Maulers Come Up Short In OT, 47-46
Published on May 23, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
(CINCINNATI, OH) The Montgomery Maulers fell to 3-6 this past weekend when they suffered a 47-46 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Marshals (5-4) at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati. The loss snapped the Maulers two-game winning streak and extended their winless record on the road; all three of the Maulers wins this season have come at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. Head Coach Michael Mink is now 2-1 since taking over as the Maulers skipper on May 3.
The Maulers led most of the first half on Saturday thanks to Maulers' running back Charlie Rollins ( Alabama State University). Rollins' two touchdowns in the first half helped Montgomery secure the 21-17 advantage at halftime. The Maulers third touchdown score of the half came off a two-yard quarterback sneak by last weeks National Indoor Football League (NIFL) Offensive Player of the Week, J.R. Richardson ( Alabama State University).
Despite the dual touchdown runs in the first half, the Marshall defense was able to contain Rollins in the second half; Rollins was held scoreless and limited to just 28 yards in the third and fourth quarter.
The Maulers only score of the third quarter came off a 19-yard field goal completion by kicker Brian Bostick ( University of Alabama).
Heading into the final quarter of play, the Maulers and Marshals were tied 24-24.
The Marshals took the early lead on the first drive of the fourth quarter when running back/wide receiver Ray Jackson ( University of Cincinnati) broke through for a 31-yard TD run. The extra point was good by Dan Breech (West Virginia Weslyan). The touchdown run by Jackson was his first of two touchdowns in the quarter. Jackson led the Marshal offense with four touchdowns and 92 total offensive yards on the night.
It appeared the Maulers would even the score on their next posession, reaching the Marshal one-yard line before fumbling the football. Cincinnati took over at their own two-yard line. On the following play, Maulers linebacker, Jonathan Harrell (Northern Iowa) sacked Marshal's quarterback Deontey Kenner ( University of Cincinnati) for a safety. With under 11:00 remaining in regulation, Montgomery trailed 31-26.
The Maulers fumbled on their next possession, this time on their own 20-yardline. The Marshals capitalized on the Montgomery fumble, as Jackson scrambled for the two-yard TD three plays later. Cincinnati led 37-26.
"Those [two] fumbles were huge," said Maulers Head Coach Michael Mink. "Those two possessions cost us 14 points...you have to give [the Marshals] credit, they capitalized on our mistakes...without those mistakes, we would have had ourselves in a different ballgame," said Mink.
There were five fumbles in Saturday's game.
The Maulers answered back with 4:51 remaining in the fourth quarter, following a 41-yard kick-return by Shaun Holmes ( Alabama State University), when Machion Sanders ( Alabama State University) scrambled five yards for the touchdown. Richardson connected with Holmes on the two-point conversion, pulling the Maulers within three points of the Marshals.
With 2:54 remaining on the game clock, Maulers defensive lineman Undrae Crosby ( University of Alabama Birmingham) forced a Marshals fumble on the Cincinnati two-yard line; the fumble was recovered and ran in by Harrell; the extra point attempt by Bostick failed. Maulers led 40-37.
Marshals' Breech forced the game to overtime when he connected on a 20-yard field goal attempt with 00:19 remaining in the game.
Cincinnati won the overtime toss and elected that Montgomery receive. Per NIFL rules, Montgomery opened their drive at the 25-yard line. Richardsonconnected with wide receiver Silas Daniels ( Auburn University) three plays later for the score; the extra point attempt by Bostick failed. Montgomery led 46-40.
The Marshals began their possession at midfield and two plays later Deontey connected with wide receiver George Murray (Cincinnati University) for the score. Tied at 46-46, Breech completed the extra point attempt to give the Marshals the 47-46 win.
Maulers General Manager, John Morris, was on hand for the game and said that while the loss was tough to swallow, he was extremely pleased with the Maulers showing. "What do you say, it's hard for either team to lose that game...both teams played a tremendous game. Our guys made some mistakes, but I'm pleased with the heart that these guys played with," said Morris. "I'll tell you what, if these guys continue to play with this intensity, they are going to win a lot of ballgames."
The Maulers have a BYE WEEK this coming weekend and will return to the Garrett Coliseum on June 3, when they host Osceola. The June 3, game is sponsored by Clear Channel Radio Montgomery and ABC 34. Thunder sticks will be given out to the first 1,000 fans. Tickets can be purchased through the Garrett Coliseum or through Ticketmaster.
National Indoor Football League Stories from May 23, 2006
- Former Fever Player to participate in World Bowl - Tri-Cities Fever
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz - OSC Original by Chris Simpson
- Osceola gears up for playoff push - Osceola Ghostriders
- Frenzy upset Osceola - Florida Frenzy
- Maulers Come Up Short In OT, 47-46 - Montgomery Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
