UFL

LOCOS EDGE NIGHTHAWKS 13-6
TO SECURE SECOND PLACE IN UFL STANDINGS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - OMAHA, NE - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011 - The Las Vegas Locos secured a firm grip on second place in the United Football League standings with a narrow 13-6 victory over the Nighthawks despite being outplayed for much of the contest by their hosts at TD Ameritrade Park.

"I thought our guys showed composure and no quit, and that's the two ingredients if you're going to come back on somebody," said Locos head coach Jim Fassel.

The Nighthawks took an early lead by capitalizing on a blocked punt on Las Vegas' first offensive series and returned the ball to the Locos five-yard line. The Nighthawks offense, led by quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, was unable to gain any positive yardage on three plays before kicker Jeff Wolfert put the hosts ahead with a 23-yard field goal.

Omaha had a chance to extend its lead early in the second quarter but instead of kicking a 30-yard field goal, the Nighthawks faked the kick but failed to convert the attempt into a first down and turned the ball over on downs. Las Vegas completed a 44-yard pass on its first play after taking over possession but the Nighthawks defense recovered to force the Locos to punt.

Nighthawks head coach Joe Moglia said: "I think it's pretty simple, you get the opportunity, not just in the red zone but inside the five or six yard line, I expect to score touchdowns and if you can't get that done you don't deserve to win the game.

"Offensively, clearly we did a poor job of making plays, we were not nearly as consistent, and that's my fault."

Stuart Schweigert led a strong defensive effort by the Nighthawks with an interception in the second quarter that led to Omaha's second field goal, this time a 25-yarder by Jeff Wolfert put the Nighthawks up 6-0 with 4:30 remaining in the first half.

The Locos were able to get on the scoreboard as the first half ended on the strength of a 53-yard field goal by Clint Stitser to make the score 6-3 in favor of the Nighthawks, who should have enjoyed more of an advantage at the interval.

Las Vegas found the end zone on their first possession of the second half when running back Marcell Shipp reached scored on a 10-yard run with 7:31 left in the third quarter earn a 10-6 lead. On Omaha's ensuing possession, the Nighthawks drove the ball to the Locos 23-yard line but the usually reliable Wolfert missed his 40-yard field goal attempt.

Omaha had another opportunity to score as they drove to the Las Vegas 9-yard line before getting pushed back to the 20. The drive stalled and Jeff Wolfert attempted a 37-yard field that was again no good and the score remained 10-6.