Stampede Outlast Georgia Fire in Shootout
May 18, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA (May 18, 2014) - The Stampede (3-4) returned home Saturday evening after a difficult 4-game road stretch road to face the Georgia Fire (3-3). After back-to-back disappointing losses, the Herd was determined to bounce back in front of the home town crowd.
The game opened up with a bang when E.J. Nemeth connected with WR Collis Martin deep downfield on a 32-yard strike for a Stampede touchdown. Kicker Cap Poklemba connected on the extra point, and followed it up with an UNO pushing the lead to 8-0 before the Fire immediately answered with a touchdown of their own making it 8-7.
The first half continued to go back and forth with Nemeth tossing two touchdowns to WR Norm White and another to Martin, as the teams left the field at the half tied at 29-29.
The second half started with an UNO from Cap Poklemba on the opening kickoff, pushing the Herd ahead 30-29. The Fire answered by taking their first lead of the game when a blown coverage by the Stampede allowed a wide open receiver in the endzone.
The Fire lead did not last long, as Collis Martin hauled in his third touchdown of the night from Nemeth. Scoring was limited in the third quarter, as it turned into a battle of the defenses as the two teams combined for 3 interceptions in just a few minute span to close out the 3rd quarter with the Herd ahead 37-35.
The defense battle soon turned to offensive fireworks as the scoring in the final quarter came fast and furious. E.J. Nemeth found Norm White in the endzone giving him his third touchdown reception of the night. On the next possession, after an Armar Watson forced fumble and Brian Wick fumble recovery, Nemeth found Martin again for yet another Stampede touchdown.
The Fire were able to respond with a touchdown pass of their own, keeping the scoring close at 51-42. On the ensuing possession Nemeth found Jerrel Jones to extend the lead to 58-42. As the shootout continued, the Fire fought back scoring another touchdown to keep the game close.
Travis Proctor recovered an onside kick attempt and returned it for a Stampede touchdown, extending the lead to 66-56. But the Stampede couldn't seem to shake the Fire who responded with a quick touchdown, pulling closer at 66-56.
The Stampede held strong, with Proctor recovering another onside kick attempt. The Herd offense took advantage of the great field position, as Nemeth was able to take a QB sweep in for a TD on his feet, putting the game out of reach at 72-56. The Fire scored a late touchdown to make it interesting, but the Stampede recovered yet another onside kick and ran out the clock, preserving a 72-64 win.
E.J. Nemeth finished the game with 214 yards passing, completing 19 of 35 attempts with 9 total TDs (8 passing, 1 rushing).
Collis Martin finished with 87 yards on eight catches and 4 TDs, while WR Norm White had 81 yards on six receptions and 3 TDs.
The Stampede defense caused 3 combined turnovers (2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery).
Harrisburg will travel to Richmond next weekend to take on the Raiders in an important National Division matchup.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 18, 2014
- Hawks Can't Handle Venom; Lose Second Straight - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Stampede Outlast Georgia Fire in Shootout - Harrisburg Stampede
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