Reading Express Ousted from IFL Playoffs

June 27, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release


Reading, Pa. (June 27, 2011) - The Reading Express season has come to a premature end. A week after drubbing the Chicago Slaughter 76-33 in a first-round IFL playoff game, the Express carried high hopes into the Saturday's second-round matchup against the Green Bay Blizzard at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

The hard-fought game went down to the wire, with the Express in striking distance, trailing by just four points with 2:13 to play in the game. A late gamble on an onside kick was the only thing that widened an otherwise close game. The Blizzard recovered the kick at the eight-yard line and their offense eventually pushed it in for their last score of the game. In the end, it was a 68-51 decision in favor of the Blizzard.

Player Stats: Quarterback Chris Malleo finished 13 for 23 for 146 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Collin Taylor and Mike McCoy each grabbed four passes, with Taylor scoring on two of those. Elliott White added three receptions, one for a score. Jesse Cooper had another stellar game returning kicks. He stat total includes 218 return yards, including a 53-yard scamper down the Blizzard three-yard line. On the defensive side, Armar Watson picked off deep ball at the two and returned it 48 yards for a score. The rest of the defensive unit compiled four sacks.

100: Saturday's game was the 100th game in Reading Express franchise history. The team's overall record stands at 73 wins, with just 27 losses.

Playoff Picture: The Blizzard now travel to South Dakota to play the Sioux Falls Storm in the IFL's United Conference title game on Saturday, July 9. The winner of that game will advance to the United Bowl league championship game on July 23.

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 73-27 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.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 27, 2011


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