Sports stats



Thunder Head to Florida Hunting for Wins

April 25, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


In their past two games, and three of the last five, they've held fourth-quarter leads, only to end up on the losing side of the ledger.

This week, they'll welcome back the team's leading sack machine, Donte Paige-Moss, who will join a defense that held San Jose to just 38 points in Week 5.

The offense will be led by former Shark Kyle Rowley, who, reunited with 2010 coach Matthew Sauk, intends to prove the Sharks made a big mistake in letting him go.

In order to start winning these games, the Thunder will have to overcome themselves. They're the league's most penalized team, and they've given away an average of 27.8 yards per game more than their opponents via flags.

The flags haven't prevented their defense from being one of the best in the league. They're tied (with Jacksonville) for third in turnovers, having forced 14 in five games. Donte Paige-Moss has 5.5 sacks, good for third in the league, despite playing only four games. Former offensive lineman Brandon Lockheart joins the defense this week at nose guard, hoping to replace NFL-bound Jake McDonough's presence up front.

Bryce Peila leads the team with three interceptions and has been a part of a turnover in every game so far this season; Varmah Sonie, the lone rookie defensive back, has a couple of picks of his own and leads the team with five passes broken up.

The Thunder also picked up a new receiver this week in Eric Rogers. The 6'4" Rogers should provide the Thunder a red zone threat they simply haven't had through the first five weeks of the season, although it remains to be seen if he can make the adjustment to the AFL.

The Thunder believe the pieces are in place - they'll look to make that final push over the hump this week in Jacksonville and get their first win in franchise history.



Arena Football League Stories from April 25, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central