Gates Late Field Goal Lifts Fire Past Venom
May 11, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Georgia Fire News Release
NASHVILLE, TN (May 10, 2014) - For the second time in as many weeks, the Georgia Fire (3-2) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) upend the Nashville Venom (3-2) this time behind the late-game heroics from kicker Ryan Gates to pull out the 58-56 victory.
Like its predecessor from a week ago, Saturday's re-match between the Venom and Fire opened at a slow pace with Fire racing to a 17-12 halftime lead. The next half would be a different story with the Fire and Venom combining to score 85 points in the second half including 51 in the 3rd quarter alone.
After struggling to score 17 points by halftime, QB Cecil Lester led the Fire to scores on six of seven drives in the second half including leading them down the field for the game-winning 43-yard field goal by Gates. Lester finished the night with seven touchdowns hooking up with Aaron Wheeler, Ronald Davis, and his cousin Johnny Lester two times a piece.
Like last week the Fire defense came away with two turnovers, both in first half including another interception by defensive back Kerion Jones. Assisted by the failed opportunities on special teams, Nashville's Garrett Morgan missed three extra points forcing his team to go for two down the stretch going 2 for 3 in those opportunities.
Down the stretch in the 4th quarter Fire kicker Ryan Gates proved to be the ultimate difference connecting on three Uno's as well as the 43-yard game winning field goal as time expired. Gates finished the night with 14 points going 2 of 5 on field goal attempts and 5 of 6 on PAT's.
After losing two straight to the Fire, Nashville will try to right the ship next week when they head back onto the road to face the undefeated Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (4-0) who face Harrisburg on Mother's Day.
Meanwhile, Georgia will continue on their three-game road swing with a stop in Hershey, PA to take on the Harrisburg Stampede (2-3) who also have a game on Mother's Day against the Trenton Freedom (3-2).
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 11, 2014
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAE - Stampede Fall in National Division Matchup - Harrisburg Stampede
- Steelhawks Beat by the Hammers for First Loss of Season - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Gates Late Field Goal Lifts Fire Past Venom - Georgia Fire
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