Fury Back into Playoff Contention
Neal Ruhl
Saturday April 3, 2004
Behind K Mark Lewis’s three field goals, the Fury were able to come away with points on drives that were stopped by the Force defense. “We were able to get points on the board,” said Fury QB Andy Kelly. “Obviously you want touchdowns, but if you have to take field goals, that’s at least getting points. They were a good defensive team, so any kind of points are good.” Kelly was 20-41 good for 240 yards and three scores.
Kelly’s streak of consecutive 300-yard games was snapped at four, but more importantly, there were no turnovers for the Fury. “I tell our guys that all the time,” said Fury head coach Tom Luginbill, “we lose when we turn it over four times. Last week we turned it over once and won. Tonight we turned it over zero times and we won. There is a pattern there.”
The win also put the Fury back in playoff contention at 4-4, something not lost on Luginbill. “The playoffs started last week for us. This was week two of our eight game playoff. Every week is the playoffs as far we are concerned.” With the win the Fury moved past Georgia in the playoff race who, with the loss, was knocked down to 4-5.
On a side note, Lewis was named Offensive Player Of The Game. It was the first time a kicker has been named that as far as I can remember.
“It feels good,” said Lewis, who also assumed the role of most accurate extra point kicker in the league after the win. “That is something I strive for. To be the most accurate kicker in the league.” The Fury capitalized on Lewis’s pinpoint kickoffs to frustrate Georgia’s Markieth Cooper, and limit his number of touches. Cooper finished the game with only two receptions for 24 yards.
With this win, the Fury are right back in the mix. With Grand Rapids on the docket next week at home, they should move to 5-4. From there, it’s on to the west coast swing that will see them face Las Angeles and Las Vegas. If they get split there, it’s 6-5 with three of the last five at home. Chances are this squad is going to make the playoffs, and much to the league`s chagrin, could do a lot of damage.
Unleash the Fury
Fury WR Thabiti Davis followed his AFL player of the Week honors by getting the Army Ironman of the game honors…Fury kicker Mark Lewis was named AFL kicker of the month before the game…Fury lineman Curtis Eason was the ADT defensive player of the game…
Neal Ruhl lives in the Metro Detroit Area where he has covered the Detroit Lions as well as the Motor City Bowl.
