Maulers Clinch Spot in Playoffs
June 14, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. â The Montgomery Maulers clinched a spot in the playoffs on Saturday with its 50-39 win over the Lakeland Thunderbolts.
With 35-seconds left in the game, Lakeland attempted a last resort on-side kick, which was to no avail as the Maulers' David Philyaw returned it five yards for a touchdown to seal the game for the Maulers.
J.R. Richardson threw a career high four touchdowns and racked up 131 passing yards. Richardson also completed 14 of 23 passes and had no interceptions.
Chrys Chukwuma returned to action this game from a knee injury and had 13carries for a team high 34 yards with two touchdowns. Also on offense, Machion Sanders had four receptions for 60 yards with two touchdowns.
"The team is really starting to gel and play more like a team and less like individuals which will really help us the next two games and as we prepare for the playoffs. The more we play like a team the better chance we have at staying ahead of Rome in the division and clinching the division title," Coach James Shiver said.
Few times this season have the Maulers not turned the ball over but this game was one of those games. The defense forced one fumble, intercepted three passes which were returned for 15 yards and had two tackles for loss.
Andre Reed who helped turned the Maulers defense around had three tackles, a sack for a loss of seven yards and the forced fumble.
Also on defense, Raymond Fleming had four solo tackles, one-assisted tackles and an interception at the end of the game to help the Maulers pull out a win.
"The defense has really stepped up to the plate since our only home loss against Dayton. We have made a few changes that have really helped and will make changes as necessary to make sure our defense continues to perform well and help out the offense," Assistant coach Clif Clark.
The Maulers will be back in action on Friday when it travels to Beaumont, Texas for a re-match with the Beaumont Drillers. Catch the game at 7 p.m. CDT on WVAS 90.7 FM with A.A. Moore of Alabama State.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from June 14, 2005
- Warbirds staying put - Dayton Bulldogs
- Maulers Clinch Spot in Playoffs - Montgomery Bears
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