Thunderstrike
March 10, 2008 - Intense Football League (Intense)
Frisco Thunder News Release
HOPOVAC FG LIFTS THUNDER OVER KATY 66-63
FRISCO, TX - Dennis Hopovac kicked a 17-yard field goal with no time remaining as the Frisco Thunder defeated the Katy Ruff Riders 66-63 in an Intense Football League game before 1,973 at the Deja Blue Arena in the Dr Pepper StarCenter Sunday afternoon.
Katy erased a 63-42 deficit and tied the game on Torric Goins 18-yarder from Albert Higgs with 24 seconds remaining. The Thunder drove 29 yards and drew an end zone pass interference call to make Hopovac's attempt a chip shot.
Richard Morris (14 catches, 150 yards) caught three of Wes Cooper's six touchdown passes and former TCU standout Ricky Madison rushed for three as the Thunder (2-0) beat Katy (0-1) for the first time in their two-year existence.
Cooper finished 30 of 39 for 358 yards. Jason Deml (6-81) caught two scores and Guy Fernandez (7-79) caught one.
Former Nebraska star Jamaal Lord rushed for four Katy touchdowns, while Austin Flynn caught 14 passes for 164 yards and two scores. Goins had just five catches, but three went for touchdowns.
The Thunder host the Alaska Wild next Sunday at 5 p.m.
THUNDER BREAKS ITS KATY CURSE
By Michael Boren Frisco High School
FRISCO, Tex. -- Last week, Troy Esprit enjoyed his first victory as a head coach. This week, it was the Frisco Thunder's first victory over the Katy Ruff Riders that left Esprit pleased.
After being swept by Katy last year, the Thunder's 66-63 victory over the Ruff Riders was a big victory.
"I know a lot of the guys that are here from last season were really wanting to get a W, because of the two losses against Katy last season," said Esprit.
Wide receiver Richard Morris provided much of the juice to the Thunder offense with 14 catches for 150 yards and three touchdowns..
Morris said his strategies coming into this game were similar to the ones he had for last Saturday's game against San Angelo.
"It was no different; we came, we scored. That's our strategy," said Morris.
After the Thunder gained a healthy lead in the middle of the second half, the Ruff Riders came roaring back to tie the game up with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth. Yet, Morris and the offense got the ball down the field in just enough time to kick a field goal for the win.
"I just give all thanks to the coaches and receivers and the quarterback," said Morris.
COACHES SHOW MONDAY NIGHT AT 8 PM
Come by Coach Joe's Sports Grill at 8 p.m. for the weekly coaches featuring Troy Esprit and Thunder players as they break down Sunday's victory and preview next Sunday's game against Alaska.
Be a part of the show -- we'll have an audience Q&A in the audience and online. Use the Yahoo IM SportsKings to submit a question.
Added bonus: The Thunder Dance team will be on hand to promote their swimsuit calendar.
• Discuss this story on the Intense Football League message board...
Intense Football League Stories from March 10, 2008
- Barracudas building up to become the best - CenTex Barracudas
- Thunderstrike - Frisco Thunder
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.
