Locos Edge Nighthawks 13-6 To Secure Second Place
October 16, 2011 - United Football League (UFL 1) News Release
OMAHA, NE - The Las Vegas Locos secured a firm grip on second place in the United Football League standings with a narrow 13-6 victory over the Nighthawks despite being outplayed for much of the contest by their hosts at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Nighthawks took an early lead by capitalizing on a blocked punt on Las Vegas' first offensive series and returned the ball to the Locos five-yard line. The Nighthawks offense, led by quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, was unable to gain any positive yardage on three plays before kicker Jeff Wolfert put the hosts ahead with a 23-yard field goal.
Omaha had a chance to extend its lead early in the second quarter but instead of kicking a 30-yard field goal, the Nighthawks faked the kick but failed to convert the attempt into a first down and turned the ball over on downs. Las Vegas completed a 44-yard pass on its first play after taking over possession but the Nighthawks defense recovered to force the Locos to punt.
Stuart Schweigert led a strong defensive effort by the Nighthawks with an interception in the second quarter that led to Omaha's second field goal, this time a 25-yarder by Jeff Wolfert put the Nighthawks up 6-0 with 4:30 remaining in the first half.
The Locos were able to get on the scoreboard as the first half ended on the strength of a 53-yard field goal by Clint Stitser to make the score 6-3 in favor of the Nighthawks, who should have enjoyed more of an advantage at the interval.
Las Vegas found the end zone on their first possession of the second half when running back Marcell Shipp reached scored on a 10-yard run with 7:31 left in the third quarter earn a 10-6 lead. On Omaha's ensuing possession, the Nighthawks drove the ball to the Locos 23-yard line but the usually reliable Wolfert missed his 40-yard field goal attempt.
Omaha had another opportunity to score as they drove to the Las Vegas 9-yard line before getting pushed back to the 20. The drive stalled and Jeff Wolfert attempted a 37-yard field that was again no good and the score remained 10-6.
Las Vegas extended their lead over Omaha to 13-6 on a 32-yard field goal by kicker Clint Stitser with 5:45 left to play after a third down and one situation at the Nighthawks 15-yard line when the Omaha defense was able to hold.
Within one possession of being able to tie the game, Omaha was unable to take advantage of their defensive effort despite reaching the Las Vegas 33-yard line with less than a minute left in the game. Quarterback Masoli's desperation pass on fourth down fell incomplete and the Locos took over, taking a knee to preserve a 13-6 victory.
United Football League Stories from October 16, 2011
- Nighthawks to Host Mountain Lions October 21 - Omaha Nighthawks
- Locos Edge Nighthawks 13-6 To Secure Second Place - UFL 1
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