Pioneers Strike Down Thunder
April 11, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release
(Wilkes-Barre) The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers used a great defensive effort and just enough offense to defeat the Mahoning Valley Thunder 33-20 in front of 4,916 at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre.
Geisinger MVP and Schutt offensive player of the game Matt Schabert recovered from some first half struggles to throw three second half touchdowns and rush for another as the Pioneers were able to grind out a victory. Schabert spread the ball around sandwiching Tyreak Saviour and Larry Kendrick touchdown scores between two tosses to Coco Blalock in the endzone.
On the night when the Pioneers raised the 2007 American Conference Championship banner it was the defense that came up big. The Pioneers were able to record four sacks and two interceptions as Thunder QB Josh Swogger continued his slow start finishing just 13-31 for just 101 yards as the Thunder were just one of nine on third downs. ADT defensive player of the game Michaeux Robinson put together an impressive game knocking three balls away and intercepting two.
The Pioneers scored early in the first quarter taking the opening kick-off and scoring just three minutes and thirty seconds into the game. However, that would be the only score for the Pioneers in a 7-6 first half that included three Schabert interceptions.
In the end the story was two rookie QBs, one stepping up in the second half and one unable to get himself on track for an entire game.
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Matt Schabert(WBS)
US Army Ironman of the game: JJ Outlaw(WBS)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Michaeux Robinson(WBS)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Tyreak Saviour (WBS)
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