Phantoms add depth at receiver

FLORENCE — The Florence Phantoms’ receiving corps got even stronger this week.

The group, which boasts two of the AIFA’s top five receivers in A.J. Bennett and Reggie Eubanks, added former Charleston Southern product C.J. Washington to the mix.

Washington was a member of the Phantoms’ AIFA title team last season and had a touchdown in the championship game against Wyoming.

“It’s a great situation here, and I thought it would benefit me to come back,” Washington said. “I’m ecstatic to be back and want another opportunity to help Florence win another championship.”

Washington is expected to start when the Phantoms, who have won six straight games, host the Reading Express today at 7:30 p.m. Washington will also help out on special teams.

“He adds some bulk and strength to our receiving corps and is a good blocker,” Florence coach Mike Watson said. “He is very good inside the red zone and makes some big plays when we get down there.”

Florence quarterback Omar Jacobs says Washington brings an added toughness to the team and also gives him another target in addition to Bennett and Eubanks, who are fourth and fifth in the AIFA in receiving yards per game.

“It’s great to have C.J. back,” Jacobs said. “It’s always good to have a bunch of good receivers. If somebody goes down, you have a good replacement on the field.”

Washington, a personal trainer, recently worked out with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and British Columbia Lions. But the CFL season doesn’t get started until June, so Washington is hoping a strong showing with the Phantoms can help propel him to bigger things.

“I want to take my career as far as I can take it and push it to the limit,” Washington said.

NOTES: Jacobs leads the AIFA in passing yards per game with 260.5 and has thrown 29 TDs in just five games. … Florence will be without Larry Thompson, who leads the AIFA in interceptions, because of a leg injury. ... Leonard Moore (hamstring) also is out again. ... The Phantoms will have a bye next week and will host Carolina on May 16. … Florence defeated Reading 52-37 in last year’s playoffs. … The Harrisburg Stampede fired coach Kelly Logan this week after a 2-4 start and replaced him with defensive coordinator Mike McDonald.