Florida win battle of 'Cats and 'Dogs
June 5, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
Estero, FL- A crowd of 5,122 was on hand to watch the Firecats improve to a franchise best 8-1 with a 56-40 win over their divisional rivals the 1-8 Birmingham Steeldogs.
Magic Benton led the Firecats with 5 TD receptions, his biggest one coming with 1:05 to go in the game to ice the win. On 4th and 10 backed up at their own 5 Chris Wallace found Magic on a 45 yard bomb for his 7th TD pass of the night.
The game had all the makings of a run away affair when Florida went up 28-13 before QB Rodger Linn, who went 20 of 38 for 225yards, hooked up with Dre Fulgham on a 10yrd pass to cut it to 11. Florida's next drive fizzled out at their own 17 and Brandon Kornblue had a FG attempt blocked for the 2nd straight week which Birmingham recovered for a safety to make it 28-21. But the Steeldogs had a golden opportunity slip thru their fingers as they failed on 1st and goal from the Firecats 2 as time expired to end the half.
Birmingham opened the 2nd half scoring to make it 28 all with Herman Bell capping off an 8 play drive with a 1 yard run for 6pts. The teams then traded scores including Detronn Harris' electrifying 56 yard kickoff return for a touchdown before Magic Benton caught 2 scores to give Florida a 49-34 advantage. Birmingham would threaten once more however as Harris caught his 2nd TD of the night to make it 49-40 before a pair of late turnovers by the Steeldogs sealed the deal. Harris led all receivers with 12 catches for 169 yards.
Firecats kicker Brandon Kornblue went 8 for 8 on PAT's and hasn't missed one in 3 straight games. Florida swept the MVP honors with OS Magic Benton receiving the Offensive player of the game award. DS Kelly Snell who led the team in tackles with 4 plus a fumble recovery and an interception received the ADT Defensive player of the game nod. And OL/DL Comone Fisher won the U.S Army Iron Man of the game award thanks in part to a huge blocked kick early in the 4th quarter.
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