Albany Conquest knock-off Pioneers, 52-45
May 8, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, N.Y. May 8, 2004 Quarterback D Bryant scored on a rushing TD with just 12 seconds remaining in the game to propel the Albany Conquest (1-4) to their first victory of the season, a 52-45 win over previously unbeaten Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (4-1) on Saturday evening at Pepsi Arena. The Pioneers had entered this Northeast Division battle as the top-ranked team in the arenafootball2 Coaches Poll, which was released earlier in the week.
Bryant, making his first start an arenafootball2 QB, went 18-of-28 passing for 210 yards with two TD passes and three rushing touchdowns. Bryants efforts earned him Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game honors.
What a great win, said Albany Conquest Interim Head Coach Dave Bochette. We had a solid week of practice and our guys really earned this win. They deserved it, he added.
The game was tied on three occasions and had eight lead changes. Conquest offensive specialist Tony Locke caught seven passes for 89 yards with both a receiving TD and rushing TD. Conquest WR/DB Jamie Ware, US Army Ironman of the Game, had two catches for 40 yards with one TD, while recording a crucial interception on defense just after the start of the second half. With Albany trailing 27-21, Ware picked off Pioneers QB Tim Hicks, giving Albany the ball at their own 20 with 10:40 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Conquest scored on their next possession on a 1-yard D Bryant rushing TD giving Albany their second lead of the game at 28-27 with 8:22 remaining in the third quarter.
Conquest kicker Vinny Cirrincione, who was a perfect 7-of-7 on PAT attempts, extended the Conquest lead to 31-27 when he converted a 42-yard field goal on the Conquests next possession.
The Pioneers battled back and after four more lead changes, Hicks connected with Wilkes-Barre offensive specialist J.R. Thomas on a 37-yard TD to tie the game at 45-45 with 36 seconds remaining in the game. Hicks finished 20-of-34 passing for 310 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Thomas led all Pioneers receivers with six catches for 127 yards and two TDs.
The Conquest will travel to meet the Louisville Fire next Saturday (May 15) at 7:30 p.m. at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY. The game will be televised live on UPN Capital Region and can be heard on 104.5 The Buzz.
Albany Conquest fans can purchase tickets, including a new Pick 4 Ticket Package with Bon Jovi, at the Pepsi Arena box office, by visiting www.albanyconquest.com or by calling 518-487-2081 or 518-487-2085. In addition, individual game tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by calling 518-476-1000. The Pick 4 Ticket Package offers fans the ability to select four of the Conquests remaining six home games, including the July 23rd game featuring a special one -our performance by Bon Jovi.
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