Number Two Richmond Hosts Number One Albany at Home Saturday
June 14, 2012 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Richmond Raiders (9-2) will take on the League-leading Albany Panthers (10-1) Saturday night at the Richmond Coliseum in what could turn out to be a preview of the League championship game.
The top two teams in the Professional Indoor Football League, Richmond and Albany last met on March 17 this year in Albany. Richmond came up short in what for indoor football might be characterized as a defensive battle, 40 to 28. Neither team scored on its first possession, but the Raiders moved the ball well on the second, scoring on a 15-yard pass from Richmond quarterback Antwon Young to Jason Lovett.
The Panthers then score two unanswered touchdowns to move out in front.
At one point in the third quarter the Panthers led by 32 to 18. But the Raiders scored ten unanswered points to make the score 32 to 28 with 9:37 left in the fourth. The Raider defense held following the kickoff, and it appeared Richmond might retake the lead on their next possession as they drove to the Panther 22.
But with second down and ten to go, Panther defensive back Core Rue intercepted a pass from Young and returned it 34 yards for a score. Geoff Boyers' kick for the extra point was good, and the Panthers led 39 to 28. Boyer then placed the ball through the uprights on the ensuing kickoff for an uno, raising the Panther total to 40 points, and the scoring was done for the game.
While the Panthers outscored the Raiders, Richmond put up impressive statistics on offense. They made 14 first downs compared to nine for Albany. Richmond's offense totaled 242 yards compared to 126 for the Panthers. Antwon Young completed 14 of 37 passes for 168 yards and showed he's a major threat on his feet, gaining 74 yards on 11 carries, after subtracting yardage for a couple of sacks.
The rematch this Saturday night should be quite a game. Albany has already clinched the top seed position going into the playoffs and Richmond is already seeded second. If the both teams win their initial playoff games, they will meet again in the championship game, which will take place in Albany if that scenario plays out.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 14, 2012
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- Number Two Richmond Hosts Number One Albany at Home Saturday - Richmond Raiders
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