Conquest seek first win Saturday at Pepsi Arena against Pioneers
May 5, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, N.Y. May 5, 2004 â The Albany Conquest return home to the Pepsi Arena for a Northeast Division game against the undefeated Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers on Saturday (May 8) at 7:00 p.m. in Albany, N.Y. The game will feature a halftime and post game concert by the Burners UK.
The Albany Conquest (0-4), will take the field under the direction of new Interim Head Coach Dave Bochette, who will lead the team following the resignation on Tuesday of former Conquest head coach, Steve Matthews. Albany has lost their first four games on the 2004 season, including three games to Northeast Division opponents. Albany will look to earn their first win against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (4-0), which have posted four straight wins to open the season, including a 59-51 win on May 1 over previously unbeaten Louisville Fire. This Saturday's game will be the Pioneers first Northeast Division game of the 2004 season.
The Albany Conquest holds a 5-1 all-time series record against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. The Conquest had won each of the first five meetings against the Pioneers, but Wilkes-Barre defeated the Conquest in the teams' last meeting, 55-49, in overtime on July 11, 2003 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Four of the teams' six meetings have been decided by six points or less.
Albany Conquest quarterback Gus Ornstein ranks seventh in arenafootball2 in passing yards (242.2 per game), while throwing 20 TD passes and seven interceptions this season. The W-B/Scranton secondary ranks third in af2 in pass defense rating (82.8). The Pioneers are led by Kyle Grove, who ranks in a tie for third among league leaders in interceptions (3). He is also fourth in af2 in passes defended (10) and fifth in tackles (24).
The Conquest defensive line, led by Thomas Herron's two sacks and four tackles for a loss, had a breakthrough game last week against Manchester recording four sacks. Pioneers QB Tim Hicks ranks first in af2 in pass rating (121.1, 57-of-90, 775 yards, 18 TDs, 2 INTs). The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton offensive line has allowed just three sacks for seven yards all season.
All Conquest games can be heard live on 104.5 The Buzz (WABT). This Saturday 's game can be seen on tape delay on UPN Capital Region at Noon and 11 p.m. on Sunday.
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 Conquest's remaining six home games, including the July 23rd game featuring a special one hour performance by Bon Jovi.
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