Express Win Big Behind Strong Performances from Winters, Defense

June 5, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release


Reading, Pa. (June 5, 2011) - The Reading Express defeated the Richmond Revolution 46-7 in their final home game of the 2011 regular season Saturday night at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. The Express stormed out of the gates and never looked back until the final horn.

Quarterback Bill Winters was given an opportunity to start in place of regular starter Chris Malleo because of the Express have already clinched a playoff spot. Fans were excited to see Winters get a chance to get some reps with the starting lineup. Winters was also excited about the opportunity.

"It was exciting, and it felt good to get some reps with those guys," said Winters. "The offense was clicking on all cylinders, it was nice."

Winters needed no time to find his place among the offense. On the team's first play from scrimmage, Winters scored on a four yard quarterback keeper, giving the Express an early lead. Winters proved he was also very elusive in the pocket and very effective on the ground, drawing many comparisons to Malleo. Winters finished with 86 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, including a 32-yard scramble for a score late in the third quarter.

Winters was very effective through the air as well, hooking up with receivers for three scores. Winters finished the night 10-21 for 86 yards, and was sacked just once.

The team wouldn't let Winters hog the spotlight however. The defense had one of their best games all season. Richmond struggled to move the ball, and quarterback Monte Purvis was pressured on several occasions. The Express as a team recorded a season-high seven sacks on the night.

The pressure on Purvis led to early throws and many incomplete passes. Purvis finished just 7-30 through the air, while throwing two interceptions. As a team, Richmond was only able to gain 78 yards of offense on the entire night.

The defensive attack was led primarily by lineman Mike Dell who found himself in the backfield on several occasions. Dell finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal attempt.

"This was the third time we played these guys and we're starting to get real comfortable with what they do," said Dell. "Once you get to the point when you know their game plan, it's all about focusing in on your execution."

Defensive Back Jesse Cooper gave Purvis fits all night in the secondary, leading the team with five pass breakups and two interceptions.

Interesting Fact: Quarterback Bill Winters rushed for more net yards (85) than Richmond gained on offense (78).

Next Game: The Express, now 8-5 on the season, travel to Richmond for a rematch next Saturday, June 11, at the SportsQuest complex in Chester County. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. EST. This is the Express' final regular season game before the postseason begins on June 18.

Playoff Game in Two Weeks: In winning the Atlantic Division title, the Express secured the right to host a playoff game this postseason. A first-round game will be played at the Sovereign Center on Saturday, June 18. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 for ticket information.

The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.

Tickets are now on sale at www.expressindoorfootball.com, or you can call the Express office at 610.372.PASS (7277) or visit the Sovereign Center box office to order.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 5, 2011


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