Erie Explosion Visit Harrisburg Franchise in Transition

Published on April 28, 2011 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA) - The Erie Explosion return to SIFL action this Saturday night when they travel to the state capital to take on the Harrisburg Stampede at the Farm Show Complex with kickoff scheduled for 7:30. This will be the third matchup between the two in-state division rivals with the Explosion having won both earlier games, including a record-setting performance in Erie two weeks ago. However, the Stampede organization has made some significant changes since the teams last met, adding some intrigue to this particular round of the series. Explosion fans can follow all of the action live through our USTREAM feed at www.erieexplosion.com, hosted this weekend by Joe Criscione, Mitch Pittsenbarger, and Scott Farrington.

Following a 16-point home loss to Trenton last weekend and a 54-point thrashing by the Explosion in Erie two weeks ago, Harrisburg (0-6) relieved Head Coach and General Manager Bernie Nowotarski of his duties and named Josh Resignalo as the team's new Head Coach. Earlier this year, Resignalo coached Huntington of the UIFL to a 4-3 record before heading to Harrisburg. Continuing their overhaul of the coaching staff, the franchise also announced that veteran defensive back Archie Smith has retired and become the Stampede's new Defensive Coordinator.

Erie comes into the weekend with a 5-1 record and a two-game lead in the SIFL's Northeast division over the Trenton Steel. The Explosion won two out of three games on their most recent homestand, averaging a remarkable 76 points scored per game in that stretch. Erie has won all three of its road games, including a win over the Stampede in Harrisburg in the season opener. Next week, the Explosion will complete their two-game road trip with a visit to Richmond.

Last Saturday in a matchup of two SIFL division leaders, the Explosion, behind another SIFL record-setting performance from quarterback Adam DiMichele and several key defensive stops in each half, defeated the Richmond Raiders at the Tullio Arena in Erie by the final score of 74-54. DiMichele, who had set the league record for touchdown passes in a game the previous week against Harrisburg with ten, broke his own record with 11 touchdown passes against the Raiders and just as impressively, threw no interceptions against one of the league's best defensive units. DiMichele continued his remarkable string of impressive performances in his rookie campaign by completing 24 of 41 passes for 300 yards and, for the season, has thrown a total of 46 touchdown passes with just four interceptions in six games. Wide receiver Kevin Concepcion set an Erie franchise record with 14 pass receptions in the game. His four touchdown receptions added to his league-leading total of 20 on the year, already a franchise season record still midway through the campaign.

When the Explosion hosted the Stampede two weeks ago, Erie jumped out to a 33-0 first-quarter lead with the help of its aggressive defense, and never stopped scoring, on the way to a record-setting 89-35 rout. DiMichele threw ten touchdown passes, Concepcion scored four times in the first quarter alone, on the way to tying the franchise record with five touchdown receptions, defensive back Eric Wicks recorded three interceptions, defensive back Chris Johnson recovered two fumbles, returning one for a touchdown, and the Explosion set new franchise marks for points scored (89), yards of offense (372), and first downs in a game (28).

Back on March 20 in the season opener played in Harrisburg, it was the Explosion defense that dominated, not allowing a touchdown until the third quarter, recording six sacks, three interceptions, three turnovers on downs, and a safety, in a 46-25 road victory for Erie.

"We really have no idea what to expect from Harrisburg next week with a new coaching staff and presumably some changes in schemes and personnel. We're just going to treat this as if it is the first game of a new season and just concentrate on us and what we do best. Our offensive guys get most of the publicity because of the crazy stats they've been putting up, but it's our defense that really sets the tone for us. Last week against Richmond, and in both earlier games against Harrisburg, our defense made key stops early which allowed us to get early leads, and in the second half, to help us protect leads. If our D can make a few stops and force some turnovers whether it's on downs or picks, we won't lose, it's as simple as that. Our O-line and fullbacks continue to do a great job protecting Adam DiMichele. As I said last week, our wide receivers are, by far, the best group in the league, and if we give Adam time and a clean look, and we continue to stay away from turnovers, I really like our chances on Saturday night, no matter who might be on the other side of the field from us. This will likely be a physical game, they're mad we blew them out the last time, and they're desperate for a win in front of their home crowd. Our guys understand all of this, and I think we'll respond accordingly, I'm looking forward to it." commented Explosion head coach Shawn Liotta.

Erie's offense is led by quarterback DiMichele who has completed 53% of his passes for 1,465 yards and 46 touchdowns, both marks tops in the SIFL. Five Explosion wide receivers have scored at least four touchdowns on the season, led by Concepcion with 58 receptions, 678 yards, and 20 touchdown catches, all of which lead the SIFL. Ernest Jackson has seven touchdown receptions, Trumaine Riley has scored five times, and Tirone Morris has scored eleven times, including two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Defensive back Wicks leads the Explosion defense in interceptions, and is among the league leaders, with six, Chris Johnson has contributed three picks and two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, and defensive lineman Troy Blackwell leads the team in sacks with five. Erie is currently ranked second in the SIFL in passing yardage, third in total offense and scoring offense, and second in turnover margin.

The Explosion next return home on Friday, May 13 when they host the Trenton Steel with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Tickets are available for this and all other Erie Explosion home games at the Tullio Arena box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information on the Erie Explosion, visit www.erieexplosion.com and follow them on Facebook.

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Southern Indoor Football League Stories from April 28, 2011


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