Injured Morris' Stats Still High

June 18, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release


Frisco Thunder WR Richard Morris ranks among the top five receivers in every major Intense Football League statistical category. Not bad for someone who hasn't played in over a month.

Morris' nine-game totals of 76 catches (tied for first), 888 yards (second) and 17 touchdowns (tied for fourth) have held up after a neck injury sidelined him earlier in the season. His five games with 100 or more yards receiving is an IFL best for 2008.

"No doubt Richard was on pace for a record-breaking season,'' said Frisco head coach Troy Esprit. "He definitely was one of this league's premier receivers when he was playing."

Morris could possibly return for the Thunder's regular season finale at San Angelo June 28. WR Jason Deml and QB Wes St. Aubin are expected to return.

PLAYOFF POSSIBILITY: The Thunder's off this weekend, but can still clinch a playoff berth IF both Katy and Odessa lose this weekend.

Both teams are currently 5-7. Katy travels to resurgent San Angelo and Odessa faces a Fairbanks team it lost to early this year. Katy and Odessa play each other next week, insuring that one of the those teams would have nine losses if they fell this weekend.

Of course, Esprit's opting for the "beat San Angelo and we're in" approach. Frisco is currently 6-7.

"Nobody likes for other teams to control their destiny," Esprit said. "We just have to take control of ours and we'll be fine. I might do a little scoreboard watching Saturday night, though."

The most intriguing match-up may be the one that has no bearing on the Thunder: CenTex (8-5) faces Corpus Christi (9-3) and can put itself in a position to earn a first-round bye with a victory over the 2007 IFL runner-up. If the Hammerheads lose this game and their regular season finale against Louisiana, CenTex slides into second place.

ROAD WORRIERS: The secret to success in making the IFL playoffs this season is obvious: Win on the road. The five teams vying for the final three playoff spots are a combined 4-26 outside their respective city limits. On the other hand, current top seeds Louisiana and Corpus Christi are 6-0, and 4-3, respectively. CenTex is 2-4 heading into is regular season finale.

STAT STUFF: Barring outstanding performance from his Odessa and CenTex counterparts, Dennis Hopovac will finish the season leading the league in field goals. He currently has 16. RB Ricky Madison is two rushing TDs behind Katy's Carlos Alsup (13) in that category and Kevin Lenford's kick return average of 22.1 is .4 yards behind league-leader Jimmy Conner of Odessa. Shaylon Carter's run of four consecutive games with an interception has moved him into the top ten in that category. He's ninth with five.



Intense Football League Stories from June 18, 2008


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.

OurSports Central