NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Steve McNelly's Report Card: Perfect End to Perfect Season

July 28, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


BALTIMORE, MD (July 28, 2010) - The Baltimore Mariners motto this year has been "setting sail for the ring in 2010". One goal united this outstanding football team in hoisting the AIFA Championship trophy in front of their hometown fans at the 1st Mariner Arena. The Mariners got to live out their dream, and they made their final mark on a historic 2010 season in the AIFA. Baltimore defeated the Wyoming Cavalry 57-42 to capture their first AIFA Championship in franchise history, and became the only team in league history to finish as undefeated champions.

A record breaking crowd of over 6,000 fans saw the Mariners overcome an early deficit brought forth by an onslaught from the Wyoming Cavalry. Wyoming moved the ball very effectively against the Mariners defense, as Wyoming quarterback Matt Strand connected with wide receivers Jasonus Tillery and Dante Dudley on their first two possessions to take an early 16-0 lead. However, the Mariners answered back when quarterback E.J. Nemeth connected with wide receiver Scorpio Brown for a 25 yard touchdown. The Mariners were clawing their way back into the mix, but it just didn't seem like it was enough to slow down the Cavalry, and Baltimore was down at halftime 24-17.

As it has been the case all season long, the Mariners responded in the second half, with an Isaiah Grier eight yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. It was a back and forth battle, until Matt Strand made a critical mistake late in the 4th quarter, and Richard Johnson's interception allowed the Mariners to put some distance on the Cavalry. With 33 seconds left to play in the game, Scorpio Brown caught a 16 yard touchdown reception from E.J. Nemeth that brought the 1st Mariner Arena crowd to its feet, and another professional football championship to the city of Baltimore.

The exams are in; let's see how the Mariners did in the AIFA Championship Bowl IV.

OFFENSE: B

The Mariners offense got off to a bit of a rough start, but in the end they came up with some big touchdowns to keep Baltimore in the game. Mariners' quarterback E.J. Nemeth showed great poise under pressure, finding the open receiver, and finishing the day with 228 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The wide receiving tandem of Scorpio Brown and Aaron Yarbough had an incredible game, making acrobatic leaps and showing the Wyoming secondary their blinding speed. Brown caught eight passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns, and Yarbough also caught eight passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Grier also made his presence felt with two rushing touchdowns.

DEFENSE: A-

The Mariners defense stepped up in the clutch and handle the Wyoming offense very nicely, especially in the second half. The Mariners defensive line created some good pressure, which forced Matt Strand to turn the ball over four times. Armar Watson came away with three interceptions, and Richard Johnson came away with one as well. Defensive end's Melik Brown and Fearon Wright brought down Stand twice. The real story with the Mariners defense is their ability to "protect this house" and their outstanding red zone protection. Wyoming only converted three of five red zone opportunities. Also, the Cavalry only converted one out of five third down opportunities.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Mariners' kicker J.R. Cipra put points on the board and forced Wyoming to start in terrible field position. Cipra booted three unos and two field goals of 34 and 29 yards. Mariners' kickoff return duties lay in the very capable hands of Jermaine Thaxton, Armar Watson, and Richard Johnson. In total, the Mariners kickoff return team totaled 55 yards, the longest being an Armar Watson return of 22 yards.

What a game! What a season! Thank you once again for all of your support, Mariners' fans. Thank you to the players and coaches for making this a memorable season for the city of Baltimore. We have reached the mountain top, and the view is wonderful.

• Discuss this story on the American Indoor Football Association message board...

American Indoor Football Association Stories from July 28, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Baltimore Mariners Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central