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Wolves Shock Pioneers

June 1, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers News Release


(Manchester, NH) The Manchester Wolves shocked the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Pioneers 70-63 Saturday night in Manchester in front of 5,082 Wolves fans at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

Ryan Vena was intercepted twice in the final minute of the ballgame, the first of which was returned for the game winning score by JLS Ironman of the game Bradly Chavez. The highly ranked Pioneers defense was unable to get any pressure on Wolves QB James Pinkney all night, who finished the game 22-33 for 317 yards and 6 TD passes along with rushing for two more scores.

A back and forth first half had just one defensive stop from the Pioneers. Schutt Offensive player of the game Rich Musinski had three touchdowns in the half. The first was a quick pass over the middle that Musinski turned into a 44 yard touchdown run after the catch, he then ran a double move to leave himself all alone in the corner of the end zone for his second grab and then his third was a ten yard completion on an in route. Musinski had his season high in receiving yards with seven catches for 167 yards. Vena also found JJ Outlaw for a five yard touchdown pass and Larry Kendrick started the scoring with a 14 yard catch.

The Wolves put together a tough first half, aided by nine Pioneers first half penalties, driving for four scores. James Pinkney was able to answer all of the Pioneers scores except one finding Steven Savoy for two touchdowns and Emery Sammons for one score. Pinkney also rushed in a hard fought QB sneak from the one yard line to cut the halftime score to 35-28 Pioneers.

The second half continued the barnburner back and forth when Manchester opened the second half with a 40 yard drive capped by a three yard Pinkney touchdown run to tie the score at 35-35. Ryan Vena had a two yard touchdown run on a QB sweep off of the right side that Pinkney quickly answered with a TD pass to Sammons. Larry Kendrick then took the ensuing kickoff off the net for a 56 yard touchdown.

After a Steven Savoy touchdown run the Pioneers then scored on a 16 yard touchdown pass and run by JJ Outlaw gave the Pioneers a 56-48 lead. But the Wolves would not quit as they quickly answered on a Pinkney pass to Steven Savoy to put the Wolves back to within 56-55.

Ryan Vena then found JJ Outlaw for his second touchdown catch of the quarter and third for the game to put the Pioneers back on top 63-55. The Wolves did not miss a beat with Pinkney hitting Bradly Chavez in the end zone and then converting the two point conversion to tie the score 63-63 with 55 seconds to go.

The Pioneers gained possession at the Manchester 20 yard line. Ryan Vena then threw a quick pass that was intercepted by Chavez who took the pick back to the house and give the Wolves a 70-63 lead. Then a flushed out Ryan Vena threw a second interception to Carlton Brown to end the Pioneers hopes of a comeback.

Ryan Vena would finish the game 24-32 for 317 yards, the two costly interceptions and seven touchdown passes. While both Larry Kendrick and JJ Outlaw would finish with eight catches for 85 and 53 yards respectfully.

The 7-2 Pioneers travel to Albany next week to take on the Conquest. They will return to the Wachovia Arena Friday night June 13 versus the Tennessee Valley Vipers for Heroes night. For tickets visit the Wachovia Arena box office or call the Pioneers at 970-4232 or visit wbspioneers.com.

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