Kiss Quiet The Thunder

Owner Paul Stanley taking in a game.
Back up QB Kenny Guiton down on Goal Line looking for daylight. Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360
Back up QB Kenny Guiton down on Goal Line looking for daylight. Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Anaheim, Ca- The LA Kiss had been grinding and pushing week after week for that next victory. All that hard work paid off with a 69 – 61 win over the visiting Portland Thunder. The Kiss held the lead wire to wire and never let the Thunder sniff the lead. The fans were treated to high scoring affair and a dance show by offensive tackle / fullback Andres Vargas who did the splits at 320 pounds.

The first score was a quick, a 5 yard touchdown to Donovan Morgan who finished the game with team high three touchdowns. On Portland first possession flowing a personal foul quarterback Kyle Rowley fumbles and Kiss linebacker Matt Estrada recovers it for 5 yards touchdown bringing the Kiss to 14-0 lead.  The team built up a great game on the arm of Aaron Garicia who finished with 5 touchdowns on 24 completions, 289 yards.

Portland came into the game just as hungry for a win as the Kiss did but a slow start left them chasing all game.  Their quarterback Kyle Rowley being under pressure most of the game still managed to throw for 362 yards and seven touchdowns.   Eric Rogers was Portland standout with four touchdown catches with a team high 144 yards.

Portland DB with Pick 6 Dive. Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360
Portland DB with Pick 6 Dive. Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

This game was all about the LA Kiss and the moves by head coach Bob McMillen finding a way to win. The uniforms are the same but few new wrinkles and additions. New return man AJ Cruz was inserted in after an injury at defensive back and played well for his DB Coach Mark Ricks. On the offensive side newly acquired backup quarterback Kenny Guiton came in to run little option for a touchdown and crucial 1st down to keep a drive alive in first half that lead to a score. The always faithful Captain Donovan Morgan showed his skills as normal leading team with three touchdowns. Morgan always a flair for the dramatics caught a nice over wall diving touchdown.

Now the Kiss can look to build on this satisfying win and heal up their bumps and bruises. The next task for Paul Stanley’s team is to travel to Arizona and face the undefeated Rattlers on Saturday June 21st. The Kiss will get an opportunity to do what no other team has done yet this year, which is beat the Rattlers.