Thunderbolts Take on #2 Tallahassee
May 10, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
The Lakeland Thunderbolts (7-2) will face the Tallahassee Titians (9-2) Saturday night at the Lakeland Center. The Titians beat the Thunderbolts three weeks ago in Tallahassee 48 - 40. "We did not come out ready to play and it cost us" said Head Coach Teddy Keaton. "In our loss to Tallahassee and Mississippi we beat ourselves. When you play the best, you have to be psychologically ready and cannot have any mental let downs. We were ready last week when we beat Mississippi and will be ready this week against the Titians" Keaton said. Last weekend the Thunderbolts got their revenge against Mississippi beating them 54-31.
The Titans had a close game against Johnstown just beating the Riverrats 67-60. Tallahassee is lead by QB Ben Dougherty (138-228-11) who has racked up 2044 yards passing. Dougherty's favorite receiver is Rod Miller who has 58 catches for 807 yards and 22 touchdowns. Dougherty threw for seven touchdowns and ran for two. The Titians are averaging 55 points a game.
"This game will be another defensive challenge for us. The Titans are a talented team with top rate receivers" said defensive coordinator Pat Dooley. The defense is leading the league holding their opponents to just 27 points a game. "Our secondary and defensive line has improved each week we are ready and looking forward to the rematch" Dooley said.
The Thunderbolt offense has also been producing averaging 54 points a game. Aso Pogi is 137-222-8 and has thrown for 31 touchdowns. Pogi's top receiver is AJ Bennett who has 53 receptions for 623 yards and 19 touchdowns. Against Mississippi last week Pogi threw four touchdowns and ran for another. A J Bennett and Don Robinson each caught two touchdown passes. "The offense has worked hard this week on execution we have a solid game plan ready" said Kenny Johnson offensive coordinator.
With their victory over Mississippi the Thunderbolts clinched a berth in the AIFA Championship play-offs.
This week's game will feature a half time Army induction ceremony of new recruits from Polk County and the surrounding area.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 10, 2007
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- Thunderbolts Take on #2 Tallahassee - Lakeland ThunderBolts
- RiverRats Prepare for Erie - Erie Explosion
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