Playoffs secure, Firecats eye future

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YUNET JOMOLCA Firecat Jerrid Gaines hangs onto Kentucky’s Harry Lewis (5) in Saturday’s final af2 season game at Germain Arena. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

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YUNET JOMOLCA Firecats quarterback Justin Midgett completed 16 of 28 passes for 194 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in a 67-38 victory over the Kentucky Horsemen Saturday night. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

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YUNET JOMOLCA James Panui of the Florida Firecats stops Kentucky ballcarrier William Mulder Saturday night at Germain Arena. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

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YUNET JOMOLCA Firecat George Lewis (right) shows his battle scars to fans during the Firecats’ 67-39 season-ending victory over the Horsemen. The win puts the Firecats in the playoffs for the eighth straight year. More photos are available online at: cu.cape- coral-daily-breeze.com.

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The Florida Firecats qualified for the arenafootball2 postseason Saturday night with a 67-38 victory over the Kentucky Horsemen at Germain Arena.

The Firecats (7-9) now have qualified for the playoffs eight consecutive seasons, tying them for the second-longest string of postseason appearances in the af2. In a must-win situation, the Firecats led by quarterback Justin Midgett who ran for one touchdown and passed for 194 yards (16-28-4) and six touchdowns.

Magic Benton was hit top receiver with eight catches for 91 yards and two TDs. Fullback Brandon Isaiah provided a boost on the ground rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries and two TDs.

The Firecats’ defense forced four turnovers by the Horsemen (10-6), including three interceptions of QB Justin Rascati. The defensive linemen recorded two sacks. Terrance Chapman recovered a high snap for a touchdown late in the third quarter that sealed the game.

Rascati replaced injured QB Jared Lorenzen in the second quarter and finished with 211 yards and three touchdowns.

The af2 will issue the official playoff bracket Monday afternoon.

In a prepared statement regarding the future of the franchise in Southwest Florida, the Firecats management maintain they are weighing all options.

“At this time we feel we must step back and see what’s in the best interest of the game, the fans, and our organization,” the statement reads. “As one of the oldest ownership groups in arena football history we cannot be part of any actions to destroy the credibility of the AFL or the af2. We look forward to seeing what the AFL does in their efforts to reorganize and see which existing leagues continue to play or new leagues emerge. At that time we will be able to evaluate what is best option for our organization.”

The statement came in response to reports of several af2 owners meeting earlier during the season to explore starting a new league that may contain current members of the af2. Those owners have continued a course of action with the intent of starting a new league.

Kentucky 6 14 7 12 – 39

Florida 20 14 20 13 – 67