Field Goal Lifts RiverRats to Victory Over Baltimore

Published on May 11, 2009 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


Erie, Pa. - The Erie RiverRats wanted to begin the second half of the 2009 season with a lift. They got it from one of the most unlikeliest places, the kicking game. Newly signed kicker Joe Lindway, playing in his first home game, connected on a 41-yard yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Erie RiverRats their first win of the season, over the Baltimore Mariners, by a score of 53-50.

The RiverRats (1-7) had been plagued by special teams and kicking problems all season before the underdog Lindway kicked an onside kick that was recovered by the Rats, as well as a squib down the sideline that was recovered by Erie. Lindway, the fan club player of the game, also connected on a 45-yard field goal to open the scoring. After being down 10-3 at the end of the first quarter the RiverRats exploded for 32 points in the second quarter to open a 35-20 halftime advantage. But the RiverRats third quarter woes continued as Baltimore (4-4) stormed back to take a 37-35 lead early in the 4th quarter. Then the Rats got back on track as quarterback Darmel Whitfield found receiver Aaron Haynes for 19 yards to reclaim the lead. Mariner quarterback Earnest Nemeth found Jamal Stokes on a perfectly executed hitch and go on the very next play to reclaim the lead for Baltimore. Whitfield next scored on a dive from one yard out which he followed with a 2-point conversion to fullback Brandon Richardson to make the score 50-43 in favor of Erie.

But again Baltimore marched down the field before Nemeth scrambled in from a yard out to knot the score at 50 with just 17 seconds left. After a short completion, Whitfield threw an errant pass for Aaron Haynes into the end zone that appeared to be intercepted until Haynes knocked the ball loose. That set up a final field goal attempt that Lindway placed just over the crossbar before the entire RiverRat bench stormed the field to celebrate the victory and Lindway's clutch kick.

The RiverRats were led by wide receivers Haynes who finished the night with eight catches for 81 yards and a touchdown and receiver Trumaine Riley, who had four catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Rat signal caller Whitfield finished the evening 18-32 for 223 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. The RiverRats now have a bye week before hosting a rematch against the Harrisburg Stampede on Saturday, May 23. Game time is scheduled for 7pm. Come join the Erie RiverRats of the American Indoor Football Association in 2009. Fans interested in tickets can call our offices at 1-888-Riv-Rats or click on the link at the Riverrats' website at www.erieriverrats.com. You can also contact the Rats now for sponsorship or public appearance opportunities. The Erie RiverRats, "Your Town, Your Team!"

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 11, 2009


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