Conquest Hold Off Brigade, 52-38
Published on May 18, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Game MVP Ryan Vena threw six touchdwons and ran for another in leading the Albany Conquest (5-1) over the Rochester Brigade (1-6), 52-38, in a Northeast Division match-up Saturday night at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY.
Rochester led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter behind two Jason Visconti touchdown passes and two missed extra point attempts. Vena then threw a scoring strike to WR/DB Phil Taylor, before he scampered in from three yards out to give Albany their first lead of the game, 13-12.
The two teams exchanged scores before the half. Brigade WR/DB Derek Baker caught his first of the night, before Vena found his other "Phil", WR/LB Phil Yarberough from 31 yards away on fourth down and twenty yards to go, giving the visiting Conquest a 19-19 tie heading into the half.
Rochester struck first in the second half when OS Martino Theus hauled in his scond touchdown reception of the game from twelve yayrds out. Albany countered with their own OS Corey Hill catching a seven yard pass from Vena for his first of the night.
Albany WR/DB Jamie Ware scored from 29 yards to the end the third quarter and give his team the lead, 32-25 going into the final quarter of play.
In the fourth, Albany used two crucial interceptions, one by Ware to end a Brigade drive when they were trailing by only six, 38-32. The other came from Yarberough, who recorded his second interception of the season, an amazing leaping catch that he returned 16 yards to paydirt, putting the game away, 52-32. Rochester would get a late score from Andra Johnson, but to no avail as the Conquest won their third straight game, fifth in six games and held their spot atop the Northeast Division.
Vena, who named Game MVP for the fourth time in six games, finished 25-of-40 for 297 yards without an interception. Yarberough was named Ironman of the Game for his three touchdown performance (2 rec, 1 INT). Hill caught a game-high nine passes for 82 yards, while adding another 70 yards on returns.
Visconti completed 18-of-32 passes for 243 yards and six touchdowns of his own. Baker, who was spectacular all night on kick returns (4 for 78 yards), had a game-high 121 yards receiving on seven catches.
The Conquest finally return home next week to the Pepsi Arena,a place they haven't played since April 11th. The team finished their brutal early season schedule (five out of six on the road)losing only one game, a seven point loss at Mohegan (4-2).
Albany will host the Birmingham Steeldogs on Friday, May 23rd. Kickoff is set for 7:30PM with the Tailgate on Pearl Street starting at 5:00. For tickets or informatioin, call 487-2222 or visit www.albanyconquest.com.
arenafootball2 Stories from May 18, 2003
- Stealth Downed by Islanders - Wichita Stealth
- Conquest Hold Off Brigade, 52-38 - Albany Firebirds
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.
