Defense dominates in record-setting nights for Freeze and Heroes
Published on March 31, 2006 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) News Release
The Erie Freeze and Huntington Heroes combined to set a slew of American Indoor Football League defensive records in the respective victories over the Steubenville Stampede and Syracuse Soldiers Friday night.
Freeze defensive back Sam Reynolds registered a league-single game record of four interceptions as Erie gave up the fewest points in AIFL history in its 62-6 smashing of the Stampede.
Reynolds eclipsed the previous mark of three set by DeAndre Green of the Richmond Bandits at Johnstown Riverhawks last season while the Freeze bested the record of 13 shared by the Heroes in their 38-13 decision Friday and earlier this season against the Miami Valley Silverbacks and Richmond's wallop of the AIFL Ghostriders.
Reynolds and Chris Blackshear each returned a pick for a touchdown, with Blackshear's 55-yarder going for a record, breaking the mark of 54 by Eddie Ravenell of the Raleigh Rebels. The combined 138 interception return yards edged a mark of 121 set earlier this season by the Raleigh Rebels against the Daytona Beach Thunder.
In an unusual occurrence, both the Freeze and the Heroes set a league mark as each team forced nine turnovers. Erie's 2005 had eight in a game against Johnstown last season.
The Freeze got a typical David Dinkins game - rushing for 88 yards and four touchdowns and throwing for 141 yards and three scores to complement the Freeze defense.
Erie (5-0) led 35-0 at halftime after registering five interceptions. Thunder Collins' 14-yard touchdown reception put the Stampede (0-5) on the board.
Fred Ray had similar numbers for the Heroes (3-1) as he rushed for three and threw two touchdown passes.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from March 31, 2006
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