Tennessee Raiders: My Site News: Raiders Repeat 2004 AFL Champions
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Raiders Repeat 2004 AFL Champions
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However, as close as the score is, it still does not tell just how close the game really was. It was not easy for the Raiders who at times look as bad as they ever had while the Thunder were at the top of their game. In a game with very few penalties the Raiders and Thunder battled "toe to toe".
The Thunder quickly found themselves with a 14-6 lead as the Raiders struggled to find some continuity. The Raiders closed the gap to 17-12 by the half after a failed two point conversion that would loom large later in the game.
The Thunder added a field goal to move to 17-12 but the Raiders stormed back to take the lead 18-17 but once again was unable to convert for 2 points. The stage was set for high drama in the fourth quarter with the game so close.
The Raiders and the Thunder exchanged punts and turnovers through the final period. The Raiders were about to put the game away inside 3 minutes when they turned the ball over on downs inside the 15 giving the Thunder the ball with their backs to the wall.
On 3rd and 15 the Thunder dropped a long bomb to get out of the hole and across mid-field. Another pass and a spike of the ball put the Thunder on the Raiders 33. After a short run the Thunder used their last time out to set up a game winning field goal attempt with 38 seconds remaining.
The Raiders would use 2 timeouts to ice the kicker, but it would prove to be unnecessary as fullback Lonnie White would come off the edge to block the kick. Marty Cox scooped up the ball and headed the other way. The Raiders came out with the Victory Formation and took a knee on the final 23 seconds of one of the greatest competitions in the history of the Appalachian Football League.
The Thunder (7-3) will host the Knoxville Knights (7-3) next in the first round of the EFA National Championship Playoffs. The Raiders will host the 6-4 South Georgia Stars (Macon GA) from the Southern Football League on Saturday November 13 at Loudon High School. Kickoff is at 5:00. The winner of these games will face each other in the second round. The Raiders will hold home field advantage.
EFA Power Rating
Raiders -36
Total 55
Thunder -7
Total 39