Dorados Hand Yard Dawgz Their First Loss, 74-73

Published on May 1, 2009 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release


OKLAHOMA CITY - In the most exciting game of the season thus far, the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (4-1) lost a nail biter to the Rio Grande Valley Dorados (4-1), 74-73. The game set new franchise and team records for both squads, as Yard Dawgz receiver Al Hunt became the league's all-time leading scorer with 1,166 points. The game was also the highest scoring game in Dawgz history, with a total of 147 points between the two teams. Rio Grande Valley set franchise records for most completions (34) and most receptions (19), and tied a franchise record for receiving TDs with 6 by the games Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, Rod Windsor.

The game started off with a bang as Dorados DB Craig Turner returned the opening kickoff for a TD, however Dorados kicker T.C. Stevens missed the first of what would be many missed extra points to take an early 6-0 lead over the Yard Dawgz. The lead would be short lived as the Dawgz answered quickly with a 29 yard strike from QB Robert Kent to af2 veteran Al Hunt retake the lead 7-6 with 12:41 left to play in the first. After another Dawgz score by rookie Carlton Brewster, Rio Grande Valley took the ball back with the intent of cutting into the Oklahoma City lead, but Dawgz DB Fred Shaw had other plans and picked off Dorados QB Nick Hill in the end zone to end the first quarter with a 13-6 lead.

The interception by Shaw set up the first score of the second quarter, as the Dawgz drove the field and Kent connected with Danny Howard to extend the Dawgz lead to 14 points. With 5:34 to go, the Dawgz scored again on a 1 yard TD run by Kent to extend their lead to 27-6. Rio Grande Valley didn't want to end the half without another score, as they were able to convert TDs on their last two possessions of the half, a 4 yard catch by Dorados leading receiver Rod Windsor and a 3 yard grab by Anthony Chambers to cut the Yard Dawgz lead to 27-21 to end the half.

The big plays continued in the second half as Kent connected with Hunt for the second time on a 31 yard TD pass. Rio Grande Valley responded with two touchdowns of their own to close the Dawgz lead to 34-33 with 2:31 left in the third. After the teams traded touchdowns and the Dorados converted a much needed two point conversion, the teams entered the final quarter tied at 41.

The 4th quarter provided the drama that Arena Football fans live for as the two teams traded touchdowns and put up a total of 65 points. Rod Windsor and Al Hunt each had three TDs in the 4th to help their teams cause, but after a costly kickoff return by Craig Turner, his second of the night, the Dorados tied the game at 61 with 6:51 left. After Windsor grabbed what would be the game winning TD with ten seconds left, the Dawgz put their hopes on the leg of kicker David Hendrix. It wasn't to be for the Dawgz as Hendrix missed a field goal wide right as time expired.

The Yard Dawgz square off against Central Division rival Tulsa Talons on Saturday, May 30th at the Cox Convention Center. Yard Dawgz Flex Packs are now on sale starting at just $50! Yard Dawgz single game tickets are on sale, starting at only $10! The Yard Dawgz Block Party begins every home game at 5:00 PM on Reno. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM. For additional information, please call (405) 228-3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com.

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