Pirates Defeat Quad City 36-25
Published on April 3, 2022 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Orlando Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - Pirates' wide receiver Thomas Owens scored three touchdowns and running back Martez Carter rushed for 66 yards on eight carries as the defending champions of the Indoor Football League defeated the Quad City Steamwheelers 36-25 at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center to go 2-0 on the season; running their winning streak to 13 games.
The Pirates, who had not played in two weeks, showed no ill effects from the layoff as they took the opening kickoff and went 45 yards in seven plays as quarterback Alejandro Bennifield hit receiver Dontez Byrd with a nine-yard strike for a seven to nothing lead.
The Massachusetts defense did its part as the Steamwheelers drove to the Pirates two-yard line only to have the home team stop them on the next four plays. The Massachusetts offense set the tone as it drove 46 yards in five plays to end the opening quarter with Owens capping off the dive with a five-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 advantage.
In the second quarter Quad City got on the board as kicker Kimo Naehu split the uprights from 25 yards. The Pirates answered as kicker Jimmy Camacho, who joined the team last week, made a three-pointer from 18 yards and Massachusetts increased its lead to 17-3. Naehu's second field goal of the game from 43 yards seemed to energize Quad City. He then drilled his ensuing kickoff into a Pirate's defender and the Steamwheelers recovered in the end zone. Starting at the five yard-line, quarterback David Perkins engineered a four-play, 45-yard drive and found wideout Isaiah Grice from 21 yards out to make the game close. Massachusetts led at halftime 17-13.
Quad City changed quarterbacks to start the third quarter as Aaron Aiken drove his team 32 yards in seven plays for a score to give the Steamwheelers their only lead of the game. Aiken connected with receiver Londell Lee on a two-yard pass to put "QC" out front 19-17. That lead lasted just five plays as Bennifield led the Pirates on a 42-yard march. He teamed up with Owens on a 28-yard scoring play and Massachusetts never looked back, taking a 24-19 lead after three quarters.
In the final quarter, the Pirates scored on their first possession. This time Owens pulled in an eight-yard strike as the score increased to 30-19. The Massachusetts defense took care of the rest as defensive back Aarion Maxey-Penton intercepted Aiken for his second pick of the season. The following Quad City possession ended with the Pirates coming up with a stop on fourth and five from the nine as Aiken's pass intended for Keyvan Rudd was incomplete.
The Pirates added a score for good measure as Bennifield ran for a four-yard touchdown. Aiken returned the favor on the game's final play with a four-yard TD run of his own for the 36-25 final score.
Owens led all receivers with five receptions for 77 yards and two scores in addition to his one carry for a five-yard touchdown. Running back Martez Carter was the game's leading rusher with eight carries for 66 yards. Bennified finished the contest 12 of 18 for 146 yards passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Pirates' leading tackler was defensive back Harlan Miller who had seven. Massachusetts had three sacks on the day and four tackles for a loss. Maxey-Penton had the Pirates' only turnover with his interception.
For the Steamwheelers, Kerrion Moore had 106 total yards with six carries for 18 yards, four receptions for 76 yards, and one kickoff return for 12. Perkins was 6 of 13 passing for 71 yards. Aiken finished 8 of 13 for 92 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Aiken was the team's leading rusher with 35 yards on seven carries and a touchdown. Defensively, DB Jevaugh Codlin led Quad City with seven tackles on the day.
The Pirates will now embark on a two-game road trip to Bismarck and Green Bay before returning home to face Iowa, April 23 at 7:05 pm.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 3, 2022
- Pirates Defeat Quad City 36-25 - Orlando Pirates
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