ThunderBolts Win First Playoff Game
July 11, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Lakeland ThunderBolts News Release
LAKELAND-The Lakeland ThunderBolts beat the Montgomery Maulers 70-62, in front 2,583 Saturday night in the city's first home playoff game at the Lakeland Center. The ThunderBolts were already riding on the emotions of winning the South Division, and now its punched its ticket to next week's Atlantic Conference semifinal game in Fayetteville, NC.
The Lakeland ThunderBolts scored on all of their five first-half drives. "We worked hard this week on offense, and we spent the longest time getting the offense back up to what it used to be," ThunderBolts head coach Keaton said.
While just about every player on the Lakeland roster had a moment to shine throughout the night, it was youthful talent that kept the fireworks exploding early on. Rookie running back Mario Robbins, who has risen to become one of Coach Keaton's most explosive players, erupted for three touchdowns in the first 30 minutes.
Rookie defensive back, Larry Kendrick intercepted a pass from the Maulers quarterback J.R. Richardson and ran 13 yards to the end zone to add Lakeland's fourth touchdown of the first quarter. In the second half, defensive quarterback Chris Robichaud helped to add another interception during the second half.
After struggling in the last two games, kicker Steve Kratz nailed a 20-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half. "In the playoffs you gotta have your kicker," Keaton said. "You never know if it comes down to a kick at the end of the year."
Improving his record to 29-3, quarterback Jason Johnson had two touchdowns through the air and flexed his muscles by running over some defensive backs on his way to another touchdown. Johnson, who knows what it takes to be a contender in the playoffs, is doing what it takes to make sure the ThunderBolts have a good run. "He's going to come in and he's going to win it for you," said Keaton of Johnson. "He took the offense on his shoulders this week."
The Lakeland ThunderBolts will be meeting Fayetteville for the second time this season. "We need to go back to the drawing board, get it all together, get everyone's mind right and get ready to go up to Fayetteville and get a win," said Keaton.
The ThunderBolts are in Fayetteville, NC Sunday, July 16, to take on the Guard. Information provided by Tom Zebold of the Lakeland Ledger. 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 office at 1628 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803.
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