WBS Knocks off the Pirates 54-34
July 12, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release
(Wilkes-Barre) The Peoria Pirates fought and clawed the whole game, but once the fourth quarter started the Pioneers turned on the heat outscoring the Pirates 22-0 in the decisive quarter and pulling away with a victory in front of 5219 at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre.
The Pioneers defense racked up an interception, three sacks, with one resulting in a safety to continue the Pioneers domination of the fourth quarter. Ryan Vena threw two touchdown passes and Kirby Griffin rushed for a touchdown, as the Pioneers shook off the pesky Pirates.
Ryan Vena finished the game 23-38 for 315 yards and six touchdown passes finding Geisinger MVP Rich Musinski for three scores and JJ Outlaw for two.
The Pioneers offense sleepwalked through the first half with Ryan Vena throwing two interceptions and the Pirates were able to stop the highest scoring offense in the af2 on downs as well. Peoria took a 14-7 lead with a spectacular diving catch by De'tario Frederick.
Rich Musinski was able to make two long touchdown grabs one after a Larry Kendrick return to midfield. The Pioneers defense was able to hold the fort stopping the Pirates three times themselves with Peoria able to convert a 47 yard field goal by Nathan Palkovic. Then Peoria scored with two seconds left in the half with Justin Rascati coming in to find Taylor for his second score to head into the locker room with a 24-20 lead.
Peoria had injury problems throughout the game with their leading receiver Phillip Brock sidelined in the first quarter and their starting quarterback Donald Carrie was forced into the receiving core making one catch for 11 yards. Justin Rascati relieved Carrie and finished the game 2-10 for only 18 yards with an interception and one TD pass.
The Pioneers are home again next Saturday at 7:30 versus the Mahoning Valley Thunder. Tickets are on sale now at the Wachovia Arena box office, call the Pioneers at 970-4232 or visit www.wbspioneers.com. Playoff packages are on sale now.
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