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Nasvhille Kats Rout Minnesota Myth on Opening Weekend 47-12

April 28, 2024 - Arena Football One (AF1) News Release


The Nashville Kats overpowered the Minnesota Myth 47-12 in Nashville at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, The Nashville Kats overpowered the Minnesota Myth 47-12 in Nashville at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

The Kats got off to a scorching hot start in the first half and scored on six consecutive offensive possessions, while also recovering the ball for a safety and a touchdown and holding the Myth scoreless.

"The talent we have is a good group. I told them we're not playing scoreboard. We're playing live action," Kats head coach Dean Cokinos said.

In that live action, quarterback Ramone Atkins lit up the scoreboard throwing 8 completions on 14 pass attempts for 157 yards and 4 touchdowns. Atkins connected with Braxton Haley, Charles McClain, Reggie Howard, and Marquise Irvin in the endzone.

"Our receivers made some big-time 50-50 catches tonight," coach Cokinos said, "but we're happy with everyone who played tonight. Everyone played."

On the ground, Ja'Quain Blakely powered his way in for a touchdown, as did James Atoe and Braxton Haley, who had two total touchdowns. While the offense scored in bunches, special teams had trouble converting extra points, which coach Cokinos brushed off as a learning curve.

"We had three players on the roster who played arena football before, and we're all learning," Cokinos said.

The Kats dominated on the defensive side of the ball, matching the level of the play of their offense.

"The pass rush showed up tonight. Our defense is built around our pass rush, but overall, everyone showed up, and everyone played together," Cokinos said.

Sedevyn Gray recorded a sack. Trae Meadows chipped in with two interceptions and a recovered fumble.

Although coach Cokinos praised his players for an outstanding first game, he's not sitting comfortably just yet. "I'm a big believer in personnel. We'll look to improve our roster and if we can improve our roster we will," Cokinos said.

On the other hand, the Myth had trouble on both sides of the ball. Minnesota was not only unable to stop the Kats from scoring but were also held scoreless in the first half. While the pass rush of the Kats was relentless, the Myth played without discipline and racked up 11 penalties.

Minnesota struggled to sustain drives, converting only two of its eight third-down opportunities. They did not convert any of their three opportunities on fourth down. Worst of all, they converted just one of their two red zone attempts.

Quarterback Demry Croft was held to 6 completions on 15 pass attempts for 50 yards in the first half. He finished the game with 11 completions on 26 pass attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown. Croft connected with Javyon Hayes in the second half in the endzone for a 12-yard score. However, Croft's connection with Haynes came only after a touchdown by Zach Curry was taken away from the Myth on account of an illegal formation.

Terrance Wentzel turned in an impressive individual effort for the Myth snagging two interceptions with one resulting in a touchdown.

The Kats play the Albany Firebirds next Thursday, May 2 in Albany at 8 PM EST. The Myth take on the Philadelphia Soul next Sunday, May 5 in Minnesota at 6 PM EST.

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