Another Erie Explosion Player Advances to AFL

Published on January 25, 2012 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA) - Erie Explosion defensive end Andre Mathis signs deal to join the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football League for 2012. Mathis a graduate of Erie Cathedral Prep, played for the 2011 Northeast Division Champion Erie Explosion in 2011. Mathis (6'2" 270 lbs) was a three-year letterman at Tennessee, finishing up his collegiate career in 2009. At Tennessee, Mathis redshirted his freshman season, then played the next four season primarily as a backup to the defensive line.

With Erie, Mathis posted 14.5 total tackles (12 solo) in 12 games that included 6.0 for a loss, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. He scored touchdowns on both fumble recoveries.

Mathis becomes the 6th former Erie Player to sign an Arena Football League Contract over the past year. In addition to these current players, 2008 Erie Indoor Football Alum Jovon Johnson was recently named the 2011 CFL Defensive MVP. "We are very pleased anytime one of our players has an opportunity to advance their career. I think it speaks volumes about our franchise here in Erie that our players are able to receive so many opportunities at the next level. We look forward to continuing to provide a vehicle for players to gain exposure to the next level," commented Erie Explosion Head Coach Shawn Liotta.

Former Erie Players who have advanced to the AFL in the Past Year:

QB - Adam DiMichele - Philadelphia Soul

WR - Kevin Concepcion- Jacksonville Sharks

WR - Denayne Dixon - Iowa Barnstormers/Cleveland Gladiators

LB - Brenton Brady - Utah Blaze

OL - Joe Blanks- Pittsburgh Power

WR - Maurice Williams - Cleveland Gladiators

DL - Andre Mathis - New Orleans Voodoo

The Erie Explosion will open training camp on February 17th 2012. The team will open the 2012 season on Thursday March 1st at the Tullio Arena. The high flying Explosion featured the #1 ranked offense in the entire league and averaged over 70 points per game as they captured the 2011 Northern Division Championship. For more information on the Erie Explosion please visit www.erieexplosion.com

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