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Maryland Maniacs Maniacs Stage Multiple Comebacks But Fall Short Against Revolution

April 25, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Maryland Maniacs News Release


Despite coming off of their toughest loss of the season last week in Bloomington, the Maniacs displayed enough resilience to stage not one, but two comebacks against the Richmond Revolution on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the team is still searching for its first win but a renewed energy is circulating within the organization and the expectations remain high.

After falling to a 27-6 deficit late in the first half, quarterback Duane Smith led the team to two touchdowns with less then a minute and a half left. The first of those two scores came courtesy of a leaping catch against the end zone wall made by Rod Bryant that was followed by Smith sneaking in for a two-point conversion with 1:19 remaining. The defense was able to hold Richmond to a missed field goal attempt on the following drive, giving the Maniacs just less than 40 seconds to score.

Once the Maniacs regained possession, Smith connected again with Bryant, who finished the game with six receptions for 109 yards, on a 24-yard pass. Smith capitalized on the field position that was gained from that play by sneaking into the end zone from three yards out with just five seconds remaining to cut the Revolution lead to 27-21 at halftime.

Coming out of halftime, Maryland was only able to produce three points in the third quarter until newly acquired quarterback Brian Harris, formerly of the San Angelo Stampede Express, stepped in to replace Smith. On his first play as a Maryland Maniac, Harris ended the third quarter by firing an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Deyon Williams for his second of an impressive four touchdown receptions on the night. At that point, Richmond's lead over the Maniacs was cut down to 41-30.

The following drive resulted in an interception by defensive back Mike Hill after Richmond's Bryan Randall's pass was tipped by teammate Theron Thomas. That play led to a field goal for the Maniacs that put the score at 41-33 with 11:41 left to play in the game. Harris was able to toss two more touchdowns to Williams in the final eight minutes but it was not enough because Richmond was able to retaliate after each score.

Regardless of the final result, the Maniacs played their most competitive game in weeks and look to be headed in the right direction with the reshuffled roster. The results may not show it but the will to win is still burning inside the players and coaches, who hope to bring their first victory to the home crowd at Cole Field House next Saturday night at Cole Field House against the Rochester Raiders. The game is set to kick off at 7:05 PM.

Notes: Bryson Spinner was with the team Saturday night, acting as a liaison between the coaches and players.

The Maniacs welcomed back a couple familiar faces this week: kicker Justin Willis and defensive end Jason Goode. Willis was two of four on field goal attempts and one for three on extra point attempts. Goode, who played wide receiver and fullback for the Maniacs last season, made two tackles in his defensive debut this season.

Former Maniacs kicker Mike Jones was in attendance supporting his ex-teammates



Indoor Football League Stories from April 25, 2010


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