Pioneers to Rematch Knights
July 26, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release
Wilkes-Barre, PA- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers will host the Macon Knights for their 2005 season finale on Saturday, July 30th at 7:30 PM in the Wachovia Arena. This will be the second time the Pioneers face the Knights this season. The game is extremely important to both teams and holds major playoff implications.
Both teams are vying for a home game in the first round of the playoffs. With a win the Pioneers would clinch the 4th seed in the playoffs, and host the 5th seeded Green Bay Blizzard. However, with a loss the Pioneers could finish as low as the 6th seed, and travel to Louisville, Green Bay, or Macon.
The Pioneers are coming off an impressive come from behind victory over the red hot Albany Conquest. After falling behind early 14-0, the offense began to come together scoring 20 points in the second quarter to trail 40-27 at the half. The second half was owned was by the Pioneer defense, which held Albany to just seven 2nd half points. The Pioneers grabbed their first lead of the game at 46-40 on a 7-yard pass from Bryan Snyder to Rocco Forgione. After Albany regained the lead at 47-46 a failed onside kick gave the Pioneers the ball at Albany's 18-yard line. One play later Snyder hooked up with Forgione for the third time of the half to take a 52-47 lead. A successful two-point conversion made it a seven point game with just over two minutes to play. The defense was impenetrable once again forcing Albany to turn the ball over on downs, and lead the Pioneers to the 54-47 victory.
The Knights are also coming off a week 17 win over South Georgia 72-47. After falling behind 14-7 to their in-state rivals, the Knights took over the game by scoring four touchdowns in the final six minutes of the 1st half. Macon was led by the tandem of QB Lionel Hayes (7 TD passes) and WR Chris Johnson (6 TD receptions).
Pioneers players who rank among the af2 leaders include Rocco Forgione who's ranked 10th with 29 touchdown receptions. Defensive player of the year candidate Jamie Hattley ranks 4th with 98 tackles, and 8th in passes defended with 27. Ronnie Kaymore ranks 9th in tackles with 72. Dave Davis ranks 5th in with nine Field Goals, and 6th scoring among kickers with 99 points. JR Thomas ranks near the top ten in several categories despite missing five games to injury.
Tickets for this week's Pioneers game are now on sale. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets should call the team's ticket sales office at either (570) 270-5811 or (570) 270-5813. Tickets can also be purchased at the Wachovia Arena box office or online at Ticketmaster.com.
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