Thunder win the GDFL Impact Conference!

Will rematch Middle Tennessee for National Title

The #1 seed in the Impact Conference, The Oklahoma Thunder throttled the #3 seeded River City Pythons to reach the GDFL National Championship (Gridiron Bowl X) this Saturday in Broken Arrow, OK – recording a 55-0 shutout.  This was the Thunder’s fourth shutout of the season and first game in which its defense held an opponent to negative total yardage. 

As typical for the Thunder this season, the offense utilized a combination of explosive plays in both the passing and rushing attack to control the game from the start.  Standout RB Adidas McDonald spearheaded the rushing attack behind a veteran offensive line and rushed 9 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns.  That total included an impressive 76-yard touchdown run immediately after another long run that got called back due to a penalty. 

 QB Damian Manning finished with a lofty 143 rating during the contest, completing 10 of 14 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns.  WR Brandon Shepherd led receivers with 5 catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Thunder held River City to -8 yards in total offense, though this total was primarily due to key mistakes by the Pythons that resulted in -52 yards rushing.  The Thunder also forced 5 turnovers, including one pick-six by CB Traivon Bryant, a sack/fumble forced by DE Rashawd Rushing, and a fumble recovery by WR DJ Dempsey deep in Python territory that led to a subsequent Thunder touchdown.

The win propels the Thunder into its fourth consecutive national title appearance, although it’ll have to avenge a 26-13 loss against Middle Tennessee to claim victory.  A win would give the Thunder it’s record-breaking fourth national title in a row – a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in team or league history.

Details on the location and time of the game are TBD and will be announced on Facebook (“Oklahoma Thunder Football Team”) and through the league office (https://www.gdfl.org) later in the week.

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports. We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community. Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts. 

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article