Safety Drops Phantoms in New Jersey
July 13, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Toronto Phantoms News Release
East Rutherford, NJ: The Toronto Phantoms lost the 1st overtime game in team history on the 1st safety surrendered by the team this season (and just the 2nd in the club's 2 year history). Karl Bates sacked Rickey Foggie in the end zone for the winning points as the New Jersey Gladiators defeated the Phantoms 57-55 in front of 5650 fans at the Continental Airlines Arena.
Foggie was tabbed to make his first start for the Phantoms after Pat O'Hara was excused from the team for personal reasons. O'Hara returned home after the untimely passing of his mother. Foggie turned in a strong effort completing 16 of his 25 passing attempts for 222 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. It was his first game action since Week Four (Saturday, May 11th), before his release from the Detroit Fury.
Sedrick Robinson of the Gladiators was honoured as the game MVP. He piled up 298 all purpose yards (176 kick return & 122 receiving) and 2 touchdowns. Toronto's Jermaine Younger was named as the Ironman after rushing for a game high 26 yards, including a 22 yard touchdown run -- the longest rush in Phantoms history.
Luke Leverson and Matt George also posted impressive numbers in the loss. Leverson made a pair of touchdown catches, while George set a new career high with 17 points. George connected on 4 of his 5 field goal attempts (44, 43, 30 & 16) and all 5 of his PAT tries.
Toronto has now lost 3 straight to fall to 5-8 on the season, 1-4 in play within the Eastern Division. Toronto completes its 2002 road schedule with 3 wins and 4 losses.
The Phantoms will need to win the last game on its regular season schedule this Thursday against the 2-11 New York Dragons to entertain thoughts of a playoff appearance. That game kicks off at 7 PM at Air Canada Centre.
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