Xplosion "Could Not Finish" in Overtime, Fall to Thunder, 44-37
April 4, 2008 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Kalamazoo Xplosion News Release
MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The Xplosion (4-1) scored only nine points in the second half as they were up-ended by the Muskegon Thunder (3-1), 44-37, in overtime Friday night for its first loss of the season.
The overtime loss marks the third overtime game this season for Kalamazoo, as it needed extra time to beat both Chicago and Rock River in back-to-back weeks to open the season. Xplosion Head Coach Mike Sparks says his team just couldn't finish.
"We just didn't play well when we needed to play well. For the first time (this season) in critical situations, we didn't finish," said Sparks. "It has a lot to do with preparation. They had a great home crowd, a great game plan... we just didn't finish."
The Great Lakes East Division loss keeps the Xplosion in first place of the division and the conference, but it now has only a one game lead on the Thunder. With both the Ft. Wayne Freedom and Miami Valley Silverbacks losing Friday night, Kalamazoo and Muskegon both sit a top the division, for now.
"It was a division game, which makes the race tight," added Sparks. "It's early in the season, and we're certainly not throwing the towel in after one loss. We'll come back and compete against a very good Chicago team next week at home."
Kalamazoo will host its Great Lakes Conference rival, the Chicago Slaughter, next Friday, April 11 at Wings Stadium. In the season opener, the Xplosion escaped the Sears Centre via an overtime win over the Slaughter, 46-39. The Xplosion lead the overall series, 3-1, with two wins coming at Wings Stadium in 2007.
For tickets to Friday night's game, call (269) 345-5101 or visit www.wingsstadium.com
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from April 4, 2008
- Xplosion "Could Not Finish" in Overtime, Fall to Thunder, 44-37 - Kalamazoo Xplosion
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