Woody Cavenaugh

The electrical system at the Fayetteville city parks and rec stadium had been struck by lightning a couple of weeks earlier and as best as I could tell there was no attempt to begin repair work on it. Therefore, the game was held at 5:30pm under the sun, with no scoreboard and no booth.

I set up the family cam in the shade of the condemned booth on the Home side so the sun would be at my back as it set. Sitting around me were a mixed bag of fans from both sides who banded together in the bond of available shade. Though the sun is hot there is a breeze and the national anthem was sung by the Teams as no one thought to bring their car into the stadium to play the CD on their stereo. Someone did remember to bring in a flag and someone son held it in the end zone. People are great adapters, and no one minded much how it was done, so long as it was done.

In the first quarter the Phoenix came on strong with a touch down, making the score 6 - 0. The extra point was no good.

In the second quarter the Phoenix does it again this time the extra point works and the score is now 13 - 0. Late in the second a safety, makes the score 15 - 0 Phoenix.

Coming back from the half the heat started to show on the Phoenix and the Thunder was allowed to get their first first down of the game. Phoenix scores again and the extra point is good making the score 22 - 0 going into the 4th.

Early in the fourth the Phoenix do it again with the extra point for 29 - 0. It was here the Thunder started to catch on to what the Phoenix was doing and they made a few good plays, gaining some yardage. Finally in what we estimate to be the last minute of play found the end zone, bring the score to 29 - 6 for the final.

Thus completes the Phoenix's first season with a record of 5 and 1. As an expansion team the Phoenix are not eligible for the playoffs, but Coach Holmes is confident you will be seeing them there next year. Next week is the end of the regular season for the regular teams and the players and coaches of the Phoenix are already planning to head to Atlanta for the IWFL national championship so they can see who they will likely be playing next year.