Post by marinersmedia on Mar 11, 2010 16:08:03 GMT -5
After Season Opening Win in Harrisburg, Baltimore Looks for Victory in Home Opener
BALTIMORE, MD (March 11, 2010) – When the Baltimore Mariners play their 2010 home opener this Sunday at 4:00 PM against the New Jersey Revolution at 1st Mariner Arena, they have two simple goals: show improvement and win. “I expect fewer mistakes on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. The goal is to come out, perform better than the previous week and secure our first win at home,” said Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson.
After earning the franchise’s first playoff berth in 2009, the Mariners entered the 2010 season with a stated goal of winning the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) championship. They completed the first step in reaching that objective by defeating the Harrisburg Stampede 55-48 in week one of AIFA play. The offense appeared to fire on all cylinders as Mariners quarterback E.J. Nemeth had his best game as a pro compiling a QB rating of 157.08 by connecting on 19 of 25 passes for 258 yards and four touchdown tosses; while throwing no interceptions. He also added two rushing touchdowns. Nemeth spread his completions amongst five players and wide receiver Scorpio Brown led the way with three touchdown receptions.
On the defensive side of the ball, Melik Brown earned AIFA Defensive Player of the Week honors in his first start for the Mariners, after playing for Harrisburg in 2009. Brown notched 4.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for a loss. Overall the defense surrendered 16 first downs and 242 yards, totals Coach Simpson hopes to improve on this week against New Jersey. “The offense did an outstanding job moving the ball and scoring. I liked the fact we were disciplined and had very few penalties and no turnovers. Defensively, we need to work on a couple of things and make sure that everyone understands their assignments. Same goes for the special teams. Definitely something we can build on going into next weekend's game against New Jersey,” commented Simpson.
In the New Jersey Revolution, the Mariners face essentially an unknown opponent. After four seasons in the regional Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL), in which they compiled a 7-30 record, the Revolution moved to the national AIFA for the 2010 season. Coach Simpson does not foresee the unknown aspects of the Revolution causing a challenge. Simpson noted, “I am not very familiar with New Jersey's coaching staff and personnel. We have to go into each game as if we are facing a championship caliber team. Our focus will be on getting fundamentally better as a team. If we can properly execute in all three phases of our game, the outcome will take care of itself.” The Revolution, which is based about 45 minutes outside of New York City, in Morristown, New Jersey will be one of six Eastern Conference opponents the Mariners will face this season.
The Mariners also have a great day of events planned for Mariners fans. The team will be celebrating Youth Sports Night and also Fan Appreciation Night. All youth players (13 and under) may purchase a $15 (100 level) ticket for only $10 (plus applicable facility fees) when accompanied by a paying adult if they are wearing their team jersey. Halftime will also feature the Hereford County Bulls, ten and under team, who were crowned 2009 National Youth Football Champions, and other youth organizations will be recognized and take part in pre-game activities. The Mariners will also celebrate Fan Appreciation Night by giving away Natty Boh/Mariners Thunderstix to the first 500 fans in attendance and they will recognize such great fan organizations as the Mariner Maniacs and various Ravens Councils, Nests, and Roosts. Player introductions will feature a fantastic pyrotechnics display presented by Associated Pyrotechnicians and fans will be entertained by contests, prizes, and the Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders throughout the game.
Tickets are still available and may be purchased through the 1st Mariner Arena Box Office located at 201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and group and season tickets may still be purchased by calling 410-347-2006. Season Ticket packages start at just $49 and single game tickets are priced from $7.50.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
BALTIMORE, MD (March 11, 2010) – When the Baltimore Mariners play their 2010 home opener this Sunday at 4:00 PM against the New Jersey Revolution at 1st Mariner Arena, they have two simple goals: show improvement and win. “I expect fewer mistakes on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. The goal is to come out, perform better than the previous week and secure our first win at home,” said Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson.
After earning the franchise’s first playoff berth in 2009, the Mariners entered the 2010 season with a stated goal of winning the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) championship. They completed the first step in reaching that objective by defeating the Harrisburg Stampede 55-48 in week one of AIFA play. The offense appeared to fire on all cylinders as Mariners quarterback E.J. Nemeth had his best game as a pro compiling a QB rating of 157.08 by connecting on 19 of 25 passes for 258 yards and four touchdown tosses; while throwing no interceptions. He also added two rushing touchdowns. Nemeth spread his completions amongst five players and wide receiver Scorpio Brown led the way with three touchdown receptions.
On the defensive side of the ball, Melik Brown earned AIFA Defensive Player of the Week honors in his first start for the Mariners, after playing for Harrisburg in 2009. Brown notched 4.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for a loss. Overall the defense surrendered 16 first downs and 242 yards, totals Coach Simpson hopes to improve on this week against New Jersey. “The offense did an outstanding job moving the ball and scoring. I liked the fact we were disciplined and had very few penalties and no turnovers. Defensively, we need to work on a couple of things and make sure that everyone understands their assignments. Same goes for the special teams. Definitely something we can build on going into next weekend's game against New Jersey,” commented Simpson.
In the New Jersey Revolution, the Mariners face essentially an unknown opponent. After four seasons in the regional Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL), in which they compiled a 7-30 record, the Revolution moved to the national AIFA for the 2010 season. Coach Simpson does not foresee the unknown aspects of the Revolution causing a challenge. Simpson noted, “I am not very familiar with New Jersey's coaching staff and personnel. We have to go into each game as if we are facing a championship caliber team. Our focus will be on getting fundamentally better as a team. If we can properly execute in all three phases of our game, the outcome will take care of itself.” The Revolution, which is based about 45 minutes outside of New York City, in Morristown, New Jersey will be one of six Eastern Conference opponents the Mariners will face this season.
The Mariners also have a great day of events planned for Mariners fans. The team will be celebrating Youth Sports Night and also Fan Appreciation Night. All youth players (13 and under) may purchase a $15 (100 level) ticket for only $10 (plus applicable facility fees) when accompanied by a paying adult if they are wearing their team jersey. Halftime will also feature the Hereford County Bulls, ten and under team, who were crowned 2009 National Youth Football Champions, and other youth organizations will be recognized and take part in pre-game activities. The Mariners will also celebrate Fan Appreciation Night by giving away Natty Boh/Mariners Thunderstix to the first 500 fans in attendance and they will recognize such great fan organizations as the Mariner Maniacs and various Ravens Councils, Nests, and Roosts. Player introductions will feature a fantastic pyrotechnics display presented by Associated Pyrotechnicians and fans will be entertained by contests, prizes, and the Baltimore Mariners Cheerleaders throughout the game.
Tickets are still available and may be purchased through the 1st Mariner Arena Box Office located at 201 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and group and season tickets may still be purchased by calling 410-347-2006. Season Ticket packages start at just $49 and single game tickets are priced from $7.50.
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
