Wranglers 2007 Season Ends With Loss To Storm
June 25, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
TAMPA BAY-It what was similar to how the 2007 season went, Austin battled back from deficits and hung with playoff bound Tampa Bay for much of the game, even taking a seven point lead for most of the fourth quarter. Similar again to the majority of the Wranglers games this season, Austin would lose during the final seconds and tonight's game was no different as they lost 55-51 to the Storm in front of 18,244.
Tied at 48-48 with 30 seconds remaining, Austin kicker Mark Lewis nailed a 24-yard field goal to go ahead by three. The ensuing onside kick was bobbled around, eventually recovered by Tampa Bay. Trying to run down the clock, the Storm would avoid the end zone until former Wrangler and current Storm fullback/linebacker Torrance Marshall barreled in for the score, to go ahead by five points.
The Storm would squib the kickoff down the field, with the Wranglers starting on their own X yard line. Driving down the field, they attempted to get in the end zone as quarterback Lang Campbell threw to Derrick Lewis and Otis Amey, but was unable to connect. On the last play of the game, Campbell, under pressure, lobbed a pass towards the end zone that was intercepted by Tampa's Jeroid Johnson.
Campbell, who threw two interceptions on the night, was 30-of-480 for 340 yards and six touchdowns.
Derrick Lewis continued to be one of Campbell's go to receivers as he moved towards his quest for 2,000 which ended with 1,903 yard. On the night, he had eight receptions for 78 yards and three touchdowns. 1903
Austin spread the wealth to five different receivers as Kevin Nickerson led all Wranglers with 11 catches for 114 yards and one touchdown. Both Otis Amey and Sedrick Robinson grabbed touchdowns for Austin in the loss.
Defensively, the Wranglers stopped the high-powered Storm offense three times (two made field goals, fumble and a missed field goal) in large part due to the pressure Rob Schroeder and Joe Oniwor were able to apply. Both players finished with sacks, while Damon Mason tallied seven tackles and one fumble recovery.
The Austin Wranglers finished the season at 4-12 while the Tampa Bay Storm rose to 9-7 and will host a playoff game next week.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Austin Wranglers 0 20 34 17 51
Tampa Bay Storm 10 25 28 27 55
LEADERS:
PASSING: CAMPBELL (AUS) 30-48-6-2-340; DIETZ (TAM) 19-30-5-0-262
RECEIVING: NICKERSON (AUS) 11-114-1;SHAW (TAM) 12-181-3
Offensive: Terrill Shaw (TAM)
ADT Defensive: Jeroid Johnson (TAM)
Ironman: Sedrick Robinson (AUS)
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