LIGHTNING FALL 9-6 IN OVERTIME IN INSTANT CLASSIC DEFENSIVE BATTLE WITH THE COLUMBUS FIRE

Baltimore, MD-The Baltimore Lightning (5-3) suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Columbus Fire in a game that had major playoff implications in the GDFL.  

The Bolts came in with an opportunity to lock up the #3 seed and win the Xtreme Eastern Division title only only for Columbus to play spoiler.  

Both defenses would dominate the day.  Defensive end ANTOWAN BELL, the Lightning’s defensive player of the year, would prove be disruptive all game.  Bell finished the day with 3 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery and 4 tackles for loss.  

All-Pro Defensive End ANTHONY DUNSTON would add 2 sacks and newly signed SLY WASHINGTON also added 2 sacks.  

The Lightning would make their lone score on the final play before halftime when backup quarterback and utility player KADEEM BAILEY would launch a 60 yard bomb to All-Star wide receiver WILL FEDD, who has scored a TD in every game this season.  The Bolts would miss a very key extra point.  

The Fire would not score until late in the 4th quarter to tie the game at 6-6. They would miss the go ahead 2 point conversion.  

On the final play of regulation, the Lightning would have an opportunity to win the game, but would miss a 34-yard field goal attempt.  

End of Regulation 6-6

The Lightning would win the toss in overtime and would drive 50 yards on the ground.  Quarterback TERRON PAGE would throw an uncharacteristic interception deep in Fire territory.  

The Lightning defense, which had played spectacular all game, gave up a long pass down the right sideline that would put Columbus in field goal range. The Fire closed the game out with a 28-yard field goal to win the game on overtime.  

“This was a classic game that we won’t ever forget.  This is what GDFL football is all about.  Gotta bring your A-game every week.  We made some mistakes and it cost us.  On to the National playoffs.” -Will Hanna, President/GM of the Baltimore Lightning 

The Baltimore Lightning players were draped in powder blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness. The team also gave a fan an opportunity to win a Mercedes-Benz at halftime.