Hammers Lock up Playoff Spot with 45-29 Win over Richmond at VBC
June 9, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Alabama Hammers News Release
HUNTSVILLE, AL. - The Alabama Hammerstook about a half to get things going Saturday night against Richmondand when the Professional Indoor Football League's top team captureda little momentum it looked like it was all over for the visitors.
Think again.
A third-quarter surge by the Hammerswas met with a nice comeback by the Raiders, but in the end Alabamacruised to a 45-29 victory before 3,159 fans at the Von BraunCenter's Propst Arena.
Russel Hill's 1-yard strike to LarryShipp on a fourth-and-goal play with just over a minute remainingsealed the win for Alabama, which improved to 8-2 on the season andall but wrapped up the No. 1 seed for the PIFL playoffs ahead ofsecond-place Richmond (6-5).
"It was a tough game against a toughteam that wouldn't quit,'' said Hammers coach Dean Cokinos, whoseteam improved to 5-1 at home and will try and avenge that one losswith a trip to Knoxville next Saturday.
Alabama will host a first-roundplayoff game on July 1 regardless.
"But our guys held strong and gotanother huge win," Cokinos continued. "The fans were great andreally got behind us. Now we've got to go take care of business andkeep improving as we head into the playoffs."
Hill completed 15 of 33 passes for 179yards and three touchdowns, with two of those going to Mico McSwain.Charles McClain led the Hammers with seven catches for 78 yards.
Alabama had led 17-7 at halftime and38-14 heading to the final 15 minutes after Hill's 14-yard scoringpass to McSwain, McClain's 58-yard missed field goal return and a40-yard bomb to McSwain.
Richmond pulled within 38-29 with 6:17to play, but missed a two-point try before the Hammers put togetherthe decisive drive that halted the comeback.
Raiders quarterback Warren Smithcompleted 20 of 26 passing attempts for 202 yards and two touchdownswith a pair of interceptions. Hakim Moore and Antwuan Williams hadsix catches each for Richmond.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 9, 2013
- Raiders Fall to Hammers, 45-29 - Richmond Raiders
- Hammers Lock up Playoff Spot with 45-29 Win over Richmond at VBC - Alabama Hammers
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