Post by The Picks Commissioner on Mar 30, 2007 16:06:57 GMT -5
www.tribune-democrat.com/sports/local_story_089002030.html
‘Hawks hitting the road
BY SAMUEL LEGG
The Tribune-Democrat
A St. Patrick’s Day game between Johnstown and Pittsburgh in the American Indoor Football Association turned out more like the St. Valentine’s Day massacre.
The Riverhawks trashed the RiverRats 43-13 in Week 7, as Johnstown’s defense forced five turnovers and held the expansion franchise scoreless during the second half.
The RiverRats will try to get even during a rematch at 7 tonight at Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon.
The Riverhawks (3-3) are banged up, coming out of last week’s 47-22 loss at Huntington. Quarterback Jarrod Highberger injured an elbow and had to be replaced by Waylon Davis, who began the season taking snaps. Fullback Michael Feeney injured an elbow and is out, as is lineman Lee Kuzemchak.
“We’re going to have to get through some injuries,” Riverhawks coach Steven G. Folmar said. “We had a lot of guys get injured in the game against Huntington.”
Davis will get the start tonight against the RiverRats.
Folmar said Pittsburgh also has quarterback issues. Niel Loebig, who started against the Riverhawks, quit the team, leaving David Dinkins or Brian Eyerman to fill in. Dinkins lined up at wide receiver in the first meeting, but was Erie’s starting quarterback the past two seasons before signing with the expansion franchise during the offseason. Eyerman began the year as the starter but has been on the shelf with an injury.
Folmar expects Dinkins to call the shots tonight.
“His threat isn’t as much throwing as it is running,” Folmar said. “He’ll kill you running the ball. So, we’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
The Riverhawks’ defense harassed Loebig during the 30-point win, as Mike Marshall, a former Bedford Area High School standout who played at IUP, had two sacks.
Pittsburgh’s last score came with 1:31 before halftime, as the RiverRats closed to within 33-13.
“We haven’t lost anything on defense,” Folmar said. “I’ve got no concern with my defense. Our defense is as strong as the defense that gave up 13 points.”
Folmar senses this game will be much closer than the first heated meeting.
“It will be closer for the simple fact, it’s two teams that know each other now,” he said. “We’re going to be down in their house, with their fans, so we just have to play smart.”
Following the road tilt at Pittsburgh, Johnstown will enjoy four home games in five weeks, beginning with North Division leader Reading on April 7.
“We need to use Pittsburgh to jump-start us going into this homestretch,” Folmar said. “We have some very crucial games, very tough games at home. It’s really important that we establish some kind of momentum now to carry us into the postseason.”
‘Hawks hitting the road
BY SAMUEL LEGG
The Tribune-Democrat
A St. Patrick’s Day game between Johnstown and Pittsburgh in the American Indoor Football Association turned out more like the St. Valentine’s Day massacre.
The Riverhawks trashed the RiverRats 43-13 in Week 7, as Johnstown’s defense forced five turnovers and held the expansion franchise scoreless during the second half.
The RiverRats will try to get even during a rematch at 7 tonight at Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon.
The Riverhawks (3-3) are banged up, coming out of last week’s 47-22 loss at Huntington. Quarterback Jarrod Highberger injured an elbow and had to be replaced by Waylon Davis, who began the season taking snaps. Fullback Michael Feeney injured an elbow and is out, as is lineman Lee Kuzemchak.
“We’re going to have to get through some injuries,” Riverhawks coach Steven G. Folmar said. “We had a lot of guys get injured in the game against Huntington.”
Davis will get the start tonight against the RiverRats.
Folmar said Pittsburgh also has quarterback issues. Niel Loebig, who started against the Riverhawks, quit the team, leaving David Dinkins or Brian Eyerman to fill in. Dinkins lined up at wide receiver in the first meeting, but was Erie’s starting quarterback the past two seasons before signing with the expansion franchise during the offseason. Eyerman began the year as the starter but has been on the shelf with an injury.
Folmar expects Dinkins to call the shots tonight.
“His threat isn’t as much throwing as it is running,” Folmar said. “He’ll kill you running the ball. So, we’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
The Riverhawks’ defense harassed Loebig during the 30-point win, as Mike Marshall, a former Bedford Area High School standout who played at IUP, had two sacks.
Pittsburgh’s last score came with 1:31 before halftime, as the RiverRats closed to within 33-13.
“We haven’t lost anything on defense,” Folmar said. “I’ve got no concern with my defense. Our defense is as strong as the defense that gave up 13 points.”
Folmar senses this game will be much closer than the first heated meeting.
“It will be closer for the simple fact, it’s two teams that know each other now,” he said. “We’re going to be down in their house, with their fans, so we just have to play smart.”
Following the road tilt at Pittsburgh, Johnstown will enjoy four home games in five weeks, beginning with North Division leader Reading on April 7.
“We need to use Pittsburgh to jump-start us going into this homestretch,” Folmar said. “We have some very crucial games, very tough games at home. It’s really important that we establish some kind of momentum now to carry us into the postseason.”
