AF2 : Twisters get turnovers, wrap up playoff spot
Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2008
TULSA — Victories in Arena Football 2 depend on stops.
Defensive back Lawrence Richardson provided Arkansas the one it needed Saturday, intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter that gave the Twisters their first chance to take command. They did, and hung on for a 66-54 victory over the Tulsa Talons before a crowd of 6, 450 at Tulsa Convention Center.
The victory assured Arkansas (10-4 ) a place in the AF 2 playoffs, and was the Twisters ’ seventh consecutive, setting a team record.
Kyle Rowley started the fourth quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jamaal Perry that gave Arkansas a 54-47 lead.
Tulsa (11-3 ) drove to Arkansas ’ 7 on its next possession, but Richardson intercepted a pass from Tulsa quarterback John Fitzgerald in the end zone to give Arkansas a chance to take its first two-score lead of the game.
The Twisters did just that. Rowley’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Denney gave Arkansas 60-47 lead with 2: 59 left.
Fitzgerald, a seven-season veteran of AF 1, signed with Tulsa on Thursday.
“We had some confusion on the route and tried to throw it late, and you can’t do that,” Fitzgerald said. “You just have to throw it away and play the next down. I saw [Richardson ], but he stepped inside and made a great play. I tip my hat to him, but I should have never thrown it. I should’ve thrown it up in the stands two or three rows.” “We knew we needed a stop,” Richardson said. “We all knew we needed to make a play. I know I needed to. That’s why I’m here. Our guys all made perfect plays on that play. He had to check down, and when he got to me, I just reacted.” Tulsa was within 60-54 after Fitzgerald’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Landrum with 2: 14 left but would get no closer.
A fumble by Fitzgerald, recovered by linebacker Reggie Cooley, ended Tulsa’s chance with 42 seconds left.
“Turnovers in this game are pivotal,” Rowley said. “[Richardson ] made a great play. He really went up for it.”
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