Headlines - May 13, 2011

Talons Defense Leads: “Neal was credited with two forced fumbles, knocked down a pass and had a team-high eight tackles. The Talons forced three fumbles in a five-play span of the second quarter to take over the game and got another big play from Neal in the third quarter to blunt the Rush's last real attempt to get back into the game.”

Talons turning it around: “Another question is whether the Talons are in too deep to escape. They're tied with Spokane for the sixth-best record in the National Conference, and only four teams can advance to the playoffs, counting wild cards. That means the Talons can afford few losses in their final 10 games, starting with Friday's nationally televised visit to New Orleans.”

Coach Allner breaking down VooDoo defense: “They run some funky stuff,” Allner said to the wide receivers and quarterbacks. “Their Head Coach, Derek Stingley, has always been a good defensive minded guy. He does a great job at changing up different coverages. He’s always been good at playing with the quarterback’s mind and giving different looks throughout the game. We’ll have to feel him out a little bit to see how they are planning on attacking us with their defense. Like I said, we have to adjust accordingly to that.”

Talons have a “Soft” remaing schedule: “Tulsa Talons (3-5) – The Talons have seemed to find a groove…sometimes. Like the Command, Tulsa only plays four top-ranked teams the rest of the season. Two of those teams being Central Division rivals, Chicago and Dallas. Of the four teams, Tulsa will only travel once- Chicago in Week 12. Sitting at third in the Central Division, the Talons can get some momentum with the five division match-ups still left this season. The Talons round out the weakest schedule list at No. 4 by only playing four teams with winning records.”

Football Gameplan’s Preview for VooDoo game

People loving the camo jerseys: “How about those camouflaged jerseys by the Tulsa Talons and Orlando Predators? They were interesting to say the least. I love seeing the different jerseys and thought they were unique and pretty cool as an alternative. I’d like to see other teams being creative and showing off some new unis. Both teams won their games, so maybe fans will see them again.”

Arena Pigskin has Tulsa at 11: “Tulsa might finally be on the right track. A surprising beat down (and yes, it was in fact a beat down) of Chicago and a should-of upset of Cleveland have put Tulsa right were everyone (except me) thought they would be.”

Jamar Ransom on playing on national television: "You always want the opportunity to play on a national broadcast," Ransom said. "Your family, your friends, no matter where they are, can see you. But we're going down there with the focus that we have to get this win."

What they are saying in NOLA: With Tulsa, one concern facing the VooDoo is quarterback Matt Bassuener, who can hurt a team through the air and with his feet. Bassuener has thrown 19 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He has also run for eight touchdowns. "He can beat you with his legs and he has a talented receiver (Troy McBroom) who they go to a lot," linebacker Alvin Jackson said. "We just have to be disciplined. We have to do what we have to do and nothing extra, because he can beat you."

Kicker Juan Bongarra getting KOY attention: “Tulsa’s Juan Bongarra gets my vote for Kicker of the Year so far. He had the game winner from 42-yards out two weeks ago, and was solid last week against Chicago. On the season, Bongarra’s hit 70 percent of his field goals, a fantastic mark with the AFL’s narrow goalposts”

Headlines - April 29, 2011

The moment we have been relishing in all week: Bongarra had to wait when Iowa called timeout with four seconds left to make him think about things, but he calmly stroked his kick through the middle of the uprights. "The offseason is not only about physical preparation but also mental preparation," said Bongarra, whose previous game-winning kick came last year for the Albany Panthers in the Southern Indoor Football League. Bassuener, who held for Bongarra on the winning play, said he couldn't watch. "I usually look up but I couldn't this time. I'm just glad my roommate (Bongarra) came through," he said.

Rick Couri's call on Bongarra's kick

Highlights, including the kick and celebration

Football Gameplan's Preview for Tonight's Game

Bongarra's Kick won the Spaulding Highlight of the Week: "Bongarra (6-3, 190, Albany State) kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to give the Talons their first home victory of the year, defeating Iowa 61-60. He converted on all six of his extra point attempts in the contest."

Bongarra on his kick: "I knew I had the leg, but I was just hoping the snap and hold were as good as they had been the rest of the night," Bongarra said. "Pretty much when (QB Matt Bassuener) put the ball down, I knew my chances of missing were higher than my chances of making, but I've been practicing and trying to get better for opportunities like this," he said.

YouTube Tuesday - April 26, 2011

I know you can't see the kick really, but can hear the whole BOK center erupt!