Tumlultuous Journey

Published on April 23, 2008 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Florence Phantoms News Release


Coming off the win of the season, the new look Florence Phantoms seemed ready to finish out the season full steam ahead. The next stop was Reading, PA, where they would meet the Express who were unbeaten at home. On Thursday April 17 the Phantoms stole away in the night to change that home winning streak. The express coming off a tough 25-50 loss to the Columbus Lions were also seeking to add another notch to the win column. Under the leadership of QB Rob Flowers ( 9-19 for 162 yds), and recently returned WR Carmelo Ocasio (162yds in 6 receptions) the Express headed on to the field. From the first whistle the teams looked to be evenly matched as they traded touchdowns during the first quarter. Jacobs to A.J. Bennett for a 36yd TD after just 4:50 had run off the game clock. Then Flowers to Ocasio for a 22 yd TD. A similar pass to Tres Moses from Jacobs would bring the Phantoms in front by a score of 12-7, but it wouldn't be long before Flowers would run for a TD to regain the lead. An interception by #6 Trent Jones, a sack by # 50 Matt Sola for a safety and, another interception in the red zone allowed Reading to rattle off 22 unanswered points widening the gap to a 37-12 halftime lead. Jacobs, who threw for 260 yards on 14 of 30 completions would return with just an ankle sprain after being sidelined before the half, but it was too late the momentum had swung in Reading's favor; and a second 20 plus come from behind victory seemed unlikely. Penalties, mistakes, and injuries plagued the Phantoms the first half and continued to do so in the second. In total the Phantoms racked up 15 penalties, 2 interceptions, and 5 fumbles.

Ocasio hauled in three touchdown passes while his defensive teammates turned in a dominant effort on the other side of the ball to highlight Reading's 66-30 American Indoor Football Association rout of Florence before 3,875 at the Sovereign Center. The offense never got going and the Defense was non-existent evident by the 66 points the Express posted against Florence, there highest point total this season. Falling to Reading on the road brings Florence's record below .500 again, as they return home this week against divisional opponent and new found rival the Huntington Heroes April 25, at the Florence Civic Center. "I am not pleased with my team's performance, because we didn't execute the game plan we had in place, each week we make costly mistakes and I challenge my team to step up and show some progression in the weeks to come!" The Phantoms will be practicing hard all week as they put this 66-30 loss behind them and head into this very important game. Tickets are as low as $7 and on sale now.

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from April 23, 2008


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