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Lightning fall in home opener

April 13, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning played at home for the first time this season in front of an audience of 4,126 versus the Boise Burn.

The Lightning offense got off to a quick start scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter, making the Burn look more like a flame, while the defense came away with two key interceptions, and one safety.

The quarter ended with the Lightning over the Burn 23 - 0.

The second quarter started off with a bang, the Lightning scored first, expanding their lead 30 - 0. The shutout didn't last very long, Boise returned the favor early on cutting the Lightning lead 30 - 7.

Penalties marred the Burn in the second quarter, limiting their offense, and keeping their defense out on the field for extended periods of time.

With the second quarter largely uneventful, Stockton kept their large lead intact heading into halftime.

Boise got of to a hot start early on in the third quarter, scoring in the first two minutes and converting on a two point conversion. Stockton was unable to get it going, and the Burn jumped right back in turning what seemed like a blowout back into a game.

Boise's George Williams scored on a short rush, cutting the Lightning lead down to just one point. Robby Smith, the kicker, missed the extra point, just left up the uprights, missing the chance to tie the game.

The Lightning had a slow third quarter, however the Burn were once again marred by penalties on the defensive side of the ball, limiting their potentially potent offense to just a few minutes.

The Lighting could not convert on a fourth down, up by only one point, leaving it up to the Lightning defense to do something special with 1:21 left in the third quarter.

The Burn struck again in the fourth quarter, taking a five point lead over the Lightning, 30-35, and converting on a two point conversion to give them a seven point lead.

The Lightning quickly answered the call, scoring on the next possession to tie the game 37 - 37, on a long bomb from quarterback Chad Elliot to receiver Thyron Lewis.

The tie didn't last very long, the Burn returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, giving them, once again, a 43 - 37 advantage over Stockton. Boise went for a two point conversion, converting, giving them an eight point lead, 37 - 45.

The Lightning stayed resilient, scoring again to cut the lead down to two points, 43 - 45. Stockton was unsuccessful with their two point attempt.

The burn held on to win the game, on a questionable passing interference call, wich led to a Burn first down.

The Burn scored again, extending their lead to 43 - 51, Stockton down by eight with 51 seconds left on the clock.

Boise went for two, failing, keeping some hope for the Lightning alive.

The Lightning took the field by storm, marching down the field. The heroics didn't matter much, Stockton was hit with back to back holding penalties, crushing any hopes of a possible overtime, with 11 seconds left on the clock.

The game ended on a sour note for Stockton, losing their home opener 43 - 51.



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