Legends fall short in final seconds
May 15, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Canton Legends News Release
Friday the 13th proved to be lucky for one team in Richmond as the Richmond Bandits defeated the Canton Legends 74-69 in what was touted as the most exciting game in the early existence of the Atlantic Indoor Football League. Offense was surely the highlight as both teams combined for several league records, including 648 yards of total passing, 19 touchdowns, and 143 points.The Legends came within 10 seconds of pulling off the stunning upset in Richmond as Dan Larlham had a pass go right through the hands of newcomer Phil Washington on the 1 yard line for the victory.
The Legends who at one point in the game were down 24 points came roaring back in the second half to tie the game at 68, the extra point by Andy Eminger gave Canton the brief lead at 69-68 with just over 16 seconds to go in the game. The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds giving Richmond some life with the ball at the 20 yard line. One play later Will Burch who opened the game connecting on his first 21 pass attempts found an open receiver in the end zone for the go ahead score and his record breaking 9th touchdown pass.
The Legends playing with heart and desire all night long found themselves with the football and 10 seconds to go. Larlham found Randall Knapp (11 catches for 140 yards) for a clock stopping first down, setting up what proved to be a scene right from the end of a movie. With just 4 seconds left in the game Larlham searched for an open man, sought him out and let a pass go which would have proven to be the game winner as the pass seemed to take a lifetime to get there the arena grew quiet and the ball sailed through the hands of the wide open receiver as the horn sounded.
When all the smoke had cleared the Bandits narrowly escaped disaster and David nearly defeated Goliath as the Legends fall 74-69.
Canton now 1-3 will try and avenge an opening day loss to Raleigh as they host the Rebels on Saturday evening at the Canton Civic Center at 7:05 pm.
Richmond will try and keep their machine rolling as they are now 3-1 and will travel north to Johnstown to take on the Riverhawks on Saturday beginning at 7:05.
For more information on the Atlantic Indoor Football League visit www.aiflonline.com or contact the league office at 330 453-2860.
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