RiverRats Set League Scoring Record in 86-72 Win Over Erie

Published on May 20, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


Pittsburgh, PA - In an impressive display by offensive prowess by both teams, the Pittsburgh RiverRats scored the most points in an AIFA game this season in an 86-72 victory over the Erie Freeze. The two teams appear to have set some unofficial AIFA records by combining to score 70 points in the fourth quarter, with 40 coming in the last 3 minutes alone. With the win, the RiverRats, a first-year expansion team, have clinched the fourth and final playoff spot out of the North Division, and will play in the first round at Reading on June 9.

The Pittsburgh offense played just about a "perfect game", scoring 10 touchdowns on 10 offensive possessions, and successfully completing 10 two-point conversions in 11 attempts. QB David Dinkins completed 15 of 23 passes for 213 yards and 8 touchdowns and no interceptions, and added a rushing touchdown. Brandon Jackson led the RiverRats receivers with 5 TD catches. Yaacov Yisrael, in his home debut with Pittsburgh, added 2 TD catches, and Marko Thomas the other. WR Beau Gibbs had a touchdown run early in the second half, but didn't play on offense in the second half after a hand injury suffered right before halftime.

Lost in defeat was an impressive performance by Erie's offense, led by QB Matt LaVerde in his debut for the Freeze. LaVerde completed 11-29 for 121 yards, but proved to be quite elusive running with the football, adding 69 yards with 6 rushing touchdowns. WR Kevin Scott caught 6 passes for 51 yards, ran for 2 TD's, and added another 152 yards on 8 kickoff returns, including a 31-yard return which setup an Erie score in the last minute.

With all of the prolific scoring, the key point in the game turned out to be a defensive play late in the third quarter. As both teams were trading scores, Pittsburgh CB Craig Haywood, in his home debut, picked off an errant LaVerde pass and ran it back 22 yards, giving the RiverRats a 3-TD lead it needed all of, to hold off the stubborn Erie Freeze.

RiverRats head coach Shawn Liotta was understandably upbeat after the game: "What can you say about our offensive performance. Once again, David Dinkins was the catalyst, our receivers were outstanding, running great routes and fighting in the air for every ball, and our O-Line didn't allow a sack for the second straight game. Our run defense was not nearly as good as I would have liked, somewhat because of some injuries, but also our hats are off to Matt LaVerde, who did a great job in his first game. Making the playoffs has been our goal since training camp, and I'm glad we've settled that. We've still got a score to settle with Huntington after they beat us in their place last month, and we're looking forward to that challenge here next week. We still need to see more fan support though, and we hope they'll be out next week before the holidays."

Pittsburgh's last regular-season game will be at the Rostraver Ice Garden Arena on Friday, May 25, when they host the Huntington Heroes with kickoff scheduled for 7:05. Please visit www.pittsburghriverrats.com for ticket information.

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American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 20, 2007


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