Raiders Defeat Lions in OT
May 25, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Raiders overcame five turnovers and a last second field goal attempt to survive their matchup against the Columbus Lions with a 48-42 win in overtime. Playing in overtime for the second straight week, the Raiders used a RoShawn Marshall interception on the first play of the Lions' OT possession to set up the game winning touchdown on a 20 yard pass from Warren Smith to Hakeem Moore.
For the second time in as many weeks, the Raiders had to score a touchdown in the last minute to tie the game. Smith needed just two plays to travel 40 yards and when he hooked up with Moore from 13 yards out and T.C. Stevens added the extra point, the game was tied at 42 with 19 seconds left.
That proved to be just enough time for Columbus to try to win in regulation, as a long pass from Marcus Jones (who entered the game late after Lee Chapple was hurt) to Gerald Gales set them up inside the Raiders' 10. The Raider defense made a game saving play on a Jones run at the one yard line, and Josh Smith lined up for a 16 yard field goal with one second left. He pushed it wide left, and overtime began.
Neither offense was able to sustain much momentum. The Raiders opened the second half with consecutive touchdowns, then went scoreless until the game-tying drive. Their drought included an interception, a fumble, a turnover on downs, and a blocked field goal. Not to be outdone, the Lions' offense committed three second half turnovers and missed two field goals.
In a play that typified the nature of the game, Marshall made an interception in the end zone but fumbled as he tried to return it, and Gerald Gales recovered for a touchdown.
The Lions' defense made the plays they needed to, picking off Smith three times in the first half - returning one for a touchdown - and getting a fumble return for a touchdown from Ryan Babb. Though their offense stalled at times, they had chances to come away with points. But Josh Smith, making his return to Richmond after kicking for the Raiders in 2011, missed four of six extra points and four of five field goals.
Herb Jones had his third straight 100-yard receiving game, and Hakeem Moore had his second straight outing over 150 yards. He had three touchdowns, including the game tying and game winning scores. Marshall had three interceptions, none more spectacular than the one in overtime, which was a one-handed grab as he ran into the wall, keeping his arm between the ball and the padding to set up the winning touchdown.
The Raiders will embark on a two game road trip to Albany and Alabama, and return home June 15. Tickets are available through richmondraidersprofootball.com, by calling 804-780-0430, or via Ticketmaster.
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