Empire Hands Brigade First Home Loss of the Season - by the Numbers
Published on June 24, 2018 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
The Albany Empire (6-4) bounced back after two consecutive losses last night in a back and forth battle against the Baltimore Brigade (7-3) at the Royal Farms Arena by a score of 56-49 in front of a crowd of 5,552. The Empire were able to capitalize on turnovers and recover a crucial Brigade onside kick attempt late in the fourth quarter to walk away with the victory. Albany maintained its third quarter dominance by allowing just 7 points. So far on the season, the Empire has outscored opponents by 67 total points in the third quarter. The victory over Baltimore gives Albany the tiebreaker for playoff seedings should the two teams finish the regular season even in the standings.
SCORE BY QUARTER 1 2 3 4 FINAL
ALBANY 14 14 14 14 56
BALTIMORE 14 7 7 21 49
The game's MVP, Tommy Grady had another great performance tallying 14 completions on 20 attempts for 199 yards and 7 touchdowns. On the season, Grady has totaled 188 completions on 288 attempts for a league best 2,465 yards. Grady also leads the league in passing touchdowns with 66 and passer rating with 124.5.
Grady targeted his top two receivers Joe Hills and Malachi Jones all night long. Offensive player of the game, Joe Hills, continued his dominance reeling in 6 catches for 76 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. This marked the 90th consecutive game with a receiving touchdown for Hills, an active league record. Through nine games this season, Hills leads the league with 27 receiving touchdowns. Hills is second in the league with 70 receptions and third in the league with 887 receiving yards. Dating back to last season, Hills has dominated in the Royal Farms Arena. In just four career games playing in Baltimore, Hills has compiled an incredible 38 catches for 383 yards and 15 touchdowns. Rookie receiver Malachi Jones continued his great season by adding 7 catches for 87 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jones currently sits second in the league with 977 receiving yards on the season. Jones is also second in the league with 23 receiving touchdowns and first in the league in total touchdowns with 28. Newly acquired fullback Mykell Benson had a solid debut with the Empire, racking up 25 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown on 5 rushing attempts. Veteran receiver Collin Taylor added 1 catch for 36 yards.
Leading the way on defense was defensive back Marrio Norman who had a game-high 10 tackles and was named defensive player of the game. On the season, Norman is tied for second in the league in total tackles with 58. Jack linebacker Terence Moore continued his dominant defensive play with 3 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup. In 2018, Moore leads the league with 5 interceptions and is tied with Norman for second in the league in total tackles with 58. Defensive lineman Nick Seither added 0.5 tackles including 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
The next game for the Empire is another road matchup against the Washington Valor on Friday, June 29 at 7:00 pm in the Capital One Arena.
Arena Football League Stories from June 24, 2018
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