Post by DiamondThief on Feb 17, 2017 17:51:48 GMT -8
2/16/17 --
WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH - The Salt Lake Screaming Eagles hung in as long as they could but, in the end, the Nebraska Danger pulled away in the second half for the 78-47 win in the season opener for both teams.
Salt Lake got out the the game slowly, fumbling on the third play. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Colton Miles-Nash of the Danger. On the ensuing possession, the Screaming Eagles attempted a 66-yard field goal which was blocked by the Danger and and returned six yards for the score. Just two-and-a-half minutes into the game, the Danger held the 14-0 lead.
After the teams traded interceptions, the Screaming Eagles scored their first touchdown in franchise history when Verlon Reed found Derwyn Lauderdale in the end zone for the five-yard strike. They failed to convert on the extra point due to a bad snap. Screaming Eagles fans stormed the field to celebrate, which caused a delay prior to the extra point try.
Salt Lake would pull to within eight points as they scored on a four-yard pass from Reed to Juwan Dotson on the last play of the first half. The Danger led 35-27 at the break.
The Danger struck first in the second half when Derrick Bernard plunged into the end zone from one yard out.
The Screaming Eagles answered less than a minute later when Reed scampered eight yards for the touchdown. However Nebraska would score twice to extend their lead to 56-33 by the end of the third quarter.
Nebraska scored three times in the fourth quarter; three touchdowns and a rouge. The Screaming Eagles scored twice in the fourth, but were unable to overcome the deficit.
Reed completed 19 of 32 passes for 182 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown. Devin Mahina caught six passes for 61 yards and a score, while Cy Strahm caught three balls for 61 yards and a touchdown. Lauderdale and Dotson each had a pair of touchdown grabs. Davion Orphey and Ed Burns each recorded five tackles, and Don Unamba tallied an interception.
Bernard completed 11 of 17 passes for 121 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, and led all rushers with 58 yards and four trips to the end zone. Dimitri Stimphil had 10 receptions for 101 yards and four touchdowns. Dello Davis snared three catches for 30 yards. Eric Thomas ran four times for 45 yards and a touchdown. In addition to his fumble recovery, Miles-Nash recorded three sacks to go with his five tackles. Wafford led the Danger with 12 tackles, while Michael Carey and Omar Cook each had an interception.
The game marked the first time that a professional sports team featured fans calling the plays, courtesy of Project FANchise's mobile application. Fans had 10 seconds to call each offensive play, which was relayed to the players through electronic wristbands on the players' arms. Fans also had the opportunity to call extra points (kick or two-point try) and kickoffs (kick away or onside).
Maverik Center attendance was announced at 8,191.
The Screaming Eagles (0-1) visit the Colorado Crush (0-0) on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. (pacific). The Danger (1-0) host the Wichita Falls Nighthawks (1-0) on Feb. 25 at 5:05 p.m. (pacific). Both games, as well as all of the leagues games this season are available for streaming on the IFL's Youtube channel.
- ANM
(Photo of Screaming Eagles QB Verlon Reed courtesy Five Wives Vodka's Facebook page)
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