July 13, 2008
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Patriots Stumble
Back to back opening game losses is the only trend the Patriots continued after a 9-29 defeat by the
Thunder. The road back to the playoffs will be a long journey as two of last seasons wins came by way of
victories over the Tri City Titans. The Titans were recently renamed the Thunder after a change of
ownership for 2008. "The Thunder made off seasons moves that we did not, signing several free agents
away from playoff qualifier and NAFL 2 National Champion London," said Director of Operations Brad
Lyon. "Though we added some quality athletes to our roster, the Thunder did a great job of adding
experienced veterans from a championship club and it showed during Saturday's game."
The Thunder opening the scoring early in the air but then a great defensive battle erupted that saw both
teams earning a safety before Tri City once again found the end zone to take a 16-2 lead into the half.
Momentum shifted the Patriots way after half time adjustments were made in the third quarter. After
forcing a turn over on the Thunder's opening drive of the half, the Patriots took a 10 play drive into pay
dirt as fullback Chuck Wheeler scored from two yards out. Kicker Brian Dinnan converted the extra points
to pull the Patriots within 9-16. An interception by Corner Josh Palise put the ball back in the Royal Blue
hands but two series in a row turnovers gave the ball back to the Thunder.
The fourth quarter looked like it would be a classic as the Patriots forced the Thunder to give up the ball
again keeping the game still in reach at 9-16. Then things slipped away as a the start of a Patriot drive
turned ugly with a fumble in their own end zone leading to a quick 7 points for a hungry Canadian team.
Behind 9-22, Quarterback Dave Inman went to the air on consecutive drives but was picked off by a
former London Safety who returned the interception to the 3 yard line. Tri City pushed it in three plays
later for the eventual 29-9 win.
"Hats off to the Thunder, they did everything they had to do to win and they found the missing pieces in
the off season to be successful. We have talent here that will win games and we just have to get them
ready to do so."
The Patriots (0-1) now look to travel to London (1-0) to take on the 2007 NAFL 2 National Champion
Silverbacks July 19. The Silverbacks qualified for the NAFL 1 playoffs but lost in the opening round before
making it all the way to Las Vegas for a NAFL 2 Championship. London is 1-0 in the regular season with a
win over the Timberwolves. They lost a one point preseason contest to a talented West Michigan Force
club that captured a title of their own only two seasons ago.
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