Kats crush Crush
February 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Nashville Kats News Release
The Nashville Kats made sure that there would not be a repeat of last year's heart-breaking, last-second loss to the Colorado Crush. This time, they scored plenty of points and continued to play outstanding defense in holding off defending Arena Bowl champions, 58-36. A crowd of 10,014 watched the Kats send the Crush to their first loss of the season, and their first defeat in six games, including last season's playoffs.
Nashville (3-1) has scored 50 points in every game this season, while the potent Colorado (3-1) offense, who led the AFL with 63.7 points per game, scored less than 60 for the first time. The 58 points are a season-high for the Kats.
The Offensive MVP, T.T. Tolliver, put on a dominating effort. The offensive specialist scored four touchdowns in a variety of ways. His one-yard end around was the game's first score, and his fumble recovery off the second half kickoff opened scoring in the third quarter. He added two more touchdowns off four receptions and 50 yards.
He attributed his successful performance to his teammates.
"I just want to help our team to win any way we can," Tolliver said. "Offensively, I give all the credit to our guys on the offensive and defensive line. They are the ones who won the game for us."
Quarterback Clint Stoerner played a great game as well. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 194 yards and five touchdowns. Colorado quarterback John Dutton threw for 285 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, one by ADT Defensive Player of the Game, Monty Montgomery. The interception was Montgomery's fourth of the season. He also added nine tackles.
The Ironman of the Game, Joe Minucci, caught a screen pass for 14 yards and had two tackles.
The Crush have made a habit of winning games with fourth quarter heroics, which the Kats knows full well. Late last season, Colorado kicker Clay Rush ended Nashville's playoff hopes with a field goal. This time around, however, there would be no John Elway-type comebacks. The Crush could only get within 14 points in the second half, and were down by as many as 21 in the game.
Head coach Pat Sperduto was sure to credit the Kats' kickoff team, who regularly forced the Crush to start within their own 10-yard line.
"It was all about being physical," Sperduto said. "We set the tone by really covering kicks hard and being very physical in the secondary. Our players made all the plays."
With the victory, Nashville and Colorado are now tied for the Central Division lead.
The Kats scored on every offensive possession except one, midway through the third quarter.
The Kats play at home next Saturday against the Grand Rapids Rampage on Feb. 25.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 18, 2006
- White, Former Rattlers Unsuccessful in Return to Phoenix - Utah Blaze
- Snakes Snap Streak, 45-38 - Arizona Rattlers
- Kats crush Crush - Nashville Kats
- SaberCats activate WR/LB Roe - San Jose SaberCats
- Storm Activate Bendross, Smith - Tampa Bay Storm
- Austin Wranglers Upset Dallas, 56-49 - Austin Wranglers
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