Red Hot Raiders Poised For Playoff Run
June 23, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
Richmond Raiders Ready for the Ball
(Richmond Raiders)
RICHMOND, VA (June 23, 2015) - The road to the Professional Indoor Football League championship kicks off Monday, June 29 for the Richmond Raiders (8-4) as they host the defending league champions, the Nashville Venom (7-4). No stranger to playing each other, these two teams played twice this season, with their last matchup happening on June 6 at the Richmond Coliseum. Richmond defeated Nashville 53-30 in that game.
The Raiders enter Monday's matchup after a dominating 77-8 win Saturday against the Erie Explosion to close out the regular season. From the early moments of the game, it was clear that Richmond came ready to play as WR Ron Davis found the endzone just 1:15 into the first quarter. DB Kevin Allen snagged a pick six to end the first quarter, and the Raiders never looked back. Richmond's defense - known for their ability to thwart opposing offenses - recorded eight sacks for a loss of 59 yards. QB Jonathan Bane and QB Phil Konopka split time during the game, with Konopka coming in to replace Bane in the third quarter. Bane completed four of seven passes for 88 yards and three touchdowns, and Konopka was a perfect six of six for 188 yards and three touchdowns. WR Ron Davis led all Raiders receivers with two catches for 58 yards, and WR Robert Holland hauled in two catches for 52 yards.
Nashville heads into Monday's matchup after defeating Trenton 57-37 last week in Trenton. The Venom began the game fast, going up 29-13 by the midway point of the second quarter. However, they would allow Trenton back in the game after the Freedom scored a touchdown and earned a safety just before halftime to bring them within 8. Trenton opened up the second half with a touchdown, followed by nine unanswered points after a Venom touchdown to put them ahead 37-36. After that, Nashville's offense went to work and they were able to pull away in the ensuing quarters.
This playoff matchup is a win-or-go-home situation for both teams. The winner of this game will face the winner of the Columbus Lions vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks game. Lower bowl tickets for the playoffs are available for just $10 and fans can purchase them on the Raiders' website, www.RichmondRaidersProFootball.com, or by calling 1-855-GO-RAIDERS or 804-780-0430. Additionally, fans can contact the Richmond Coliseum box office or visit ticketmaster.com.
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 Richmond Raiders Ready for the Ball |
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