05/15/03 RiverHawks Press Release

The Tennessee RiverHawks are coming off a blow out win last Friday against the Oklahoma Crude 60-28 to bring their record to .500 (3-3).  The game was close at half time with the RiverHawks up 30-19.  However, the RiverHawks came out during the second half and opened up their offense, outscoring the Crude 30-12 in the final thirty minutes of the ballgame.  The RiverHawks combined for 263 total yards while rushing for 180 yards.  The RiverHawks lead the league in rushing, averaging 133 yards per game. The RiverHawks two running backs, Brandon Walker and Birdie Dockery, are two of the top ten rushers in the league.  Starting quarterback Steve Christie had an outstanding performance overcoming an early interception to finish with five touchdown passes.  Bryan White threw for one touchdown and ran for another, but had a bittersweet evening leaving the game with a knee injury. Wide Receiver Leonard Sterling also had a break out performance catching four touchdown passes on just four receptions. 

The RiverHawks defense continues to suffer injuries but each week bounces back with a quality performance.  Defensive Coordinator Mark Bradley has had to deal with many injuries and almost every week has had to change the starting lineup.  Chris Eggleston had an immediate impact at defensive end with two tackles and one sack.  Newcomer, Daron Brooker, had 5 tackles and no passes thrown his way while making his start at cornerback and playing special teams. Gary Peete, who made his first start for the RiverHawks at free safety, had on one interception, one tackle, and three pass break-ups; one of which came in the end zone.

The RiverHawks added a new Strong Safety to their roster.  Omar Lucas from Montclaire State University was signed to aid an injured defensive backfield.  Lucas will help bring play making abilities and solid tackling skills to the RiverHawks defense.

Tennessee travels to Wheeling, West Virginia this Saturday to play the undefeated Ohio Valley Greyhounds.  In their first meeting of the year the Greyhounds defeated the RiverHawks 46-21.  Since then the RiverHawks have made strong improvements on both sides of the ball.  The Greyhounds are fresh off a 23-13 win against the Show Me Believers.  RiverHawks offensive coordinator Garmez Parks says, “Ohio Valley is a great team, and they are the class of the league.  We are just hopeful that we can keep it close throughout the game and give our team an opportunity to win.  We will have to limit the number of penalties and eliminate turnovers.  Our team cannot give an opponent like the Greyhounds any extra opportunities.”  Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm on Saturday May 17th.  The next game for the RiverHawks is on May 24th as they travel to Laredo, Texas to play the Lake Charles LandSharks.