ThunderBolts jump on New Jersey, 35-12
April 2, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND, FL â Running back Kellen Arnold scored from a yard out twice and Raymond Hardy made two spectacular receptions late in the game as the Lakeland ThunderBolts defeated the New Jersey Xtreme, 35-12, Friday in a National Indoor Football League game on Ray Lewis Field in the Lakeland Center.
The ThunderBolts (2-1) used an outstanding defense, particularly in the second half, to squash any scoring threats by New Jersey (0-4). The Xtreme had only 14 yards passing and 18 yards rushing in the final two quarters.
Arnold's two touchdowns in the first 15:02 of the game, staked the ThunderBolts to a 14-6 margin they never relinquished. Hardy's two grabs in the fourth stanza, to finish off the Lakeland scoring, came on a two-yard and 45-yard plays from quarterback Jeremy Martin.
Martin had another outstanding game, connecting on 11 passes in each of the halves, but threw only 17 times in the second half. He ended with 22 of 39 for 239 yards. Martin also ran five times for 13 yards.
Defensively is where the ThunderBolts excelled as John Jefferson and Damon Demps each had a pair of pass breakups. Demps, Aramis Haralson and Eli Shorter had interceptions.
"The key was the defense," said head coach Garrett Hagin. "The defense kept us in the game and did what we asked it to do."
Coach Hagin was referring to linemen Ronald Pou, who had two quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery, Terrell Showers, a tackle for a loss, and Jason Geter, another terror to opposing quarterbacks.
"Our rush was good all night, but we made some adjustments at halftime and we shut them out in the last two quarters," said defensive coordinator Gerry D'Angelo. "We mixed up some coverage's in the second half, but it was pass rush that caused all the problems for New Jersey."
Hardy only had three total catches, but the final grab from Martin of 45 yards was on the fingertips and carried him into end zone. "Jeremy and I have good timing, especially on the short routes, but this was good," said Hardy. "I give credit to the offensive line for letting us get into the routes. "
The ThunderBolts play host to the Billings Mavericks (0-1) who are idle this week, on Saturday, April 9, on the Ray Lewis Field at the Lakeland Center. Kickoff is 7:05 p.m.
The Xtreme, after suffering consecutive losses to Daytona Beach, Kissimmee and Lakeland, are on the road again on April 9 when they play at the Lincoln, Nebraska, Capitals.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from April 2, 2005
- Hawgs hold off Kreatures, 44-38 - Daytona Beach Hawgs
- April 2nd Warbird game delayed due to weather - Dayton Bulldogs
- Morays' new co-owner want to help young entrepreneurs - Miami Morays
- Miami Morays to unveil Ford Allen Field - Miami Morays
- With one day notice, Drillers to play at Dayton on Saturday - Beaumont Drillers
- ThunderBolts jump on New Jersey, 35-12 - Lakeland ThunderBolts
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.
