Twisters Get Huge Victory
April 20, 2003 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arkansas Diamonds News Release
Quarterback Ricky Hebert accounted for all 8 touchdowns, and Lennie Johnson gave an Ironman-like performance, as the Arkansas Twisters defeated the San Diego Riptide 51-43 Saturday, giving Arkansas its first win of the 2003 season.
Johnson had three huge touchdown receptions, from 40, 30, and 46 yards, respectively, an added an interception to help the Twisters reach the win column for the first time this year. Kahlil Carter and Ed Square added interceptions on defense for the Twisters.
Hebert opened up the scoring when he capitalized for a 10-yard score on a quarterback draw to give Arkansas an early 6-0 lead. The extra point attempt failed, so it remained 6-0.
After San Diego would tie it at 6 with a touchdown and a missed extra point of their own, Hebert would strike again, this time with Anthony Eubanks on a 5-yard touchdown. Again, the extra point attempt failed, so the Twisters led 12-6.
That lead wouldn't last long, however, as San Diego came back on a Kane Claunch touchdown pass. Ryan Geisler's extra point gave San Diego a 13-12 advantage.
Soon after, Ricky Hebert fired a strike down the field, completing it to Lennie Johnson on a 40-yard score to reclaim the lead for Arkansas. Mark Norris added the point after for a 19-13 lead.
After a defensive stop for Arkansas, Hebert and Johnson would connect once again, this time on a 30-yard strike to make it a 25-13 Arkansas advantage.
All was going Arkansas' way before the half, when Marty Graham caught a missed field goal attempt off of the netting for a San Diego touchdown to cut the lead to 25-20 at the half.
The Twisters took the ball to start the 3rd quarter and wasted no time extending their lead, as Hebert fired a touchdown pass to Ted Alford. The point-after attempt failed, so Arkansas led 31-20 at that point.
San Diego would cut into the lead once more, as Rico Curtis recovered a fumble in the end zone for a Riptide touchdown. Ryan Geisler would add the extra point and it was a 31-27 game.
Hebert and Alford hooked up again for six, and at the end of the third frame, the Twisters maintained their lead at 37-27.
In the final quarter, Ryan Geisler would make it a one possession game, splitting the uprights with a 43-yard field goal, making it 37-30.
However, the Twisters would not let that stand long, as Hebert threw another touchdown pass, this one to Kevin Williams from 14 yards out. It was a very unconventional touchdown, as Hebert's pass hit the netting and deflecting back to Williams, who caught it for the score. Nonetheless, Mark Norris' extra point extended the lead for Arkansas again to 44-30.
San Diego would not go away yet, as Wesley Phillips, who replaced Kane Claunch at quarterback in the second half, threw a touchdown pass to Marty Graham. The extra point failed, but the Twister lead was again cut to 44-36.
On the ensuing possession for Arkansas, Ricky Hebert, facing a crucial third down play, launched a 46-yard bomb to Lennie Johnson to seal the deal for the Twisters at 51-36.
San Diego would add a late touchdown, but would get no closer, and the Twisters held on for the 51-43 victory.
The Twisters, who now stand at 1-2, will return home next Friday to host the Bossier City Battle Wings on "Salute the Razorbacks Night." Many past Razorback greats will be on hand to sign autographs and meet the fans. Kickoff will be at 7:30 at the Alltel Arena.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 20, 2003
- Twisters Get Huge Victory - Arkansas Diamonds
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