Robbins, T'Bolts Top Osceola, 44-23
June 27, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND -- Lakeland head coach Teddy Keaton and his ThunderBolts wanted to march into the playoffs with a win in their regular-season finale.
Thanks to game-changing plays and a relentless defense, the ThunderBolts got just what they wanted with a 44-23 win over Osceola in front of a seasonrecord 3,683 fans at The Lakeland Center on Saturday night.With the win, Lakeland (12-2) recorded its best regular season in franchise history in what was mainly a close game between two playoff-bound teams.
After the ThunderBolts' offense failed to produce points on the game's opening drive, Osceola (86) pieced together a seven-play scoring drive capped off by a 1yard touchdown run by quarterback Ramon Robinson with about six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The ThunderBolts drove to the 2-yard line, but running back Cortlandt Florence turned the ball over and the T'Bolts failed to score for the second-straight quarter.But the ThunderBolts wasted little time ending their scoring drought less than two minutes into the second quarter after rookie running back Mario Robbins scampered 14 yards to even the score at 7-7.
Lakeland's defense stopped Osceola on the next two drives and set up its offense with a chance to take the lead. Johnson put the ThunderBolts in scoring position for the second time by connecting with Don Robinson on 33-yard pass down the sideline. One play later, Robbins scored on a 2-yard run to record his second touchdown of the half that put Lakeland up 14-7.
Osceola kicker Tony Bugeja scored the final points of the half with a 39-yard field goal to cut the Lakeland lead to 14-10.
The second half opened with a pivotal play for Lakeland, when rookie defensive back Johnnie Jones streaked across the field and jumped in front of an Osceola receiver to record an interception inside the ThunderBolts' own 5-yard line.
Two plays later, Johnson completed his biggest pass of the game to wide receiver Will Glover for a 41-yard touchdown that put Lakeland up 21-10. "What it did is it gave us a chance to be ahead of the ball game," said Keaton of Jones' interception. "It's a momentum switcher."
Glover returned Oceola's next field-goal attempt to the Football's 5-yard line. Shortly after, kicker Steve Kratz added a field goal to increase the Lakeland lead to 14 points.
In the fourth quarter, Lakeland held its lead and Robbins paced the offense by rushing for his third touchdown.
The win helped the ThunderBolts end their regular season series between Osceola at 1-1.
"He is a `Cadillac' Williams," said Keaton of Robbins. "He comes in with his hard hat on every day and he works and that's what you want from your team."
With the playoffs approaching, the ThunderBolts' playoff schedule will become clearer after this week's games have been completed. The National Indoor Football playoffs begin July 8.
The ThunderBolts are at for their first game of the playoffs on July 8th vs. TBD. Kick off is at 7pm at the Lakeland Center. Single game tickets are available at the Lakeland Center Box Office 863.834.8111 or at any Ticketmaster location 863.682.5300. All home games are played at the Lakeland Center. For more information call 863.688.Thor (8467) or visit our new office at 1628 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803. Article written by Tom Zebold of the Lakeland Ledger.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from June 27, 2006
- Katy breaks NIFL scoring mark, other records - Texas Copperheads
- Robbins, T'Bolts Top Osceola, 44-23 - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- Revolution team up with Local Moe's Southwest Grill for National Burrito Eating Contest - Greensboro Revolution
- Guard Snaps Maulers Streak, 68-14 - Montgomery Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
