Erie Explosion Add Five Veteran Players with Local Ties

Published on January 13, 2011 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA)- The Erie Explosion of the Southern Indoor Football League have announced the signing of five veteran players with local connections. Explosion Head Coach Shawn Liotta understands the value of local talent, "I am excited to have these veteran players return with us for our run at the 2011 SIFL Championship. We pride ourselves in our ability to bring some of the best talent from around the country to Erie, and we are very fortunate to have so many talented players living in our local community. Each of these players share our vision of being a Champion on the field, and serving as ambassadors of Erie Professional Football in the Community."

Sam Reynolds - (6'1, 210) - DB- Valdosta State

A physical presence in the secondary, Reynolds has played in Erie for the past 6 seasons as a member of the Erie Freeze, RiverRats, and Storm. Reynolds spent two years with the Erie Freeze, where he led the league in interceptions in 2005 with 14. That included four in one game against Steubenville, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Reynolds spent four years at Western Michigan University before playing a fifth year at Valdosta State where he won the 2004 Division II National Championship. Sam then went to training camp in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.

Bob Hammer (6'1, 280) - FB/OL/DL - Mercyhurst

Returning to the field for Erie in 2011 is veteran utility player Bob Hammer. His versatility, work ethic, and dedication have made him a mainstay in Erie over the past four seasons. Hammer started every game in 2010 for the Erie Storm at a variety of positions including Fullback, Guard, and Defensive Line. He was part of a pass protection unit that gave up only 20 sacks in 525 attempts for an offense that finished ranked first in the AIFA. Hammer wrestled and played football at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA.

Shon Rowser (5'7, 170) - K - Western Carolina

Veteran kicker Shon Rowser returns to Erie for the 2011 season. Rowser joined Erie for part of the 2010 season and immediately made his presence known. He was 5 of 9 on field goals and 14 of 18 on pats, and averaged 48.1 yards on 27 kickoffs. A reliable veteran kicker with a strong leg, Rowser has kicked for the Raleigh Rebels, Erie RiverRats, and the Augusta Spartans where he helped his team to the 2007 WIFL Championship.

Darmel Whitfield (5'11, 190) - QB/WR- Gannon

The versatile Whitfield has started at both the Quarterback and Wide Receiver positions for Erie over the past 6 years. He has started at quarterback for the Erie Freeze and the Erie RiverRats, and has also started at receiver, leading the Erie RiverRats in receiving yardage in 2008. Whitfield set several of the all-time passing records at Gannon University, where he played from 2001-2004, including career completions, attempts, percentage, yards, and touchdowns (571-998-57.2%-7156-53). In addition, he is second on the all-time list in rushing yards (3256) and first in rushing touchdowns (34). Whitfield played at Seneca High School (Buffalo, NY).

Rich Cerro (5'10, 180) - WR- Edinboro

Rich Cerro a product of Franklin High School is entering his second professional season after joining the Erie Storm during the 2010 season. Despite seeing limited action in his rookie season, Cerro worked his way into the lineup and finished with 3 touchdown receptions on the season. A quick and disciplined route runner, he will look to compete for an expanded role in 2011. Cerro, a standout wide receiver at Edinboro University, was a named to the All-PSAC West Team following the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

The Erie Explosion, proud members of the SIFL , will open training camp on March 4th 2011. For more information on the Erie Explosion and the Southern Indoor Football League visit www.southernifl.com

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