Strong second half fuels Albany win over Thunder
May 2, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
Albany, NY. - The Albany Firebirds rallied from a 12 point halftime deficit to earn their first win of the season by a score of 50-41. The Mahoning Valley Thunder, playing their first game under Interim Head Coach Brennen Booth started strong but scored just 14 second half points on their way to their fifth loss in a row. Albany caught fire in the second half scoring on five of their six possessions. The lone non-scoring drive resulted in the final possession where the Firebirds choose to run out the clock. The loss extends the Thunder's road losing streak to 15 straight games. Their last win away from home came on June 7, 2007.
The Firebirds first win of 2009 was engineered largely by the efforts of Quarterback Stephen Wasil and Wide Receiver Johnnie Butler. The duo combined for five touchdowns, three of which came in the second half. Wasil finished 26 of 40 with 278 yards and six touchdowns. Butler finished with nine receptions for a game-high 154 yards and five scores. Albany's defense, which gave up 34 first half points, buckled down in the second half allowing only 14 Thunder points. Aaron's Defensive Player of the Game Lawrence Wade came up with the game clinching play, picking off Thunder Quarterback Blake Powers with under 30 seconds remaining in the game.
Powers finished the night 21 of 39 for a career-high 251 yards and five touchdowns, along with one interception. Quorey Payne was Mahoning Valley's biggest playmaker, catching six passes for 94 yards and three touchdowns. De'Tario Frederick handled the return duties for the Thunder and returned a 2nd Quarter kickoff 55 yards for a score. Frederick also added his second receiving touchdown of the season on a 35 yard strike from Powers.
The Mahoning Valley loss gives Albany and the Thunder identical 1-5 records. Mahoning Valley will return home next Friday, May 8th to host the Wilkes-Barre Pioneers. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m.
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