Phantoms looks to get over hump

By Shawn Singleton

Published: May 16, 2008

FLORENCE — On three different occasions this season, the Florence Phantoms have had a chance to go a game above .500.

The Phantoms have failed all three times, including a 39-38 loss to Mississippi in which Florence blew a 17-point halftime lead.

Florence, however, will get another chance to get that elusive winning record when it hosts winless Florida (0-8) tonight at the Florence Civic Center in the second half of a home-and-home series.

The Phantoms (4-4) blasted Florida 61-30 last Saturday in Fort Myers.

“We’ve got to build consistency,” he said. “We’ve won a game and lost one, won one and lost one.

“We’re getting better, though, and that’s all I can ask for.”

A win over the Stingrays will put the Phantoms a game over .500 for the first time since last year’s season-opening win over Carolina. Coupled with an Erie win over a depleted Huntington squad, and Florence could find itself with a share of first place.

“I like where we are right now. We could be better but we can’t complain,” Bowens said. “All we have to do is do our jobs and let the chips fall where they may.”

A major factor in the team’s resurgence is the play of quarterback Omar Jacobs. The former Bowling Green star is third in the American Indoor Football Association in passing touchdowns (34) and total offense (225.9 yards per game).

Jacobs also is second in the league in total TDs with 38.

In last week’s rout of Florida, Jacobs fired five scoring passes and rushed for two more.

“You’re starting to see his confidence arise,” Bowens said of his quarterback. “Half of it comes from a solid offensive line that allows him to see the field.
“The other half comes from Omar. He has been playing better. It’s scary to see what he can do heading into the playoffs.”

Bowens also added his defense has improved and playing with confidence but warns they shouldn’t be overconfident against a winless team.

In Florence’s last home game, a win over Huntington, the Phantoms’ defense scored 23 points.

“On defense, I want my guys to have a little swagger,” he said. “They should expect to dominate and score some points.

“They’re confident but not overconfident.”