Wolfpack Beat Raptors On Final Play
Published on March 8, 2009 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Wisconsin Wolfpack News Release
Mike Sherman's only reception of the game might be the biggest catch he'll make in his life.
Continental Indoor Football League rules allow an uncovered offensive lineman to be an eligible receiver. With time expiring and the Wisconsin Wolfpack down to the Rock River Raptors, 38-34, Sherman broke to the flat from his position as left tackle for the Wolfpack. Quarterback Tom Stetzer, aware his three other receivers were to his right, knew that if Sherman was left uncovered, he'd likely be wide open.
Stetzer's two-yard pass easily found the hands of Sherman in the end zone as the final horn sounded, giving the Wolfpack a 40-38 win over the Raptors in the Wolfpack's first-ever CIFL game.
"We had about 50 or 60 plays and they had about 50 or 60 plays and that's the only time you saw an offensive lineman even get thrown the ball all night," said Wolfpack head coach Jordan Kopac.
In the outdoor game, he never even dreams of making that type of catch."
The touchdown pass to Sherman was also vindication for Stetzer, whose night was nearly ruined by an interception on the Wolfpack's previous possession. Up 34-32, the Wolfpack (1-0) had the football on the Raptors' eight-yard line when Stetzer was intercepted by Jaa Valentine with 1:14 remaining in the game. The Raptors (0-1) drove to the Wolfpack five-yard line and scored what appeared to be the game-winning touchdown on a Brian Ryczkowski quarterback scramble with 10.7 seconds remaining. A Ryczkowski pass on the two-point conversion was intercepted by Wolfpack defensive back Sam D'Alie, leaving the score at 38-34.
Following a short kickoff and the last of seven receptions for Wolfpack receiver Will Norwood, the stage was set for Sherman's dramatic touchdown.
"Initially, we were going to run a quarterback sneak," said Sherman of the play. "[The Raptors] called a timeout and we decided to go with the pass to the flat. We don't practice that play very often, but we knew it would probably leave me wide open."
Stetzer finished the evening 16-for-36 with 180 yards and five touchdown passes. Norwood was the leading receiver for the Wolfpack, catching seven balls for 110 yards and three touchdowns, while Ric Levy and Reggie Davis each had three catches for Wisconsin.
The loss was a bittersweet one for Ryczkowski, who was the starting quarterback for the Wolfpack's outdoor feeder team in the 2008 North American Football League Season. In his first game for the Raptors, Ryczkowski went 14-for-28, throwing for 167 yards and five touchdowns.
The Wolfpack will have next weekend off before playing their first-ever home game at the Alliant Energy Center. The opponent will be the Chicago Slaughter, whose roster has been occupied by many former members of the Chicago Rush from the currently idle Arena Football League. The Slaughter soundly defeated the Milwaukee Bonecrushers, 84-24, in their first game of the season last night.
Start time at the Alliant Energy Center for the Wolfpack and Slaughter will be 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from March 8, 2009
- Wolfpack Beat Raptors On Final Play - Wisconsin Wolfpack
- Wolfpack win thriller 40-38 - CIFL
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