
Steve McNelly's Report Card: Cipra Delivers the Dagger to Erie
June 16, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release
BALTIMORE, MD (June 16, 2010) - The Mariners had a tough go in Erie, having to deal with a potent Storm offense and incredible crowd noise at the Tullio Arena. Baltimore knew they had to keep the momentum in their favor heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The goal for the Eastern Conference Regular Season Champions was to finish perfect on the road and win their first game in Erie in franchise history. Baltimore and Erie fans were on the edge of their seats, as this was a back and forth contest all game long. The Mariners just couldn't find an edge or a weakness in the Erie Storm, until the remaining seconds of the game.
The weakness of the Erie Storm was overconfidence, and doubting the ability of Mariners all-pro kicker J.R. Cipra. After the go-ahead touchdown and extra point to give the Storm the lead with four seconds to go, all they needed to do was kick off to force a return to keep the clock moving. Instead, to the surprise of everyone in attendance and the fans listening on UStream, kicked the ball out of the back of the end zone, which resulted in a touchback. Enter, J.R. Cipra, who kicked a 47-yard game winning field goal to preserve the Mariners undefeated streak and finish the season perfect on the road. The exams are in; let's see how the Mariners did in this sensational game against the Storm.
Offense: C+
Fans will admit, this wasn't the Mariners' high scoring offense that we have come to know and love in the past few weeks. However, you must give them credit because despite an off day, they did help contribute to the big win in Erie. The Mariners high flying offensive until only managed 11 yards on the ground and 116 yards through the air. Mariners' quarterback E.J. Nemeth managed to toss two touchdown passes, both to wide receiver Scorpio Brown. Isaiah Grier also contributed, scoring on a rushing touchdown.
Defense: B
The Mariners defensive unit gave up some rare yards on the ground, as Erie rushed for 20 yards and three touchdowns. The Swashbucklers did their best to contain the Erie offense, and did just enough to preserve a win for the Mariners. Adam Goloboski was the star of the defensive unit, racking up 4.5 tackles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Melik Brown managed to bring down Erie quarterback A.J. Roque two times, and the defense did a pretty good job covering the receivers.
Special Teams: A+
Mariners' kicker J.R. Cipra had a tremendous day, booting three field goals of 40+ yards, including the game winning 47 yard field goal with four seconds left. Incredible poise and a strong will that wouldn't be broken make J.R. Cipra and the special teams unit the stars of the game.
The Mariners return home for the remainder of the regular and post season. This Saturday night, they will look to finish off the New Jersey Revolution.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from June 16, 2010
- Steve McNelly's Report Card: Cipra Delivers the Dagger to Erie - Baltimore Mariners
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