Jacobs' arm just what Phantoms needed

FLORENCE — The Florence Phantoms unveiled their offensive bailout plan in Saturday night’s 55-36 rout of Columbus.

No one, however, thought the stimulus package of Omar Jacobs and Reggie Eubanks would pay dividends so quickly. The duo hooked up for three touchdowns and frustrated the Lions defense all night.

“It was a total team effort,” Phantoms coach Mike Watson said. “Omar is amazing. Nobody can deny that.

“He picked up the offense and the receivers followed his lead.”

Jacobs, the reigning American Indoor Football Association MVP, finished 24-of-34 for 312 yards, seven TDs and an interception for Florence (2-1). He also added 34 yards rushing and a score.

“One of the more surprising things was that Omar came back in better shape than he was last year,” Florence vice president of player operations Bennie King said. “Add to that his knowledge of the indoor game and it turned out to be a great combination.”

Jacobs’ return sparked an offense that sputtered in its first two games. With the quarterbacking tandem of Cory Midfeld and Darlington native Brian Scott, the Phantoms combined for 48 points.

The team scored more than that in one game with Jacobs under center.

“We had several opportunities to score in the first two games, but we couldn’t score,” Watson said. “With Omar’s presence, his ability to read defenses and his leadership, we competed the way we’re supposed to compete and we made it happen.”

Eubanks had a breakout game against Columbus, racking up 141 yards receiving on six catches. He also made an incredible adjustment on a deep ball for a 38-yard catch in the third quarter.

“I was very pleased with the way (Eubanks) played,” Watson said. “He told me if he was in the right situation, he’d show us what he could do and he did just that.”

“He’s got great feet, and he does great things when he gets his hands on the ball,” King said of Eubanks. “When he has someone that can get him the ball, he can make some electrifying plays.”

The reacquisition of Jacobs and the signing of Eubanks are just two of several moves the team has made to return to championship form.

“Championship-style teams try to upgrade,” King said. “You want to add what you can add to improve your depth.”

Eubanks wasn’t the only receiver whom Jacobs found against Columbus. South Florence’s Torrey Pettigrew caught six passes for 74 yards and two scores.

Jacobs’ high-school teammate A.J. Bennett finished with 83 yards and a TD. He also made a key block on a 31-yard reception by Eubanks that set up a score.

“A.J. is a great competitor. He can run, catch and block better than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Watson said. “He doesn’t back down from any challenge.

“He’s a big-time player.”
Watson also added a message for the fans that waited almost an hour for the game to begin because of severe thunderstorms that battered the Pee Dee.

“I would like to thank the fans that braved the weather and sat through the power outage to watch us play,” he said. “I hope they can come out Saturday and watch us (against Fayetteville).”