Fusion End Skid Behind Explosive Offense
Alex Painter
Tuesday May 29, 2007
It only took one play for the Fusion offense to get rolling during Saturday’s 56-33 win over the Tennessee Valley Vipers in front of 4,021 fans at Ford Fusion Field in the Memorial Coliseum.
After a defensive stop on Tennessee Valley’s first offensive drive, the Fusion took over on their own 15-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Fusion quarterback Cody Hodges found wide receiver Cesare Manning wide open downfield, and lofted him a ball that would lead to a 35-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 Fusion lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Fusion kicker Kyle Hooper executed a perfect onside kick easily recovered by the Fusion. Four plays later, a brilliant 24-yard run by Terrel White gave the Fusion a 14-point advantage.
“I just followed my blocks, saw some open field, and just took it in.” White said.
A missed Tennessee Valley field goal produced Hodges second touchdown pass of the game, a 13-yard jaunt to receiver Mario Pratcher to make for a 21-0 Fusion lead.
In response to a Tennessee Valley touchdown and missed extra point, Hodges threw his third touchdown pass, yet another to Cesare Manning giving the Fusion a 28-6 advantage.
Tennessee Valley attempted to claw back into the game with two touchdowns, but Hodges threw his fourth touchdown pass, a 45-yarder to Cesare Manning, his third touchdown reception. The Fusion entered the locker room with a 35-20 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, the two teams traded touchdowns, including Hodges fifth touchdown pass.
With the Fusion leading 49-33 with 3:16 left in the fourth quarter, Hodges handed the ball off to Jonathan Graham for an apparent reverse, but Hodges bolted for the end zone and Graham lofted a perfect pass that fell into Hodges hands for a six-yard touchdown catch. It was the final touchdown of the game
“I came up with the play,” Hodges said, “it ended up working real good.”
Hodges himself had undoubtedly his best game of the year, completing 17 of 24 passes for 240 yards and tying his season-best six touchdowns. He also rushed for a personal-best 67 yards on only nine carries. Hodges also garnered Offensive Player of the Game and Catch of the Game honors.
Manning’s Back
After missing the last three games with a hamstring injury, Cesare Manning returned to the starting lineup in a big way, notching 10 catches for 147 yards with four touchdowns. Manning certainly helped spark the Fusion offense, which scored 15 more points than their season average of 41 points per game, but he had nothing but praise for his other teammates.
“The line blocked really well, they are the key to the offense, and Jonathan (Graham) and Prat (Mario Pratcher) also played very well.”
Defensive Player of the Game Award
Linebacker/defensive back Derek Brown earned his second consecutive ADT Defensive Player of the Game Award, and his third this season on Saturday, but he would like to rededicate the award to some of his teammates.
“I want to donate it to the defensive line, they played great tonight, they got pressure. They played hard up there, and they just got it done.”
Next Game
The Fusion (3-5) will travel to Albany to go head-to-head against the Albany Conquest (2-5) on June 2nd. The Fusion fell to Albany 21-35 on April 28 at home.
