Pirates Fall to Quad City Steemwheelers 49-44
April 23, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates took to the road this weekend to get back on track, after falling to 2-1 last week to the Frisco Fighters. This week, they faced the Quad City Steamwheelers, who came into the game at 3-1. The Pirates played a third straight week without starting quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, who was placed on short-term injury reserve.
Quad City started out on offense first. Quarterback E.J. Hilliard was an immediate problem with his legs. Rushing for multiple first downs, and the opening touchdown which would give the Steamwheelers a 6-0 lead, as Chase Allbaugh missed the PAT.
After the first drive, the Pirates set up at their own 20-yard line after a solid kick return from running back Jimmie Robinson. Quarterback Anthony Russo quickly found his groove, starting out five for five in the first quarter. Robinson would later cap off the drive with a rushing score from six yards out on third and one. Josh Gable would make the PAT attempt to give the Pirates a 7-6 lead.
The Pirates lead was short lived as E.J. Hilliard threw a 44-yard pass down the field to wide receiver Mike Carrigan that found the endzone. The Steamwheelers decided to go for a 2-point conversion, and were successful, taking a 14-7 lead over the Pirates early in the first.
The Pirates offense showed no signs of slowing down after the one play score. Russo continued his hot streak with two completions to wide receiver Isaac Zico, one of which being a deep pass of 20 yards that resulted in a touchdown. Gable's PAT would tie the game 14-14 late in the first.
The Steamwheelers would take their drive into the second quarter. After running back Jerron McGraw and E.J. Hilliard would rush for big gains. Then, on a crucial second down play, the Pirates were called for illegal defense. The Steamwheelers, inside the Pirates 15-yard line, would get the ball to Mike Carrigan on a jet inside-zone play for a touchdown, giving the Steamwheelers a 21-14 lead in this teeter totter matchup early in the second.
The Pirates wouldn't stop fighting though, Jimmie Robinson flashed his football prowess with a great kick return to set the offense near mid field. Russo would keep delivering, finding Darren Carrington for eight yards. Two plays later, Russo found wide receiver Thomas Owens for a catch and run of 16 yards. Running back Ricky Person Jr. would later cap off the drive and take the direct snap into the endzone, tying the game 21-21 halfway through the second.
Quad City started their drive after an eventful kick return that featured them being called for holding. However, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Pirates saved the kick return, putting the offense at their own 22-yard line. Wide receiver Keyvan Rudd took the drive opening pass for a gain of eight. Ezekiel Rose and Brendon White would put an end to the Steamwheelers drive with back-to-back sacks on second and third down. Chase Allbaugh would attempt a 54-yard field goal, which he would miss.
Anthony Russo opened the next Pirates drive with a 24-yard pass to Isaac Zico. After a false start penalty the following snap, Russo would throw over the middle to Thomas Owens who found the endzone for a 27-yard touchdown. Gable's PAT would give The Pirates a 28-21 lead with 90 seconds left before halftime.
On the final drive of the first half, Quad City was determined to get some points on the board. In a two-minute drill, E.J. Hilliard commanded the offense down the field into the red zone, and the Steamwheelers capitalized with a Chase Allbaugh field goal to cut the Pirates lead to 28-24.
To start the second half, Russo threw a pass intended for Carrington, but it was tipped and intercepted by Steamwheelers defensive back Darreon Jackson. A blindside block penalty would negate the return. Quad City would start out the next drive with Ezekiel Rose sacking Hilliard, which brought up second and long. However, Jerron McGraw would continue his spectacular performance. Taking a pass for a 34-yard touchdown. Allbaugh missed the PAT, and the Steamwheelers took a 30-28 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Quad City would attempt an onside kick that was quickly recovered by Jimmie Robinson on the Steamwheelers' 12-yard line. Robinson would find the endzone on a 12-yard touchdown on the very next play to put the Pirates back up 35-30.
The Steamwheeler offense opened up shop and drew a targeting against the Pirates after a high hit on E.J. Hilliard, which put them at midfield. But the drive stalled, forcing another Chase Allbaugh field goal attempt. The field goal was good, cutting the Pirates' lead to 35-33.
After two mild gains to open the drive, the Pirates faced third and three. Russo would drop back, and have all day to throw, eventually finding Darren Carrington, who couldn't hang on through contact. The offense would stay out for fourth down, but Russo's pass to Zico was off target. Quad City would cash in with a Jerron McGaw touchdown reception on the following drive, his second score of the day. After Allbaugh's PAT, Quad City would take a 40-35 lead entering the fourth quarter.
In a Pirates drive that lasted half the quarter, Russo would show off both his passing and rushing capabilities. Overcoming several penalties, and missed opportunities, the offense was able to cash in after a Quad City fourth down flag gave the Pirates a new set of downs, Russo would then score his first rushing touchdown of the season. The Pirates would decide to go for the 2-point conversion after a penalty A Steamwheeler penalty. The conversion was unsuccessful and the Pirates lead was 41-40 halfway through the quarter.
Quad City had to work quickly on the following drive. Starting at midfield after Jerron McGaw's return, E.J. Hilliard would try to make something happen both with his legs and through the air. Ultimately, the offense moved just one yard. On third down, McGaw reeled in another Hilliard pass and was taken out of bounds short of the line to gain. The Quad City offense stayed out on the field on fourth down. Hilliard kept the ball and got the first down. But a flag came out, calling the Steamwheelers for holding. They were forced to settle for three again, and Allbaugh made the kick. This gave Quad City a 43-41 lead with just just over four minutes to go.
The Pirates started at midfield for what could've been their final drive of the game. They needed at least a field goal to leave this game victorious. Russo would command a drive that featured big throws to both Zico and Carrington. Once they hit first and goal, they opted to burn the clock and force Quad City to use their final timeouts. Gable would kick the go-ahead field goal, putting the Pirates up 44-43 with just 16 seconds left.
Quad City only needed a field goal to take the lead on the next drive, but they would not end up needing it as Keyvan Rudd would reel in the game winning touchdown on the second play of the drive. with just three seconds left. After a failed 2-point conversion try, the score was now 49-43 in favor of Quad City. The ensuing Pirates kick return was stopped in their own territory, ending the game. 49-43 would be the final as the Pirates would fall to 2-2 on the season.
The Pirates will return home next Friday, April 28th to face the Iowa Barnstormers at the DCU Center.
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 2023 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 23, 2023
- Pirates Drop Potential Playoff Preview 49-44 to Steamwheelers - Massachusetts Pirates
- Rattlers Fall Short in Frisco - Arizona Rattlers
- Sugar Skulls Fall in Overtime to San Diego - Tucson Sugar Skulls
- Pirates Fall to Quad City Steemwheelers 49-44 - Massachusetts Pirates
- Tulsa Takes Down Iowa - Iowa Barnstormers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
