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IFL Indoor Football League

Pirates Move to 2-0 After Escaping the Panthers

April 4, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


The Massachusetts Pirates are now 2-0 after a hard-fought 59-52 victory over the Bay Area Panthers. In an exciting, action-packed game, the Pirates were led by another standout performance by running back Jimmie Robinson as well as quarterback Anthony Russo, who was making his IFL debut.

With Alejandro Bennifield ruled out before kickoff, Russo got the start at quarterback. After a quick drive down the field, the Pirates would get on the board first after a 41-yard field goal from Josh Gable. The Pirates' defense also got off to a hot start with a Harlan Miller pass breakup on third down. The game's first turnover on downs would occur after the Panthers missed their ensuing field goal attempt. Russo quickly filled the void left by Bennifield, connecting with wide receiver Thomas Owens for a big gain. Soon after, Jimmie Robinson would cap off the drive, scoring on a long run down the right sideline. The Pirates would go on to miss the PAT, keeping the lead at 9-0. On the Panthers' next drive, quarterback Dalton Sneed ran it into the endzone from a few yards out to cut their deficit down to two. Jimmie Robinson would quickly respond, however, scoring on a kickoff return, making the score 16-7.

The second quarter started fast with Panthers running back Justin Rankin taking it into the endzone for a rushing touchdown, closing the score gap to 16-14. Russo caught fire on the next drive, delivering a pinpoint pass to Owens for a touchdown - Gable's PAT would give the Pirates a 23-14 lead. This wouldn't stop Bay Area, though, as Sneed quickly connected with Arthur Jackson III to close the gap to 23-21. After a few offensive penalties, the Pirates' drive was stalled and the Panthers got the ball back. Sneed scored again, punching in for another rushing touchdown. Panthers kicker Kevin Goessling connected on the PAT and Bay Area had their first lead of the game 28-23. On the following kickoff, the Panthers attempted an onside kick that the Pirates would end up recovering, giving the home team outstanding field position. Russo would throw another TD, this time to wide receiver Isaac Zico, putting the Pirates back in the lead at 30-28. This back-and-forth action wouldn't stop - Sneed completing the next drive with a touchdown strike to JT Stokes. With the Panthers clinging to a 35-30 lead, Russo threw his first IFL interception to Marquis Bridges right before half. Goessling ended the second quarter with a 32-yard field goal that gave the Panthers a 38-30 halftime lead.

Bay Area started the 2nd half with the ball, but the Pirates quickly forced a fumble and recovered only a few plays in. On the ensuing drive, Robinson found the endzone yet again, and, after a successful 2-point conversion, the Pirates tied the score at 38-38. On the Panthers' next drive, Sneed found Stokes for the duo's second touchdown to take the lead 45-38. In response, Russo connected with Owens for another big gain that would put the Pirates in position for a Darren Carrington touchdown, tying the game at 45-45.

Gable opened the fourth quarter with a kick that set the Panthers at their own 5-yard line, but that didn't stop Bay Area. Sneed got the ball to Stokes for yet another touchdown, putting the Panthers back in front 52-45. To no surprise, Robinson started the next drive with a fantastic run which helped set up a Russo-Owens touchdown connection, tying the game. After a quick Panthers' turnover on downs, the Pirates capitalized and took the lead with another Robinson TD. On the ensuing possession, the crowd at its loudest, the Pirates' defense swarmed and stuffed Bay Area on 4th down, securing Russo his first IFL victory. The Pirates would win the game 59-52 and enter their first bye week 2-0.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 4, 2023


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