Steam sweeps Prowlers, finishes season at 8-8
July 20, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Roanoke Steam News Release
Roanoke, VA - Two rushing touchdowns by FB Russell Benditt and two interceptions by DS Richard Holland helped propel the Roanoke Steam to a victorious conclusion to their 2002 season, as the Steam defeated the Greensboro Prowlers 46-22.
Roanoke started off the scoring in the first quarter, on a field goal by replacement kicker Con Chellis. But the Prowlers connected for a touchdown on the following drive. A response touchdown pass from QB Mike Volarvich to WR Mario Kelso was answered soon after, and the Prowlers led 14-9.
But the Steam, in front of their largest crowd since early in the season, were prepared to answer the Prowlers' attack. A six yard TD run by FB Russell Benditt started a 35-0 run by the Steam, which would put them ahead for good.
WR/LB Millard Vining, in his first game back with the Steam since being released in mid-April, returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown.
Volarvich, who was named Offensive MVP by the media, completed 14 of 29 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Greensboro starter Chris Weibel, forced to leave the game due to injury in the third quarter, finished 8 of 20 for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
DS Richard Holland was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game, due largely to his two timely interceptions of Greensboro quarterbacks.
FB/LB Russell Benditt, who notched the first two touchdowns of his Arena Football career, was named Ironman of the game.
With the victory, the Steam finished the 2002 campaign with a record of 8-8, the first non-losing season in team history. Greensboro dropped to 3-13 for the year.
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