Venom Fall in Richmond
June 29, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
RICHMOND, Va.- Richmond Raider kicker T.C. Stevens scored 18 points, seven during a pivotal period at the end of the first half and beginning of the second, to end the defending Professional Indoor Football champion Nashville Venom season 54-35 in PIFL Cup Semi-final action from Richmond, Virginia.
The Venom fell down 23-0 before they were able to get on the board. Venom QB Charles McCullum (18 of 42 273 yards and five TDs) hit WR Mike Whittaker (two catches 59 yards and two TDs) on a 40 yard pass to get on the board. Stevens then kicked a 30 yard field goal. On the Venom's next possession, McCullum hit WR Darrell Holmes (three catches 53 yards and a TD) to cut the lead to 26-14. With 52 seconds left in the first half. Stevens then extended the Richmond lead before the half connecting on a 49 yard field goal, and an Uno.
After halftime, Stevens went back to work connecting on a 30 yard field goal. Down 33-14, the Venom weren't done just yet. After DB Corry Stewart picked off a Jonathan Bane pass, McCullum again hit Whittaker late in the third quarter. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Venom DB Kenny Veal picked off a Bane pass deep in Richmond territory. The play was called back on a controversial illegal defense call on Venom LB C.J. Jones. On the very next play, Bane hit a wide open Herb Jones.
The Venom once again struck back when McCullum hit WR Jordan Jolly (nine catches 111 yards and a TD) on a 14 yard TD on fourth down pass. Controversy struck again. Bane hit WR Daron Clark on a 40 yard bomb that looked like he didn't control but was called a TD to give Richmond a 47-28 lead with 8:47 left in the contest. McCullum hit WR George Murray on a late TD but it was too little too late and the Venom season was done.
The loss was the second of the season in Richmond for Nashville. Richmond will now take on the Columbus Lions in the PIFL Cup Championship game next Monday in Columbus, Georgia.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 29, 2015
- Venom Fall in Richmond - Nashville Venom
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