Horsemen Light Up Scoreboard in 71-63 Win over Evansville
June 11, 2003 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kentucky Horsemen News Release
The Lexington Horsemen set a team scoring record as they came from behind to scratch out a 71-63 victory on the road against Evansville. QB Dusty Bonner threw for seven touchdowns, and RB Martez Johnson ran for 88 yards and three scores as the Horsemen scored 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull out the victory. After racing out to a 41-25 halftime lead, the Horsemen weathered a 30-7 second half run from the Blue Cats and found themselves trailing 55-48 in the fourth quarter. After Johnson scored on a 9-yard run to tie the game at 55, Lexington got a huge play from DL Mike Webster, who sacked Evansville QB Akili Roberson for a safety to give the Horsemen a 57-55 lead. Chad Spencer hauled a touchdown pass from Bonner on the ensuing drive â Spencer's third scoring catch of the night â and Johnson scored on a 2-yard run on the next Lexington possession to put the game out of reach.
With the win, Lexington (8-2, 5-1) remains in solid position to qualify for the NIFL postseason. Thanks to Oklahoma's 39-33 upset of wild-card contender Houma, the Horsemen will reach the playoffs for sure if they can go 3-1 or better over the last four games of the season. Each division champion (East and South) and two wild-card teams will qualify for the 2003 playoffs. The current contenders for the postseason:
Ohio Valley 10-0 (East division leader)
Lake Charles 9-2 (South division leader)
Lexington 8-2
Fort Wayne 7-3
Houma 8-4
Austin 6-5
Beaumont 5-6
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT â TENNESSEE RIVERHAWKS
The Tennessee RiverHawks (4-6, 3-5) come to town for a rematch with the Horsemen, who defeated them 45-40 in Knoxville on April 26. The âHawks are still mathematically alive to make the playoffs, but will likely need to win the rest of their games to even have an outside chance of qualifying.
The RiverHawks will rely on the top rushing attack in the league (118.4 yards per game) to put the ball in the end zone against the Horsemen. The Tennessee offense is led by 2002 NIFL MVP Birdie Dockery, who is currently third in the league in rushing with 65.1 yards per game. Dockery also leads the RiverHawks in touchdowns, with 13 on the season. Tennessee also can call on the services of running back Brandon Walker (33.7 YPG) or quarterback Steve Christie (22.3 YPG) to carry the ball if needed.
Defensively, the âHawks will call on DB Broderick Simpson (60.5 tackles), DL James Beavers (9.5 tackles for loss), and DB Vic Wharton (3 INTs) to slow down the Horsemen offense.
RIVERHAWKS SEASON TO DATE
3/27 vs. Ohio Valley L 21-46
4/1 at Myrtle Beach L 44-45
4/12 at Evansville W 32-23
4/19 vs. Fort Wayne W 65-48
4/26 vs. LEXINGTON L 40-45
5/9 at Oklahoma W 60-28
5/17 at Ohio Valley L 12-63
5/24 vs. Lake Charles L 28-36
5/31 vs. Evansville W 55-49
6/6 at Fort Wayne L 15-74
HORSEMEN STATISTICAL LEADERS
The Horsemen continue to put up impressive numbers in the NIFL, with a number of players among the league's statistical leaders. QB Dusty Bonner remains among the top quarterbacks in the league, and ranks third overall in total offense (205.8 YPG) and passing yards (202.9 YPG), fifth in quarterback rating (108.0), and third in passing touchdowns (48).
RB Martez Johnson continues to improve upon his strong all-around season, as he is now tied for the league lead in scoring (162 points), is fifth in receptions (5.40 RPG), seventh in all-purpose yards (102.4 YPG), and ninth in rushing (44.3 YPG). WR Carlos Johnson ranks seventh in the league in receptions as well (5.20 RPG).
Defensively, Lexington's defensive backs are putting together top numbers as well. DB Ray McLaurin is still second in the NIFL in passes defensed, with 18, leading teammate Champ Kelly, who is eighth with 14 passes defensed on the year. DB Nate Green is also eighth in the league in interceptions, with five on the season.
K Brian Sivinski remains fourth in the league in PATs made, with 55 on the season.
A list of statistical categories with Horsemen among the league leaders is attached.
OTHER NEWS
The Horsemen game will be broadcast live at 7:30 PM EST on WLAP 630-AM.
Due to the color scheme of Tennessee's uniforms, the Horsemen will be wearing their road white uniforms in Rupp for the first time this season.
The Horsemen-RiverHawks game will be Freedom Night at Rupp -- all military personnel and their families who present a military ID will be able to purchase an upper arena seat at the discounted price of $5.00. The Kentucky National Guard will be on hand to present arms, and students from Veterans' Park Elementary will sing the national anthem. The Horsemen and the U.S. Army will be giving away free water bottles at the U..S. Army booth in the Rupp Arena concourse, and a giant U.S. flag will be unfurled in honor of Flag Day. Aditionally, the first 2,000 fans to arrive at the game will receive "spirit cards" with the flag printed on them in honor of all of those who serve and have served in our country's military. For tickets to Freedom Night, please call 859-233-3535.
Arena Football League Stories from June 11, 2003
- Horsemen Light Up Scoreboard in 71-63 Win over Evansville - Kentucky Horsemen
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