Pittsburgh RiverRats Return Home For Rematch With Erie

Published on May 17, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


The Pittsburgh RiverRats of the AIFA could clinch a playoff berth in its inaugural season, when they host the Erie Freeze on Saturday, May 19, at the Rostraver Ice Garden Arena in Belle Vernon on "Public Safety Night" honoring the area's police, fire, 911, and EMS workers. The RiverRats enter the contest with a 6-6 record and a one-game lead over fifth-place Johnstown. A Pittsburgh win plus a Johnstown loss at Canton would send the RiverRats to the playoffs as one of the top four seeds, and the only first-year expansion team, out of the North Division.

This contest marks the second matchup of a home-and-home series between Pittsburgh and Erie (1-11). Last week, the RiverRats came from 17 points down at halftime on the road to defeat the Freeze 52-45. QB David Dinkins made a triumphant to Erie, where he played the last two seasons, by completing 25 of 42 passes for a season-high 313 yards and 4 passing touchdowns plus a rushing touchdown. The Pittsburgh defense made Erie QB Randall Secky's night difficult including 6 interceptions and 3 sacks. Three new members of the RiverRats roster had impressive debuts as WR/DB Yaacov Yisrael caught 9 passes for 119 yards and a TD, CB Craig Haywood recorded 2 interceptions, and C Pete Geis anchored an offensive line that did not allow a sack and helped Pittsburgh record over 400 yards of total offense.

The RiverRats will be without the services of KR/DB Tywan Napper, who is out indefinitely with a dislocated jaw. However, Pittsburgh hopes to have the anchor of its defensive line, DT Phil Tillman, return to action after missing most of the last two games with a sore hamstring.

RiverRats Head Coach Shawn Liotta was asked for his thoughts on the upcoming matchup with Erie: "Obviously, we're excited about this game. Making the playoffs has always been one of our goals going all the way back to training camp, and now, it's right there for us. But as we saw last week, Erie won't just give it to us. We didn't execute in the first half last week and we spotted them 17 points, but our guys charged out of the lockerroom and took back control of the game in the third quarter. We need to carry that intensity forward into this game, and I think we will. We had another good week of practice and our guys are looking forward to playing in Pittsburgh for the first time in 3 weeks. Hopefully, our fans and family will show up in bigger numbers to watch us hopefully clinch the playoff spot here at home."

The Pittsburgh RiverRats have designated this game as "Public Safety Night" when special tribute will be made to the area's fire, police, 911, and EMS workers, including discounted tickets, special presentations, giveaways, and contests honoring these real-life local heroes. The RiverRats will finish the regular season on Friday, May 25, when they host Huntington at the Rostraver Ice Garden Arena in Belle Vernon, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. For ticket information, the RiverRats can be reached at (724)379-4070 or online at www.pittsburghriverrats.com.

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