Reading Express Fall to Fairbanks Grizzlies 60-45
May 15, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (May 15, 2011) - It's a small consolation that the outcome of today's game at the Sovereign Center didn't change the fact that the Reading Express will host a home playoff game this season. It did, however, increase the likelihood of that home playoff game being in the first round. That would put the playoff matchup on Saturday, June 18. That's a date Express fans can mark on the calendar. For now, though, it should just be written in pencil.
The afternoon affair against the Fairbanks Grizzlies got off to a rough start, and the road never quite smoothed after that. On the opening drive, a Grizzlies interception for a touchdown set an unfortunate tone for the rest of the game. The Grizzlies grabbed the early lead, and never relinquished it.
In the end, the scoreboard would show a 60-45 win for the Grizzlies. The loss dropped the Express to 7-4 on the season. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, moved to 8-3 after their eighth straight win.
Turnovers: The difference maker in this game was turnovers. The Express turned the ball over three times, including that interception return for a touchdown. The other muffs - one fumble and another interception - would eventually lead to two more touchdowns.
Feel the Rush' The early lead allowed the Grizzlies to put a lot of stock in their running game. The Grizzlies kept the ball on the ground more than they put it in the air, a tactic fairly rare in the indoor game. The Grizzlies had 26 rushing attempts (83 yards) and just 21 passing attempts (195).
Meanwhile, the Express were in catch-up mode the whole game, and threw the ball 32 times and only ran 15. The Express ended the day with 127 yards passing and 50 yards on the ground.
Under Center: Express QB Chris Malleo struggled a bit, ending his day 8-21 for 58 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Malleo did contribute 37 yards and one touchdown on eight rushing attempts. Bill Winters replaced Malleo at the start of the fourth quarter and went 8-11 for 79 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Winters also picked up 18 yards on four carries.
Connect Four: Between Malleo and Winters, four different Express players caught touchdown passes - one each. Collin Taylor ended with six catches for 45 yards and one touchdown. Mike McCoy grabbed three balls for a total of 46 yards and a score. Jeff Willis caught three passes, one of which went for six points. Matt Sola's lone reception was good for a seven-yard touchdown.
Like a Rock: Veteran Express kicker Erik Rockhold notched his 900th point as a member of the Express on a second-quarter field goal. Rockhold finished with three field goals and two extra points. Rockhold currently sits at 904 total points during his Express career.
Next Game: The Express will travel to Green Bay, Wis., next weekend for the second of two away games versus the Green Bay Blizzard this season. The Blizzard upended the Express on April 15, but are coming off a decisive loss to the Sioux Falls Storm this weekend. The game kicks off on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. EST from the Resch Center.
Home Again: The Express close out their regular-season home schedule on June 4 versus the Richmond Revolution for Subway Fan Appreciation Night. Tickets are on sale now. Call 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to the game.
The Reading Express are the 2011 IFL Atlantic Division Champions. The team currently has a 7-4 record this season, and has a guaranteed home game in the 2011 IFL Playoffs. Details are forthcoming about the June playoff game at the Sovereign Center.
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.
• Discuss this story on the Indoor Football League message board...
Indoor Football League Stories from May 15, 2011
- Reading Express Fall to Fairbanks Grizzlies 60-45 - Reading Express
- Blizzard Fall to Undefeated Sioux Falls Storm - Green Bay Blizzard
- Steelhawks Run to Victory Ends Seven Game Losing Streak - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
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.
