Rhinos fall at home, survive sideline scare
Jacksonville, AR (Aug. 15, 2009)- One of the league’s most intense rivalries, the 4-2 Arkansas Rhinos took the home stance against the undefeated Nashville Storm on Saturday night, falling 22-6.
Another one of Nashville’s five wins thus far this season came in a 33-23 victory over the Rhinos on Aug. 1 at their home field. A series lined 7-6 in favor of the Rhinos, the Storm has won all six of its games against the Rhinos consecutively.
The Storm, fresh off a bye week, opened up the game with two unanswered touchdowns- one of which came as Nashville QB Phellepe Hall threw a 49-yard strike down to the one-yard line.
The Rhinos mounted a charge late in the first quarter, as Storm penalties put the Rhinos in position to punch it in the goal line.
The Strom picked up a pair of field goals to conclude the first half, with the Rhinos trailing 19-3.
The Rhinos were unable to move the chains in the third quarter, as a dropped pass and a controversial no-call of play stoppage resulted in a Rhinos fumble; but an event in the fourth quarter would stop everybody.
With 6:53 seconds remaining in the game, Rhinos coach Harry Coleman collapsed on the sidelines. Paramedics rushed to his assistance amidst the pushing and shoving of Rhinos personnel to clear room for the ailing coach. Prayers were spoken over the coach, who was soon after loaded into an ambulance.
Although the cause of his fall is not known, Rhinos General Manager Satena Scoggin mentioned after the game that Coach Coleman had an issue with low blood pressure.
Both teams, and Coach Coleman, survived the scare. Yet the Rhinos were unable to mount a late comeback. With a final score of 22-6, the Storm won their 20th straight road game, and sealed their eight straight NAFL playoff. The Rhinos look to avenge the loss in their next game this Saturday at home against the Memphis Panthers.
Written by Jim Stallings