Empire Win Streak Snapped: by the Numbers
June 11, 2018 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
The Albany Empire (5-3) lost for the first time in six weeks on Saturday night in a back and forth battle against the Baltimore Brigade (6-2) at the Times Union Center by a score of 59-56 in front of a crowd of 8,767. The game maintained an even pace throughout, but a late Empire turnover ultimately swung momentum in favor of the Brigade.
SCORE BY QUARTER 1 2 3 4 FINAL
ALBANY 7 21 7 21 56
BALTIMORE 7 21 14 17 59
Leading the way for the Empire, Tommy Grady had another big night tallying 19 completions on 28 attempts for 275 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception. On the season, Grady has totaled 156 completions on 239 attempts for 1,928 yards and 49 touchdowns; both league bests. Grady is also the league leader in touchdowns per game with 6.1.
Grady targeted his top two weapons all night long. Joe Hills led the way with 9 catches for 132 yards and 4 touchdowns. This marked the 88th consecutive game with a receiving touchdown for Hills, an active league record. Hills' fourth touchdown of the game was number 250 of his career, making him one of only 11 players in league history to achieve this milestone. Through seven games, Hills leads the league with 20 receiving touchdowns. Hills is third in the league with 55 receptions and 668 receiving yards. Rookie receiver Malachi Jones had another big night in his rookie of the year campaign. Jones caught 7 passes for 93 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Jones also chipped in 1 rushing touchdown. This year, Jones has totaled 52 receptions for 713 yards. On the season, Jones is second in the league in the league in total touchdowns with 19 and tied for second in the league with 15 receiving touchdowns. Collin Taylor added 3 catches for 50 yards and 1 touchdown.
Defensive end Joe Sykes added 1.5 total tackles and 0.5 sacks. Currently Sykes is tied for the all-time career lead in sacks with 60.5. Defensive player of the game, Brandon Stephens, led the way with 11.5 total tackles, and 1 pass breakup. Defensive back Varmah Sonie added 5 total tackles and 2 pass breakups. On the season, Sonie is fourth in the league with 40.5 total tackles. Defensive back Arthur Hobbs added 4.5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass breakup. Jack linebacker Terence Moore had another big night compiling 4.5 total tackles, including 1 tackle for a loss, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup. On the season, Moore is second in the league with 44.5 total tackles, leads the league with 4 interceptions, and is tied for second in the league with 2 fumble recoveries.
The betting spread favored the Empire (-3) which Albany was unable to cover, losing by 3 points. The score totaled up to 115 points; well above the over/under of 92.5 set by oddsmakers.
The next game for the Empire is another home matchup against the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday, June 16 at 6:00 pm in the Times Union Center.
Arena Football League Stories from June 11, 2018
- By the Numbers - Soul Fall to Valor at Home - Philadelphia Soul
- Empire Win Streak Snapped: by the Numbers - Albany Empire
- Brigade Today - Baltimore Brigade
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
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