2021 season has begun

[Jim Fitzpatrick]

In the opening game of the 2021 season, the world champion Thunderbolts defeated the visiting Hawks, 31 - 21.  The Thunderbolts are coming off an undefeated, untied 2020 season (being only the second team to have a perfect record in 28 years), and remain unbeaten to this point.  Thunderbolts'  QB #7 stared slow, but came on to finish with 2 TD passes (both to TE #82), and RB #27 had 197 yds rushing in a dominating performance.  Besides #82's 2 TDs, #27 (40 yds) and #23 (51 yds) both had rushing TDs. On defense, the T-bolts had 2 sacks and an interception (FS #20).

The Hawks, except for 2 long runs (by #36 and #40) never could get their running attack going, and their passing game was inconsistent.  Starting QB #12 had TD passes to WR #88 and FB #36, and back-up QB #17 had one to WR #86.  The defense had no sacks, but did have an interception (FS #26) in the first quarter - which came to nought. 

Next up: Panthers at defending Old League champion Titans.

[Bob Davis]

Wow, 197 yards! How many carries did the Bolts #27 have? Was the Hawks starting QB hurt or did he get pulled?

[Jim Fitzpatrick]

I pulled the starting QB late in the game because he was clearly overmatched by the defense.

#27 had about 14-15 carries, including a couple of very long runs.  He had previously been the Lancers' backup RB, but he was traded in the off season (including the base) to the Thunderbolts for their backup QB, who will be the Lancers' starter when their games begin.