ThunderBolts Dominate Twin City Gators, 88-14
May 8, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND- The Lakeland Center is becoming a house of horrors for visiting teams in the National Indoor Football League. The ThunderBolts improved their record to 7-0 by defeating the Monroe Twin City Gators, 88-14, in front of a home crowd of 2,347 Saturday night.
The ThunderBolts' Mario Robbins scored a 4-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Lakeland started deep in Gator territory because of a 46-yard return from Will Glover on the game-opening kickoff.
The Gators also had success on their first offensive drive of the game as quarterback Donald Allen connected with Levi Washington for a 7-yard score to tie the game, 6-6. Though Twin City had little trouble putting its initial points on the board, the Gators quickly fell behind and would never catch up. Lakeland answered on its next drive as quarterback Jason Johnson hit Kenny Perry for a 39-yard touchdown pass to put the home team up, 14-6.
The ThunderBolts found other ways to build their lead before the first quarter ended. With four minutes remaining, Brenden Givan blocked a Gator field-goal attempt that resulted in a safety and running back Cortlandt Florence scored from two yards to increase Lakeland's lead to 22-6.
Frustration began to mount fro the 0-7 Gators as defensive lineman Carl Bershell was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. As penalties began to occur at a rapid pace, the ThunderBolts kept their composure with increased production.
After Florence ran in his second touchdown, Lakeland's coaching start started to get more players involved. Rookie Antwan Blatch replaced Johnson at quarterback and contributed with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Don Robinson to give the ThunderBolts a 36-6 lead.
Lakeland's defense opened the second half by pressuring Edmunds into making quick decisions. The score grew from there. Givan, who helped record the ThunderBolts' second safety from the defensive line position, added Lakeland's last touchdown run.
"My goal was to make it a convincing victory" Lakeland head coach Teddy Keaton said. "But there is still a lot of football left to play."
The ThunderBolts are at home again May 20 vs. St. Louis RiverCity Rage. Kick off is at 7pm at the Lakeland Center. Season Tickets and Mini Flex Plans are still available for the ThunderBolts second season of professional indoor football. Single game tickets are now available at the Lakeland Center Box Office 863.834.8111 or at any Ticketmaster location 863.682.5300. All home games are played at the Lakeland Center. For more information call 863.688.Thor (8467) or visit our new office at 1628 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803. Game information provided by Tom Zebold, Lakeland Ledger.
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