Maulers Sink Riversharks
Published on April 3, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Montgomery Bears News Release
The Montgomery Maulers were missing something last week. Whatever it was, they certainly found it this week against the NIFL newcomer, Tennessee Riversharks. The Maulers (1-1) rolled over Tennessee (1-1) 49-26 in the second game of the 2006 season.
The Maulers jumped out to a 7-0 lead after starting quarterback J.R. Richardson connected with running back Charlie Rollin for the score. Then, after a defensive stand, they reached paydirt again, this time on a Richardson pass to former Auburn University receiver Silas Daniels.
Two more touchdowns by quarterback J.P. Holly and Daniels gave the Maulers a 28-12 halftime lead.
They never looked back. The biggest question before the game was who was going to emerge as Montgomery's go-to quarterback. Although Richardson looks to be the man for the job right now, you get the sense that Holly is being groomed for the starting position in the future.
"I would say J.R. right now (for starting quarterback)," said offensive coordinator Lionel James, "but J.R. is such a mobile guy that can play all the positions. J.T. is a pure quarterback.
"You want both of them because if one gets hurt, you have the other one to go in, but if anybody else gets hurt on the field, J.R. can go in and play."
The team looked vastly improved and resembled the NIFL Atlantic Conference Central Division Champions of 2005. Everything was right where it should be. Richardson completed passes, Machion Sanders did his "Neon Deon" dance after a third-quarter touchdown and the defense stood tall when it counted.
"It takes a little time for everybody to gel and get to know each other," said Sanders while signing autographs. "A lot of the guys responded this week. We knew what we had to do as far as bouncing back. Last week was pretty much an embarrassment."
Since the 37-point drumming they took last week in the home opener, Coach David Daniels and company have had their noses to the grindstone, according to Sanders.
"All week we hit harder, we ran harder," he said.
What more could you ask? It seems to have returned some of the spark.
Richardson completed 12-of-16 for 121 yards and four touchdowns. Holly went 2-for-2 and four touchdowns, two running and two passing. On defense, cornerback Archie Smith had two interceptions.
The night's fun was a little bittersweet, however. Defensive back Deon Lewis broke his ankle during a kickoff return in the second quarter.
The Maulers will hit the road this Saturday to take on the Lakeland Thunderbolts (3-0), but will be back in town on April 15 to host the Florida Frenzy (0-2).
National Indoor Football League Stories from April 3, 2006
- Lady Phantom To Judge Dolphins Cheerleading Tryouts - Palm Beach Phantoms
- Maulers Sink Riversharks - Montgomery Bears
- Rage owner and winning college coach reunited at football banquet - RiverCity Rage
- ThunderBolts Hammer Revolution - Lakeland ThunderBolts
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