[b550199f]Former Talon Leads Boxcars to Victory[/b550199f]
[i550199f]By Boxcars Update Staff
Date: Apr 1, 2004[/i550199f]

Safety [b550199f]Wilbur Neal[/b550199f] wasn't figured to be a difference maker in the week one matchup against his former team. He started all 16 games for Tulsa last year, but [b550199f]Kendall Johnsen[/b550199f] managed to beat him out in training camp for the starting strong safety spot. Even though he only saw the field for 5 defensive plays, Neal still managed to make an impact.

Early in the 2nd quarter Fargo was already down 14-0 with Tulsa driving again, just inside the redzone. That's when Neal stepped in front of a [b550199f]Corey Durant[/b550199f] pass at the three yard line, picking it off and returning it 97 yards for the touchdown.

The play clearly turned the tide of the game. Instead of going up 21-0, Tulsa had their lead cut to 7. After stopping the Talons on three straight, Fargo then forced a punt and scored on a [b550199f]Joseph Beavers[/b550199f] run that capped off a 7 play 59 yard drive.

The score was tied at the half, though it looked again like the Boxcars may blow their chance. [b550199f]Don Martinez[/b550199f] was picked off on the first play of the half, leading to a Tulsa field goal. Fargo answered back with a [b550199f]Jack Munoz[/b550199f] field goal from 43 yards out on their next posession, then forced Tulsa into 3 straight three and outs and added another touchdown from Beavers. Tulsa would add another field goal, though didn't manage to do anymore as Fargo escaped with a 24-20 victory to start the season with a win.


*Linebacker [b550199f]Jeffery Weinstein[/b550199f], who some experts pegged to have a break out season this year, was named player of the game for his 7 solo tackles, 4 assisted, and 2.0 sack performance.
*There's no QB contreversoy yet, but there could be if Don Martinez has another game like his 11 for 29 performance on Sunday. There are many who believe that rookie [b550199f]Dwayne Bridges[/b550199f] is ready to start now, so expect Martinez to have a big game next week if he wants to keep his starting job.
*Don't expect to see any heroics from Wilbur Neal next week. After his interception he suffered a hyper extended elbow and is expected to miss next weeks again against Shreveport
*Oddsmakers have installed Fargo as an early 5 point favorite against the Pride next week.