Fire capitalize on Xplorer mistakes, defeat Memphis 70-63
May 8, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN, MS- The Memphis Xplorers of af2, despite a remarkable performance by offensive specialist Kevin Prentiss on special teams, couldn't overcome key turnovers deep in Louisville territory, and the Fire defeated Memphis 70-63 before 2,956 fans at the DeSoto Civic Center.
The Xplorers fumbled the ball four times in the red zone, including two fumbles inside the 5 yard line, allowing the Fire to capitalize offensively and simply outscore Memphis. Fire quarterback Matt Sauk was outstanding for Louisville, completing 24 of 39 passes for 277 yards, ten touchdowns and two interceptions. His favorite target, OS James Scott, also had a stellar night, catching 14 passes for 201 yards and six touchdowns.
Louisville's offensive prowess and opportunism overshadowed one of the most incredible individual efforts in arena football this season, however, as Memphis OS Kevin Prentiss single-handedly kept the Xplorers in the game. Prentiss returned all three of his kickoff returns for touchdowns, for a total of 173 yards. Prentiss also scored on a pass reception, catching four balls in all for a total of 57 receiving yards. His efforts earned him the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game award.
But Louisville's offense was too much for the Xplorers to stop, and the Fire defense made the plays when they needed to. Fumbles by Xplorers receivers Reginald Perkins and Ryan Karr broke up Memphis drives deep into Louisville territory, and a late Xplorers drive was stopped by a fumble on a quarterback-center exchange.
Fire DS Justin Thomas was voted the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Fire WR/DB Takuya Furutani, a native of Japan, was voted the Army Ironman of the Game. Furutani accounted for two receiving touchdowns and several excellent defensive and special teams plays.
The loss dropped the Xplorers to 2-3 on the season, and it marked their first home loss on the year. Louisville improved to 4-1 on the campaign. The Xplorers will be in action again next week at home, as they battle the Arkansas Twisters in a crucial early-season divisional battle. Game time will be at 7:05 pm CST at the DeSoto Civic Center.
All Xplorers practices and scrimmages are open to both the public and the media. The team's practices will occur at the DeSoto Civic Center at approximately 7:30 every evening, except for travel and game days. For more information, contact media relations director Galen Clavio at 662-342-1755.
Game time is scheduled for 7:30 pm CST. All sixteen regular season Xplorers football games will be heard throughout the Mid-South on SportsPlus 790 WMC. In addition, all home games will be broadcast on X-Cast, a special in-house radio broadcast designed specifically for the DeSoto Civic Center. X-Cast airs on 107.9 FM, and can be received while in the DeSoto Civic Center by using a walkman or other personal radio.
For more information, contact the Xplorers office at 662-342-1755.
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