IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Hang on for 33-32 Win at San Diego

Published on April 29, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


SAN DIEGO - The Panthers turned back a two-point try with 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter and held on for a 33-32 win over the San Diego Strike Force to remain undefeated.

Bay Area (5-0) took a 33-6 lead with 11:41 to play in the third quarter on a 10-yard run from quarterback Daquan Neal. San Diego (3-2) responded with 26 consecutive points. On 4th and 7 from the 11, Nate Davis connected with Arthur Jackson III for score to cut the lead to 33-32 with 46 seconds left. Jackson outwrestled Panthers DB Desmond Williams for the football to keep hope alive for the Strike Force. San Diego Head Coach Taylor Genuser opted to go for the lead rather than settle for the game-tying extra point. From the right side of the formation, Jackson pivoted into the end zone but the pass from Davis was off the mark to keep the Panthers ahead.

"We have to be a better second half team when it comes to composure, execution and mental toughness," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "We are having a third quarter problem that we need to clean up. "

For the second time in eight days, Bay Area relied on an opportunistic defense to stake an early lead. The Panthers turned over the Strike Force three times in the half for the second straight week and led 23-6 on BJ Taufalele's 20-yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:51 left in the second quarter.

There was a scary moment for the Panthers with 4:05 left in the fourth when defensive back Terin Adams was taken off the field on a stretcher for precautionary reasons after colliding with the wall. Keefe stressed the stretcher was precautionary that Adams is expected to be fine.

"We played hard and we don't quit. Proud that we're 5-0 but to be a better team, we have to have better composure and execution."

The Panthers will host Vegas next Saturday at 6:05 at the SAP Center in a matchup of the only two undefeated teams in the Indoor Football League.



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