RiverRats Win Second Game in a Row

May 24, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Erie Explosion News Release


ERIE, PA - (5/24/09) The Erie RiverRats and Harrisburg Stampede put up quite a fight in their game last night in a Northern Conference rematch at the Tullio Arena in Erie. The problem is that was the case in actuality as much as it was figuratively. The hotly contested game featured many scuffles and a bench clearing brawl before Erie was able to secure a 55-45 victory.

Harrisburg (3-7) got off to a quick start when Bill Ashburn found Rafael Cooper for a 14-yard touchdown before Erie (2-7) got two scores from kicker Joe Lindway, on a 48-yard field goal, and a one yard run by RiverRat quarterback Darmel Whitfield. Ashburn then found Cooper again from 10-yards out, before Whitfield found fullback Brandon Richardson on a 12-yard swing pass to knot the score at 17-17 at the end of the first half.

The RiverRats have been notoriously slow starters in the second half, but early in the third quarter Whitfield again found Richardson for nine yards and a touchdown. The RiverRats would never trail after that as both teams traded blows before Harrisburg got to within three points 47-44 with 11 seconds remaining in the contest. But it became academic when RiverRats defensive back Dwaon Woodard scooped up the onside kick and returned it for the final score. After the extra point a melee broke out with players from both sides being ejected before calm was restored and the game was declared over by the officials.

Erie was once again led by quarterback Darmel Whitfield, who had 188 yards with 20-32 passing, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. Harrisburg's Bill Ashburn completed 18 of 33 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Tremaine Riley led all receivers with 71 yards on seven catches and a touchdown. The Erie RiverRats Fan Club player of the game was fullback Brandon Richardson, who had three catches for 38 yards and three touchdowns. The RiverRats defense had a another strong performance with two sacks by linebacker Bernard Faithful and interceptions by defensive backs Taurean Valentine and Raji el-Amin. The Erie RiverRats must now travel to Harrisburg next Saturday night for the rubber match in the season's three game series between the RiverRats and Stampede. Game time is scheduled for 7pm.

The AIFA is in its third season of operations this year with 14 teams from coast to coast and two additional franchises (Richmond, VA and Trenton, NJ) scheduled for the 2010 season. Come join the Erie Riverrats of the American Indoor Football Association in 2009. Fans interested in tickets can call our offices at 1-888-Riv-Rats or click on the link at the Riverrats' website at www.erieriverrats.com. You can also contact the Rats now for sponsorship or public appearance opportunities.



American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 24, 2009


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