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12/22/2005: "Thunderbirds’ Offense Soars Past Titans"

Thunderbirds’ Offense Soars Past Titans

By Keith Gilbert



The Central Minnesota Thunderbirds and the Twin Cities Titans had a good old fashioned shoot-out Saturday night at Holy Angels Academy in Richfield. In the end, though, five turnovers proved to be too much for the Titans to overcome, and the consistent Thunderbirds offense rolled to a 41-32 victory.



Quarterback Chris Esterley threw three first half touchdown passes and had a fourth quarter TD run, finishing the day going 18 for 30 with 191 yards, 4 total TD’s and 2 INT’s. He was complimented nicely by the steady and effective running of Eric Tarasewicz, who’s final numbers were 22 carries for 101 yards, and 1 TD. Esterley completed passes to seven different receivers, the most productive of which was Neuby Ras (4-82, 1 TD), who hauled in a beautiful 42 yard TD pass in the first quarter. David Knutson and Tim Larmouth also scored for the T’Birds, and Lance Nelson had four catches, as well. Defensively for the Thunderbirds, there were several standouts. Most notably was the play of cornerback Ramon Burroughs, who had 2 interceptions. Josh Schleusner and Jeremiah Duvall each had a pick, too, and LB Rob Baumgarn and DL Ray Reinhart each made several big plays for the defense.



The game was a frustrating one for the Titans and their fans. They trailed only by two (21-19) at the half, and that was after missing two extra points, and giving up a 17 yard TD pass on the very last play of the half. The score stayed that way until the fourth quarter. The Titans turned it over on their first two possessions of the quarter, resulting in two Thunderbirds’ touchdowns. Turnovers and penalties absolutely killed the Titans in the game. QB Alex Neist (18-37 191 yds. 2TD’s, 4 INT’s) was under constant pressure and was often not able to deliver the ball to his dangerous band of receivers. He did hook up with Wesely Hill (5-52, 2 TD’s) for his two scoring passes, and Joseph Mapson had 6 catches for 56 yards. Jim Bean, once again, carried the load for the Titans on the ground. He finished with 19 carries for 110 yards, and 1 TD. Defensively, Tell Hammerstrom had an interception and several tackles, and Courtney Ferrell, Robert Clay, and Brian Doyle all had good games, as well.