Marshals earn first playoff berth with win over Tri-Cities
June 29, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
The Marshals News Release
Cincinnati, OH - The Cincinnati Marshals outscored the Tri-Cities Fever 52-42 Saturday night to move to 7-6 on the season and earn a playoff birth in their first season as a member of the National Indoor Football League.
Marshals defensive back Brett Hamblen got the team started off right when he intercepted a pass by Fever quarterback Doug Coleman on the third play of the game and returned it for five yards to the Tri-Cities 15 yard line. The interception culminated in a one yard touchdown run by quarterback Brett Dietz to put the Marshals on top 7-0 early. On the ensuing drive, Coleman fumbled the ball at his own 15 yard line. The fumble was recovered by the Marshals' Luke Scarborough and returned 15 yards for his first touchdown of the season.
Jarvis Dunn led the way on the ground for the Fever with 122 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Quarterback Doug Coleman added a one yard touchdown run and two touchdown passes to keep the game close.
An interception by Ron Carpenter with 0:41 left in the fourth quarter sealed the win for the Marshals. The win moves the Marshals to 7-6 on the season. With one game remaining they are currently seeded fifth in the Atlantic Conference. The Fever finish the regular season at 9-5 and have clinched the number five seed in the Pacific Conference. Final playoff pairings and locations will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season on July 4th.
Leading the League
Marshals wide receiver Tobias Deans caught five touchdown passes from Brett Dietz Saturday night to tie his single game touchdown record. He currently has 72 receptions for 973 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season giving him the league lead in average reception yards per game at 81.1.
"I love performing for the fans," said Deans. "I love to see them go crazy in the stands and cheer for us. They've been behind us all season long and I'm just glad that I could put on a good show for them tonight. I'm hoping they only get crazier in the playoffs!!"
Still Chasing
Marshals running back Rayshawn Askew was held scoreless Saturday night, preventing him from tying or breaking the single season touchdown record in front of his hometown crowd. Askew needs three more touchdowns to tie the league record. He's currently sitting in second place in average all-purpose yards per game behind Maurice Lee of the Dayton Warbirds, however, Lee has already completed his 14-game regular season. Both players are above the league record in the category.
Next Game Preview
The Marshals head west this weekend to take on the Wyoming Cavalry on Monday, July 4th in the final game of the regular season. The Cavalry are 10-3 on the season and are coming off of a 90-26 victory over the Lincoln Capitals this past weekend. Game time is 6:05pm Mountain Standard Time and fireworks will follow the game.
National Indoor Football League Stories from June 29, 2005
- Schedule conflict force Renegades to play on Sunday, July 10 at 5 p.m. - Rome Renegades
- Renegades will host the Lakeland Thunderbolts in playoffs - Rome Renegades
- Marshals earn first playoff berth with win over Tri-Cities - The Marshals
- NIFL announce playoff matchups for Drillers - Beaumont Drillers
- Daytona Beach Hawgs violate NIFL rules, will miss post-season - Daytona Beach Hawgs
- NIFL announces playoff matchups - NIFL
- Two ThunderBolts named to All-Star Game - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- R-Necks play for PRIDE in West Texas Whatacup - West Texas Roughnecks
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