June 28, 2008
MAUMEE, Ohio---The Detroit Diesels learned that after relinquishing a two-touchdown first-half lead and falling, 26-20, to the Northwest Ohio Knights last Saturday at the Lucas County Recreation Center's field.
The Knights rode in first, scoring the first touchdown of the game in the first quarter.
The teams traded three-and-outs for the next two possessions, before Diesels quarterback Brandon Fender (Canton) fired a slant pass to Venzal Russell (Dearborn Heights Robichaud). The ball bounced off Russell's fingers---and into the waiting hands of the Diesels' Jon Craven (Farmington), who took it to the Northwest Ohio 3-yard line, setting up a Detroit touchdown run early in the second quarter.
Detroit would score twice more in the second quarter and build a 20-7 lead, before a Knights player picked off a Fender pass and ran it back for a touchdown to end the half.
The Knights came back out swinging, scoring on their first possession of the second half to knot the game at 20. Then, midway through the third quarter, a Knight receiver caught the go-ahead touchdown pass.
The Diesels offense was putting together a promising drive with five minutes left, but another interception iced the game for the Knights.
Fender finished 6-of-11 passing for 101 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. TJ Dillard (Wayne Memorial) rushed for 44 yards on six carries for the Diesels.
Defensively, Ja'ron Embry, Bernard Evans, Earl Blanchett, and Lamarr Miller stood out for Detroit.
The Diesels (1-3 overall, 1-2 Great Lakes Football League) will take a much needed rest for the 4th of July weekend after playing three straight road games. They will be back in action at Livonia Franklin on July 12th against the Lakeshore Cougars. Kickoff will be at 6:30 p.m.