Cavs Lose at Tri Cites

The Tri-Cities Fever players were well aware that their goal of returning to the playoffs is more than likely one loss away from being dashed.

“We know our backs are against the wall,” said defensive lineman Brandon Wilson. “I think knowing that our season could end earlier than we want hit us.” The effort showed Friday night.

The Fever played with a sense of urgency and played one of its best games of the season routing Wyoming 57-31 at the Toyota Center. The loss snaps a five-game losing skid for the Fever (2-6) as it gears up for a tough stretch with five of its final six games against Intense Conference opponents. “I saw a lot of good things tonight,” said coach Adam Shackleford.

The players credit the victory to a tough week of practice. “It was first-team offense against first-team defense,” said running back Keithon Flemming. “We realize if we want to make the playoffs, we have to win out.” Friday was a good start.

Rookie quarterback, Dante Warren, continued his development behind center and put together another strong performance leading the Fever to a season-high in points. Warren completed 12 of 18 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 10 rushes for 31 yards. But more so than the stats, the team is starting to rally around Warren. “Everyone has bought into Dante Warren on offense,” Shackleford said. Wilson added, “Our goal is to get the offense the ball so they can drive down the field. I think we are playing together as one.”

The telling stat for the Fever on Friday night was that it was 3 of 6 on third-down conversions. Tri-Cities only faced two fourth-downs all night and attempted field goals both times, converting on 1 of 2. In the past two games, they have only faced 12 third downs. Three weeks ago they faced 11 third downs and went for it five times on fourth down against Sioux Falls. “We are trusting each other as a team,” Flemming said.

Another sticking point for the Fever has been slow starts. Not so against the Cavalry (1-6). The Fever scored 20 first-quarter points and got a stop on Wyoming’s first possession. Aside from a hiccup in the second quarter where the only three points were a Josiah Powell 14-yard field goal, the Fever exploded out of halftime. The Fever scored touchdowns on all three possessions and stretched the lead to 41-19 at the end of the third quarter. “We haven’t came out that fast in the third quarter all season,” Shackleford said.

Steven Whitehead caught a team-high five passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Dejaun Miller, Tre Young, and George Bell each had a receiving touchdown. Flemming rushed for 42 yards on eight carries and scored twice. Defensive Back Lionell Singleton added to his league-leading interception total in first quarter, his sixth of the season.