Mahoning Valley scorches Firebirds in Season Opener
March 27, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mahoning Valley Thunder News Release
Youngstown, OH. - The Mahoning Valley Thunder took advantage of six Albany turnovers on their way to a 44-34 season opening victory of the division rival Firebirds. The win gives Mahoning Valley season opening victories over Albany in each of the last two seasons and pushes their franchise record to 3-0 all-time in season openers. Albany falls to 1-5 all-time versus the Thunder.
Both teams struggled out of the gate combining for just 13 first quarter points. Mahoning Valley struck first with a Davon Vinson to Quorey Payne 9 yard touchdown strike on the opening drive but failed to convert the extra point. Albany quickly answered when Stephen Wasil found Christian Wise for a 10 yard score. Brian Umstead's PAT gave the Firebirds a one point lead heading to the second quarter.
The second quarter was a different story as the teams combined for 30 points with the Thunder taking a 23-20 lead into the locker room thanks to a Derek Schorejs 26 yard field goal as the first half expired. Mahoning Valley went scoreless in the third quarter and the Firebirds built an 11 point lead with less than eight minutes to play.
Those final eight minutes belonged to Mahoning Valley as Davon Vinson, who went 18 for 26 with 190 yards and four touchdown passes, added both a passing strike and a rushing score to put Mahoning Valley in front for good. Firebirds Quarterback Adam Bednarik, who replaced started Stephen Wasil finished 19 of 25 for 217 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Mahoning Valley was led by a defense that forced six turnovers, registered three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and four fumble recoveries including one of which was returned 10 yards by former Albany player Brandon Taylor for the deciding score. The Thunder improves to 1 and 0 with Albany dropping to 0 and 1. Mahoning Valley hosts Milwaukee next Saturday on Cortland Banks Field inside of the Chevrolet Centre.
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