PORTLAND, OR – The Voodoo put up a bit more of a fight than the Thunder had hoped for, but a huge fourth-down stop in the final minute sealed a critical 62-56 win for Portland in the Moda Center.

The Thunder jumped out to a hot start as wide receiver Eric Rogers caught a four-yard pass from Kyle Rowley on the game’s opening drive. Defensive back Eric Crocker bumped the lead to 14-0 early when he picked off an Adam Kennedy pass and returned it down the sideline 18 yards for a touchdown.

The Voodoo, however, refused to go away, with Cameron McGlenn picking off two Rowley passes in the second quarter to get New Orleans to a halftime lead at 28-27.

The Thunder offense recovered, however, and didn’t turn the ball over for the rest of the game, scoring a touchdown on every second-half drive while the defense managed to pick off another Kennedy pass and eventually ended the game by forcing incomplete passes on four consecutive downs.

Rowley spread the ball out to each of his receivers, with four receivers collecting at least 40 yards in the game, but Eric Rogers (seven receptions, 74 yards, four touchdowns) and Jeffrey Solomon (seven receptions, 82 yards, two touchdowns) continued to be the main tormentors of opponents.

Jamar Howard also played a huge role as he recovered a New Orleans onside kick attempt with less than a minute left and took the ball into the end zone for the game-winning points.

The Voodoo offense was led by wide receiver Chase Deadder, making his first appearance after coming off an injury, who caught six passes for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

The Thunder will hit the road to take on the Cleveland Gladiators in the CBS Sports Arena Football Game of the Week on Saturday, July 5. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).

Attendance: 7,969

Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Eric Rogers, Portland

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Cameron McGlenn, New Orleans

J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Jeffrey Solomon, Portland

Cutters Catch of the Game: Eric Rogers’ over-the-boards catch in the 1^st quarter

AFL Highlight of the Game: Varmah Sonie INT, Bryce Peila fumble recovery in the 4^th quarter

Thursday, June 26, 2014
Portland Thunder
Image © Portland Thunder

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