Image Credit: Scott Neer Photography
(ST. CHARLES, MO) The River City Raiders indoor football franchise suffered a 29-19 setback to the Florida Tarpons Saturday night at Family Arena and saw their record within Arena Pro Football (APF) drop to 1-1.
Trailing 15-0 at intermission, the Raiders were are able to shore the score to 15-13 heading into the fourth quarter but a pair of end zone entries by the Tarpons resulted in the St. Charles County collective’s first loss of the season.
Image Credit: Scott Neer Photography
After one quarter in the traditionally high-scoring indoor game, the contest surprisingly had a 0-0 stalemate.
The Floridians (3-0) claimed the game’s initial points as receiver George Wingham snared a four-yard touchdown at the 11:15 mark. Kicker Cody Nuzzo added a PAT kick that pushed the score to 7-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, Nuzzo landed his launch between River City’s uprights and with the solo point addition, the visitors sported an 8-0 advantage.
Both teams struggled to find any kind of offensive traction as the half progressed. During the half’s penultimate play, Florida quarterback Austin Trainor scored from one yard out and the Tarpons pushed their advantage to 15-0 at intermission.
Image Credit: Scott Neer Photography
In the third quarter, the locals scored thirteen straight that shored the score. At the 9:55 mark, Raiders defensive back Bryan Lowery pounced on a Tarpon fumble and scored the River City’s first points of the contest as the margin was whittled to 15-6.
Eight minutes later, converted quarterback DeJuan Bolden scored a one-yard solo romp and Corey Adamson’s successful PAT kick afterwards sliced Florida’s lead to a pair of points 15-13 standing.
Image Credit: Scott Neer Photography
In the fourth, the Tarpons scored a pair of touchdowns that secured victory. Trainor connected with receiver David Lewis for a five-yard end zone snare. With twelve minutes left following a successful PAT kick, the visitors possessed a 22-13 lead.
Florida sealed the win with under a minute remaining as Rob Taylor rumbled in a three-yard clincher and, with Nuzzo’s extra point tally, extended the score to 29-13.
Image Credit: Scott Neer Photography
The Raiders tightened the differential with Chris Headd’s touchdown catch with seconds left as Florida survived the 29-19 turf tussle to remain undefeated on the season.
River City continues play at Family Arena this Saturday in a 7 p.m. match-up against APF rival Richmond (1-0).
For more information on the River City Raiders, go to their official website.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
