy. NIFL President Carolyn Shiver was also on hand to watch the game from the new VIP Suite that overlooks the field. Frenzy owner Howard Leonhardt is a friendly face and was in the suite making sure all of his guests were taken care of. For a first season team, this Florida organization appears to be a class act. Inside the opulent multi-million dollar settings of the Hard Rock Live, complete with thumping music and flashing lights, the game unfolded...
On the first play from scrimmage, Frenzy QB Travis Wilson went play action, and hurled a bomb the legnth of the field to WR James Robinson for a lightning quick TD. Florida kept it going, and went into the half leading undefeated Lakeland 25-17.
In the 3rd Quarter, Florida was knocking on the Lakeland goal about to score again, but a fumble was scooped up by a Thunderbolts DB and returned the full legnth of the field for a TD. Lakeland's Kicker, Steve Kratz would soon tack on a 45 yard field goal -- and the thread was becoming loose in the fabric of what appeared to be a big Frenzy upset... The usally strong Frenzy defense could not bottle in an illusive Thunderbolts QB who scampered on keepers and draws for another two touchdowns.
In the end, Lakeland scored 21 unanswered points in the second half, and the Thunderbolts kept their undefeated season intact for another week.
In a nice touch, the Frenzy organization honored Mother's Day with gift packages to Derra Smith and Usha Brown, two South Florida moms who won packages to El Palacio Hotel and Chispa Restaurant respectively. Also, SOS Productions and the Frenzy made a charitable donation to the South Florida Breast Cancer Walk which took place on Mother's Day.
Next Frenzy Home Game: Sunday, May 21st at Hard Rock Live vs. Osceola at 5:00pm
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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