"Hit Squad" Helps Express Drown RiverRats
May 7, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reading Express News Release
For the past few games, "The Hit Squad" was giving up more points than usual and was lacking the intensity it had shown earlier in the season. That all changed on Sunday afternoon as the defensive unit forced five turnovers to help the Express defeat the Pittsburgh RiverRats 57-40 and lock up back-to-back AIFA Northern Division regular season titles.
The defense forced Pittsburgh quarterback David Dinkins to overthrow the football all game long as he was constantly under pressure caused by defensive lineman Adam Vogel, Mike Schwebel, and Brett "The Incredible" Kolk. Kolk also recovered a fumble off of a high snap, and had one of two sacks by the defense. Vogel had the other. Linebackers Matt Sola and Joe Macaluso also stifled the Pittsburgh running game as they allowed a total of 33 rushing yards. Sola also added a diving interception, his second of the season, and he made a diving catch on that one too. The defensive backs were solid again as Marcus Sargeant, Anthony Jackson, and Isaiah "Big Zeke" Grier all had interceptions. Defensive back/kick returner Armar Watson had four kickoff returns for a total of 80 yards. He had a 37-yard return that led to a rushing touchdown by Perry Taglienti.
On offense, "Big Zeke" was at it again as he rushed for seven yards on two carries, but had two scores. He also returned an onside kickoff for a touchdown. The game was close in the first half as the teams traded scores with the Express having a 14-12 lead after the first quarter. Pittsburgh got a 38-yard fumble recovery from linebacker T.J. Cardin to give the visitors a 20-14 lead. The Express responded with a nine-yard strike from quarterback Tom Stetzer to wide receiver Carmelo Ocasio. Kicker Erik Rockhold added a 44-yarder as time expired to give the Express a 24-20 lead heading into the locker room.
The third quarter was all about the Express as they outscored Pittsburgh 20-0. Ocasio had a 34-yard touchdown catch, Grier had a four-yard touchdown run, and wide receiver Ian Cooper added a 23-yard touchdown catch. The two teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter as the Express got a three-yard run from Taglienti and Grier's onside kickoff return. Pittsburgh recovered a Watson fumble on an onside kickoff return late in the fourth quarter, but Dinkins' ensuing pass was picked off by Jackson.
For the Express, Stetzer finished 20-36 for 177 yards, four touchdowns, and one pick. Taglienti led the rushing attack with 19 yards on four carries and one score. Ocasio caught eight passes for 101 yards and two scores while Cooper caught five passes for 48 yards and a score. Wide receiver Mores Manoyrine caught four passes for 14 yards and a touchdown on the Express' opening drive of the game. Rockhold was 1-2 on field goals and 6-8 on extra point attempts.
Dinkins finished 11-29 for 165 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also rushed for 29 yards on five carries and one score. Running back Dayon Chambers had six carries for 15 yards and one score. Wide receiver Beau Gibbs caught three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns while fellow wide receiver Marko Thomas caught five passes for 55 yards and one touchdown.
The Express now move to 11-1 and have won nine straight games. They will look to make it 10 straight when the host the Johnstown Riverhawks this Saturday, May 12th at 7:05 p.m. The Express defeated the Riverhawks 55-33 earlier this season. Pittsburgh falls to 5-6 with the loss but still holds onto the fourth and final playoff spot in the AIFA Northern Division.
American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 7, 2007
- "Hit Squad" Helps Express Drown RiverRats - Reading Express
- Thunderbolts Defeat The Mudcats 54-31 - Lakeland ThunderBolts
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