Second Half Offensive Struggles Plague the Herd
May 25, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA - The Herd traveled to Richmond Saturday night for a contest versus the Richmond Raiders. The Raiders entered the contest in last place in the division, while the Stampede entered holding on to playoff hopes.
The two teams traded punches to start the game, as the Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead on an 8-yard connection from QB Phil Konopka to WR Herb Jones. The Herd answered with a 7-yard connection from QB E.J. Nemeth to WR Norm White to tie the game at 7-7 entering the 2nd quarter.
The rest of the first half would pan out much the same way, as the teams went back and forth. The final score of the half came with only :09 left on the clock, as Nemeth found White again on a 35-yard connection to even the score at 20-20. A Cap Poklemba PAT conversion sent the Stampede into the half with a one point lead.
The second half would be a different story. The scoring was dominated in the 3rd quarter by the Raiders, as they outscored the Stampede 14-0 in the quarter. WR Herb Jones snagged two more TD receptions, and WR Duron Clark added one TD of his own midway through the 4th quarter, pushing the Raider lead to 41-21.
Nemeth was able to connect with WR Collis Martin on a 24-yard TD pass to close the gap to 14 points. An unsuccessful onside kick by the Stampede was followed by a 5-yard TD run by QB Phil Konopka effectively putting the game out of reach at 48-27. The teams traded late TDs to end the scoring at 55-33.
Turnovers and missed opportunities plagued the Stampede in the second half. The Raiders rushing attack converted timely first downs on rushing attempts, while the Stampede rushing attack was effectively neutralized.
The bright spot for the Stampede came on defense, as they were able to force 3 turnovers to keep the game within reach. DB Travis Proctor snagged two key interceptions that helped the Stampede offense regain possessions in the second half. Stampede QB E.J. Nemeth was able to connect on 5 TD passes, but was sacked a total of five times, and knocked down a handful of other times.
Stampede enter a bye week, as they look to rest and get healthy going into a 3-game home stretch of National Division opponents to begin June. Coming off the bye week, the Herd will play host to the Trenton Freedom on Friday June 6th.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 25, 2014
- Venom Shed Lions Despite Furious Fourth Quarter Comeback Attempt - Columbus Lions
- Steelhawks Fight Freedom with Injury Depleted Lineup - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Second Half Offensive Struggles Plague the Herd - Harrisburg Stampede
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