Thunderstrike Weekly
March 4, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
FRISCO, Tex. -- For one glorious week, the Frisco Thunder will be the best team in both the Intense Football League and the entire sport of indoor football.
So what if everyone else opens next weekend? You can't spoil this moment as the Thunder opened its 2008 season with an impressive 63-44 victory over the San Angelo Stampede Express before 2,286 in the DeJa Blue Arena in the Dr Pepper StarCenter.
Wes Cooper threw for career-highs of 368 yards and nine touchdowns, and the Thunder defense posted a fourth-quarter shutout to give Head Coach Troy Esprit a successful head coaching debut. The victory also snapped the franchise's four-game losing streak.
Cooper, who joined the team this season, tied the franchise record for touchdown passes and was flirting with tying the IFL's single-game record of ten late in the game.
"We started off slow but got things going before the half" said Cooper. "I thought our rookies stepped up tonight and were impressive as well."
Cooper had several targets to work with and choose Jason Deml to be his main target. Deml had eight catches totaling up 151 yards and four touchdowns, Richard Morris also had a big receiving night with 10 catches for 148 and two touchdowns, while Daron Lawrence tallied up six catches for 59 yards and had three touchdowns.
Hunter Sims and EJ Nemeth each threw two San Angelo touchdowns while sharing duties at the quarterback position. Sims who played the first and third quarters had 138 yards, while Nemeth covered the second and fourth quarters and tallied up 104 total yards. Both Sims and Nemeth connected with Anthony Celestine for touchdowns as Celestine finished with six catches and 106 yards.
Frisco wasted no time hitting the board as the Thunder took their opening possession and drove 45 yards in four plays to draw first blood when Cooper and Deml connected on a 13-yard pass play. The first of nine Dennis Hopovac PAT kicks was good and Frisco had the early 7-0 lead.
With 3:49 left in the half the Stampede made a push for the lead when Nemeth hit Celestine on a 38 yard touchdown pass. The kick by Andrew Brown was good and San Angelo looked to be in the driver's seat with the 24-21 lead.
It would not take the Thunder long to respond and answer the call. With only 1:13 left in the opening half down three, Cooper found Morris on an 11 yard touchdown pass as Frisco took the 28-24 lead in at the break.
After San Angelo regained the lead on the opening play of the third quarter, the Thunder scored 21 unanswered points to take control.Cooper found Deml for two touchdowns in the third, while Lawrence and Morris each were on the receiving end of one each.
The turning point came early in the fourth after the Stampede had pulled within 12 of the Thunder. Then a fumble recovery of a San Angelo missed field goal return by Ricky Madison helped Frisco maintain the lead.
"We finished a little sloppy tonight and that is something that we will work on," Esprit said.
Michael Catchings paced the Thunder defense with two interceptions and five tackles. Returning starter LaMont keyed the front line pressure with seven tackles and two sacks.
Frisco's next game comes up Sunday March 9th as they host the Katy Ruff Riders with the kickoff set for 3 p.m.
THUNDER YOUTH TEAMS STAY UNBEATEN
In addition to the big boys, both Frisco youth flag football teams posted victories this weekend.
The Gold team posted its second straight shutout with a 22-0 victory over the Falcons. Jack Schuler threw touchdown passes to Cole Hutchens and Daniel Richmond while Chase Eisenmann picked off a pass and returned it for a score. The Gold team faces the Raptors Saturday at 9 a.m.
The Green team got two Court Walker to AJ Symes touchdowns in its 20-8 victory over the Dragons. Jaylen Dixon ran for one touchdown while Dylan Coats had an interception. They face the Steelers this weekend at 12 p.m.
THIS WEEK: DANCE TEAM TO UNVEIL SWIMSUIT CALENDAR
Celebrate the debut of the Frisco Thunder Dance Team's swimsuit calendar on Saturday, March 8 at Logan 's Sports Bar and Grill in Addison .
The Official Swimsuit Calendar Release Party will feature the appearance of all the dancers involved in the inaugural edition. They'll be available for autographs for those who purchase the $15 calendars.
"It's a very classy, professional production and we're very proud of it," said Thunder owner Vinita Reed. "Our dance team has done a fantastic job for us and this is their chance to enjoy the spotlight."
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Intense Football League Stories from March 4, 2008
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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.
