Steeldogs Upset Bid Falls Short, 56-52
July 22, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A tipped interception returned for a touchdown proved to be the difference as the Memphis Xplorers defeated the Birmingham Steeldogs, 56-52, in front of 8,784 fans at the BJCC Arena.
For the second straight week the Steeldogs had a chance to pull out a last-second victory. Bradly Chavez picked off a tipped Brian Jones pass with just 40 seconds remaining in the game, giving Birmingham possession near mid-field. But the Steeldogs couldn't capitalize on the turnover, throwing three incomplete passes and giving up a sack to end any shot of an upset.
With Manchester's victory over Albany, it looks as though the Steeldogs' playoff hopes have dimmed significantly.
Birmingham QB Robert Kent put up a valiant effort after being listed as questionable to play in the game. Playing through pain in his throwing shoulder, Kent completed 20 of 27 passes for 252 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.
FB/LB Theo Sanders set the Steeldogs' single-game rushing record with 59 yards on 10 carries. He shattered the previous record of 42 yards set by former player Chris Windsor in 2000. Birmingham as a team rushed 17 times for 88 yards, another record. The previous high-water mark was 71 set last season versus San Diego.
Memphis was led offensively by QB Brian Jones and OS Kevin Prentiss. Jones completed 23 of 36 pass attempts for 294 yards, five touchdowns and one pick. Prentiss caught seven passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns.
The Steeldogs' receiving corps was led by Allyn Sheffield, who caught eight passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
The crowd of 8,784 was the fifth largest in the seven-year history of the team.
Birmingham (7-8) closes out the regular season at home against the hated Tennessee Valley Vipers on Saturday, July 29.
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