Post by AZ Adrenaline Junkie on May 21, 2008 1:11:29 GMT -5
Defense has its day for Adrenaline
Special to the Courier
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
RIO RANCHO, NM - The Adrenaline are still at least one game away from mathematically clinching, but for all practical purposes the playoffs are in the cards for 2008.
Thanks in large part to the defense.
Playing with a makeshift defensive unit, the Adrenaline came within 30 seconds of blanking the New Mexico Wildcats Tuesday night in front of about 3,000 fans at the Santa Ana Star Center.
New Mexico did score on its final possession, but the Adrenaline came away with a gutsy 34-8 victory to improve to 6-2 on the season. The win gives Arizona a four-game cushion over New Mexico for the second and final playoff spot in the West Division with only six games to play.
The bad news is quarterback Chad DeGrenier suffered a possible torn ligament in his right foot midway through the second period. However, backup quarterback Jason Swanson came off the bench to score two touchdowns and complete 11 of 21 on a night that included major production from players who usually fill backup roles.
In addition to Swanson's heroics, linebacker Andre Bishop did a terrific job in place of Nick Hannah, who was trying out with the Arizona Rattlers. Defensive back Paitaka Miyahira intercepted a pass and did an excellent job locking down New Mexico receivers.
In the end New Mexico quarterback Ronnie Simpson completed just 11 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.
Just one week after being riddled by Wyoming through the air, the Adrenaline secondary put forth its best work of the season. Newcomer Odell Jackson, Miyahira, Antar Brame and Kentrell Williams stifled New Mexico, with the help of defensive linemen Fernandez Shaw, Don Drew, Sydney Hayes and linebacker Chris Whitaker.
Offensively, all the Adrenaline needed was two first half touchdown passes from DeGrenier to David Penland. Penland finished with eight catches for 85 yards, while Quincy Jackson caught seven for 57 yards on the night. Veteran receiver Maurice Bryant suffered a strain early in the game and did not return.
"I've never been this happy and proud of our defense, as I am right now," head coach Andrew Moore said. "Everybody came together and picked each other up when we had to."
After Swanson's second touchdown at the end of the third period gave the Adrenaline a 25-0 lead, the only drama left was whether or not Arizona could turn in the AIFA's first shutout this season. But after a 36 yard drive, Simpson hit the leaping Darren Halliburton on a six yard score with only 30 seconds left to play.
"A shutout is always a statement from the defense," said Shaw, "but we got the win and limited them to just eight points."
Special to the Courier
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
RIO RANCHO, NM - The Adrenaline are still at least one game away from mathematically clinching, but for all practical purposes the playoffs are in the cards for 2008.
Thanks in large part to the defense.
Playing with a makeshift defensive unit, the Adrenaline came within 30 seconds of blanking the New Mexico Wildcats Tuesday night in front of about 3,000 fans at the Santa Ana Star Center.
New Mexico did score on its final possession, but the Adrenaline came away with a gutsy 34-8 victory to improve to 6-2 on the season. The win gives Arizona a four-game cushion over New Mexico for the second and final playoff spot in the West Division with only six games to play.
The bad news is quarterback Chad DeGrenier suffered a possible torn ligament in his right foot midway through the second period. However, backup quarterback Jason Swanson came off the bench to score two touchdowns and complete 11 of 21 on a night that included major production from players who usually fill backup roles.
In addition to Swanson's heroics, linebacker Andre Bishop did a terrific job in place of Nick Hannah, who was trying out with the Arizona Rattlers. Defensive back Paitaka Miyahira intercepted a pass and did an excellent job locking down New Mexico receivers.
In the end New Mexico quarterback Ronnie Simpson completed just 11 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.
Just one week after being riddled by Wyoming through the air, the Adrenaline secondary put forth its best work of the season. Newcomer Odell Jackson, Miyahira, Antar Brame and Kentrell Williams stifled New Mexico, with the help of defensive linemen Fernandez Shaw, Don Drew, Sydney Hayes and linebacker Chris Whitaker.
Offensively, all the Adrenaline needed was two first half touchdown passes from DeGrenier to David Penland. Penland finished with eight catches for 85 yards, while Quincy Jackson caught seven for 57 yards on the night. Veteran receiver Maurice Bryant suffered a strain early in the game and did not return.
"I've never been this happy and proud of our defense, as I am right now," head coach Andrew Moore said. "Everybody came together and picked each other up when we had to."
After Swanson's second touchdown at the end of the third period gave the Adrenaline a 25-0 lead, the only drama left was whether or not Arizona could turn in the AIFA's first shutout this season. But after a 36 yard drive, Simpson hit the leaping Darren Halliburton on a six yard score with only 30 seconds left to play.
"A shutout is always a statement from the defense," said Shaw, "but we got the win and limited them to just eight points."
