In a game where the Fleet defense bailed out the offense, then the offense bailed out the defense, it was a former Aztec Donny Hageman and the field goal team that bailed everyone out, making good on the kick for a 27-25 walk-off win over the Salt Lake Stallions.
The Fleet trailed 8-6 at the half, a score that could have been much worse if it wasn’t for Kam Kelly’s first two interceptions, both in the red zone in the second quarter.
And though Mike Bercovici, in his first start since Week 1, set a Fleet record with 304 passing yards, the offense stagnated in the third quarter as the Stallions increased to an 11-6 lead.
But with 3:06 left in the third quarter, the Fleet’s defense asserted itself. Frank Ginda forced a fumble by running back Terrell Newby and Jordan Martin scooped up the ball and ran for a 41 yard touchdown to give the Fleet a 12-11 lead.
Then on the next series, Damontre Moore registered a sack-fumble recovery on the Stallions' 18 yard line and Bercovici followed with a touchdown pass to Ben Johnson on the next play for an 18-11 lead.
If you had the Fleet defense tonight in fantasy, then I'm sure Kam Kelly just won you some money with his third interception of the night. Naturally, he saved the best for last.
The Fleet's lead was now up to 24-11 with 9:26 to play. But the (1-3) Stallions almost completed an improbable comeback, scoring two touchdowns in the final 4:02. The latter with 51 seconds left to close to within one point.
Then Josh Woodrum connected with Kenny Bell on the two point conversion and Salt Lake led 25-24.
But the 20,823 Fleet fans gathered themselves and held their breath on the biggest play of the night, when Bercovici threw up a prayer and wide receiver Dontez Ford made a spectatcular catch of 45 yards to the Salt Lake 30-yard line with 35 seconds left, giving the Fleet new life.
That ultimately set up Hageman's game wining field goal. It wasnt a pretty win, but good teams find a way to win. Hageman is now 11 for 13 on field goal attempts after making 3 of 4 on the night.
“I didn’t hit it perfect,” said Hageman, “it came off a little bit left, it was a little thick off the inside of my foot. Luckily, I hit it pretty solid. It’s an unreal feeling, something every kicker dreams of. As a kicker, that’s why we play this game.”
Oh and did you know that Donny Hageman was once named most clutch by the Mountain West Conference while playing at San Diego State? Probably not, but the NFL will surely be looking into Hageman in the coming months with his success. The Fleet have an extra day off this week to prepare for the Birmimgham Iron next Sunday at 5:00 pm at SDCCU Stadium. For tickets click here.
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