Fever Can't Hold Late Lead, Falls to Titans
March 14, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release
A week ago, the Tri-Cities Fever let a late-fourth quarter lead slip away only to rally with the game-winning touchdown in the final three seconds.
On Friday night, the table was set for some more late-game heroics by the Fever. It just didn't happen this time around.
Cedar Rapids scored the final 12 points of the game and held the Fever scoreless in the final quarter in a 39-34 victory at the Toyota Center.
"We just have to find a way to play a full four quarters," said offensive lineman Rodrick. Gladney. "We have a good team, we just have to finish."
Tri-Cities falls to 1-3 on the season, heading into a long break. The Fever does not play again until Friday, April 1 at home against the Colorado Crush.
"We will make some changes in some spots," said first-year coach Ryan Lingenfelder. "I will say I am disappointed we lost tonight."
The Fever was in control most of the night, thanks to quick start that was ignited by Dee Maggitt, who took the opening kickoff 52 yards for a touchdowns.
The Fever led by as many as 15 points, and held the lead until late in the fourth quarter. The Titans, who stayed close all night, finally took the lead with 5:15 remaining in the game at 37-34 on a 5-yard run by Waymon James.
"We had a couple breakdowns, but defensively we played pretty well," Lingenfelder said. "That is a good offensive team and we held them to 39 points"
The Fever's biggest problem Friday night was finding the end zone. The offense accounted for just two touchdowns.; one throwing and one running from Pat McCain.
Hunter Wanket, who missed last week's game, started for the third time this season. However, he left the game in the first half and did not return.
Wanket and McCain combined to complete 13 of 34 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown. McCain did throw one interception, that coming on the final play of the game.
"We just have to keep working and keep getting better," Gladney said.
Brandon Wilson led the Fever with six tackles.
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- Fever Can't Hold Late Lead, Falls to Titans - Tri-Cities Fever
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