Xplorers show promise, but fall short, 44-27
April 10, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
BIRMINGHAM - One bad quarter overshadowed three good ones for the Memphis Xplorers on Saturday night, as they lost their season opener at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center 44-27 to the Birmingham Steeldogs.
An early 21-point burst by the Steeldogs, capped by Bennit Waddell's 31-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, proved to be too much for the Xplorers to overcome.
Memphis, playing their first game of the season, underwent some early-game jitters. Quarterback Brian Jones, in his first-ever arena game, had problems finding his receivers, and the Xplorers experienced turnover problems, fumbling the ball in the first half.
But down 28-0, the Xplorers rallied nicely. Memphis got their first points of the year on a fourth down and one play, as FB Lavante Epson plunged in off the right tackle for the score.
After the teams traded touchdowns, the Xplorers closed to within 34-21, as Jones connected with offensive specialist Kevin Prentiss for a 9-yard score.
A turnover at midfield by the Steeldogs gave the Xplorers a chance to cut it to a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. But an interception by Steeldogs DB Anthony Jordan stopped a deep drive into Birmingham territory, and a four-yard TD run by Dontae' Walker effectively put the game out of reach for the Xplorers.
For the game, Jones finished 21-42 for 194 yards, with one TD and two interceptions. The Xplorers were lead in the receiving category by Prentiss, who finished with 8 catches for 73 yards.
The Xplorers fell to 0-1 on the campaign, while Birmingham improved their record to 1-1.
Memphis will be in action next week at home, as they take on the Florida Firecats at 7:00 pm at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, MS.
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