Yakima Scores in Final Seconds to Win 28-21

April 5, 2008 Yakima, WA 

The South Sound Shockers opened their first season of EFL play in a rocky way losing to the Yakima Mavericks 28-21.  The Shockers held a 21-6 halftime lead, but adjustments by the Mavericks, penalties, turnovers and injuries were the tale of two halves as Yakima scored 22 unanswered points.

Ron Strozyk led the defense holding Yakima at bay without a first down until 6 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter.  Rory Lee found the endone again after nearly breaking the opening kickoff, going 59 yards before being tripped up by his own blocker.  Bobby Poeltl who was playing ironman due to the absence of regular starting corner Danny Morales, scored his 4th TD on the season.  Poeltl put forth a gutty performance playing most of the game with broken ribs following a questionable hit after a kick return where Bobby was clearly down on the play.

Yakima found openings in the Shocker defense to tie the game and the Shockers looked to be driving for a shot at a game winning field goal before a fumbled snap gave the ball back to the Mavericks.  The Shocker defense rose to the occasion and the game looked to be headed to overtime until the yellow hanky came out on what was clearly an uncatchable ball.  The official ruled it pass interference in the endzone giving the ball to Yakima on the Shockers 2 yard line with under a minute to play.  A QB sneak later and the deciding points were on the board.

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