Dorados Counter Attack Talons 65-64
Published on June 12, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Rio Grande Valley Dorados News Release
Hidalgo, Tx - The Rio Grande Valley Dorados had their streak of nine consecutive touchdown scoring drives snapped in the closing seconds of their Saturday night af2 contest with the West Division leading Tulsa Talons, but it was snapped by a 38-yard field goal by Eric Houle with 2.2 seconds remaining to give the Dorados a 65-64 victory in front of an exuberant 5,002 fans at Chase Field/Dodge Arena. The win improves the Dorados record this season to 6-4 and extends their home winning streak to a franchise high three games and their division record to 4-0.
The start of the contest gave the Dorados bad flashbacks to their previous game, which was filled with seven turnovers, after quarterback Josh Kellett tossed an interception on their second play from scrimmage. The Talons were able to capitalize off the turnover and build a 14-0 advantage with a four-yard tight end pass to Josh McMillan. Rio Grande Valley was able to get on track on their next possession with a 36-yard touchdown drive that had four passes to Dwight Counter for 35 of the yards, capped by an eight-yard touchdown pass from Kellett. The touchdown drive not only placed the Dorados on the board and trailing 14-7, but it started a series of nine consecutive touchdown drives for the Dorados.
Tulsa's offense was in full gear as well and they opened the contest by scoring touchdowns in their first six offensive drives. In the first half, Tulsa quarterback Josh Blankenship fired three touchdown passes to Donovan Morgan, including an opening fourth down pass of 42 yards. Tulsa found success on fourth down conversions, going 3 for 4, with all three conversions finding the endzone. Blankenship also hit Toby Moeves for a 42-yard touchdown reception in the first half. The crucial first half scoring drive for the Dorados came in the final minute of the half. The Dorados went 40 yards in three plays in a span of 12 seconds to find Marquis Floyd with an 11-yard touchdown reception as five seconds remained in the half to cut the Talons lead to 41-35 at the half.
The Dorados opened the second half on offense and Floyd gave the Dorados their first lead of the game with a seven-yard touchdown catch from Kellett to place the score at 42-41. Tulsa turned the ball over on downs in their next possession and the Dorados took advantage of it by cashing in with a 20-yard touchdown catch by Counter from Kellett. The Dorados attempted to go for the two-point conversion to build a nine point lead, but the plan backfired as Travis McAlpine fumbled the ball and Tulsa scooped it up and worked a couple laterals before Nick Davis took the ball the distance for the returned PAT two points, which placed the Dorados lead at 48-43.
Play continued back and forth, as Ahmad Willis' one-yard touchdown run to give them a 50-48 lead was answered by Chris Robinson's four-yard touchdown run to regain the Dorados lead 55-50. Tulsa's Donovan Morgan picked up a pair of fourth quarter touchdown receptions from Blankenship, surrounding Floyd's 38-yard touchdown catch, setting up the Dorados final drive. Clock management and penalties forced the Dorados into a fourth down and 13 situation and Eric Houle, who was 8 for 8 on the night in PATs trotted onto the field to attempt his first field goal of the game. The boot was right down the middle for his league leading 13th field goal of the season.
Tulsa had one chance remaining, as 2.2 seconds remained, but Donovan Morgan's kick return ended at the Rio Grande Valley 20 yard-line after he was finally tackled down by McAlpine to seal the win. It was the first time Houle and the Dorados have had a game decided by a kick of their own in franchise history. It was also their first one-point win in franchise history and the win improved their record to 5-2 when trailing at halftime.
Both quarterbacks finished with some flashy numbers, as Kellett finished was 329 yards passing off a 26 for 37 passing performance for seven touchdowns, while Blankenship was 24 for 41 passing for 325 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game was a coin toss, but eventually issued to Dwight Counter, who broke franchise single-game records in receptions (18) and receiving yards with 216, while tying the mark for touchdowns with four. His numbers edged out Tulsa's Donovan Morgan, who caught 10 passes for 145 yards and five touchdowns. Tulsa's Aleric Clark, who had 114 all-purpose yards and 3.5 tackles claimed US Army Ironman of the Game, while Dorados rookie Pierre Thomas earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game accolades after leading the squad in tackles with 7, including a tackle for a loss.
Rio Grande Valley's perfect 4-0 division record in the West Division will be put to the test once again in the upcoming week, as they face the Central Valley Coyotes (5-5). The Coyotes were trampled by the San Diego Riptide 79-38, which places the Dorados in sole possession of second place in the Division. The Dorados can get a share of first place next week if they defeat Central Valley and the Riptide garner a road win at Tulsa.
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