Fever closes season with fifth straight win
June 15, 2014 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release
The victory Saturday night was a little bittersweet for the Tri-Cities Fever.
The Fever players ended the season on a winning note, taking down the Colorado Ice 47-33 in the regular-season finale for both teams on Country Financial Field at the Toyota Center.
But knowing that the Ice (10-4) is headed to the playoffs next weekend and they are cleaning out their lockers, was an uncomfortable feeling.
"I think we're the best team in the conference right now," said Fever receiver Steven Whitehead.
For some, it's not even a second thought. They believe they are the best team and a team that no one would want to play in the postseason.
"There is no doubt in my mind," said Fever quarterback Houston Lillard.
And they have some statistics to backup their claim.
Tri-Cities (8-6) ends the season winning its final five games and seven of its last eight. Of those seven wins, two are over the Ice, who is the Intense Conference's top seed.
"I think we came out and competed," said Fever coach Adam Shackleford. "Every time you step on the field, you are playing for something."
The thing the Fever players keep coming back to as to why they are not in the playoffs is the 1-5 start to the season. That slow start was too much to overcome.
"We started 1-5, and that's my fault," Shackleford said. "But our guys responded and played well at the end of the year."
And it was apparent early on Saturday night that the Fever wanted to send its home crowd into the offseason with a win.
Tri-Cities jumped out to a 23-12 halftime lead and never trailed the rest of the way.
Lillard completed 18 of 24 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 35 yards on nine carries and another score.
Steven Whitehead, who said he has played his last game in the IFL, caught a game-high eight passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
"This was a great way to end," he said. "I am happy for the guys that are coming back and the fans that we got a win tonight. Hopefully that will get some momentum going for next season."
The Fever forced three turnovers in the game (two fumbles) and an interception by Lionell Singleton.
Tri-Cities also fought through some injuries on offense, but still kept plugging along.
Running back Keithon Flemming went down in the second quarter with what was said to be a neck injury, and did not return. Jackie Chambers left the game in the second half with an injury.
"We had some guys get hurt and some other guys came in and stepped up," Shackleford said.
Flemming, the reigning IFL offensive player of the week, had six rushes for 21 yards and a touchdown before leaving. Chambers had two rushing touchdowns and two catches for 20 yards before he got hurt.
"I am disappointed because we didn't make the playoffs," Lillard said. "We did what we were supposed to do and we came out and played hard and got the win."
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Indoor Football League Stories from June 15, 2014
- Fever closes season with fifth straight win - Tri-Cities Fever
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