Anaheim, Ca-The LA Kiss get their first of the season over National Conference opponent The Portland Thunder 52-40. This team just need to be back home and didn’t hurt to have their starting quarterback Adrian McPherson back under center. McPherson looked good after long injury layoff, 5 touchdowns, 240 yards passing, 55% completion and 32 yards rushing for the game.
The LA Kiss defense was huge in this game, keeping Portland to only 40 points on the scoreboard. The when really dig into numbers the defense really only gave up 4 touchdowns. The other two came on back to back kickoff returns by shifty fast Duane Brooks who vision and speed was superior on special teams.
The defensive MVP for the game was Rayshaun Kizer who kicked down the down on tonight’s win with a late 4th quarter pick 6 interception to cancel any hope Portland had for a comeback. Kizer lead his team with 8.5 tackles, 1 break up and 2 interceptions to cap off a complete game. Defensive End Dajohn Harris (Serra HS) was keeping pressure on Portland QB Kyle Rowley all night and added 1 yard tackle for a loss.
Portland had a solid game behind strong arm Rowley who had 233 yards with 4 touchdowns. Portland playing from behind all night after first and only lead 7-0. V’Keon Lacey was Rowley main target with 8 catches for 101 yards. Just think if Portland didn’t have their stat man Brooks 252 all purpose yards and 4 touchdowns.
This team has been kicking and crawling all season leaving it all out on the field. No one had a bigger smile of relief on his face then Kiss head coach Bob McMillen. Today the team played a complete game for all four quarters and results was a huge lift off their shoulders. Captain Donovan Morgan competed like always turning in another consistent game with 3 touchdowns on seven catches. DeMarco Sampson was team play tonight being the wildcat qb during goal line and punched in a two yard score just before half to set the tone.
Today’s win will be seen as a turning point for this LA Kiss team. Coach will look for this great feeling to spill over into practice this week. The Kiss will travel to San Jose to face the Sabercats next Saturday June 13th and will return home the following week June 20th 8pm verse Philadelphia Soul.
