
Spartans Nipped In Last Minute By ThunderHawks
April 24, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
La Crosse Spartans News Release
La Crosse, WI: After weeks of lackluster play on the offensive side of the ball, the La Crosse Spartans put in the performance they have sorely been lacking. Some big additions at the skill positions this week translated into the teams best offensive performance of the season as the offense exploded for 58 points. In a back and forth battle of lead exchanges the Spartans were even in position for their first victory with under a minute left, however the West Michigan Thunderhawks were able to drive down the field quickly for a game winning score with 24 seconds left in the contest.
To the Spartans delight, the Thunderhawks cut Quarterback Buddy Rivera in favor of Brad Iciek earlier in the week, and La Crosse quickly scooped him up. His presence in this game surely jump started an offense that ranked among the lowest in the IFL in total production. The bright signal caller learned the offense quickly and ran the game plan to perfection. By putting the ball in the hands of star running back Mark Bonds, who ran in for two first have scores, and completing a long 40 touchdown pass to another newcomer in Wide Receiver Aaron Straiten, the Spartans took a 29-28 lead into halftime.
The game plan didn't change much in the second half, as the Thunderhawks struggled to bring down Bonds. Mixed with raw power and agility, the La Crosse running back found the endzone three more times for a season high five rushing touchdowns. However, Iciek for the Thunderhawks was just as impressive. He continually found open receivers and had six touchdown passes by the middle of the fourth quarter. The two teams continued to trade scores, and after Bonds fifth touchdown the scoreboard read 58-57 Spartans with 34 seconds left to play. The Spartans kickoff was returned beyond mid-field setting up a chance for Iciek to be a hero. He pulled through, throwing the eventual game winning touchdown pass 20 yards, his seventh, to receiver Bryan Pray.
The loss lowers the Spartans record to 0-7 on the season, but the improved offense has the team and coaching staff optimistic going into the second half of the season. The team now gears up for their fifth straight home game of the month next Friday against the Chicago Sluaghter. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased via the La Crosse Spartans website, www.lacrossespartans.com, or at the La Crosse Center box office. Discounted group tickets are also available by calling the team office at 608-567-4299.
Game Notes: Bonds finished the night with 15 carries for 96 yards and five touchdowns...Rivera completed 13 of 20 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns...In his first game as a Spartan, Straiten caught 5 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown...Hawks QB Iciek completed 28 of 38 passes for 313 yards and sevon touchdowns...Pray caught 11 balls for 152 yards and three touchdowns.
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