It was a big night in Fishers as professional football came to our fair city for the first time.  The Indoor Football League’s (IFL’s) one expansion franchise this season, the Fishers Freight, kicked off its first home game Friday night.  A raucous crowd of about 5,600 fans left the Fishers Event Center happy with a 40-29 win over the Tulsa Oilers.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon, and Freight owners Jim & Sean Hallett, greeted the fans just before the kickoff, celebrating the big night for Fishers.

Dixie Wooten and his squad provided an exciting game where the Freight scored early and never trailed  Friday night.  After the game, the Freight coach and general manager gave all the credit for the team’s early success to Jim Hallett, Sean Hallett and team President Larry McQueary for providing the front office support.  The Freight may be an expansion franchise, but the team has started 2-0 with their first game on the road at Northern Arizona a Fishers win.

The Freight picked up three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Jiya Wright with JT Stokes coming up with big plays in the passing game.  The defense came through when the chips were down, particularly in the 4th quarter when Tulsa made moves to bring themselves back into the game.

Tulsa hurt themselves with key penalties, particularly when kicker Mike Baloga missed a field goal attempt with 3:21 left in the game, but the Oilers were called for a roughing the snapper penalty.  That gave the Freight a first down on the Tulsa 6 yard line and resulted in Jiya Wright quarterback keeper run touchdown, putting the contest of the Tulsa’s reach.

Coach Wooten was clearly miffed about a taunting penalty late in the game by the Freight, but in the end did not impact the outcome.

The Freight next travel to Massachusetts for the next game, Saturday, April 12.  Fishers is back at the Event Center Saturday, April 19, taking on the Bay Area Panthers.