af2 Amarillo Venom

Dusters' late heroics top Steamwheelers, 58-48

May 8, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Amarillo Venom News Release


In what turned out to be a classic Af2 heavy-weight slugfest, the Amarillo Dusters upset the visiting Quad City Steamwheelers 58-48 on Saturday Night at Toyota Field at the Amarillo Civic Center. In front of a raucous crowd of 4,001, the two teams exchanged leads 9 times. For the second consecutive week, the Steamwheelers battled to the end, and saw the outcome of the game decided by the heroics of a kicker. Dusters kicker Jeremy Hershey proved to be the hero in this battle, as he nailed a 29-yard field goal with 6 seconds remaining in the game to give the Dusters a 51-48 lead. Following the ensuing kickoff, Steamwheelers kicker Nick Gatto attempted a 45-yard field goal, but hooked it wide left. With no time remaining, Dusters WR/DB Kendrick Walker returned the missed field goal 51 yards for a touchdown.

Dusters quarterback Julian Reese, who entered the game with an af2-best 12 rushing touchdowns, added three rushing scores to that total and threw for three more to pace the Dusters who improved to 4-1 with the win. His effort was matched by Steamwheelers quarterback Sam Clemons, who completed 23 of 32 passes for 209 yards and 5 touchdowns. However, on a crucial third down play in the game's final minute, Clemons had a pass batted up into the air by Dusters defensive lineman Tommy Balom. Clemons caught the deflection but was drilled by Dusters defensive lineman Dannie Snyder, forcing a fumble. Craig Fulton recovered for the Dusters, setting up the Hershey kick.

Chavis McCollister was the most productive of the Dusters receivers, grabbing 10 passes for 141 yards and 2 TD's. The Steamwheelers distributed their offensive wealth evenly, as 4 different receivers caught touchdowns. Both teams were evenly matched statistically, as the Dusters gained 287 yards while the Steamwheelers gained 241 yards. Both teams lost one fumble as well.

Dusters kicker Jeremy Hershey was named Offensive Player of the Game, and Dusters lineman Joe Massey earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors. Massey had 2 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 hurry, and 1 batted ball on the night. Dusters lineman Tommy Balom earned U.S. Army IronMan of the Game honors, providing great pass protection for Dusters QB Julian Reese, and constantly pressuring Sam Clemons defensively. Balom had 2 carries for 3 yards, 1 tackle, 1 hurry, and 1 batted ball, and also had two key blocks from the fullback position to spring Julian Reese on touchdown runs.

The Steamwheelers (3-2) will return home next weekend to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. The Steamwheelers are sitting in 3rd place in the Midwest Division while the Dusters (4-1) will travel to Memphis to take on the Xplorers on Saturday night, hoping to tie the Xplorers for the Midwest Division lead.



arenafootball2 Stories from May 8, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central