Fever at 10: A 4-OT loss and Crim

Editor’s note: When the Tri-Cities Fever opens its Indoor Football League season at home against the Wyoming Cavalry on Feb. 28, it will mark the franchise’s 10th campaign. Over the next 10 days, the Herald will look at the top 10 moments and top 10 players in franchise history. Today is No. 9:

No. 9 moment

It was a loss, but it was still one of the best home games Fever fans ever witnessed.

On May 27, 2012, the Fever against the defending IFL champions Sioux Falls Storm, losing 73-72 in overtime at the Toyota Center in front of a raucous crowd of 4,000.

Sioux Falls quarterback Chris Dixon’s 14 yard touchdown run tied the game in overtime at 72-72 and Parker Douglass’ extra point provided the winning difference.

Douglass’ kick was magnified after Fever kicker Michael Taylor missed his extra point attempt first in overtime after the Fever scored a touchdown when Houston Lillard hit Dennis Kennedy for a 5-yard touchdown pass

Taylor was just 2-for-8 on extra point kicks Saturday night. He was fired after the game by Fever coach Adam Shackleford.

The game was a showcase for two of the top quarterbacks in the IFL.

Lillard finished the game with six touchdown passes and two TD runs.

Dixon passed 8 touchdown passes and had two TD runs.

No. 9 player

Defensive back Rudell Crim

The former Arkansas Razorback is back for his third season with the Fever.

Crim earned all-league honors two seasons ago for Tri-Cities.

In 11 games last season for the Fever, Crim grabbed eight interceptions, had 63 tackles and batted down six passes.

He’s expected to be a stalwart in the Fever secondary again this season.

This story was originally published February 20, 2014 at 12:26 AM with the headline "Fever at 10: A 4-OT loss and Crim."