The Bolts Face a Challenge

By Sonny Sanders - Bolts Team Reporter

Birmingham - (16 February 2001) -- After two games Birmingham faces it's toughest challenge to date.

I'm not talking about the 0-2 Chicago Enforcers. The Bolts will certainly have their hands full with the Enforcers and Avery. But as hard as it will be to beat the Enforcers it will not be the toughest battle that the Bolts face Sunday.

After a crowd of over 36,000, Birmingham is now facing the task of topping that.

The win against the Hitmen was big and should bring the crowd out. Whether they will get the same number of people to attend is a mystery but the Bolts MUST win Sunday and do so in an entertaining way. They must also play much better than they have in the first two games.

The Bolts have had problems with the offense early in the game. They have been able to get it together and come back enough to win a game and make it close in another. It would be disadvantageous for the Bolts to do so again. Not only could it cost them the game but would certainly turn the fans away.

If the Bolts cannot perform well then the fans will not support them at least not in great numbers. Therefore it is imperative that the Bolts put together a great performance against the Enforcers. The offense must be able to drive the ball and to score points. Smash mouth football is loved in Birmingham, but the only 3 and out that the fans want to see is for the other team.

The Bolts have the talent to be very good. With a win they will be in second place, with the conference leading Orlando Rage coming up next week. With a ten game schedule the Bolts must win every home game to have a chance to make the playoffs. With a good showing Sunday they will please the fans and will put themselves in a good position in the conference. Even though this is only the third game of the season it is a huge game for the Birmingham Thunderbolts.

The Birmingham Bolts are addressing the off the field complaints. They have added more ticket booths and are changing merchandise vendors. They have also promised better music and more pre-game entertainment. All of these things are good and will improve the atmosphere surrounding the game but ultimately the product on the field will determine the fan support.