Turfcats Defeat Hurricanes 41-34
Posted on June 21, 2009
Photo Credit: Steven Boyd, A4E Photography
Austin, TX – The Austin Turfcats dug themselves a hole early, but came raging out of it in the fourth quarter to win the game in the last minute of regulation. The Turfcats defeated their in-state rivals, the Texas Hurricanes, 41 to 34.
The Hurricanes were up early by two touchdowns after a 47 yard fumble return and a 12 yard blocked field goal return. The Hurricanes started the second quarter with a Michael Bishop 11 yard touchdown pass to Joe Townsend. The Turfcats then narrowed the gap when Reggie Smith returned a kickoff 44 yards for a score and Deron Ellis threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Smith. The teams then traded touchdowns with Ellis rushing in for the score. The half ended with the Turfcats trailing 27-21.
The third quarter was scoreless, but the Turfcats got right down to business in the fourth. It took them only one play to score on their first possession when Ellis threw a 27-yarder to Robert Quiroga to take the lead for the first time in the game. The Hurricanes answered on their next possession regaining the lead but the Turfcats tied the score with a Kelly Hancock rushing touchdown.
On the Hurricanes’ next possession the Turfcat defense denied the Hurricanes from getting a first down and the Turfcats offense took over with almost six minutes left on the clock. The Turfcats took the lead for good capping off a five minute, eight play drive with an eight yard touchdown run by Keith Clay. The Hurricanes took possession with less than a minute on the clock but once again the Turfcats defense came up with a crucial stop and the game ended with a final score of Turfcats 41, Hurricanes 34.
Ellis finished with 43 yards rushing, 110 yards passing, and three touchdowns. Quiroga caught five passes for 60 yards and one touchdown. Quiroga took the game’s Offensive MVP honors, while Barrett Dallmeyer and Smith took the Defensive and Special Teams honors respectively. The entire offensive line as a unit was selected as the line MVP.
The Turfcats travel to Lafayette, La, on June 29 to avenge their season opening loss to the Acadiana Mudbugs. Kickoff is 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the box office on game day.
