Reading Express Clinch IFL Atlantic Division Title
May 8, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Bethlehem, Pa. (May 8, 2011) - It's another banner year for the Reading Express. The team captured the 2011 IFL Atlantic Division Championship Sunday night with a decisive 51-14 victory of the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in Bethlehem, Pa. With the championship comes a berth in the playoffs, and a chance to make it to the 2011 United Bowl.
The IFL's 2011 playoff picture is still taking shape. However, the Express are guaranteed to host a playoff game at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. Details are forthcoming about the date, the opponent and tickets.
Express Nation: It was a shame the Express couldn't lock up the division at the Sovereign Center. However, doing so at nearby Stabler Arena was the next best thing.
Loyal Express fans - or Railheads as they're affectionately called - are well-traveled, and showed up in force at this afternoon's away game in Bethlehem, Pa. Express fans made up a significant fraction of the crowd at both games at Stabler Arena this year. It may be fitting that these diehards were the first to congratulate the Express players on their division championship.
With 1:30 left in the game, Railheads fan club prexy Barry Endy hoisted a homemade sign that simply read, "Reading Express Atlantic Div. Champions." Express fans cheered, and Express players raised their helmets in triumph. The celebration was on.
Series Sweep: Getting to the celebration was no easy task, though. The Express were charged with having to beat the Steelhawks for the fourth-straight time this season. The previous three contests were only decided by a total of 15 points.
This afternoon's game took a break from the close matchups of the past, and things broke the Express' way.
A Winters Day: The turning point seemed to come at the beginning of the second-quarter. Express K Erik Rockhold was lined up for a field goal attempt, with Bill Winters on to hold. In a surprise to all, Winters took the snap and rumbled right for a four-yard score. This gave the Express a two-score lead at 17-7.
That oft-repeated phrase "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" would actually work its way into the storyline for this game.
As the seconds wound down on the first half, the Express found themselves in another field goal situation at fourth down and nine yards to go inside their own 5-yard line. Rockhold was set to kick, with Winters on to hold. In a surprise to some, Winters took the snap and rumbled right for 11 yards and a first down. Rockhold would then hit a 35-yarder to put the Express up 30-14 at the half.
Winters would add another rushing touchdown - in typical fashion - at the end of the third quarter. Then, with 51-14 fourth-quarter lead, Winters took the reins of the offense in relief of starting QB Chris Malleo.
Thanks Coach! It's tradition that after each game, the Express coaches give out a game ball or two to outstanding players. Very rarely is the game ball ever given back. However, in a tremendous show of support for their coaches, the players gave the coaching staff, led by first-year head coach Chris Thompson, today's game ball.
Stat Sheet: The Express played a well-balanced game, picking up 83 total rushing yards and 121 yards through the air. Malleo had a nice mix as well, running for 26 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing for 86 yards and two touchdowns on 11 of 19 passing. Winters led the team in rushing, picking up 53 yards and two touchdowns. He also hit on 5 of 8 passes for 35 yards. Jeff Willis was the leading receiver with six catches, 51 yards and one touchdown. Collin Taylor grabbed the other touchdown reception.
Defensively, the Express kept the Steelhawks scoreless in the second-half with the help of three interceptions. Jesse Cooper picked off two passes, while Clarence Curry intercepted one. Daniel Orlebar and Ian Dell each recorded a sack.
Rockhold made three field goals, including a 49-yarder.
Next Game: The Express, now 7-3 on the season, will host the charging Fairbanks Grizzlies, also 7-3, on Sunday, May 15, at the Sovereign Center for a 4:00 p.m. EST kickoff. The Grizzlies are winners of seven straight games, and most-recently beat a 7-1 Tri-Cities Fever team. Next Sunday's game is a playoff-caliber contest for the Express.
Tickets are on sale now. Call 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to this exciting game.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
Tickets are now on sale at www.expressindoorfootball.com, or you can call the Express office at 610.372.PASS (7277) or visit the Sovereign Center box office to order.
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