Express rolls past Pittsburgh

[Gene]

Express rolls past Pittsburgh
Saturday, June 09 2007

Reading overcomes an 11-point deficit and reaches the AIFA Northern Conference final.

By Brian Rippey Reading Eagle 6/10/2007 12:16:00 AM

Nobody could explain why, but the Reading Express found itself in an 11-point hole Saturday night early in a playoff game few thought it could lose.

But when former Penn Stater Yaccov Yisrael returned an interception 35 yards for a Pittsburgh touchdown, it sent shock waves to the players and fans throughout the Sovereign Center.

“That was a definite wakeup call,” Express defensive lineman Adam Vogel said. “Maybe reality hit a little bit. We knew we had to get a little insane and get some pressure on.”

The Express defense dominated after that with two goal-line stands and eventually knocked out RiverRats quarterback David Dinkins in a 42-24 American Indoor Football Association Northern Conference semifinal win.

After trailing 18-7 in the first quarter, the Express (15-2) didn’t allow the RiverRats (7-8) to score again until the final minute.

The Express advanced to the Northern Conference championship game for the second straight year and will face defending league champion Canton Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Sovereign Center.

“We just knew if we kept on hammering at him (Dinkins), he’s going to have to throw the ball quicker than he’s used to,” Express coach Kelly Logan said. “That’s what we did, we contained him.”

The Express offense, sparked by the return of wide receiver Shawn Foxworth, got rolling to take a 21-18 halftime lead. Foxworth’s second touchdown reception, a 27-yarder from Tom Stetzer with 5:52 left in the second quarter, put Reading ahead to stay.

Stetzer threw six touchdown passes, including a pair to Carmelo Ocasio.

“We can be so explosive in arena football and score points so fast that we never really worried,” Stetzer said. “Once we took the lead we knew we could keep it from there.”

It wasn’t quite that easy.

Reading opened a 28-18 lead on the second play of the third quarter with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Stetzer to Ocasio.

But the RiverRats, who got 12 receptions for 134 yards from former Penn Stater Gerald Smith, threatened to get back in it but were turned away at the goal line twice.

Pittsburgh had first-and-goal at the 1 early in the third quarter. Aided by noise from the rowdy crowd of about 2,000, the Express pushed the RiverRats back to the 19 on two penalties, a fumble and a sack.

Early in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh again was on the goal line before Dinkins was stopped on a quarterback sneak and sent out of the game with an ankle injury.

That threat ended when Anthony Jackson intercepted a pass by backup quarterback Marko Thomas in the end zone by leaping and reaching over the boards.

“Defense wins championships,” Logan said. “They proved today that our defense is back.”

The Express put it away on the next play when Stetzer lofted a 40-yard touchdown pass to Ocasio, who caught the ball on his fingertips between two defenders while leaping and falling backwards.

“Someone had to make a play and I got the opportunity,” Ocasio said. “In this game, if you let a team stay in it like that it’s never over. You’ve got to put them away when you get the chance.”

•Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or [e-mail].

[Standard Deviation]

Congrats to the Express and all their fans. You guys played a good game and we just didnt bring enough to the table tonight. Well done and good luck.

[Coach Bernie]

josh,...hats off to all of you guys..pittsburgh belongs in all the elite talks....a quality squad..a class front office and coaches that coach......my amen to all the org.

[Old School Rat]

As a member of the Pittsburgh RiverRats camp, I must say that it never feels good to lose. However, it stings a lot less when you are treated with respect and professionalism. Congratulations to the Reading Express Football team on a game well played. You showed why you were the division champs. I also want to say Congratulations to the Express Management team for being a "PROFESSIONAL" Organization. From the time you get off the bus to the time you get back onto it, first class all the way (including your facility). Lastly, Congratulations to Coach Logan for a job well done. Again, I am pretty happy with my guy (Coach Liotta), but you have done a fantastic job this season. Additionally, Thank you for making the young Express fan's night (that was sitting next to the RiverRats bench) by giving him your personal game towel and shaking his hand after the game. After all, it's all about the fans and their support. So, as the RiverRats sadly end our season, I wish all the Luck to the Express Team in keeping your season going. Keep that Train a Rollin'!!!

[Gene]

Pittsburgh played a GREAT game. You guys should be proud of all that you accomplished in your inaugural season. Best of luck in future seasons and we look forward to meeting you again.

[expressfan01]

I was expecting a larger turn out for the game, but they made it up with how much noise they made. That was one of the better games that I have seen, great defensive and offensive plays.

[expresszac]

A good part of the meger turnout was that the Reading Phillies had a game and fireworks afterwards.
This was a great game and Congrats to Pittsburgh for an impressive game. The key additions that you guys made really made a heck of a diffrence. I think that the defense's allnight long pressure just wore the offense down.
Now to put a beating on Canton and send them home with the feeling that we had last year. All I have to say is if our defense shows up like they did this game it is going to be a long night for the Canton Offense.

[Gene]

Its amazing how people would rather watch fireworks than watch a playoff game. As many times as the R-Phils have them missing one wouldnt hurt............

[expressfan01]

I never understood that either, they aren't even playing that well at this time.

[loco]

If wins bring people in the Piranha would have sold out ten consecutive years. The R-Phils are about having a good time, not good baseball.... it's a consolation out of their control.

ANYWAY, they don't have a home game this weekend, so no excuses from the ball crowd.