The Edge

by John Bronkhorst
Published on June 20, 2003 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)

LEXINGTON HORSEMEN (8-3/5-2) @ OHIO VALLEY GREYHOUNDS (11-0/9-0)
ATLANTIC EAST MATCHUP

The last time these two teams matched up, it was in Lexington where Ohio Valley, after leading 30-17 at halftime, held off a furious charge by the Horsemen in the second half and kicked a game winning FG with .03 seconds left in the game to preserve a 56-53 victory.

Fast forward to Saturday, June 21, 2003.

Lexington comes into Wheeling to play the Hounds coming off a tough loss to Tennessee at home, 62-58. The Horsemen, which at one time was a lock for a playoff spot, now find themselves fighting for their playoff lives. There are 2 playoff spots left and 3 teams (Houma, Lexington and Ft. Wayne) fighting for those spots. To say you control your playoff life is an understatement when you consider that Lexington plays Ohio Valley this week and then ends the season with back-to-back games with Ft. Wayne. All the Horsemen have to do is go 2-1 in that span to lock up the playoff spot. All they have to do?? Talk about your understatements!!

*Note: The stats for Lexington were not updated at time of submission of this article.

Lexington comes into Saturday's game averaging 54.1 points per game on offense. They are led by an outstanding QB in Dusty Bonner. Bonner has thrown for 2,231 yards and 53 TD's. All-around athlete, Martez Johnson, paces the rushing attack. Johnson not only leads the team in rushing, but he is also one of the teams leading receivers. Carlos Johnson is also one of the leading receivers for a passing attack that among league leaders. The Horsemen have a powerful offense that is predicated on the efficiency and field awareness of Bonner.

Defensively, the Horsemen are giving up 41.1 points per game. The defense is led by outstanding players such as: Ray McLaurin, Nigel Smith, Grayson Smith, Nate Green and Champ Kelly. This is a very active group; they are aggressive and can make plays all over the field. The stats might not show it, but this defense is very good and very athletic.

Kick return specialists, Craig Yeast, lead the special teams. In the last meeting between these 2 teams, Yeast helped provide the Horsemen's offense with outstanding field position throughout the game. Yeast is not only deadly in the return game, but is also a tremendous offensive threat for Bonner. Brian Sivinski leads the kicking game and that's pretty much where we'll end that.

Ohio Valley comes into this game with everything locked up. They are first in the Atlantic East and are the Number 1 seed in the Atlantic Conference. Yes, I know all you Landshark fans are saying, "They haven't locked up the Number 1 seed yet." Trust me, they are. Who are they going to lose to? This team is the class of the league, which in some circles just grates on people's nerves, like scraping fingernails across a chalkboard. Lets face facts, until someone shows they have the stones to come into Wheeling to beat the Hounds, they are the best and will remain that way.

The Hounds come in averaging 48 points per game offensively. They average 112.9 yards/game on the ground and 147.9 yards/game thru the air. The leading ball carrier is Lloyd Clemons, who has 91 carries for 553 yards and 11 TD's. Shane Franzer leads the passing attack. Franzer is an impressive 104-177 1332 yards 26 TD's and 6 INT's. Not Ragsdale numbers, but last time I checked Utah wasn't undefeated either. Franzers favorite receivers are John Cooper and Steve Vagedes. Cooper leads the team in receptions with 34 for 400 yards and 6 TD's, while Vagedes has 33 receptions for 614 yards and 15 TD's. Over the years I have always stressed the importance of balance on an offense. Ohio Valley is the perfect example of that balance. Coming into this game they have rushed for 1242 yards and passed for 1627 yards. That's getting it done.

On defense, this is the best defense in the league hands down. They only give up 26.3 points per game. They surrender 50.7 yards per game on the ground and 89.2 yards per game passing. Clearly a dominating defense in all categories. Allan Jackson, not the singer, who has 47 tackles, leads the Hounds in tackles. Eddie Bynes has an incredible 17 sacks this year and there are 5 players tied for INT's with 2 apiece.

Special teams are led by kicker John Wehrie, who is 23-37 in FG attempts. Finally a kicker who knows what his job is and can kick in the clutch. Yes, I know, you Utah fans have a good kicker too.

With all the stats out there and the Hounds clearly the best team, how did Lexington play this team so tough in Lexington? It's an old cliché, but any given Saturday. Stats are stats, but when you put humans in the equation, you never know what you will get. Lexington is a very good team; a team I project will beat Ft. Wayne twice and will make the playoffs. Lexington did play Ohio Valley very tough at home, but I expected that. Matter of fact, I had picked Lexington to win that week because they were at home. Unfortunately, the Horsemen are playing on the road this week and are going to a very difficult place to play in the Wheeling Civic Center. I expect this to be close early on. I expect Lexington to come out and play tough because they have great character, but when it is all said and done, the Hounds will dominate the second half. This is the beginning of the tune-up for the Hounds. Its playoff time in Ohio Valley, which means only 1 thing, DOMINANCE!! The Hounds have struggled offensively at times this year, but they are beginning to hit their stride. The defense is what leads this team and what makes this team tick.

Sorry Horsemen fans, this one could get ugly. Better get ready for Ft. Wayne.

Ohio Valley 63
Lexington 48

See you next week!!

National Indoor Football League Stories from June 20, 2003

• The Edge - OSC Original by John Bronkhorst
• Warriors looking to get back on Winning Path - Utah Warriors

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.