Late defensive touchdown lifts Salina Liberty over Southwest Kansas Storm in playoff thriller
SALINA, KS — The #3 Salina Liberty will advance to the semifinals in the Arena Football League playoffs following a second half battle against the #5 Southwest Kansas Storm.
The game was tied at 34 with 39 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Storm quarterback Matt Struck missed the snap at their own 12-yard line and the fumble was recovered in the endzone by Liberty defensive lineman Henry Kellogg for a touchdown.
The Storm were awarded a one point rouge on the ensuing kickoff for the team’s final drive. Struck connected on a 21 yard pass to wide receiver Travis Taylor for a potential touchdown but was stopped four yards short of the endzone.
The Liberty won 41-35.
“It showed a lot of character from our team to make the big plays when we need to pull out a very tough win,” Head Coach Heron O’Neal told Arena Insider after the game. “Our 9th man crowd was amazing and loud tonight and were a big reason why we won.”
Liberty quarterback Charles McCullum went 9-19 and threw for 164 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Demarius Washington caught three passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
Liberty defensive back Freddie McGee, who led the AFL in interceptions during the regular season, recorded a pick in the game.
The Storm fought back in the second half after trailing 31-18 at halftime. The team shutout the Liberty 9-0 in the third quarter but were slightly outscored 10-8 in the fourth quarter.
Struck went 15-31 and threw for 197 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The Liberty will be on the road to face the #2 Albany Firebirds in the semi-finals on July 13 at 2:30 p.m. ET. It will be the first meeting between the two teams this season.
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