IFL Massachusetts Pirates

Gable's FG Gives Pirates 30-27 Win over Frisco

March 14, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release


WORCESTER, MA- Josh Gable's 33-field goal as time expired gave the Massachusetts Pirates a 30-27 victory over the Frisco Fighters in the first game to be played in the Indoor Football League this season. The win was the first for Pirates new Head Coach Rayshaun Kizer and it extended Massachusetts' winning streak to 12 games dating back to last season.

The evening started with the reigning champions of the IFL receiving their rings and a championship banner being unfurled at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center, but the celebration was short lived as on the second play of the game Frisco running back Justin Rankin scored on a seven-yard run for a seven to nothing lead.

The Pirates were held off the scoreboard until 3:10 of the first quarter when Gable connected on a 35-yard field goal and the quarter ended with the Fighters on top 7-3.

The second quarter opened with the Pirates driving to the Frisco three-yard line, but a penalty to wide receiver Thomas Owens pushed the ball back to the 13. On the next play Cedric Poole intercepted Pirates QB Alejandro Bennifeild to end the threat. Two plays later Massachusetts returned the favor as Aarion Maxey-Penton picked off Fighter'' quarterback Blake Sims.

After both teams missed field goals on their next possessions the Pirates grabbed the lead as Bennifield connected with Owens from six yards out with 55 seconds remaining in the half for a 10-7 advantage. That lead lasted for just three plays as Rankin scored his second touchdown of the game on a 22-yard catch and run from Sims. Ricky Aguayo's point after kick was no good leaving the halftime score at 13-10 with Frisco out front.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle as the only points came on a 24-yard field goal by Gable, who tied the game at 13 all with 10:58 on the clock. The Pirates defense made a stand as on fourth and goal from the two, Fighters' quarterback T.J. Edwards was stopped short of the endzone by Massachusetts defensive back Harlan Miller. The Pirates could not convert as Gable missed a 51-yard field goal attempt and after three quarters the game was locked at 13.

Frisco opened the final quarter with Sims finding wide receiver Laquvionte Gonzalez with a five-yard touchdown strike to put the Fighters up by seven. The Pirates offense responded, scoring on its next two possessions. Bennifield found the endzone on a 15-yard run and after a missed field goal by Aguayo, Bennifield threw his second touchdown pass of the night. This time he found Dontez Byrd for a score and Massachusetts led 27-20.

The Fighters were not finished. Rankin scored this third touchdown of the night on a dazzling 19- yard jaunt to tie the game with 2:05 to play. Massachusetts started its final drive at midfield and advanced the ball to the 10 aided by penalties for illegal defense and roughing the passer. The Pirates could go no further and on third and goal from the 18, Gable came on to kick the game winning 33-yard field goal for the 30-27 win as time ran out.

Gable finished making three of his seven three-point attempts and accounted for 11 points overall. Bennifield was 11 of 24 passing for 105 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He was also the Pirates leading rusher with 23 yards on five carries and a score. Massachusetts' leading receiver was Isaac Zico who had four receptions for 52 yards. Defensively, linebacker Naashon Hughes led the team with 7.5 tackles. DB Chucky Williams added six tackles and a tackle for a loss.

Rankin led all rushers with six carries for 45 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 26 yards and a TD. Mark Munson had four catches for 35 yards while Gonzalez added four for 34 and a touchdown. As for the Frisco quarterbacks, Sims ended the night 8 for 12 for 190 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Edwards was 4 of 6 for 15 yards. Fighters defensive back Rodney Allen led the way with 5.5 tackles. Defensive lineman Charles Williams had five stops, 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. JD Griggs added five tackles with a half sack and one tackle for a loss.

The Pirates had a slight edge in passing yards (99-97) but Frisco out ran Massachusetts 168 yards to 134. The Fighters however had 15 penalties for 131 yards while the Pirates had 10 infractions for 66.

The Pirates next game will be Sunday, April 3 at 1:05 pm against the Quad City Steamwheelers on Phoenix Field at the DCU Center.

The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.



Indoor Football League Stories from March 14, 2022


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central