Erie Looks to Take Season Series from Harrisburg

Published on May 29, 2009 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Harrisburg, PA) - The Erie RiverRats of the American Indoor Football Association look to build on their current two-game winning streak when they visit their in-state divisional rivals, the Harrisburg Stampede, at the Farm Show Arena on Saturday, May 30.

This is the third and final scheduled meeting between two teams trying to claw their way back into the playoff picture in the AIFA's Northern Division. The teams have split their season series with the Stampede winning the first matchup and the 'Rats getting even in their game played last weekend in Erie.

In their first game played on April 18, Harrisburg (3-7) sealed the victory in Erie on the last play of the game. With under four minutes to go in the game, Erie (2-7) took a 31-28 lead on a 8-yard touchdown pass from QB Darmel Whitfield to WR Chris Kolokithas, and it was left to the 'Rats defense to make one last defensive stop to seal the game. A pass interference call on fourth down kept the Stampede drive alive, and eventually Harrisburg drove to the Erie 1-yard line with under a minute to go. After two consecutive stops inside the 1-yard line, the 'Rats defense could not make it three as Stampede QB A. J. Roque dove across the goal line as time expired to win it for Harrisburg by the final score of 34-31.

In the hotly-contested rematch on May 23, Whitfield led the Erie offense in their 54-44 victory with five touchdowns passing and a sixth rushing, and fullback Brandon Richardson recorded a career-high three touchdown receptions. The game was stopped with 10 seconds remaining after a fight broke out between the two teams, which will impact both teams for this weekend's game. As a result of their role in the altercation, Erie OL Anthony Peluso, DB Raji El-Amin, and LB Neil Wood have been suspended one game along with Harrisburg DB Marcus Sargeant.

Erie returns home on Saturday, June 6, 2009, to take on the Carolina Speed in a game that has been designated as "Save Our Shriners Night" as the RiverRats join with the community to raise awareness and money to help keep Shriners Hospital of Erie open. Game tickets are available at a special discounted rate at the Tullio Arena box office.

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