Xplorers find way to win, defeat Manchester, 55-54

June 18, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release


MANCHESTER - Memphis QB Michael Wall completed 19 of 27 passes for six touchdowns, and OS Kevin Prentiss fought off injuries to catch two late scores, as the Xplorers came back from a 13-point deficit to defeat the Manchester Wolves 55-54 before a crowd of 6,359 at the Verizon Wireless Center.

The Xplorers, who were baffled all night defensively by Wolves QB Chris Sanders' accuracy and field vision, finally broke through late in the game, thanks to a 21-point fourth quarter that left Manchester reeling.

Trailing 47-34 at the end of the third quarter, Memphis got the final frame started off right, as Wall found WR Robert Kilow on a 36-yard touchdown pass. Steven Green's point after attempt brought the Xplorers back within six at that stage.

After a long drive and subsequent touchdown sneak by Sanders, Manchester kicked off with under seven minute remaining, confident that they had the game sewn up.

But a fourth down and five from midfield for the Xplorers turned into paydirt, as Wall found Prentiss falling backwards into the endzone for the touchdown. Green's extra point brought the Xplorers back within 54-48.

On the following play, Green, known for his prowess on onside attempts, found just the right bounce off the turf of the Verizon Wireless Arena. DS Kenzaki Jones was able to wrestle the ball away from Wolves OS Henry Frazier, and the Xplorers had a chance to take the lead.

They would capitalize on that chance approximately two minutes later, as Wall again found Prentiss, this time from 13 yards out for the touchdown. It was Wall's sixth of the game, and his fourth TD pass to Prentiss.

Manchester had one final attempt at moving the ball into scoring position, but DS Dahnel Singfield intercepted a pass with 1.4 seconds left, sealing the victory for the Xplorers.

Wall, who picked up a victory in his first start as an Xplorer, finished 19 for 27 for 317 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Prentiss had another outstanding game, catching seven passes for 137 yards and four TDs.

Sanders, who won the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game award from the hometown media, was 26 of 35 for 315 yards for five touchdowns and one interception. OS Henry Frazier led the Wolves in receiving, puilling in 9 catches for 111 yards and one TD.

Singfield was named the ADT Defensive Player of the game. Manchester's J.J. McKelvey was named the Army Ironman of the Game.

The win moved the Xplorers to 6-5 on the season, and more importantly moved them at least a full game ahead of other teams for the final playoff spot in the conference. The loss dropped the Wolves to 4-7 on the season.

Memphis will be in action again next week, as they return home for a crucial rivalry game versus the Tennessee Valley Vipers at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, MS.



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