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.