Maulers beat Lakeland, 50-39, to clinch playoff spot
Published on June 11, 2005 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
Lakeland, FL - Quarterback J.R. Richardson threw for 131 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Montgomery Maulers to a 50-39 win over the Lakeland Thunderbolts Saturday night. The victory extended the Maulers winning streak to four games and clinched an NIFL playoff berth for the expansion team.
The game remained close all night as Montgomery (7-5) kicked a field goal with one second left in the first half to take a 17-16 lead heading into the locker rooms. Lakeland (4-8) scored late in the game to pull within four points, but the Maulers' David Philyaw returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown with 50 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Machion Sanders caught four passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns, while Mareno Philyaw caught four passes for 21 yards and two scores. Chrys Chukwumba rushed for two touchdowns as the Maulers beat Lakeland for the second time in two weeks.
The Maulers remain one game ahead of Rome (6-6) in the NIFL Central Division as the Renegades kept pace by beating Dayton Saturday night. Montgomery plays at Beaumont (4-7) on Friday, a team the Maulers beat 53-46 three weeks ago at home. Rome will also be on the road in Texas as the Renegades play at Odessa (11-0). A Montgomery win coupled with a Rome loss will give the Maulers the Central Division title.
Montgomery's final regular season game is Saturday, June 25 at Garrett Coliseum against the Lubbock Lonestars. The first 2,000 fans will receive a set of Maulers football cards and hundreds of prizes will be awarded throughout the night as part of the "Fan Appreciation" festivities. For tickets, stop by any Ticketmaster outlet including Garrett Coliseum or the Maulers retail shop at Eastdale Mall, call Ticketmaster at (800) 277-1700, or visit ticketmaster.com.
National Indoor Football League Stories from June 11, 2005
- Maulers beat Lakeland, 50-39, to clinch playoff spot - Montgomery Bears
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