Baltimore Mariners Game 8 Match-up Report

Published on May 9, 2009 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


The Weekly Match-up Report

The Baltimore Mariners continue their weekly match-up report by previewing and breaking down the Baltimore Mariners' upcoming game against the Erie RiverRats.

Baltimore Mariners (4-3) vs. Erie RiverRats (0-7)

Date/Time: Sunday, May 10th, 4:00 PM

Place: Tullio Arena, Erie, PA

Baltimore Mariners Last Outing: It was all about the fours. The Mariners ran their North Division record to 4-1 (and overall record to 4-3) by stifling the Stampede last weekend 37-27 on the strength of four takeaways and four sacks by the defense, as well as, four rushing touchdowns by the offense.

Erie RiverRats Last Outing: The Rats suffered their seventh straight loss to open the 2009 season and their ninth straight overall dating back to the 2008 season, including their loss to the Express in the first round of last season's playoffs.

Series: RiverRats Lead 2-1. The Rats won both outings last season, but the Mariners triumphed 60-32 in this year's season opener on March 15th.

Baltimore Mariners Profile: And you thought American Idol was exciting! The Mariners have already equaled their 2008 win total after just seven games. They now have four of their last seven at home and their remaining opponents have a combined record of 17-33 (.340) including three match-ups against division rivals, the D.C. Armor (2-5). Head Coach Chris Simpson notes, "We have a solid football team and we pretty much control our own destiny in the division. As we continue to grow, as a team, and minimize mistakes, we will get better. I look for this team to have a strong finish. We have faced a lot of adversity on and off the field, yet these guys keep fighting. Our players have tremendous character."

Erie RiverRats Profile: After going 17-11 in their first two regular seasons and making the playoffs both years, the RiverRats have stumbled off the gate in 2009 going 0-7. At this point they are looking for any momentum to turn their season around. Players to Watch:

Baltimore Mariners Offense: "Everybody Love Everybody," well at least everybody loves QB E.J. Nemeth (6'3", 245, Sacred Heart). After last week's outing in which the Mariners took to the ground on 18 plays and passed only 13 times, Coach Simpson commented, "Early in the season, he felt he had to carry the offense. Now, he is relaxed and makes good decisions. He takes great care of the ball and doesn't force a play where there is not one. EJ is a fierce competitor and every bit a leader of the football team." Nemeth has now tossed 14 touchdown passes and totaled 1,089 yards through the air, while netting 143 yards on the ground and nine rushing scores (good for 3rd best in the league). Isiaih Greer (6'1", 215, Rhode Island) equaled his season best total by tearing up the turf for 50 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. The Mariner receiving corps was handcuffed some by Harrisburg's defense, but still managed to move the ball when needed. WR Aaron Yarbough (5'10", 185, Virginia Military) led the way 51 yards on just three catches.

Defense: The linebacker corps stepped into the limelight against Harrisburg. LB Fearon Wright (6'4", 245, Rhode Island) was a machine against the Stampede totaling two sacks, two tackles for a loss, forcing a fumble and adding 3.5 tackles (3 solo, 1 assisted). LB Vincent Tiberi (6'2", 240, Wesley) continues to step up his game. Against Harrisburg he had a sack, two tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and tallied 4.5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assisted).

Special Teams: J.R. Cipra (5'9", 170, Ohio Northern) remains one of the most consistent kickers in the AIFA. Against Harrisburg he was three of four on field goals (including a 50-yarder), connected on three of four PAT attempts, and connected on a rouge. It was a quiet return day for Armar Watson (5'11", 180, Duquesne), but he made the most of his two returns gaining 31 yards on both his missed field goal and kickoff return and his kick return set-up a short drive for a Baltimore touchdown.

Erie RiverRats Offense: "The one man team is a complete and total myth," Don Shula. The Rats seem intent on proving Coach Shula right. Five players have tossed passes for Erie this season, nine have carried the ball, nine have caught passes, and 38 have suited up for them this season. Last week against Fayetteville Stephen Repress (6'3", 225, Penn State Behrend) and Neal Sharma (6'3", 210, C.W. Post) shared the quarterback duties. Repress is 23 of 58 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Sharma is 16 or 48 with two scoring strikes while throwing eight picks. FB Brandon Richardson (6'2", 260, Slippery Rock) is Erie's leading rusher with 21 net yards, while WR Aaron Haynes (5'10", 180, Mercyhurst) has been the Rats most consistent offensive performer with 29 receptions for 379 yards and seven touchdowns.

Defense: DaJuan Smith (6'1", 270, Gannon) has been a force from his defensive live position with five sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 14.5 tackles (12 solo, 5 assisted). Linebacker Glenroy Watkins (6'3", 245, Central Florida) is the team leader with 20 tackles (16 solo, 8 assisted).

Special Teams: After going 0 for 16 on field goal attempts with two other kickers the RiverRats got a much needed boost with the addition of Joe Lindway (5'9", 185, Heidelberg) who connected on the team's first field goal of the year (a 55- yarder). Trumaine Riley (5'9". 186, Eastern Michigan), has been one of the few bright spots for the Rats this season, ranking third in the AIFA in kick returns averaging 21 yard per return.

When the Mariners have the ball: Baltimore's mix of the pass and run has kept teams off balance all season. As a team Baltimore continues to lead the AIFA in rushing offense while Grier ranks second and Nemeth sixth individually. A steady dose of run plays could spell trouble for Erie which ranks 11th in rushing defense and 12th overall. The Mariners have also done well by protecting the ball (ranking 6th in the league with only 12 turnovers) and protecting the quarterback, allowing only seven sacks (earning a second place ranking in the AIFA).

When the RiverRats have the ball: Offensive struggles have cost Erie dearly this season. They currently rank 13th in scoring offense (27.7 ppg), 14th in total offense (146.7 yards per game), as well as last in passing offense. They also have given up a league worst 24 sacks. This could mean a banner day for a Baltimore defense which ranks third in takeaways (22), is fifth in the league with 12 sacks, and continues to lead the league in pass defense efficiency.

Game Outlook: Crash Davis, "We gotta play it one day at a time." Okay, I know it's a baseball quote, but there are all kinds of sports clichés that could apply to this one. For instance, "Good teams win these kind of games." Sure, its cliché, but if the Mariners intend on contending these are the kind of games they have to win. Look for the team to remain strong after their big win at Harrisburg before having a week off and playing four of their final six at home.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 9, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central