Bandits close out regular season with offensive dominance, prepare for playoffs

Bandits 74, Vipers 62

The Bandits jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to a Tim Jones interception return for a touchdown, and held serve the rest of the way to win the regular season finale. Richmond sat on the ball to end both halves, but otherwise scored on every possession, taking a lead of as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Vipers defenders were basically helpless against the talented Bandits receivers all night, and the Bandits wideouts turned wide open catches into even bigger plays with broken tackles during runs after the catch. Chris Field made the play of the game, demolishing Vipers QB Joey Conrad with a hit that left an impression in the turf, and forcing a fumble that traveled 15 yards in the air. The Vipers got chippy after that, but Brandon Isaiah threw a huge block on one of them during a kickoff that gave the Bandits a TKO. Center Dan Rounds was out with an injured finger, and botched long snaps made extra points an adventure. Chris Segaar made a dazzling open field run after scooping up a bad snap and nearly got in for two, and eventually was called on to try a drop-kick extra point that sailed just wide. Bad news came for Richmond in the fourth quarter, when Bishlar Penson and Tim Jones went down on the same play. Bish tore a knee ligament and is out for the playoffs; Tim took a helmet to the back and is questionable. The Bandits finish their second season 12-2 and win a share of their second consecutive regular season title, and will begin defense of their AIFL championship next week!

Player of the Game: Robbie Jenkins, as it's hard to vote against a man who throws for 252 yards and eight touchdowns, including four on his five second half completions. Robbie also showed some nice touch throwing the ball over a defender to a place that only Bryan Still could catch it for the score.

Offensive Stars: Redd Thompson, with five catches for 101 yards and four scores; Bryan Still, who made six grabs for 86 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensive Stars: Nate Daniels, who made an impact in his return to the lineup with an interception, a few passes broken up, and pretty solid coverage on Vipers receivers.

Other Links:	Times-Dispatch writeup
	Bandits review
	Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Next: Round 1 of the playoffs, vs. Raleigh, Monday 7pm