SteelDogs escape Blast

Starkville,MS-The Starkville force two major turnovers, scored only two touchdowns and were dangerously close to going into overtime at home against south division rival Memphis Blast.

''We didn't play our best game,'' Coach Moore of the Memphis Blast readily acknowledged.

Though the SteelDogs' performance Saturday was not particularly artistic, but the final result was a thing of beauty: Steeldogs 16, Blast 14.

Starkville (3-1-1) scored their first touchdown off a pick 6 thrown by Blast Quarterback Kody Frasure on their very first possession and held off an aggressive Blast defense (3-3) that limited them to negative 50 yards in the second half the Blast defense dominated the SteelDogs causing 8 turnovers which included a scoop and score by Defensive Back Tavion Lott.

The SteelDogs can reach the playoffs as an Impact wild card or as possible division champions with the help from the Blast as well as closing out their season undefeated. They are striving for their second postseason berth since their inception 2017, Starkville has improved their record to 4-1-1.

''We found a way to win it. That's the thing, it's a win,'' Jimmy Williams.said. ''It doesn't matter. You have to find a way to win in this league.''

Memphis closed to 14-14 in the third quarter before punter Carmonted Duncan mishandled a low snap from the center and was sacked in the end-zone for a safety with 5:40 remaining.

It was 16-14 when Marcus Mills recovered a fumble, giving the Blast the ball at the Steeldogs 36 with 4:54 left. Memphis moved to 27 before a third-down sack and a fourth-down incompletion ended the comeback bid.

''We had a great chance to win this game,'' Blast Defensive end Alonzo Lomax said. ''We just didn't get it done down there.''

UP NEXT

Blast: Will face another tough division opponent away against Mississippi Roadwarriors on a GDFL Special Edition of Sunday Night Football. As they prepare for a must win situation.

SteelDogs: Head to Arkansas as they prepare to keep their playoff hopes alive.