It’s become a repetitive story for the Pittsburgh Power (3-11) over the last two years. At a critical moment in a close game, you can usually be assured they will find a way to not be the ones to make the big play to win the game.
This time it was the Power driving with the ball at the one minute mark down 59-54 and needing a score. Steven Sheffield had been playing very well the entire night but in a flash it was New Orleans VooDoo (4-10) defensive back Eddie Moten jumping the route for a game sealing interception. In a flash the Power’s hopes for victory were snuffed out.
Sheffield knocked off the rust of last week’s 50-35 setback to the Orlando predators and was 32 of 47 (68%) for 338 yards, 7 touchdowns, an interception and five sacks. He showed great escapability to avoid even more sacks to try and keep his team in it. Unfortunately all the good he did will likely be forgotten as Power fans focus on the one throw he couldn’t make with the game on the line.
The Power converted five of six times on fourth down, all for touchdowns, but the sixth one was a dropped pass by Alvin Ray Jackson that hit him in the hands.
Trailing 28-26 the Power had a chance to put three points on the board but Julian Rauch missed the field goal and Quorey Payne returned it all the way to the end zone for a VooDoo score. Rauch also missed two extra points in the game.
Sergio Gilliam hauled in an interception early in the game but he’ll tell you he’d like another chance at two more he had his hands on but couldn’t finish the play.
It’s a game the Power could and probably should have won, but again they had other ideas. Now the team sits at 3-11 and the only other truly winnable game I see remaining on the schedule is next week in Cleveland and even that one should see the Gladiators favored. Odds are looking good that the Power will not match or improve upon last year’s 5-13 record.
On a positive note, congratulations to Mike Washington who set a Power single-game record with five receiving touchdowns in tonight’s game. Washington was one of several players who had caught four in one game before tonight.
Game Awards
Russell Athletic Offensive Player Of The Game – Mike Washington
Riddell Defensive Player Of The Game – Chris LeFlore
J. Lewis Small Playmaker Of The Game – L.J. Castile
Cutters Catch Of The Game – Mike Washington’s over-the0back touchdown in the 4th quarter.
AFL Highlight Of The Game – Eddie Moten’s game-clinching interception
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Power Facebook Page.
