A win is a win; Gauntt leads Thunder through thick and thin
David Grimes
Sunday April 1, 2007
All eyes were on veteran QB Glen Gauntt for the Mahoning Valley Thunder. With AFL experience, Gauntt brings valuable leadership with a team full of rookies. Gauntt and the rest of the Thunder did not disappoint Saturday night at the Chevrolet Center as they outlasted the Tri-Cities Fever 48-40 in front of a sellout crowd.
Gauntt led the charge with four touchdowns and 163 yards passing. Immediately, WR Chris Archie became Gauntt’s favorite target as he found the 6’4 215 pound receiver six times for 52 yards and a TD in the first quarter. The only other receiver with a catch was WR Kenny Johnson with a six-yard grab.
Gauntt looked good during the first half. He was hitting receivers on short routes having his longest pass be only 16 yards. He was scrambling successfully, hitting his second or third receiver and throwing the ball out of bounds when needed.
By the end of the first half, Gauntt had a respectable 85 yards on 10 completions with passing and rushing touchdowns. He had one interception as well. The Thunder had a strong 20-0 lead as the fans cheered them off the field for halftime.
“We came out real good. We’re all excited to be out here for the first game. It was packed. We couldn’t ask more from the fans,” said Thunder OL/DL Mike Lane.
But what a difference a half makes as the Thunder saw their 20 point lead dwindle as the Fever scored 20 points in the third quarter. Part of the Fever comeback was complimentary of Gauntt’s two interceptions during that quarter, one that was returned 50 yards for a touchdown by DB Ruschard Dodd-Masters.
After posting only 7 points in the third quarter, the Thunder answered with 21 points in the fourth quarter to edge the Fever by eight points. Gauntt found Archie again to break a 27-27 tie and later in the quarter reconnected with Johnson. Like a leader, Gauntt bounced back.
“Anytime you throw 3 interceptions,” Gauntt said, “you’re lucky to get out of there with a win.”
And that’s what it comes down to in the game. You just need to win, whether it is pretty or not. Without a preseason, the first game is always a learning experience. And with a new season, new franchise, and a packed arena full of excited fans, a win is great step forward for the Thunder.
“We kind of slipped up in the 3rd quarter,” Lane said. “It’s great to get a win on the first game. It’s a brand new season, brand new franchise; it’s just great to get a win.”
Gauntt couldn’t agree more. Minutes after the game, he’s already looking ahead and hoping to keep the Thunder rolling.
“We got the win. I’ll learn from my mistakes and we’ll get ready for next week.”
