Steamwheelers snap four game losing streak, roll over Louisville 47-41
June 5, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
MOLINE, Ill. - The Quad City Steamwheelers gained a level of revenge on a Louisville Fire team that knocked them out of the ArenaCup playoffs a year ago by securing a 47-41 win in front of 5,523 fans at OS Field at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Jeff Hewitt had a team-high eight catches for 75 yards and two scores and Jack Walker Jr. clinched the win with a late interception to give Quad City its first win since April 30 against the Memphis Xploers, its opponent next week. With the win, the 'Wheelers snapped a franchise-long four game losing streak and improved to 4-5 on the season.
The 'Wheelers took control of the game in the second quarter when they outscored the Fire 21-0. Hewitt began the quarter win a two-yard touchdown grab that cut the Louisville lead to 14-13. On the very next play from scrimmage, Fire quarterback Matt Sauk was picked off by Matt Forbes who took the ball 24 yards for a score, giving Quad City its first lead of the contest at 20-14. They stretched that lead to 27-14 at the halftime intermission when Pat Hughes returned a Nick Gatto missed field goal four yards for another score just before the half.
Things got even better for the Steamwheelers at the start of the third quarter as Tim Dodge pulled in a five-yard scoring toss from Sam Clemons (22-35, 197 yards, 3TD's) to give his team a 34-14 advantage.
Despite rushing scores by Clemons and Travis Burns, the Fire were able to slowly chip away at the Quad City lead and get it down to as little as five late in the third quarter. However, the 'Wheelers were able to hold on thanks to some tough fourth quarter defense. In the game's closing minutes, the Fire trailed 47-41 but were marching downfield in search of a game-winning score. But after being unable to come up with a key defensive play late each of in the past four games, the Steamwheeler defense came up big to seal a victory thanks in large to a Jack Walker Jr. interception at the Quad City six yard line with 35 seconds remaining on the clock.
Clemons and Co. were able to run out the rest of the clock to grab their first win in over a month and remain in the chase for a National Conference playoff berth. The Steamwheelers are back in action at next Saturday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. when they travel to Southaven, Miss. to take on the top ranked, 8-1, Memphis Xplorers. They return home seven days later to host the Albany Conquest at 7:30 p.m. at OS Field at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Tickets for this game and all other Steamwheeler home games on sale now. To purchase season and group tickets or for more information about the Steamwheelers, call the Steamwheelers office at (563) 324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For single game tickets please call or visit The MARK of the Quad Cities box office or any TicketMaster location.
Offensive Player of the Game: Jeff Hewitt (QC) ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Matt Forbes (QC) U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Jack Walker, Jr. (QC)
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