Thunderbolts Dominate Blackbirds
March 18, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
The Lakeland Thunderbolts (3-1) dominated the Baltimore Blackbirds (0-2) Friday night beating the Blackbirds 69 to 14. "Watching the Baltimore game film I knew we had a good chance to dominate the game". "With the defense being the strength of our team I felt we could control their offense and the game" said Head Coach Teddy Keaton.
Defensive lineman Jermaine Blakely was the defensive standout. Blakely had three quarterback sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble returning it for a touchdown. Blakley also played on the offensive and scored on a full back screen. He led the team in total all purpose yards with 95 including 55 yards in field goal returns. "It is a blessing to have Blakely he is such a versatile player" said Keaton. Defensive back Larry Thompson intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it the length of the field for a touchdown.
"Coming off last weeks up-set victory over Canton the defense wanted to make a statement and I feel we did" said Defensive Coordinator Pat Dooley. The defense held the Blackbirds to just 98 total yards and 9 first downs.
On the offensive side it was Elly Salamo's night. The full back scored four touchdowns on 5 carries and had 13 yards. Quarterback Aso Pogi also had an outstanding night going 12-23-1 for 152 yards before being replaced by back up quarterback Mike Peeples in the fourth quarter. Peoples went 3-8-0 for 49 yards and one touchdown. A.J. Bennett was the leading receiver with 7 catches for 71 yards and one touchdown. "Although it was a high scoring game for us we were not hitting on all cylinders and will be working this week on our timing" Keaton said.
Lakeland is on the road for two games taking on the Florence Phantoms on Friday night in Florence and the Danville IL. Demolition on April 5th. The Bolts return to the Lakeland Center on April 14th to take on the Carolina Speed.
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- Thunderbolts Dominate Blackbirds - Lakeland ThunderBolts
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