Monday after in Frisco: scorless halves appreciated
May 19, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
FRISCO, Tex. (May 19, 2008) - Is a scoreless half of defense in arena/indoor football as impressive as a no-hitter in baseball? Frisco Thunder head coach Troy Esprit will leave that for others to decide.
(However, we will use this discussion as a way to congratulate Matt Harrison of the neighboring Frisco RoughRiders for his no-hitter Sunday against the San Antonio Missions.)
Holding the San Angelo Stampede Express scoreless aided the Thunder's 28-16 victory that snapped a two-game losing streak and lifted Frisco into third place in third place in the Intense Football League standings.
For all practical purposes, it's the second time in four games Frisco's pulled off the feat. Yeah, yeah, yeah Corpus Christi scored with eight ticks left on the clock, but the previous 29:52 of shutout ball made the score's effect simply cosmetic - Frisco won that game 72-31.
"You definitely don't see that [a scoreless half] very often,'' Esprit said. "For it to happen, a lot of things have to come together - a good pass rush, good coverage in the secondary and a big play or two to help establish momentum."
Even the offense contributed, even though the Thunder manufactured only a touchdown and field goal in the final two periods at San Angelo. Frisco held the ball for 17 minutes and gave up just one late turnover that a Shaylon Carter interception cancelled out.
"It's a team game and we gave a team effort,'' Esprit said. "That's why we came out on top at the end of the game."
MVPS: This week's Thunder MVPs:
McDonald's Offensive MVP: Daron Lawrence, 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
Randy White's Hall of Fame Defensive MVP: Don McGee, 6 tackles, 1 INT for touchdown
Coach Joe's Sports Grille Special Teams MVP: Dennis Hopovac, 2 FGM for third straight game.
SCORELESS BOARD The numbers behind the Frisco Thunder defense's second half shutout at San Angelo Possessions 6 Total Plays 19 Total Yards 48 Rushing 1-(-2) Passing (A-C-I-Yds) 6-12-2-50 Third Downs 0-4 Turnovers 2
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Intense Football League Stories from May 19, 2008
- Monday after in Frisco: scorless halves appreciated - Frisco Thunder
- "We Needed This" - Defense Helps Thunder Snap Skid - Frisco Thunder
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