Win or no Tomorrow

The River Monsters (6-3, 3-2 CIFL South) travel to their division rival Dayton Sharks (6-3, 4-2 CIFL South) in a game that decides post-season fate for both teams. The victor of the game Saturday will go to the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) Playoffs from the South Division.

The winner will join the Marion Blue Racers who are the CIFL South Division Champions.

The Sharks, who have not played since April 19, thrashed the Lexington Warhorses 76-6. The Sharks have had two full weeks to prepare for the River Monsters. That victory put a W in the win/loss column after dropping two in a row to the Chicago Blitz, 48-32, and the Blue Racers, 46-36.

The defense for the Sharks ranks third in the CIFL allowing an average of 32 points a game while the offense is fourth, scoring 48 points a game.

Viterio Jones and Donte Johnson anchor the Shark defense who have six and five interceptions respectively.

The Sharks run a duel quarterback offense behind Tommy Jones and Evan Sawyer. In six games, Jones has thrown for more than 1,000 yards, 31 touchdowns and averages nearly 190 yards a game through the air. Marcus Fails leads the ground game, rushing for more than 100 yards and five touchdowns on the year.

The River Monsters, behind newcomer quarterback Antonio Davis, have won four in a row, all by an average of 30 points. In three games, Davis has thrown for 582 yards, 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Davis also added three touchdowns on the ground.

The defensive for the River Monsters in anchored by linebacker David James who leads the CIFL in tackles with 119 and has three interceptions on the year.

The game promises to be highly energetic as the playoffs are on the line. Kickoff is set for 7:30 on Saturday inside Hara Arena in Dayton.

River Monsters Dominate Chicago, Get One Step Closer to Playoffs

The River Monsters controlled the game from beginning to end and defeated the Chicago Blitz 73-50, in a game where they never trailed, to get one step closer to the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) Playoffs.

"Winning this game means we are one win from going to the playoffs. It means we are three wins from attaining what we wanted," River Monsters' head coach Mike Goodpaster said. "We needed a bunch of things to happen plus win out. All those things have happened and I think we are as good as anyone in this league."

The River Monsters set the tone early on defense, stopping the Blitz on a fourth and one in River Monster territory.

It only took Antonio Davis and the River Monster three plays to find the end zone on a five yard quarterback keeper from Davis. After the score Dustin Zink kicked the ball through the uprights on the kickoff, which is
called an Uno, and gave the River Monsters an extra point and put them up 8-0 early in the first quarter.

The Blitz came back down the field and converted a 10 play drive when quarterback Juice Williams scored on a three yard scramble to pull the Blitz within one, 8-7. The closest the game would get the rest of the night.

The River Monsters put on an offensive display behind Davis who finished with 192 yards passing with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 25 yards and three touchdowns. In three games, Davis has thrown for 13 touchdowns and two interceptions for the River Monsters.

"He has done an amazing job," Goodpaster said about Davis. "He is a great guy to have on the team, he's a great leader, you can't say more about him."

Zink, an unsung hero on the night, kicked a CIFL record five Uno's in one game. He was also a perfect nine for nine on extra points and one for one on field goals.

"In the five years I have done this, that was the best game I have seen a kicker have by far," Goodpaster said. "It was amazing. He did a great job."

The River Monsters had 247 yards of total offense and found the end zone eight times.

CIFL tackle leader, Davis James, recorded 12 tackles anchoring the River Monster defense.

"DJ is a player that can play at another level. He will get his chance in the next year or so," Goodpaster said about his linebacker.

The River Monsters finish up their regular season at division rival Dayton Sharks. The two teams met earlier in the season when the Sharks got the best of the River Monsters 65-45 inside The Bank of Kentucky Center.

The new look River Monsters look to get revenge of the loss and finish the regular season with a five game winning streak heading into the CIFL Playoffs.

River Monsters Dominate Chicago Blitz; Win 73-50

Chicago Blitz convert on their opening drive of the fourth quarter. Juice Williams threw a five yard swing pass for a touchdown.  The Blitz then converted the two point conversion when Williams found David Brown in the back of the end zone.

Once again the Blitz tried an onside kick, but was unsuccessful. The River Monsters retained possession at the Blitz 12 yard line.

River Monsters only put three points on the board with the good field when Dustin Zink connected on a 24 yard field goal. For the fifth time on the night, Zink split the uprights on the kick off, giving the River Monsters an extra point. River Monsters, in complete control, led 66-34 with 9:41 to play.

The Blitz found the end zone once again in the fourth quarter when Bryant Pascasio ran in from four yards out. Pascasio then converted on the two point conversion. River Monsters still ahead 66-42 with 4:39 to play.

River Monsters unable to convert a fourth and five gave the ball back to the Blitz on the 21 yard line.

The Blitz came right back down the field and found the end zone. Williams found David Brown on the left side who fumbled in the end zone but was recovered. Williams shoveled the ball to Pascasio who ran in for the two point conversion. River Monsters led 66-50 with 30 seconds remaining.

River Monsters, just trying to run out the clock, found the end zone one more time. Maurice Douce ran in, untouched, from 13 yards out.

The River Monsters, who dominated every aspect of the game, won 73-50, and put them one step closer to the playoffs.

River Monsters Led 62-26 After Three Quarters

The River Monsters converted on their opening drive of the half on a 13 yard acrobatic catch by Ricardo Lenhart. The ball was thrown behind Lenhart who reached back and tipped it forward to himself before cradling the ball in the end zone. Dustin Zink kicked the ball through the uprights on the kick off for the  fourth time in the game, put the River Monsters up 48-13.

Blitz come out in the second half with hurry up offense. Juice Williams led Chicago down to the five yard line of the River Monsters. Another high snap, over the head of Williams, backed the Blitz up to the 19 yard line. Williams, with time to throw, lobbed the ball into triple coverage in the back of the end zone. Kent McDonald leaped over the River Monster defenders and came down with the ball with only one hand. River Monsters lead 48-20 with 6:45 to go.

River Monsters did not waste much time before getting on the scoreboard once again. Davis threw a 30 yard touchdown strike to Lenhard. River Monsters lead 55-26 with 4:04 left in the third.

Chicago came back in a fury. Williams completed a 30 yard pass to David Brown. River Monster, still in control, led 55-26 with 4:04 left to play in the third.

Blitz, in time of desperation, tried an onside kick, but the River Monsters came down with the ball. The unsuccessful attempt gave the River Monsters great field possession, starting their drive on the 15 yard line of the Blitz.

Davis capitalized the good field possession on a 7 yard scramble on fourth down. River Monsters led 61-26 going into the last quarter.

River Monsters Dominate First Half and Lead Chicago 40-14

On the second play from scrimmage, Antonio Davis completed a seven yard  pass to Shawn McGarity putting the River Monsters up 15-7. Dustin Zink splits the uprights for the second time on the kickoff putting the River Monsters up 16-7.

The Blitz had a wild snap on the first play after the River Monster touchdown. A gang of River Monsters tackle Blitz quarterback, Juice Williams, in the end zone for a safety. River Monsters lead 18-7 with 13:28 to go in the second.

Dekota Marshall received the kick off and got viciously dragged down by his face mask. Tempers flared early in a must win game for both teams.

On the first play from scrimmage, Davis completed a 24 yard pass to Maurice Douce, driving the River Monsters down to the Blitz one yard line. Davis finished off the drive with a one yard scramble. River Monsters, taking control of the game, led 25-7 with 11:02 to go in the second.

After the River Monster score, the Blitz put together a long dive and get down to the River Monster three yard line. Blitz center snapped the ball over Williams head, Rico Middlebrooks picked up the bouncing ball and ran it back for a River Monsters touchdown. River Monsters led 32-7 with 6:22 to go before half.

The Blitz, unable to keep anything going offensively, had another miscue. Running back Bryant Pascasio fumbled inside the red zone. Brian Abshire fell on top of the loss ball at the Blitz 13 yard line.

Davis forced a pass down the sideline that got tipped by three Blitz defenders before falling into the arms of Malik Jackson for the interception in the River Monster end zone. Jackson returned the interception out to the five yard line with 2:58 left before half time.

The Blitz get some offense going when Bryant Pascasio ran the ball in for a touchdown from nine yards out. River Monters led 32-14, 55 seconds left in the half.

River Monsters capitalize with their hurry-up offense when Davis threw a jump ball to Douce. Douce out jumped three Blitz defenders for the 13 yard touchdown. Zink kicked the ball through the up rights for the third time in the game putting the River Monsters up 40-14 with 30 seconds to go in the half.

Jackson returned the kick off to the 24 yard line. The Blitz put together a nice drive before Chicago ran out of time and the drive stalled at the 10 yard line of the River Monsters.

The River Monsters, who took complete control of the game, led 40-14 going into the locker room.

River Monsters Lead Blitz 8-7 After One Quarter of Play

The Chicago Blitz received the ball to start the game, but were unable to do anything with it. The River Monsters stopped the Blitz on a fourth and one on their first drive.

The River Monster took advantage of the situation on their second play from scrimmage. Antonio Davis completed a 25 yard pass to Ricardo Lanhart down to the Blitz five yard line. Davis finished the drive off on the next play with a quarterback keeper. Davis put the River Monsters up 7-0 with 10:38 to go in the first quarter.

Dustin Zink gave the River Monsters another point when he kicked ball through the uprights on the kick off.

River Monsters picked off Blitz quarterback, Juice Williams, and returned it for a touchdown but was called back due to a roughing the passer penality. Coach, Mike Goodpaster, not happy about the call, argued with the referee and picked up a foul moving the Blitz halfway to the end zone. 

The Blitz capitalized on the second chance opportunity. Williams scored on the next play with a 4 yard scramble with 1:53 left in the first quarter.

The River Monsters ended one quarter of play deep in Blitz territory leading 8-7.

River Monsters Look to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Against Chicago

The Northern Kentucky River Monsters (5-3, 3-2 CIFL South) host Chicago Blitz (6-2, 3-2 CIFL North) on Saturday as they look to widen the gap for the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) Playoffs.

This game is a must win for both squads. The River Monsters must win to keep their spot in the CIFL Playoffs for the South Division. The Blitz are tied for second in the North Division, but currently do not hold the tie breaker to advance to the playoffs. The Blitz must win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and also need the Erie Explosion to lose next week.

The Blitz are on a five game winning streak and have won their last four games by an average of 29 points (not counting the forfeit to the Kentucky Extreme).

Chicago has the third best offensive in the league averaging nearly 46 points a game. They are led by
quarterback Juice Williams, who has thrown for more than 600 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding more than 100 yards on the ground in only five games. The rushing attack for the Blitz is led by Bryant Picassio who is nine yards short of 300 on the season.

The Blitz also have the second best defense in the league, allowing a stingy 27 points per game.

The River Monsters have the wheels churning in the right direction, winning their last two games by an
average of 34.

Newcomer quarterback, Antionio Davis, leads the passing attack with nine touchdowns in two games for the River Monsters. Kyle James also looks to add to his success on the ground.

David James anchors the River Monsters defense with a CIFL best 92 tackles.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 on Saturday inside The Bank of Kentucky Center for the last regular season home game. The River Monsters celebrate Faith and Community night. Bring in a church or place of worship bulletin and receive $2 off the ticket price. Any group of 10 or more receive $3 off the ticket price.

Watch the game live on the MRSN Sports Network or follow the River Monsters' Facebook and Twitter pages for live updates.

River Monsters Set Sail for Port Huron

The Northern Kentucky River Monsters (3-3, 3-2 CIFL South) travel to face the Port Huron Patriots (1-4, 1-4 CIFL North) Saturday night.

The River Monsters look to push for the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) playoffs. The River Monsters fell to the Dayton Sharks, 65-45, in their last game. The offense caught fire in the second half behind quarterback Kyle James. He led the River Monsters to five second-half touchdowns; 3 through the air and 2 on the ground.

River Monsters defense is anchored by week seven's CIFL Defensive Player of the Week, Dekota Marshall. In that week he hauled in his first two interceptions of the season and recorded three tackles.

Port Huron has not won a game since the first week of the season. They have lost four straight games, most recently to the Erie Explosion.

"Port Huron has faced probably the toughest schedule of anybody in the CIFL this year, so I believe their record is a little deceiving." River Monsters head coach, Mike Goodpaster, said.

Port Huron is led by duel quarterbacks, James Stallons and Michael Akrawi, who have thrown a total of 16 touchdown passes this season. Running back, Art Jimmerson, leads the Patriots running attack with five touchdowns this season.

"From here on out, every game is a playoff game for us," Mike Goodpaster said about the upcoming battle. "It is always a tough game when you are six hours from home, but I believe we will rise to the occasion".

The River Monsters return home April 5 to battle the Kentucky Xtreme for super hero night.

River Monsters Marshall and Zink Receive CIFL Player of the Week Honors

River Monsters' Dekota Marshall and Dustin Zink earned Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) Players of the Week honors for week seven.

Marshall won Defensive Player of the Week in the 65-45 loss to the Dayton Sharks. Marshall reeled in two interceptions and three tackles. He recorded his first two interceptions of the season and has eight tackles on the year.

Zink won Special Teams Player of the Week and was a perfect six for six on extra points. On the season he is 14 of 15 on PATs. Zink is fourth in River Monsters scoring with 17 points on the season.

River Monsters Battle Dayton for the Number Two Spot

The River Monsters (2-2, 2-1 South) host the Dayton Sharks (3-1, 2-1 South) tomorrow for the number two sport atop the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) South division.

The Sharks only loss of the season came at the hands of the Marion Blue Racers, 50-41 at Dayton. The Sharks are coming off a 51-21 thrashing of the Kentucky Extreme last week.

Tommy Jones leads the Sharks attack with 692 yards, 20 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions through the air. The Sharks have the second best scoring offense in the league, averaging 45 points a game.

The River Monsters are still trying to find their rhythm under new head coach Mike Goodpaster. In Goodpaster's debut two weeks ago, they fell to the CIFL South leading Marion Blue Racers 27-20.

The River Monsters have the third best defense in the CIFL, allowing only 28 points a game.

Kyle James, River Monsters duel threat quarterback, leads the team with 296 total yards; 189 through the air and 107 on the ground. James also leads the team in touchdowns with seven; four passing and three rushing.

For Military Appreciation Day, all active duty and veteran military get in free with a military ID. The first 120 children receive a GI Joe action figure and the first 500 adults receive a deck of sport characters playing cards.

Kickoff is at 7:30 tomorrow inside The Bank of Kentucky Center.

River Monsters Salute the Military

The River Monsters will celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Saturday when they host the Dayton Sharks. Various activities will go on prior to kick off at 7:30 pm to give back to the soldiers who protect our freedom.

All active duty and veteran military personnel will be admitted free by showing a military ID. The first 120 kids receive a GI Joe action figure thanks to Big Bad Toys. The first 500 adults receive a deck of sport characters playing cards.

Army Specialist, Brett Bondurant, will be the honorary captain for the River Monsters during the coin flip. Bondurant was injured five months into his first deployment to Southwest Kandahar in September 2011. He stepped on an IED that caused him to lose his right leg above the knee and his left leg below the knee.

Tailgate for Saturday's game starts at 6:00 pm inside The Bank of Kentucky Center with face painting, a live band, sponsors and more. Kick off is at 7:30 when the River Monsters host the Dayton Sharks.

Bye Week Take Two

The second bye week of the season could not come at a better time for the River Monsters. They are trying to find their rhythm under new head coach Mike Goodpaster.

The River Monsters fell to the Marion Blue Racers, 27-20, last week in Goodpaster's debut. The defense, raked first in the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL), gave up the second most points of the season against the Blue Racers. The Erie Explosion scored 42 points in the River Monsters return to the Bank of Kentucky Center (BOKC) on February 9.

The offense for the River Monsters has struggled to put points on the board since Jared Lorrenzen broke his tibia in the second quarter against the Explosion. In Lorenzen's only full game of the season, the River Monsters scored 36 points. They have not scored more than 32 points since.

The River Monsters need James Kyle to step up in the last six games of the season. In three games
James has thrown for 189 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. James has not had success through the air but leads the River Monsters in rushing with 107 yards and three touchdowns.

The River Monsters return to BOKC on Satruday, March 15 to host the Dayton Sharks. The Sharks lead the River Monsters by a half game for second place in the CIFL South division.

Stats from last week's game against the Blue Racers:

NKY	TEAM	MAR
(VISITOR)		(HOME)
8	First Downs	14
3	- -Rushing	5
4	- -Passing	6
1	- -Penalty	3
18	Rushing Attempts	36
54	Yards Gained Rushing	214
14	Yards Lost Rushing	9
40	Net Yards Rushing	205
66	Net Yards Passing	49
14	- Passes Attempted	14
5	- -Passes Completed	6
2	- -Had Intercepted	0
34	Total Offensive Plays	52
106	Total Net Yards	254
3.1	- -Average Gain Per Play	4.9
0 / 0	Fumbles: Numbers / Lost	1 / 1
8 / 50	Penalties: Numbers / Yards	6 / 49
1 / 0	MFG Returns: Numbers / Yards	1 / 0
4 / 163	Number of Kickoffs / Yards	5 / 206
40.8	- -Average Per Kick	41.2
2	- -Touchbacks	0
3 / 84	Kickoff Returns: Number / Yards	2 / 17
0 / 0	Interception Returns: Number / Yards	2 / 0
1 / 50	Fumble Returns: Number / Yards	0 / 0
33:54	Possession Time	31:22
2 of 6	Third Down Conversions	6 of 13
0 of 2	Fourth Down Conversions	1 of 3
2 / 4	Sacks By: Number / Yards	2 / 13

River Monsters Travel to Marion to Play Blue Racers

Mike Goodpaster leads the River Monsters into Marion in his first game as head coach.

The River Monsters (2-1, 2-0 South) take the leagues best defense into Marion to square off against the second ranked offense of the Blue Racers (2-1, 2-0 South).

The River Monsters are tied with the Saginaw Sting for the leagues top defense, allowing an average 28 points a game. The Blue Racers are second for best offense, also behind the Sting, scoring an average of
47 points a game. Something is bound to give in Sunday's game.

Both teams only loss of the season came at the hands of the Erie Explosion.

The River Monsters fell to the Explosion on February 9, 42-31. River Monster's quarterback, Jared Lorenzen, got hurt in the second quarter of the game and is out for the year. The following week the Explosion defeated the Blue Racers at home 43-23.

The Blue Racers are coming off a nine point victory over division rival, Dayton Sharks, on Sunday. Jon Mason took over the quarterback role and threw for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

The River Monsters had a full week to prepare for the Blue Racers because they had a bye last week. The River Monsters defeated the Bluegrass Warhorses for the second time this season on February 16. Kendal Owens led the offensive attack, rushing for a season high 92 yards.

Both teams in Sunday's match up sit atop the CIFL South division. The victor will take a game lead of the division early in the season.

Kick off is at 7:30 on Sunday. Follow the scores live on the River Monsters' Facebook and Twitter pages.

River Monsters Name Mike Goodpaster Head Coach

On Saturday the River Monsters parted ways with head coach Brian Schmidt and named defensive coordinator Mike Goodpaster new head coach.

Goodpaster has led the River Monsters to the CIFL's best defense, allowing an average 28 points a game. He was previously the head coach of the Evansville Rage in 2012 and the Owensboro Rage in 2013. He has a combined head coaching record of 126-32.

The River Monsters are 2-1 (2-0 South division) on the season and sit a top the Continental Indoor Football League South division. They travel to Marion, Ohio to take on the Blue Racers, who are also first in the South division.

The River Monsters come home to the Bank of Kentucky Center on March 15 to take on the Dayton Sharks.

Kendall Owens Leads River Monsters Past Warhorses

The Northern Kentucky River Monsters (2-1) defeated the Bluegrass Warhorses (0-3) 32-23 on Sunday at the Bank of Kentucky Center.

Kendall Owens, River Monsters running back, ran for a season high 92 yards on 30 attempts and two touchdowns.

"I was just focused on following my blockers," Owens said. "They did a great job blocking and all I had to do was run through the holes."

In the previous two games, the River Monsters rushed for a total of 99 yards as a team. Owens was seven yards short of the River Monsters total in just one game.

"Kendall has been so good in practice and today was going to be the day we broke him out," River Monster's head coach, Brian Schmidt said. "I have never had an indoor game where my running back had 30 carriers and 92 yards. He played great."

T.J. Harris anchored the River Monsters defense with three interceptions. Harris picked off Warhorses' quarterback, David Body, on their first and last drives of the game, helping seal the deal for the River Monsters.

David James also picked off Boyd in the third quarter and returned it for a touchdown.

"In six years of being a professional coach in this indoor league, it was the best defensive performance I have

ever been a part of," Schmidt said. "I was joking with my defensive coordinator and said that is why you are here."

Harris picked off Boyd with a little more than a minute left to go in the game. Boyd was looking to go deep to keep the Warhorses in the game, but Harris had a different idea. The interception was caught on the River Monster's own 4 yard line.

River Monsters' ground and pound offensive did not stop in the final minute, even when they were backed up near their own end zone. Kyle James, River Monsters quarterback, scrambled for a 25 yard gain, sealing the dear for the River Monsters.

The River Monsters have a bye next week but return to the field to take on the Marion Blue Racers on Sunday, March 2, at Marion. They will return to the Bank of Kentucky Center on Saturday, March 15, to take on the Dayton Sharks.

Warhorses		River Monsters
23	Score	32
8	First Downs	15
18 / 44	Rushes / Yards	34 / 145
89	Pass Yards	47
27 / 13 / 4	Passes - Att / Comp / Int	15 / 5 /3
45 / 133	Total Offensive Plays / Yards	50 / 192
0 / 0	Fumble Returns / Yards	0 / 0
1 / 11	MFG Returns / Yards	0 / 0
2 / 67	Kickoff Returns / Yards	2 / 51
3 / 22	Interception Returns / Yards	4 / 43
1 / 0	Fumbles / Lost	0 / 0
5 / 30	Penalties / Yards	1 / 5
21:56	Possession Time	24:17

River Monsters Defeat the Bluegrass Warhorses 32-23

The Warhorses, Doug Daniel, converts on a 31 yard field goal in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter to cut the River Monsters lead to 18-13.

The very next position for the River Monsters Kendall Owens runs for a 5 yard touchdown to extend the River Monsters lead to 25-13.

The Warhorses come right back down the field and answer the call with a four yard touchdown run by Mike Wolfork.

The River Monsters keep the ball on the ground an burn the clock. The combination of  Owens and Kyle James on quarterback draws keep the Warhorses offensive off the field.

Owens first runs into a wall of Warhorse defenders then bounces out to the left and runs into the end zone for a two yard touchdown run. River Monsters extend the lead to 32-23 with 1:05 to play in the game.

The first play from the line of scrimmage for the Warhorses is picked off by T.J. Harris for his third interception of the game. David Boyd threw the ball down field and Harris picked it off at the River Monster 2 yard line.

From their own end zone, Kyle James with the River Monsters some breathing room with a 25 yard gain and seals the deal for the River Monsters.

River Monsters lead Warhorses 18-13 at the end of Three

The River Monsters received the kick to start off the second half. On their opening drive, Dustin Zink pushed a 32 yard field goal wide right.

The Warhorses got the ball on their 5 yard line. David James intercepted David Boyd's pass and ran it back
for a touchdown. The River Monsters went for two and were stopped short. They took the lead 18-13, their first lead since they led 6-0.

The Warhorses were unable to go anywhere on their drive and sent out Doug Daniel to attempt a 54 yard field goal. The attempt was just short, hitting the bottom of the crossbar.

On the next River Monsters possession, Kyle James was intercepted by Patrick Cornet.

River Monsters Trail Warhorses 13-12 at Half

Dustin Zink attempted a 32 yard field goal with under eight minutes to go in the second quarter that was partially blocked. The Warhorses picked up the ball in their own end zone and ran it out to the 10 yard line.

The Warhorses end their drive with a 20 yard field goal by Doug Daniel with 56 seconds left in the quarter extending their lead to 13-6.

Dekota Marshall answers the call right away with a 55 yard kick off return for a touchdown. One again the River Monsters are not able to handle the snap and fail to convert the extra point. The missed PAT makes them by one, 13-12.

Doug Daniel missed a 22 yard field goal wide right with one second left in the quarter.

Kyle James heaves the ball down field and was caught by Aric Evans at the four yard line.

River Monsters trail Warhorses by one, 13-12 at half.

River Monsters Trail Warhorses 10-6 at the end of the First

The Lexington Warhorses received the opening kickoff. The Warhorses quarterback, David Boyd dropped back to pass and was intercepted by the River Monsters T.J. Harris.

The River Monsters take advantage of the turnover when Kyle James scrambles for a 17 yard touchdown.

The extra point was mishandled putting the River Monsters up only 6-0.

The Warhorses marched back down the field and found the end zone when David Boyd thew an 18 yard strike to Marcus Commodore. They kept on par with the River Monsters and did not convert on the extra point.

On the next kick off, Doug Daniels kicked the ball threw the uprights giving the Warhorses another point putting them up 7-6.

James then threw an interception to Deshawn Johnson of the Warhorses. The Warhorses then capitalized with a 19 yard field goal by Daniels.

Injury Update: Jared Lorenzen Breaks Tibia

Around 6:30 last night, word got out that Jared Lorenzen broke his tibia and will be out for the rest of the season. He will undergo surgery to fix the injury next week.

With 11:20 to play in the second quarter, the 6-4, 320-pound quarterback went scrambling for the end zone from the Erie Explosion 5 yard line. Lorenzen was hit low after a one yard gain and laid on the turf for several minutes. Two trainers and two defensive linemen carried "hefty lefty" off the field.

Laken Litman from the USA Today was at the arena Sunday night and wrote a story about the River Monsters Quarterback. The story can be read here.

River Monsters Fall in a Close Battle with the Erie Explosion

The Erie Explosion handed the River Monsters their first home loss in franchise history. The Explosion topped the River Monsters 42-30 at the Bank of Kentucky Center.

River Monsters starting quarterback, Jared Lorenzen, was injured early in the second quarter and did not return.

"When your big guy goes down, you have two choices." River Monsters head coach Brian Schmidt said, "quit or you can stand up and fight. We stood up and fought."

Back up quarterback, Kyle James finished the game with 58 yards passing, 29 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

The offensive attack for the Explosion, led by quarterback Aaron Smetanka, was too much for the River Monsters defense. Smetanka finished with 148 yard and three touchdowns through the air and 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Explosion		River Monsters
42	Score	30
17	First Downs	13
30 / 89	Rushes / Yards	17 / 62
141	Pass Yards	105
26 / 19 / 0	Passes - Att / Comp / Int	25 / 12 / 1
57 / 230	Total Offensive Plays / Yards	44 / 167
0 / 0	Fumble Returns / Yards	0 / 0
1 / -32	MFG Returns / Yards	0 / 0
2 / 35	Kickoff Returns / Yards	3 / 49
1 / 0	Interception Returns / Yards	0 / 0
0 / 0	Fumbles / Lost	0 / 0
2 / 17	Penalties / Yards	5 / 19
26:40	Possession Time	25:03

River Monsters Trail Erie Explosion 23-21 at Half

Photo from Kevin Kloentrup

With a little under 12 minutes to go in the second quarter, River Monsters quarterback, Jared Lorenzen, scrambled for a two yard run on the Erie 5 yard line. Lorenzen was hit low on the play and laid on the field for several minutes. Two defensive linemen came out to assist Lorenzen off the field and into the bench area.
Lorenzen was later taken away on a stretcher with an apparent ankle injury.

With the injury to Lorenzen, Kyle James came in to take the reins for the River Monsters.

The River Monsters decided to run the ball with the absence of Lorenzen. James handed the ball off to Maurice Douce on a sweep play who was upended and jumped over a defender and into the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown run.

Erie Explosion came racing back down the field and kicked a 15 yard field goal with 0:06 left before half time.

The River Monsters attempted a 43-yard field goal to go into the locker room. The field goal attempt by Dustin Zink sailed just left, leaving the River Monsters trailing 23-21 at half time.

River Monsters and Erie Explosion Tied at 7

After one quarter of play, the River Monsters and Erie Explosion are tied at 7 in a close battle.

It only took Jared Lorenzen and the River Monsters 3 plays to score on their first drive.

The Erie Explosion answered that call with a 5 yard quarterback sneak touchdown of their own.

Lorenzen threw an interception on the River Monsters next position. The Explosion held the ball to end the first quarter.

The River Monsters have trusted Lorenzen with their whole offense and have yet to run the ball.

River Monsters Host CIFL Champion Erie Explosion

The River Monsters kick off their home season hosting the defending champion Erie Explosion.

River Monsters taking the field for warm ups

They are putting their franchise home undefeated streak on the line.

Jared Lorenzen takes the lead for the team after throwing for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win against the Bluegrass Warhorses last Monday.

The Explosion are playing their first game on the 2014 season at the Bank of Kentucky Center today.

The game starts at 2:00 and can be heard on the MRSN Sports Network.

River Monsters Retun to the Bank of Kentucky Center

After a two year hiatus, the Northern Kentucky River Monsters return to the Bank of Kentucky Center to play football.

The River Monsters broke into the pro football realm in 2011, joining the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). The franchise went 11-3 in their first season and held an undefeated steak at home. They lost to the
Saginaw Sting in the first round of the playoffs. 

After the 2011 season the River Monsters and the UIFL decided to part ways.

In 2014 the River Monsters struck an agreement with the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) to once again field an active team.

The River Monsters took to the grid iron for the first time in two years on February 3 defeating the Bluegrass Warhorses 36-20.

The River Monsters will once again return to the Bank of Kentucky Center on Sunday, February  9, to host the CIFL Champion Erie Explosion. The Explosion are looking to kick off the 2014 season the way they finished the 2013 season, on top, and the River Monsters are looking to keep the undefeated home winning streak alive.