Reading Express Win 70th Game in Franchise History
May 1, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (April 30, 2011) - The Reading Express recorded the 70th win in the franchise's six-year history with a decisive 49-28 rout of Atlantic Division rival Richmond Revolution on Saturday night at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. The Express improve to 6-3 on the season, and have a firm hold on their division lead. This game was key to the division, especially since the division winner gets an automatic spot in the IFL playoffs.
Express QB Chris Malleo was once again a big part of the victory. Malleo finished the night 18-23 for 206 yards and five touchdowns. For the most part, it was the Malleo-to-Willis show. Malleo found WR Jeff Willis on 11 occasions, for 93 yards and 3 touchdowns. Malleo also hooked up with Collin Taylor on five passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, including a 48-yard touchdown to open up the fourth quarter.
Malleo is definitely pleased with a go-to guy like Willis.
"As the season goes on Willis and I will really progress," said Malleo. "He's one of the leaders on offense and he's done a great job of helping me."
The offense looked to be finding their stride tonight tallying a total of 308 yards and no turnovers.
"If everyone does the little things on offense, I think we will be alright," said Malleo, who added a rushing touchdown on the night.
One of the bright spots continues to be special teams. Speedy kick returner Jesse Cooper had another impressive game, returning four kicks for 97 yards. His returns have been instrumental in giving the Express offense great field position to start their drives. On one return, though, Cooper took it the distance. He helped seal the victory with an early fourth-quarter touchdown return of 51 yards.
Players of the Week: Willis and Cooper were named The Reading Hospital Medical Group Players of the Week.
Atlantic Division Notes: The win moves the Express to 6-3 and drops the Revolution to 1-7. The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks also fell to 1-7 after being throttled by the La Crosse Spartans 51-0 in La Crosse, Wis., on Saturday night. The Express continue to have a healthy lead in the division standings.
Next Game: The Express have another division matchup next week, when the team returns to Bethlehem, Pa., for a rematch against the Steelhawks. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. EST at Stabler Arena. Express fans are welcome to join the Railheads Road Trip for the game. Spots on the bus are still available. Check out www.expressindoorfootball.com/railheads for more information.
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 will begin play as a new member of the Indoor Football League.
The Express play home games on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field in Reading's Sovereign Center. Tickets are on sale now. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to upcoming Express games.
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Indoor Football League Stories from May 1, 2011
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- Revolution Steam Rolled by Express - Richmond Revolution
- Reading Express Win 70th Game in Franchise History - Reading Express
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