Edge Drop Opener After Bombers Pull Away in 3rd Quarter

March 7, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


SALINA, Kan. - The Bloomington Edge surrendered 26 points in the third quarter to open up a close game, falling in their Champions Professional Indoor Football League season opener 56-20 to the Salina Bombers on Friday night at Salina Bicentennial Center.

The Edge held the Bombers (2-0) offense, which was behind a 77-70 win over Sioux City in their opener last week, to one first quarter score on a 2-yard run by Keithen Valentine midway through the period with Andrew Hunt's extra point giving the hosts a 7-0 at the first quarter break.

The Edge tied the game on a 2-yard carry by Andre Raymond with 13:40 left in the second period followed by the conversion kick by David Winn. A Valentine one-yard plunge with 2:13 before halftime put the hosts ahead 14-7, but the Edge quickly tied the game 48 seconds later on a 24-yard touchdown completion from Charles Dowdell to Brandon Newburn. Salina went into the halftime locker room with a 17-14 lead on a 20-yard Hunt field goal as time expired.

The Bombers dominated the third quarter via the arm of quarterback Dane Simoneau on touchdown catches of 27 and 32 yards by Attrail Snipes, a 37-yard scoring completion to Corey Ham and a 5-yard run by Valentine to put the game out of reach with a 43-14 lead through three periods. Touchdown catches by Snipes of 33 and 4 yards in the final chapter completed the second half outburst. The Edge did not score again until the game's final tally, a 5-yard run by Raymond with 2:56 left in the game.

Despite the lopsided score, the Bombers outgained the Edge by only 47 yards in total offense, 257-210. Raymond led Edge rushers with 32 yards on eight carries, while Dowdell was 17-for-28 passing with two interceptions and one touchdown. LaVaughn Macon led Edge receivers with six catches for 46 yards while Marcus Lewis gathered four receptions for 47 yards. Eric Tapley led Edge defenders with 5.5 tackles.

Simoneau was 14-for-20 with five touchdowns without an interception, and also led Bomber rushers with five carries for 23 yards. Snipes caught six passes, four of which were touchdowns, for 107 yards. DeWayne Autrey recorded 7.5 tackles to lead the Bombers defense.

The Edge hit the road again next Friday to Nebraska to face the Lincoln Haymakers before a bye week and the home opener on Saturday, March 29 at 7:05 p.m. against the Omaha Beef at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Season tickets for all six Edge home contests as well as group discounts are available by calling the Edge at 309-434-2980. The latest team information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and www.bloomingtonedge.com.



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