Hawgs fall at Lakeland in debut
Published on March 20, 2005 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Daytona Beach Hawgs News Release
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Lakeland quarterback Jeremy Martin threw for 170 yards and four touchdowns -- three to Tavarius Johnson -- as the host Thunderbolts spoiled the National Indoor Football League debut of the Daytona Beach Hawgs 35-17 Saturday night on Ray Lewis Field at the Lakeland Center.
While Martin flourished, Daytona Beach's quarterbacks threw a combined five interceptions, one of which was returned for a first quarter touchdown and gave the Thunderbolts an early 13-0 advantage.
The bright spot for the Hawgs was running back Brad Lee, who rushed for 114 yards and both Daytona Beach touchdowns. Lee also caught three passes for 14 yards.
Daytona Beach also outgained Lakeland in total yards, 204-187; had 16 first downs to the Thunderbolts' 11, and limited the home team to 29 yards on the ground.
However, the interceptions and an offense that couldn't generate any points the final 30 minutes were simply to much to overcome.
Trailing 13-7, Daytona Beach had a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Levar Simms recovered a Thunderbolt fumble near midfield. Neal Sharma hit Robert Bailey for 12 yards to set up first and goal, but the drive stalled and Stephen Brown's field goal attempt went wide right.
Martin connected with Johnson on a 45-yard strike the next play to put the Thunderbolts ahead 20-7. Lakeland led 29-14 at halftime, as Daytona Beach's defense stuffed the Thunderbolts at the one-yard line as time expired.
The Hawgs controlled the third quarter, but came up empty on both possessions. Daytona Beach's only second half points were registered by the defense on a safety and Jamaal Agrow's return of a blocked Lakeland PAT for one point.
Tarion Hubbard led the Hawg receivers with five catches for 48 yards. Bailey added two for 26.
Nick Allison had a pick for the defense.
Daytona Beach hosts New Jersey in its home opener Thursday at 7:05 p.m. in the Ocean Center.
National Indoor Football League Stories from March 20, 2005
- Hawgs fall at Lakeland in debut - Daytona Beach Hawgs
- Morays romp over Xtreme 44-18 to win first game in team history - Miami Morays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
