LA CROSSE, Wis. — (Article courtesy of The Pantagraph/Joe Deacon) The Bloomington Extreme will enter the Indoor Football League playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league.
Quarterback Luke Drone ran for two touchdowns and threw for another Saturday as the Extreme closed the regular season with a 35-21 victory over the La Crosse Spartans at La Crosse Center.
Bloomington closed its schedule at 9-5 by extending its winning streak to a franchise-record six games, all since Ted Schmitz replaced Kenton Carr as head coach. Only top-seeded Richmond (13-1) enters the playoffs carrying more consecutive wins with 10.
“There was no way,” said Schmitz when asked if he thought the Extreme could win out when he took over in May. “But that’s the kind of heart these guys have and that’s the kind of heart they showed tonight.”
Bloomington will travel to Wichita for next weekend’s playoff opener. The Wild (9-5) ended the season with a 48-31 loss at Omaha (9-5).
Drone finished the game after replacing starter Rocky Hinds in the second quarter. His second 6-yard TD run of the night gave the Extreme a 32-13 lead with nine minutes left in the game.
“I just thought he was better in the first half, so we decided to stay with him,” said Schmitz. “His running was outstanding.”
Harry Lewis made a fantastic catch in double coverage of Drone’s 29-yard rainbow pass for a touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie. He added another leaping catch amid traffic deep in Spartans territory early in the second half, although the drive stalled.
“Harry Lewis … wow,” said Schmitz. “He’s playing as well as any receiver we have. I’m glad he’s come around.”
Drone’s first TD and a 44-yard field goal by Pete Christofilakos finished an 18-point second quarter and gave Bloomington a 25-7 lead. Bernard Payton scored the Extreme’s first TD on a 1-yard run and Christofilakos iced the win with a 31-yard kick.
Quarterback Buddy Rivera threw for one TD and ran for one to lead the Spartans (3-11). His 13-yard TD pass to Antonio Overstreet tied the game early in the second quarter.
Xzavie Jackson cut Bloomington’s advantage to 25-13 with a 1-yard run in the third.
Summary
AT LA CROSSE, WIS.
Bloomington 7 18 0 10 — 35
Maryland 0 7 7 7 — 21
SCORING SUMMARY
B – Payton 1-yd. run (Christofilakos kick)
L – Overstreet 13-yd. pass from Rivera (Keating kick)
B – H.Lewis 29-yd. pass from Drone (Christofilakos kick)
B – Drone 6-yd. run (Luster pass from Drone)
B – Christofilakos 44-yd. field goal
L – Jackson 1-yd. run (pass failed)
B – Drone 6-yd. run (Christofilakos kick)
L – Rivera 11-yd run (Head pass from Rivera)
B – Christofilakos 31-yd. field goal
