ThunderBolts-Rage Preview
Published on May 18, 2006 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND-The ThunderBolts are back home, after a road victory over their divisional rival the Florida Frenzy 38-25, to take on the St. Louis RiverCity Rage Saturday, May 20th; game time is 7pm at the Lakeland Center. The Rage come to Lakeland with a 6-1 record and has a commanding 3 game lead in the Atlantic North Division. The ThunderBolts go into Saturday's game with an 8-0 record and are the Atlantic Conference's top team and one of only two unbeatens in the NIFL. The ThunderBolts are also number one in the Atlantic South Division, with a 3 game lead over the Osceola.
This game will be a battle of offense and defense. The Rage are ranked 2nd in scoring offense, but the ThunderBolts are close behind ranked 4th. As for defense, the ThunderBolts are still ranked 1st in scoring defense, with the Rage going in ranked 9th. As the saying goes defense wins ball games, offense fills the stands. Will this prove to the case on Saturday night?
This will be the first meeting of these two teams, but this game could very well set tone for the playoffs. The Rage and the ThunderBolts are both looking to host the first round of playoff games, and with their current teams record they should be shoe-ins. However, the seeding in subsequent rounds will depend on overall record and record within the conference.
About the Rage: The Rage coming in after a bye week, which gave them a much need break to recuperate from injuries. Before their bye week the Rage played the Beaumont Drillers winning that game 48-26. In their victory over the Drillers, the Rage turned the heat up in the second half of play. The Rage went into half time 14-6 and in the third quarter pulled away for Beaumont for the win. QB Justin Peery completed 9-of-18 passes for 99 yards with 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown. DL T. Washington 5 solo blocks and 3 assisted blocks. The defense had total of 2 sacks resulting in a loss of 10 yards. For the Rage the game against the ThunderBolts is the biggest one so far this season. The Rage is just focusing on one game at a time and right now their focus is knocking off the ThunderBolts who are still undefeated. "We have our work cut out for us. You don't get to 8-0 without being a good football team. But, that also brings out the best in players and coaches to meet these kinds of challenges" stated Rage Head Football, Coach Mike Wyatt.
About the ThunderBolts: The ThunderBolts are coming off a hard fought victory over the Florida Frenzy 38-25. The win over the Frenzy is only the third time that the ThunderBolts have not scored 60 or more points in a game. One of the reasons for the low score was both teams combined for 7 turnovers, but Lakeland held the advantage with +3 in turnovers. The other factor was that the ThunderBolts offense could just not connect. The ThunderBolts went into half time down 17-25. The ThunderBolts defense held the Frenzy scoreless in the second half, while the offense started to connect a little more. This is another big game for the ThunderBolts, it will give them a true test of there they stand. It will also give them a taste of the Rage, as the ThunderBolts could face them again in the playoffs.
The ThunderBolts are at home again June 24 vs. Osceola. Kick off is at 7pm at the Lakeland Center. Single game tickets are 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.
National Indoor Football League Stories from May 18, 2006
- Drillers to honor West Brook Lady Bruin softball team - Beaumont Drillers
- Dinner and a Game - Rapid City Flying Aces
- Copperheads prepare for NIFL Texas championship - Texas Copperheads
- ThunderBolts-Rage Preview - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- Fever lands record setting quarterback - Tri-Cities Fever
- Fever receiver patiently putting it all together - Tri-Cities Fever
- Commentary: NIFL daily buzz - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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