Injuries, Turnovers lead to Riptide loss
July 19, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
SAN DIEGO -- The Riptide's first of back-to-back Friday games drew 5,783 to the Sports Arena, but key injuries to starting QB Kane Claunch, FB/LB Rico Curtis and game Ironman Altie Parker plus three costly interceptions in the end zone led to the team's 34-26 loss to Hawaii eliminating the Riptide from the playoffs.
With 6:43 left in the second quarter, Claunch went down with a high ankle sprain as the team was trailing 14-6. Like last week, backup QB Wesley Phillips entered the game led a comeback that fell short in the end as he completed 12-of-22 passes for 145 yards with two touchdowns, an interception and a rushing touchdown.
Before bowing out with an injury on th game's final possesion, Parker had grabbed six balls for 81 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown and added four assisted tackles, recovered a fumble and broke up a pass. For this, he garnered game Ironman honors for the second time this season. Curtis was injured and helped off the field midway through the fourth quarter as the Riptide two plays before they closed within a point at 27-26. Curtis, Parker and Claunch's status for next Friday's game is still uncertain.
For next Friday's season finale against the Green Bay Blizzard, the Riptide will be hosting their Inaugural Ultimate Military Challenge which will pit the United States Armed Forces against each other in a friendly battle for military supremacy in a ten-event contest that epitomizes teamwork, unity, strength, accuracy and appearance.
All active U.S. Military can purchase up to four Terrace-level tickets for $5 a piece. Military Appreciation tickets can ONLY be purchased at the San Diego Sports Arena with your Military identification.
Below is a list of times for Riptide practices for their final week of 2003. All practices at the San Diego Sports Arena located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. and are open to the public and media. Bring your cameras for photos and Sharpies for autographs before, during and after practice!
Monday: 6:30-8pm
Tuesday: 6:30-8:30
Wednesday: 6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday: 6:30-8:30 pm
Friday: GAME DAY - kickoff at 7:30pm vs. Green Bay
Tickets can purchased at any TicketMaster location, by calling 619.220.TIXS, online at ticketmaster.com or through sandiegoriptide.com or by at the Riptide offices by calling 866.RIPTIDE.
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