Georgia Fire drop fifth consecutive contest
June 14, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) News Release
ROME, GA "" Despite a heroic second half comeback to force overtime, the Georgia Fire (3-7) of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) dropped their fifth consecutive contest on Saturday losing 63-57 to the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-5) and more importantly are eliminated from playoff contention.
Down by thirteen at halftime, the Fire scorched to score 16 consecutive points to start the 3rd quarter setting up an explosive finish that needed an extra period to settle whether which team would be continuing their chances at the playoffs or start the beginnings of their off-season plans.
Reminiscent of how their season has gone, the Fire showed heart down the stretch including the final 40 seconds of the fourth quarter rallying from ten points down to force overtime. QB Cecil Lester, who finished the night 20 of 40 passing for 251 yards and 4 TD's, set-up the game tying field goal with a key 14-yard pass hook-up to John Harris.
Despite Steelhawk QB's combining to complete over 68% of their passes, Georgia defense came up with crucial stops down the stretch nabbing three turnovers including the key interception return for a touchdown by DL Clinton Barley in that final minute of regulation. LB Adrian McLeod continues to make huge plays for the defense coming up with two turnovers extended his team leading total to six on the season.
After a so-so 9 for 13 two and a half quarter performance from starting QB Adam Bednarik, of which included getting sacked three times as well as fumbling a center-to-QB exchange, Lehigh Valley pulled the former All-PIFL performer in exchange for back-up Shane McSweeney. McSweeney finished the rest of the game completing 6 of 9 passes for 55 yards and three touchdowns including the eventual game-winner to WR Brandon Renford in OT.
Turnovers on offense can be killers and Saturday the Fire shot themselves in the foot as the Steelhawks defense found the end-zone on two occasions including a 41-yard interception return for a TD by DB Dwayne Hollis, his second of the season, as well as fumble recovery in the end-zone by DL Larry Ford.
Called in last minute emergency signing, K Lindsey Wolfe filled admirably for the injured Ryan Gates connecting for 15 points including four Uno's. Wolfe also nailed the 30-yard field setting-up overtime.
The win for Lehigh Valley keeps their playoff hopes alive for another week. Next week they stay on the road for a meeting with in-state rival Harrisburg (3-7) who dropped their fourth straight contest on Saturday losing 49-26 to Richmond (5-5) knocking them from playoff contention.
With only two games remaining, Saturday's loss eliminates the Fire from playoff contention. In the event of a potential tie they would not own any of the tie-breaker scenarios with Columbus or Alabama who both sit just ahead of them in the standings. The Fire will close out the final two weeks of their inaugural season beginning next week with a road contest in Trenton followed by the season finale at home on Friday June 27th against Columbus.
To keep following the Georgia Fire and find ticket deals for the home finale on June 27th against the Lions, log on to www.georgiafire.us or call The Forum Civic Center box office at 706-291-5281.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 14, 2014
- Georgia Fire drop fifth consecutive contest - PIFL
- Raiders Defeat Stampede 46-29 - Richmond Raiders
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