TULSA, OK— The Tulsa Talons started down the road to the 2010 AFL Playoffs with a solid 74-45 home victory over the Bossier Shreveport Battle Wings in the amazing BOK Center on Saturday night.
A stellar performance by the Talons defense in the 3rd quarter helped seal the victory. The defense forced two fumbles, one resulting in a touchdown by tackle Adam Huebner. Chris Royal intercepted Battle Wings QB Jimmy Welker twice, allowing the Talons offense a chance to turn a three point, 34-31 lead at halftime into a 30 point, 61-31 lead at quarter’s end.
Overall the Talons were near perfect across the stats sheet. Talons quarterback Justin Allgood threw 15 completions on 25 attempts for seven touchdowns and 223 yards. Donovan Morgan continued his brilliant season, catching 9 balls for 180 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a 45 yard bomb from Allgood in the pivotal 3rd quarter. Odie Armstrong carried the ball 7 times for 27 yards and a touchdown, and that performance was good enough to top the all time rushing record set by Corky Martin. On the other side of the ball Bossier QB Jimmy Welker completed 24 passes on 44 attempts for 239 yard and four touchdowns. P.J. Barry led all Battle Wings receivers with nine catches for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Tonight’s win allowed the Talons to maintain a two game lead over the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, who defeated the Iowa Barnstormers 52-42 at home. The win elevates the Talons to 8-5 on the season, 6-1 at home and 16-1 at home dating back to 2008. The Talons will travel to Huntsville, Alabama next weekend to take on the Alabama Vipers. The last time the two teams met was back on May 8th with the Talons winning 62-56. The Battle Wings will enjoy a week off before facing the Jacksonville Sharks at home on July 24th.
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Photos by: Kevin Pyle
The Talons last home game will be against the Arizona Rattlers on July 24, and the Talons are looking to avenge a one-point, untimed down loss in Phoenix during their first road game. Tickets for that game are available by calling the Talons office at 294-1000 or stopping by the BOK Center box office.