Empire Win in Washington - by the Numbers
May 14, 2018 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
The Albany Empire (2-2) defeated the Washington Valor (0-4) at the Capital One Arena by a score of 53-42. The game kept an even pace for most of the night, but the Empire managed to pull away and maintain the lead from halftime on.
SCORE BY QUARTER 1 2 3 4 FINAL
ALBANY 12 20 7 14 53
WASHINGTON 14 14 0 14 42
Leading the offense, Tommy Grady totaled 16 completions on 24 attempts for 257 yards and 7 touchdowns. Through four games, Grady has totaled 83 completions on 124 attempts for 990 yards and 23 touchdowns. Grady leads the league in passing touchdowns with 23 and is second overall in yards per game with 247.5.
Grady utilized all his weapons completing touchdowns to 4 different receivers. Wide receiver Malachi Jones led the way with 6 catches for 120 yards 3 receiving touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown. So far in his rookie season, Jones has compiled a league high 346 receiving yards on 24 completions with 6 touchdown receptions. Wide receiver Joe Hills caught 2 touchdown passes on 7 catches for 112 yards, tallying 9 receiving touchdowns, 25 receptions and 305 yards in just his three games. Hills' nine touchdown receptions are the most among receivers in the league. Veteran receiver Collin Taylor added 2 receptions for 22 yards and 1 touchdown. Receiver Greg Carr found the end zone with 1 catch for 3 yards and 1 touchdown in the team's road win.
On defense, the Empire were led by linebacker Terence Moore who had 7.5 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery on his way to being named Defensive Player of the Game. Defensive back Marrio Norman added 6.5 total tackles and continues to lead the team in total tackles on the season with 27.5. Veteran defensive end Joe Sykes added 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble in the victory, building on his league lead of 6 sacks and 3 forced fumbles on the season. Sykes' sacks also made him the league's all-time career sacks leader with 59.5.
The Empire covered the betting spread (-7.0) easily thanks to offensive firepower that cashed in for scores on every possession. The score totaled up to 95 points; only 15 points fewer than the over/under of 110 set by oddsmakers.
The next game for the Empire is a road matchup against the Philadelphia Soul at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, May 19 at 6 pm. Fans can watch all the action live on CBS Sports Network or hear the game on Alt 105.7 fm.
Arena Football League Stories from May 14, 2018
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
- Brigade Today - Baltimore Brigade
- Empire Win in Washington - by the Numbers - Albany Empire
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