Erie Explosion Return to CIFL Championship Game

Published on May 15, 2014 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Saginaw, MI)- The Erie Explosion defeated the Saginaw Sting 46-15 at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw Michigan to advance to the 2014 CIFL Championship Game. Erie (9-2), the defending 2013 CIFL Champions avenged an early season loss to the Sting (9-2) in route to capturing the 2014 CIFL Northern Division Championship. Saginaw took an early 7-0 lead on a six yard touchdown pass from Sam Landry to D.J. Marchiando with 2:20 left in the first quarter, however they would not reach the endzone again until the fourth quarter as the Explosion scored the next 38 points. Erie responded to the initial Saginaw touchdown with a 29 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Aaron Smetanka to Travis Tarpley to end the first quarter. Alfonso Hoggard added a 6 yard touchdown run in the second quarter as the Explosion began to take control of the game. The Explosion defense forced several turnover on downs including a goal line stand in the 2nd quarter that led to Nate Burney scoring from 2 yards away with seven seconds left in the first half to make the halftime score 22-7. The first half ended with continued strong defensive play from the Explosion as Jon D'Angelo recorded an interception as the teams headed to the locker room for halftime. The Explosion would outscore Saginaw 24-8 in the second half to hand the Sting one of their worst losses in team history. Travis Tarpley would add 2 second half touchdowns giving him three for the game and Alfonso Hoggard would add a receiving touchdown for Erie.

The Explosion who entered the Northern Division Championship game with the CIFL's top ranked offense continued their efficient play as they dismantled a Saginaw defense that was ranked 3rd in the league entering the game. Erie quarterback Aaron Smetanka continued his stellar play finishing 16-23 for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Explosion finished with a balanced attack as running back Richard Stokes picked up several key first downs behind the line of Dave McQuiston, Skylar Trimble, and Brannon Pate. The Explosion offensive line did not surrender a sack during the game as Smetanka distributed the ball evenly to receivers Travis Tarpley, Alfonso Hoggard, and Evan Twombly as the Explosion piled up over 300 yards of total offense.

The Erie defense continued their dominating play as the front line of Zach Williams, Tim Green, Bob Hammer, and DaJuan Smith got consistent pressure on Saginaw quarterback Sam Landry. Linebackers Jon D'Angleo and Stephen Johnson shut down the Saginaw running game, and defensive backs DeQwan Young, Maurice Jones, and David Castillo forced Landry into 3 interceptions. Kicker Shon Rowser added a season high 4 Uno's and was 6-6 on his PAT's.

The Explosion will face the Marion Blue Racers on Sunday May 18 th at the Marion County Coliseum with kickoff scheduled for 4:00pm. The Explosion and Blue Racers split the regular season series with each team winning on their home turf. Stay tuned to the Erie Explosion website www.erieexplosion.com for further game information and previews of the 2014 CIFL Championship Game.

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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from May 15, 2014


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