Canton Legends (1-9) at Erie RiverRats (8-3) - Preview

Published on May 29, 2008 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


This game represents the third and last scheduled meeting between the Canton Legends and the Erie RiverRats this season. Both games were not decided until the fourth quarter with Erie winning twice, once on the road, and once at home. The ‘Rats saw their five-game winning streak come to an end last week on the road at Florence losing 57-27. Erie now trails the first-place Reading Express by a half-game in the North Division, and will look to get a win before starting a home-and-home series with Reading during the first two weekends of June. Canton recorded its first win of the season last week, in defeating the Fayetteville Guard 34-22.

In the first game played in Canton on March 15, the Legends had driven down to the Erie one-yard line on the way to what appeared was going to be a late go-ahead touchdown. ‘Rats LB Roosevelt Benjamin then made the play of the game as he forced a fumble by Canton QB Jamie Williamson, scooped up the loose ball, and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown giving Erie a 31-24 lead with one minute to go. The 'Rats defense made a last defensive stand and a late touchdown with the game already decided, resulting in the final 38-24 count.

The second matchup, this one in Erie on May 3, turned into one of the most exciting indoor football games ever played in Erie. The ‘Rats offense struggled to move the ball in the first half and were staring at a 29-11 second quarter deficit. But Erie came back in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, evening up the score on a six-yard pass from QB Rod Rutherford to WR Brandon Jackson with 14 seconds remaining in the game and taking the lead on the extra point by PK J.R. Cipra, and then had to sweat out a long but unsuccessful field goal attempt on the last play of the game, to hold on for the win 50-48.

Erie will play its first game this season without star DB/KR Jovon Johnson, who left the team to join Winnipeg in the CFL. The ‘Rats signed DB/WR Robb Butler from the AFL's Kansas City Brigade to replace Johnson, but he is questionable for the game with a turf toe injury. Erie is 5-1 with Rod Rutherford as its starting quarterback. PK J.R. Cipra continues to be among the league leaders in several kicking categories, including field goals made per game (1.6), field goal accuracy (16-35), points scored (113), and kickoffs through the uprights (16 "unos"). LB's Glenroy Watkins and Roosevelt Benjamin are among the league leaders in sacks and tackles, and DL Phil Tillman is among the league leaders in forced fumbles.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Erie, at 8-3, has locked up a playoff spot out of the North Division. With three games left to play, the ‘Rats are in a battle with Reading, at 8-2 and a win over Erie, for first place in the North Division and the home field advantage for the first round playoff game.

Canton, at 1-9, trails Baltimore by one game for third place in the North Division.

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 29, 2008


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