Iron beat Mahoning valley Thunder
April 4, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Milwaukee Mustangs News Release
Youngstown, Ohio -- Head Coach Gary Compton's mantra this week was similar to that of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis', demanding that the Iron "Just win, baby". Milwaukee made sure to do just that, taking advantage of quarterback Tyler Donovan's great night at the helm as the team picked up its first franchise victory, a 59-39 win over Mahoning Valley. The former Wisconsin Badger and Arrowhead high star guided Milwaukee on a 45-yard march to open the game, culminating in an eight yard Kellen Allen touchdown reception.
After giving up a Mahoning Valley touchdown early, Milwaukee did not look back, punching the ball in twice for scores in the 2nd quarter on runs by Tyree Young and Antoine Burns.
The Iron defense held the Thunder scoreless for a 24-minute stretch in the first half. Mahoning Valley broke the drought with a Davon Vinson touchdown pass to the 320-pound Wallace Sonnie with one minute left in the half. Milwaukee's 24-14 halftime lead was cut to three after Vinson ran for a touchdown just one minute into the second half. Milwaukee's defense was put to the test again moments later, as the Thunder had a first and goal at the Iron nine-yard-line. Linebacker Blue Aldridge stepped up to the task, forcing Vinson to fumble as he scrambled out of the pocket and giving the possession back to Milwaukee. Donovan lead the Iron offense on a 41 yard drive scoring on a two yard touchdown run, giving Milwaukee a 31-21 lead. Following a Lavar "The Interceptor" Stepter 30-yard interception return for a touchdown, Mahoning Valley never got closer than 11 points. Donovan ran for another touchdown late in the third quarter. Looking for a coffin-nail score, Tyler hung tough in a collapsing pocket and fired a 20-yard touchdown strike to a leaping Scott Burnoski that was put where only the 6'2" Iron wide receiver could haul it in.
Milwaukee's defense held tough for the final 11 minutes and secured the 59-39 victory, a win that owner Drew Vallozzi called a three year dream come true.
Donovan finished the evening going 20-29 with 219 yards and two touchdowns along with two scoring runs. Antoine Burns lead the team in receiving, hauling in nine passes for 100 yards. Lavar Stepter lead the defensive attack with eight tackles and two interceptions.
Milwaukee's next two games come against divisional opponents, April 11 at Quad Cities in Moline, Ill., then home at the Bradley Center April 17th against Peoria Pirates. Both games are 7:05 p.m. kickoffs.
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