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Extreme Defense Stifles Maniacs in Victory, 32-6

April 17, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bloomington Extreme News Release


BLOOMINGTON, (Ill.)-Linebacker Joe Bevis seemed stunned at first when a pass from opposing Quarterback Duane Smith landed in his arms, but he shortly shook off the surprise with a rumbling sprint between defenders towards the end zone, leading to the first touchdown of the game. This would be the first of five interceptions for the Bloomington Extreme (3-3) as they hosted the winless Maryland Maniacs (0-5) in a redemption match after a rough two-game losing streak. 3501 people were in attendance at U.S. Cellular Coliseum as the Extreme dismantled Maryland on both offense and defense, ensuring a sweet victory.

Rocky Hinds put together a victorious performance as he went 20-of-34 for 174 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Appearing as a starter for the second straight game, Hinds controlled the tempo of the game for an easy victory over an unstable Maryland squad. Charles Sullivan led the receiving core with seven catches for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Maryland Quarterback Duane Smith was not as fortunate, as all of his wide receivers seemed to have rubbed butter on their hands before the game. Smith went 10-of-36 for 93 yards and five interceptions. He was more effective on the ground as he traveled 69 yards on five carries and one touchdown. Maryland had dug them into a deep hole they were unable to crawl out of. Roderick Bryant showed his talent on the field as he caught seven passes for 73 yards, one of the few bright spots for the Maniacs.

Smith started the game with a great stroke of luck. The drive began with a quick 30-yard scramble by Smith, followed-up with a deflected pass that happened to land in the arms of Maryland Wide Receiver Raymond McCarter at the Extreme three yard line. With four downs to hold Maryland from scoring, the Extreme defense remained stiff, keeping the Maniacs out of the end zone and forcing a turnover on downs.

Rocky Hinds began the game with an impressive eight play drive, which included a 15 yard pass to a diving Charles Sullivan. However it would be Pete Christofilakos to put the first points on the board by nailing a 20-yard field goal, giving Bloomington an early 3-0 lead.

The Extreme secondary did not allow Smith to connect with and of his wide receivers on Maryland's second drive of the game. This led to a turnover on downs, placing the ball once more in the hands of Hinds. However a holding penalty put the brakes on this Extreme drive. On fourth down, Christofilakos found the space between the uprights with a field goal, increasing the lead, 6-0.

Maryland Wide Receivers had trouble catching the ball in the first half, which prompted Smith to use his feet more than his hands. Two lengthy scrambles by Smith brought Maryland to the Bloomington three yard line on their third drive of the game. Then with a quick third dash, Smith found pay dirt as he crossed the goal line. Because Maryland lacked a kicker for this game, they went for a two-point conversion, but Bloomington denied the opportunity, keeping the game tied, 6-6.

Bernard Payton's first carry of the game came on the Extreme's third drive, and it could not have come at a better time as the five yard run earned the Extreme a first down. Unfortunately that would be the Extreme's only first down of the drive. Christofilakos stayed golden as he hit his third straight field goal for 35 yards, putting Bloomington back on top, 9-6.

Smith had trouble finding his receivers all night, but with 2:50 to go in the second half, he had no problem finding Bloomington's Linebacker, Joe Bevis. Bevis returned the interception 23-yards and tumbled into the end zone for a touchdown, adding to the lead, 16-6.

Maryland would attempt to answer before the half ended, but a block-in-the-back penalty kept them away from a first down conversion. A turnover on downs with 1:07 left game Bloomington with enough time to march down the field as Hinds found Sullivan with a 10-yard pass in the end zone to cap the drive, 23-6. With :02 left in the half, Smith threw up a prayer, but the ball landed in the hands of Vincent Joseph, giving the Extreme their second interception and the lead at halftime.

Opening the second half, the Extreme smoothly approach the end zone, only for Hinds to fumble and loss the ball on the seven yard line. Jeff Sobol returned the favor on the next play by sacking Smith in his own end zone for a safety, putting two more points on the board for the Extreme, 25-6.

After receiving the ball from the safety, Hinds lost possession as a scuffle along the wall ended up in an interception for Maryland. The Extreme defense continued its stellar performance, forcing Smith to use his mobility and hurrying his throws. Another unsuccessful drive resulted in one more turnover on downs for the Maniacs.

A crucial fourth and five situation in the third quarter led to a great reception by Johnny Gray that breathed life into a faltering drive. Then from the Maryland nine yard line, Hinds connects with Gray in the end zone, bringing the score to 32-6.

The Extreme defense refused to quit adding to stat sheets, as BJ Brown pulls in his first interception of the game with 10:07 left in the fourth quarter. Payton followed that up by breaking through defenders with a 15-yard run. After earning a first down with only inches to spare, Hinds fumbled the snap and the ball was recovered by Maryland. But continuing with the trend of the game, James Temple snagged his first interception. The Extreme ran out the rest of the clock to end the game with a score of 32-6.

Next Friday, April 23, the Extreme travel to Rochester to face the Raiders at 7:00 p.m. in their first non-divisional road game of the season. This game will be broadcast live at Hooter's on Hershey Road in Bloomington, via the B2 Network.

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