Post by rkozak201 on Apr 29, 2008 8:24:35 GMT -5
The Reading Express and Canton Legends have had some memorable games in previous seasons, however, last Friday night on Procak Associates Field in the Sovereign Center, wasn’t one of them. The Express used a stifling defense and a methodical offensive attack to win 36-7, which kept the Legends winless at 0-6. The Express improved to 5-2 with the win and oddly enough decided to score first this game.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Express got on the board when quarterback Rob Flowers found wide receiver Jeff Willis in the end zone for a 12-yard hookup to give the Express a 7-0 lead. Flowers then found wide receiver Carmelo Ocasio later in the quarter for a 26-yard touchdown pass. Ocasio caught the ball in midair and was then pushed over the boards and into the stands. After a discussion between the officials, the catch was ruled a touchdown and the Express went up 13-0.
The Legends, who lost to Huntington the previous week 49-6, got their only touchdown of the game on a 9-yard pass from quarterback Jami Williamson to wide receiver Tim Smith.
Looking to increase their cushion before halftime, the Express reeled off 16 points in the final 55 seconds to take a 29-7 lead into the locker room. Flowers started the scoring with a 2-yard run, and then followed it up with a perfect run into the corner of the end zone for a two-point conversion. Flowers then hooked up with Ocasio for a 20-yard score with 1.1 seconds remaining in the first half. Kicker Erik Rockhold added an UNO on the ensuing kickoff to give the Express a 22-point cushion.
In the second half, the Express defense did what it had been doing all night. They gave Williamson no time to throw and forced him into three interceptions. One of those interceptions was by linebacker Rob Biernat, who returned the pick 10 yards for the only scoring of the second half.
The Express have a bye week this week and will turn around to face the Legends in Canton on Saturday, May 10.
The Express returns to the Sovereign Center on Saturday, May 17, against the Fayetteville Guard. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.