Thunder defeat Quad City Steamwheelers 63-34
June 16, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Clicking on all cylinders, the Mahoning Valley Thunder defeated the Quad City Steamwheelers 63-34 on Cortland Banks Field at the Chevrolet Centre on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 3,512. The win marked the first home victory for the Thunder since April 21 over the Cincinnati Jungle Kats.
Tim Murphy exploded for a Thunder single-game high five touchdowns as he rushed for four and caught one in the win. Murphy finished the day with 13 carries for 55 yards and 3 receptions for 38 yards. He was named Schutt Offensive Player of the Game for his performance.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Thunder finished the game with a plus five turnover ratio, intercepting J.J. Raterink four times and recovering one fumble. Mike Andrews and Reggie Perkins each recorded one while Maurice Taylor snagged two. Andrews and Perkins returning theirs to pay dirt. Sam Crenshaw added a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter.
Steamwheeler's Head Coach Sean Ponder was ejected from the game in the third quarter after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Following Perkins' interception return for a touchdown, Ponder tripped Perkins as he celebrated in the end zone.
Raterink finished 18-of-32 for 187 yards, three interceptions and three touchdowns for the Steamwheelers. For the Thunder, rookie quarterback and former Duke University standout Mike Schneider finished 20-of-30 for 200 yards and three touchdowns. For the third straight game, the Thunder did not throw and interception.
The Thunder (5-6) head into a much-needed bye week as the Steamwheelers (7-4) host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers next Friday night.
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