Post by men lie women lie numbers dont on Apr 15, 2008 11:59:01 GMT -5
Hungry for their first win the Fayetteville Guard welcomed the Phantoms in to the crown coliseum Sunday at 4:00pm on April 13. From the kick-off both teams were excited and energized ready for “War on I-95”. Unfortunately one team may have been a little more prepared for battle, the Guard jumped out on the Phantoms early scoring on a special teams touchdown and two interceptions, though they were unable to score the extra points. Turnover after turnover plagued the Florence ball club before they were able to respond with seven points of their own on a pass from QB Omar Jacobs to WR A.J. Bennett, which would be the only one of the half. Frustration had seemed to be setting in on this talented phantoms team early in the ball game. As the final seconds of the half winded down the Guard help to further frustrate their opponents, by securing a 31-7 lead at the end of the 2nd qtr, when both teams left the field.
The Fayetteville fans were ecstatic and loud with their home made noise makers and screaming crowd of an estimated 4,500. Both fans and the team celebrated during the halftime break before the start of the second half. Fans trash talked, players danced on the field, while the Phantoms stretched and tried to keep team morale up. From the kick-off something was different, on the Guard first play from scrimmage turn into an interception at the hands of rookie DB Larry Lindsay. He then came back the next series and returned a fumble 30 yards for his first score of the season. Inspired by the defenses spirited play it was time for the offense to get in on the fun add another touchdown to the scoreboard, When CJ Washington fell on a fumbled interception for the score late in the 3rd quarter, again the defense stepped up with another interception from Rontrell Woodruff, his second of the night. The Guard had stalled and the team from just down interstate 95 was taking full advantage. With the score 38- 33 and 40 seconds left on the clock A.J. Bennett catches a 15 yd pass and runs 30 yards for the score and the win! When asked about a victory in such dramatic fashion Coach Tavares Bowens responds, “The team showed the character it takes to win ball games in clutch situations; However, we will strive for more consistent play on all phases of the game.”
