Pirates Defeat Oilers 54-48
Published on May 28, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Orlando Pirates News Release
Worcester - MA - The 5-3 Massachusetts Pirates traveled to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Oilers. After their win last week against the Quad City Steamwheelers, The Pirates were looking to secure their first win against the Oilers this season. The Oilers were hoping to end their four game losing streak tonight at their home arena.
The Pirates started off strong, scoring their first touchdown on the first play from scrimmage with a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Anthony Russo to wide receiver Isaac Zico. Kicker, Josh Gable made the extra point, putting the Pirates up 7-0. The Oilers would respond by driving all the way down to the Pirates' 9-yard line. It didn't take long until the Oilers were on the board, with a touchdown run from running back Jo-El Shaw. With a made PAT from kicker Jeremy Reynolds, the score was now tied at 7-7. The Pirates came back strong on the following drive, with another Russo touchdown pass to wide receiver Thomas Owens. With a made PAT from Gable, the Pirates took a 14-7 lead. Continuing the trend with fast responses, The Oilers would score another touchdown with a deep pass from quarterback Vincent Espinoza to wide receiver Jonathan Nance. The secured PAT from Reynolds tied the score at 14-14. However, The Pirates bounced back on the next drive, driving into Tulsa territory. Russo would finish the drive by tossing the ball Jimmie Robinson for a touchdown. Gable's PAT was good and the Pirates were back in the lead by a score of 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.
The Oilers responded to that score on their first drive on the second quarter by moving into Pirates territory. On fourth down and goal, Espinoza would throw to Joshua Crockett for the touchdown. With a missed PAT from Reynolds, the Pirates still held on to the lead at 21-20. The Pirates' next drive resulted in an interception from Tulsa defensive lineman Eric Sadler. However, the Oilers would be unable to capitalize on the turnover as Pirates defensive back Harlan Miller would intercept Vincent Espinoza's pass in the end zone, giving the Pirates the ball back. The Pirates struggled to start their next drive, but soon got back into their groove as Russo found Zico in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. After a successful 2-point conversion attempt, the Pirates extended their lead to 29-20. On the ensuing drive, Vincent Espinoza led the Oilers down the field, handing the ball off to linebacker Tre Harvey, who would run it in for a touchdown. The Reynolds PAT was good and the score was now 29-27 in favor of the Pirates. Unable to go down the field with limited time, the Pirates went for the Josh Gable field goal, which would be good, ending the half with a 32-27 lead.
The Oilers started off the second half with a 17-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Alexis Rosario. Reynolds missed the extra point, but the Oilers were still in the lead 33-32. The Pirates failed to score on their first drive of the half giving the Oilers back the ball. Tulsa scrambled to reach the end zone and failed to make their field goal attempt resulting in no points scored. The Pirates headed into their next drive ready to take back the lead, responding with a deep pass from Anthony Russo to Isaac Zico for his third touchdown of the game. The Pirates went for the 2-point conversion and were successful once again, putting them back in the lead at 40-33 going into the fourth quarter.
The Oilers started the fourth quarter by marching down the field and scoring another touchdown on a reception by Alexis Rosario, his second of the game. The Reynolds PAT was good and the score was all tied up again at 40-40. The Pirates' next drive was a wash, ending in an interception from Tulsa linebacker Jordan Jones. However, Tulsa missed their opportunity to get back in the lead when Jeremy Reynolds would attempt a field goal and hit the crossbar. On the following drive, Anthony Russo led the Pirates down the field into Tulsa territory. With the Pirates at the 15-yard line, Russo threw the ball to Jimmie Robinson who made a spectacular one handed catch before walking into the end zone for the touchdown, his second of the game. The Gable PAT was no good, but the Pirates still held the lead at 46-40. The ensuing Oilers drive was cut short when Espinoza pitched the ball to wide receiver Devond Blair Jr, who would then throw an interception to Pirates defensive back Chris Ingram.
The Pirates quickly made their way into Oilers territory once again. Anthony Russo capped off the drive, scoring a rushing touchdown with just over a minute remaining. The Pirates were successful again on a 2-point conversion attempt, extending their lead to 54-40. But the Oilers refused to call it quits when Vincent Espinoza threw to Joshua Crockett for a touchdown, his second of the game. With another missed PAT by Reynolds, the score was 54-46. In the last seconds of the game, Jeremy Reynolds scored a deuce on the ensuing kickoff, ending the game with a score of 54-48.
The Pirates move to 6-3 on the season and will return to Worcester next week to host the 8-1 Frisco Fighters.
Indoor Football League Stories from May 28, 2023
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- Pirates Defeat Oilers 54-48 - Orlando Pirates
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