Phantoms can clinch division title

It’s never too late to renew an old rivalry.
After a two-year sabbatical, the I-20 Cup will be defended when the Florence Phantoms and Augusta Colts square off tonight at the Florence Civic Center.
Augusta has taken the first three games in a series which dates back to when the Phantoms were in Myrtle Beach as a member of the World Indoor Football League.
Florence (8-4) joined the American Indoor Football Association in December of 2006. The Colts are in their first year in the AIFA, but are the defending WIFL champions.
As important as winning the I-20 Cup is to Florence, earning a No. 1 overall seed is even more paramount. The Phantoms need two wins coupled with an Erie loss to gain that coveted spot. A win tonight will clinch the division championship for the Phantoms.
“We want to finish strong,” Florence general manager Bennie King said. “We want to finish 10-4 and get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.”
Augusta (7-5) is one game behind fellow WIFL-transplant Columbus for the second playoff spot out of the Southern Division. A win on the road would not only keep the Cup in Georgia, but keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.
“We’re heading in the same direction (the Colts) are. They’re trying to make the playoffs and keep pace with Columbus,” said Phantoms coach Tavares Bowens, whose team has won five straight games. “We have an opportunity to get a No. 1 seed in the (Eastern) conference.
“This is going to be a hard-fought game.”
Florence will put its top-ranked defense on the line against an old friend in former Phantoms quarterback Mike Rathe. The USC grad has thrown 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
Rathe has a trio of fleet-footed receivers to throw to.
Issac West is by far his favorite with 68 catches for 857 yards and 12 TDs. Corey McKinney and Anthony Young have combined for 810 yards and 22 scores.
Nevertheless, Bowens has confidence in his defense. Florence has allowed just 117 points in its last five games and scored in six of the last eight.
“My defense has done an outstanding job this season. To give up 117 points in five games in this league is almost unheard of,” he said. “We have to be committed in all phases, from the defensive line to the linebackers to the secondary.
“We’re getting better and better every week, though.”
Offensively, the Phantoms have almost made it look too easy. Omar Jacobs has flooded the air with footballs this season, throwing for 2,660 yards and 52 scores and just 11 picks.
High-school teammates Tres Moses and A.J. Bennett have been Jacobs’ go-to guys this season, but neither was available for last week’s win over Columbus.
Fortunately, Florence also has Torrey Pettigrew, Reggie Glover and C.J. Washington. The trio combined for 17 receptions for 251 yards and three scores in the team’s 40-35 victory.
Notes
-- The Phantoms will hold a Fan Fest at the Civic Center from noon to 4 p.m. There will be amusements and refreshments for the entire family. Admission is free.
-- The AIFA announced the addition of the Rochester Raiders of the Continental Indoor Football League for the 2009 season. The Raiders will likely play in the league’s North Division.
Rochester becomes the third defending champion of a competing league to join the AIFA. The National Indoor Football League champion Fayetteville Guard and WIFL champion Augusta previously switched leagues, along with the WIFL finalist Columbus Lions.