First Place Conquest Win, 37-32
May 19, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, NY - This one went as advertised. Two heavyweights, clashing shoulder pads and helmets at Pepsi Arena. And when it was all said and done, the home standing Albany Conquest, stood in the ring alone, claiming an impressive 37-32 victory over the visiting Roanoke Steam. Game Most Valuable Player and Albany Conquest quarterback Ryan Vena, turned in his best performance of the year, throwing for 283 total yards and three touchdowns. Wide Receiver John Stuart was super as well, grabbing six balls, leading to 102 yards and a score. Stuart and Corey Hill lead the receiving attack, while Defensive player of the game Matt Vittengl, captioned the hungry Conquest defense. With the win, Albany improves to 5-1 while the Steam fall to 4-3. The first 30 minutes saw both quarterbacks engage in a classic shootout. Roanoke signal caller Mike Volarvich completed 13 passes totaling 139 yards and two touchdowns while Vena threw for 142 yards and two touchdowns as well. The final minute of the second quarter saw both teams reach aggressively for the end zone. With 49.9 seconds left, Vena found wide receiver Mike Guazzo with 31-yard pass play that put Albany up 21-14. Roanoke drove downfield and after the Albany defense halted their stride, kicker Josh Jones connected on a 25-yard field to pull his team within four, 21-17 at the break. The second half saw both teams get into a bit of a rhythm offensively. Roanoke receiver Kena Mcwhorter was fabulous, scoring three times and grabbing ten balls for 106 total yards. The Storm climbed to within five points, 37-32 with under a minute to play when Volarvich teamed up with Mcwhorter for a 25 yard score. However; the Steam defense couldn't stop Vena from moving the football and Albany ran out the clock to register the win. Guazzo, named the Ironman of the game, finished with 63 receiving yards and score, while Vittengl found the end zone as well, rushing for one touchdown. Albany stays at home next week when the Wilkes Barre Scranton Pioneers visit Pepsi Arena for a 7:30 pm kickoff.
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