DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Don’t tell Leon Bright and the Daytona Beach Thunder that these last two games are meaningless.

Yes, the Thunder is out of the World Indoor Football League playoff picture, but Bright sees the BIG picture as the Thunder prepares to travel to face Augusta Friday and Columbus June 8.

“You always want to finish what you start,” Bright said. “I want us to finish strong and feel good about this season. Win out and 5-9 isn’t that bad considering everything we’ve been through. Plus our players get an extra $100 for win bonuses.”

If the Thunder do win out, they would have a season series victory over Augusta (3-2) and avoid the season sweep by Columbus, which has won the first four games by an average of 7 points per game.

One victory would also eliminate the Thunder going winless on the road for the season. 

“We’re a competitive team in a very competitive league,” Bright said. “We weren’t that far away from being a playoff team.”

Cory McKinney is still in the running for league scoring and receiving titles.

More importantly, Bright sees the importance of finishing the year out as members of a league playing its inaugural season.

“Every game needs to be played and I think it speaks volumes that we’re able to complete every game,” Bright said. “I’ve heard horror stories about other leagues and I’m glad we’re above that. I’m thankful to have owners who have that vision."

‘And every game we play, we honor Javan Camon [who died Feb. 26 from injuries sustained in a game] and his passion for the sport,” Bright said. “A complete season in the face of adversity honors his memory as much as a championship.”

Audiocasts for both games will available at www.wifl.ezstream.com