Reading Express Grab Huge 76-33 Win Over Chicago Slaughter
June 19, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, PA - The Reading Express easily defeated the Chicago Slaughter 76-33 in the first round of the IFL playoffs on Saturday night at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. It was a great start to the team's quest for the IFL United Bowl Championship.
The Express gave up an early touchdown after a 52-yard opening kickoff return by the Slaughter. The Express answered right back with Quarterback Chris Malleo hooking up with Elliott White for a 28-yard scoring strike in what would be the first of many for Malleo in the game.
On the next two drives, Malleo was able to find wideout Collin Taylor for two touchdowns to put the Express up 20-10. Just before the half, Malleo was able to scramble for an 8-yard touchdown run to give the Express some breathing room at the half.
To begin the second half, Jesse Cooper took the opening kickoff 46-yards for another Express touchdown. After giving up a touchdown just 31 seconds later, the offense went on to score three more times to go up 69-33.
"Consistency," said Malleo about the offensive production. "There were a lot of unselfish guys out there tonight.
Malleo finished 17 for 28 through the air for a season-high 279 yards and 6 touchdowns. Collin Taylor led the offense in receptions with 8 catches for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The offense wasn't the only highlight of the night. The defense held the Slaughter to just 59 yards of offense on the night. In the second half the Slaughter were able to manage just six points. The defense and special teams recorded three touchdowns on the night including a blocked field goal and a fumble recovery for scores, not to mention nine total sacks.
The defensive unit was led by Michael Thompson, who had a huge game. Thompson erupted for nine total tackles; five tackles led to 30 yards of losses. He also added 4.5 sacks on the night. Thompson pretty much sealed the win with a fumble recovery in the end zone for a score with just 2:57 left in the game to put the team up 76-33.
"76-33, that pretty much says it all," said Coach Bill Sellers. "If we play like this there is no team that will beat us."
Second Round: The Express now travel back to Green Bay next Saturday night, June 25, for a second-round game against the Green Bay Blizzard at the Resch Center. It will mark the third time this year the two teams meet. After two tough losses at Green Bay, the defense will continue to face a tough challenge against a Blizzard offense that has averaged over 50 points per game this year.
"We need to stay consistent. They are a good team but so are we," said Malleo. "We're not afraid of them and we are excited for the opportunity to go after them again."
Next Saturday's game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST. Stay tuned to www.expressindoorfootball.com for more details.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In six full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 73-26 with five 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.
For more information on the Reading Express, please visit www.expressindoorfootball.com.
Indoor Football League Stories from June 19, 2011
- Wranglers Advance in Playoffs - Allen Wranglers
- Reading Express Grab Huge 76-33 Win Over Chicago Slaughter - Reading Express
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