05/17/02 Capitols Press Release
The Lincoln Capitols play the middle game of their season-long three game road swing Saturday night when they face the Wyoming Cavalry. The Capitols reached the halfway point of the regular season last weekend, but a last-ditch effort to tie Sioux Falls in the final minute fell short. Lincoln fell to 4-3 as the Storm claimed the 41-33 victory at the Sioux Falls Arena.  Sioux Falls forced three Capitol turnovers, the third coming
with 30-seconds remaining and the Capitols driving inside the Storm 10-yard line.

The loss overshadowed the Capitols season-best offensive output (221 yards) and quarterback Josh Luedtke's 162 yard night throwing the football.  Wide receiver Damon Benning suffered an ankle injury late in the first half, yet overcame the injury to haul in five passes for 45 yards.  Running back Rayshawn Askew gained 47 yards rushing and added six receptions for 35 yards.

With the loss, the Capitols fell a game back of Sioux City in the division, suffering their second divisional loss a week after dealing the Bandits a decision at the Pershing Center.  The Capitols will be bidding to win their first road game since opening the season with a victory at LaCrosse.

Wyoming captured its first win of the season last weekend, holding off a LaCrosse comeback in the fourth quarter to take a 51-49 decision.  Trey Ransom's 19-yard field goal with 1:36 to play put the Cavalry ahead 51-34, but the Night Train scored twice in the next 45-seconds to close to within two.

The Cavalry won the contest despite managing only 109 yards of offense on the night, but took advantage of 3 LaCrosse fumbles.  Quarterback Matt Strand struggled to a 5-for-16 night for 81 yards with one interception.

Wyoming's struggles are evident in the fact that they rank near the bottom of the league statistics in points allowed per game (48),  yards allowed per game (263.6) and passing yards allowed per game (185).  Receiver Cory Brooks leads the offense, having made 37 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns in six games.  Defensive back Greg Ortberg ranks among the league leaders
with three interceptions in eight games, and has returned two for touchdowns.  Ortberg also has one of three kickoff returns for a touchdown by the Cavalry this season.  Defensive lineman Fou Mamea leads the NIFL with three fumbles forced.