Sunday, Apr. 27, 2008

Fever quarterbacks struggle in 76-32 loss

HERALD STAFF

PEORIA, Ill. -- Tri-Cities Fever quarterbacks Jason Campbell and John Pierce were given one more chance to prove themselves to coach Cedric Walker.

After Saturday's 76-32 loss to Peoria, Walker was walking out Carver Arena calling anyone he knew who might have a replacement.

For the second straight week, the Fever quarterback tandem's performance was more than Walker could stomach and he has promised a change for next week's game against Central Valley.

"I need to go find me a quarterback now," Walker said. "I need someone that can get it done."

Pierce, who got the start, was just 9-of-18 passing for 83 yards and three interceptions. Campbell, who watched the second half in street clothes after getting injured late in the first half, was just 6-of-13 for 106 yards and an interception. Each threw two touchdown passes.

"We have guys running down the field wide open and we can't get them the ball," Walker said.

Saturday's loss to Peoria (2-2) was the Fever's eighth straight loss dating back to last season.

The 76 points given up by Tri-Cities (0-4) broke last week's franchise record of 74 in a 46-point loss to Boise.

The Fever has been out-scored 251-143 in four games this season, allowing an af2-worst 63.8 points per game.

Just like last week, it was the Fever offense that struggled to put points on the board and hold on to the football. Tri-Cities had just 180 yards of total offense and turned the ball over five times.

"Right now we are just a terrible football team," said Walker, who added he might bring up to 10 new faces to practice this week.

The Fever actually took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Pierce hit Phil Goodman on a 6-yard TD pass.

But things quickly fell apart from there. Campbell replaced Pierce on the Fever's third offensive series and had his first pass intercepted and returned 41 yards for a touchdown. It was the third interception in two games that he has had returned for a score. Two possessions later, Pierce had an interception returned for a score as the game quickly got out of hand -- Peoria eventually led 49-19 at halftime.

"We keep putting ourselves in a hole and we can't do that," Walker said.

Notes

Former Fever star and af2's 2007 Ironman of the Year Robert Garth caught seven passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns against his former team. It was the most yards receiving by Garth since his nine-catch, 115-yard performance against his other former team (Green Bay) on May 11 last season. Garth played for the Blizzard for five seasons before coming to Tri-Cities last year.

Fullback Michael Hodges injured his MCL in the first half and his status for next week is uncertain. ... Wide receiver J.R. Thomas led the Fever in receiving yards with 79 yards on just two catches -- both touchdowns.

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