Two SIFL Division Leaders Clash in Erie this Saturday

Published on April 21, 2011 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA) - Coming off a record-setting performance last week, the Erie Explosion return to SIFL action this Saturday night at the Tullio Arena, when they will play host to the Richmond Raiders, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. This is the first of two scheduled regular-season meetings between the two teams, both of whom come into this weekend in first place in their respective divisions, each with identical 4-1 records.

Erie comes into the weekend with a two-game lead in the SIFL's Northeast division over the Trenton Steel. The Raiders hold a one-game lead in the SIFL's Mid-Atlantic division and will be challenged to maintain it with an upcoming two-game road trip where they will visit Erie (4-1) and Albany, GA (5-0).

Last Friday in Erie, the Explosion jumped out to a 33-0 first-quarter lead with the help of its aggressive defense, and never stopped scoring, on the way to a record-setting 89-35 rout of the Harrisburg Stampede. Erie quarterback Adam DiMichele broke his own SIFL and franchise records with ten touchdown passes, wide receiver Kevin Concepcion tied the franchise record with five touchdown receptions, four in the first quarter alone, David Ball had four touchdown catches in his Explosion debut, defensive back Eric Wicks recorded three of Erie's four interceptions on the night, and the Explosion set new franchise marks for points scored (89), yards of offense (372), and first downs in a game (28).

In its last game, Richmond jumped out to a 32-point lead against the Fayetteville Force and coasted to a decisive, but costly, 61-43 home victory against the team chasing them in the SIFL's Mid-Atlantic Division. Quarterback Robbie Jenkins threw for seven scores, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the second half, the second season-ending injury to a Raiders quarterback this season. Richmond has signed former William & Mary and AFL signal-caller Mike Potts, and he is likely to start this weekend against Erie.

"Preparing for these out-of-division games is more of a challenge as we don't see these teams all that often. Coach (James) Fuller has done an outstanding job there having to deal with their quarterback injury situation. We don't know much about their new quarterback but their receivers, particularly Damon Thompson, will be a nice challenge for our defensive backs. Their defense has been good, and it starts with their pass rush, which might be the best we'll see all year. Our O-line and fullbacks must continue doing a good job protecting Adam DiMichele or this could be a tough night for us. Our wide receivers are, by far, the best group in the league, so if we give Adam time and a clean look, and we continue to stay away from turnovers, I really like our chances on Saturday night, even against such a tough opponent like Richmond. They deserve to be 4-1, but so do we. This should be one of the best games of the season, and I expect our fans will get a great show. As I said last week, it's important for us to re-establish our homefield advantage in order to win a championship, and we need and we're counting on a large and loud crowd this Saturday night to help us." commented Explosion head coach Shawn Liotta.

Erie's offense is led by quarterback DiMichele who has completed 52% of his passes for 1,345 yards and 35 touchdowns, both tops in the SIFL, with only four interceptions in his five games. Five Explosion wide receivers have scored at least four touchdowns on the season, led by Concepcion who leads the team and is among the league leaders with 44 receptions, 543 yards, and 16 touchdown catches, which leads the SIFL. Ernest Jackson has six touchdown receptions, and Tirone Morris has also scored seven times, including two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Defensive back Wicks leads the Explosion defense in interceptions, and is among the league leaders, with five, and Chris Johnson has contributed three picks and two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. Defensive lineman Troy Blackwell leads the team in sacks (4), followed by linebacker Brenton Brady (3.5) and lineman Jerrickus Speights (2). Erie is currently ranked first in the SIFL in passing yardage, third in total offense and scoring offense, and second in turnover margin.

Mike Potts is expected to get the start under center in his first game for Richmond this weekend. His leading targets will likely include Damon Thompson, with 35 catches and 15 touchdown receptions on the season, and Antwun Williams, who has added 32 catches and six scores. Four players have recorded at least three sacks for the Raiders this season, including Michael Woodhouse with 6.5, and Darius Leak and Alan Cash with 5 apiece.

Tickets are available for this and all other Erie Explosion home games at the Tullio Arena box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. The game will be broadcast on a delayed basis on Monday night on the Image Sports Network in Erie, with long-time announcers Ray Riesdorph and Scott Wludyga calling all of the action for our viewers as the "Voices of the Erie Explosion".

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Southern Indoor Football League Stories from April 21, 2011


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