Lightning Game Recap

Published on June 18, 2006 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Stockton Lightning News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - In the rubber match of a three-game season series, the Stockton Lightning (4-7) succumbed to a 50-41 loss to the Everett Hawks (3-8) before 6,683 at Stockton Arena on Saturday night.

The Hawks struck first when QB Wes Beschorner found OS Hassan Brockman in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown. Stockton answered with quick 7-yard screen pass from QB Josh Blankenship to WR/DB Kenyatte Morgan, capping off a long 45-yard touchdown drive for a 7-7 tie through one quarter.

Everett scored on a short two-yard touchdown run by FB/LB Thomas McKenzie to pull ahead with 13:38 left in the second quarter. The Lightning tied the game at 14 apiece on a 24-yard connection from Blankenship to OS Atnas Maeko. On the ensuing Everett drive, the Stockton defense forced a fumble on QB Wes Beschorner and knocking the football loose to regain possession in Hawks territory. However, Hawks WR/LB Adrian Cockfield intercepted the ball right back to thwart the Stockton scoring threat. The first half ended when Lightning K Marc Hickok appeared to line up to attempt a field goal, but instead, pooch-kicked the ball in the air to Maeko. Everett DS Touré Butler snagged the ball out of the air and returned it 15-yards for a Hawk touchdown. The Hawks held a 21-14 advantage at halftime.

With 11:14 left in the third frame, WR/DB Milton Myers caught a pass from Beschorner and outraced the Lightning defense for a 46-yard touchdown, hiking the Lightning deficit to 27-14. On the ensuing kickoff, Stockton's Morgan weaved his way though a wave of Hawk defenders to run the kick back 56 yards for a Lightning touchdown, cutting Stockton's deficit to six. After both teams exchanged touchdowns, the third quarter ended with the Lightning trailing the Hawks 34-27.

Early in the fourth, the Hawks used a trick play to increase their lead to 41-27, when WR/DB Tavarius Davis connected with Brockman for a touchdown pass. Stockton followed with a rally, powered by Morgan's 57-kickoff return for a touchdown and successful two-point conversion by Phil Goodman to reduce the deficit to 44-41 with four seconds left in regulation. However, the Stockton's ensuing onside kick was recovered by Everett and returned for a touchdown to finish the game.

Myers was named U.S. Army Ironman of the Game, catching nine passes for 147 yards, and two touchdowns, while also adding an interception. Morgan accumulated 222 yards on six returns with two touchdowns for the Lightning, earning Schutt Offensive Player of the Game honors.

The Lightning continue their home stretch with a week 13 matchup against the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings on Saturday, June 24, with kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m. PT at Stockton Arena. The game can be heard live on the internet through www.stocktonlightning.com, courtesy of SportsJuice.com.

Season and individual tickets for the Lightning 2006 home season schedule are on sale now. For more information on season tickets, merchandise, or other information, please call the Lightning at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonlightning.com. Individual tickets can be purchased by calling the Stockton Arena ticket office at (209) 373-1700.

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