Raiders Game Notes
April 12, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
Slow Start
The Raiders are off to the first 0-2 start in franchise history, having gone 1-1 in the first two games each of the last four years. The team lost two games in a row last June, but one has to go back to 2011 to find the next most recent in-season losing streak (5 games).
Sack Happy
Two thirds of the Raiders' defensive line is comprised of indoor football rookies, but they both played like savvy veterans last week. Devin Jones registered 2.5 sacks and Christian Lacey was in on 1.5. Jones and Lacey also combined for 4 of the team's 7 tackles for losses. Not to be outdone, linebacker Kevin Allen intercepted a pass and broke up two more. The five total sacks are the most by the Raiders since April 14, 2012 when they also had five against the Alabama Hammers.
QB Carousel
The quarterback position has been in flux for the Raiders through the first two games. Malik White started the Raiders' first two games but was pulled in the second half last week. Steffen Colon entered and threw consecutive touchdown passes before giving up two late interceptions. Phil Konopka was acquired this week from Lehigh Valley to add depth and experience under center. Familiar Faces
In an odd twist, the two QBs who combined to start the last 31 games for the Raiders including the last two PIFL Championship Games were the opposing starters the first two weeks. Warren Smith led the Trenton Freedom to an opening night win, and Antwon Young, after recovering from a season ending injury last year, helmed the Columbus Lions a week ago.
Hammers get burned by Fire, bit by Venom
The Alabama Hammers scored with no time remaining to pull within two points, but their two point conversion failed, giving the Georgia Fire a 67-65 victory in the franchise's first game. Charles McClain had a league record tying 17 receptions and three touchdowns. It's the second straight loss to a first year program to open the season, as Alabama dropped a 57-40 decision to the Nashville Venom two weeks ago. Reigning league MVP Mico McSwain was the offensive hero for the Hammers, scoring all six of the team's touchdowns and racking up 132 receiving yards. Alex Carder threw for seven touchdowns for the Venom, leading Nashville to scores on all but one of their possessions. The Hammers' defense had trouble getting off the field, allowing the Venom to convert three of six third downs and both fourth downs. Meanwhile, the offense ran into trouble in the second half after playing the Venom even through 30 minutes. Following the break, Alabama missed a field goal and turned the ball over on downs twice. Nashville didn't miss a beat, going up by 16 before the Hammers found the end zone again and holding off a Hammer rally with a fourth quarter interception. Series History
The Raiders won the first four meetings between the clubs, but the Hammers have taken the last three - all in 2013 - including the PIFL Championship Game. Each team has averaged 60 points per game in their respective victories, while the Hammers were held to 43 points per game in their losses before limiting the Raiders to 32 points per game in Alabama wins.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 12, 2014
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