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Tulsa, OK. After getting their first victory in franchise history in week two against the Tulsa Eagles, the little Rock Toads did not want the Eagles to get their revenge. Trying to stay alive in the division and wildcard races, a win was vital at this point of the season. So the Toads went into Tulsa and focused on their strength, running the ball. It payed off as Little Rck went on for the series sweep of Tulsa this year, in the 15-12 win.
With the focus from the begining clearly being set on giving the ball to rookie RB Brian Dixon, the Toads kept it up all game. Including into the 4th quarter when they trailed 12-0. With time slowly slipping away from them, head coach Cris Kelly did not panic, and neither did his offense. They continued to give the ball to Dixon, mixing in a carry here and there for Leigh, and some pass attempts. They were able to get results mid-way through the 4th quarter, as they went on a 12 play, 80 yd touchdown drive that lasted over 4 minutes. Tulsa got the ball back and tried to eat up the clock as they led 12-7, but after getting 40 yards on 7 plays, they were forced to punt. QB Bennett Renteria then made the play of the day right before the two minute warning, throwing a 50 yard bomb to rookie WR Holst. After a false start Dixon followed up the big pass with a big run, 25 yards around the left end. Then things looked like they might stall, as Renteria was sacked for a 1 yard loss, and then threw an incomplete pass. On third and goal from the 11 yard line, Renteria then found Heath Leigh out of the backfield, got him the ball, and Leigh finished it off by nearly walking into the endzone, for what was the winning TD.
The Toads will come home for the next two weeks, with a game next week against the NFC North's Fargo Bison(4-5). With Columbia and Texas facing off, Little Rock has a chance to move into a tie for second place with the loser of that game, and stay a game back of the winner. With the Toads offense looking better since Renteria took over, and with the Toads quietly becoming the third best rushing team in the league, and 9th best against the run, Toad fans are still hoping for a run and a playoff birth.
With the focus from the begining clearly being set on giving the ball to rookie RB Brian Dixon, the Toads kept it up all game. Including into the 4th quarter when they trailed 12-0. With time slowly slipping away from them, head coach Cris Kelly did not panic, and neither did his offense. They continued to give the ball to Dixon, mixing in a carry here and there for Leigh, and some pass attempts. They were able to get results mid-way through the 4th quarter, as they went on a 12 play, 80 yd touchdown drive that lasted over 4 minutes. Tulsa got the ball back and tried to eat up the clock as they led 12-7, but after getting 40 yards on 7 plays, they were forced to punt. QB Bennett Renteria then made the play of the day right before the two minute warning, throwing a 50 yard bomb to rookie WR Holst. After a false start Dixon followed up the big pass with a big run, 25 yards around the left end. Then things looked like they might stall, as Renteria was sacked for a 1 yard loss, and then threw an incomplete pass. On third and goal from the 11 yard line, Renteria then found Heath Leigh out of the backfield, got him the ball, and Leigh finished it off by nearly walking into the endzone, for what was the winning TD.
The Toads will come home for the next two weeks, with a game next week against the NFC North's Fargo Bison(4-5). With Columbia and Texas facing off, Little Rock has a chance to move into a tie for second place with the loser of that game, and stay a game back of the winner. With the Toads offense looking better since Renteria took over, and with the Toads quietly becoming the third best rushing team in the league, and 9th best against the run, Toad fans are still hoping for a run and a playoff birth.
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