Post by marinersmedia on Jun 29, 2010 19:57:19 GMT -5
BALTIMORE DEFEATS READING TO FINISH REGULAR SEASON UNDEFEATED
BALTIMORE, MD (June 28, 2010) – For the first time in AIFA history, a team has finished the regular season undefeated; the Baltimore Mariners. Thanks to a 69-35 win over their rivals, the Reading Express, the Mariners can now take their rightful place in history as the only team to go undefeated in the AIFA. They will now enjoy some much needed time off, as they prepare to face either the Harrisburg Stampede or the Erie Storm at the 1st Mariner Arena in the Eastern Conference Championship game. The game was tight in the 1st quarter, as the Mariners were challenged by the Express with an outstanding pass rush and great special teams play to force a safety, as well as a field goal. Baltimore held on to a 7-5 lead coming into the second quarter, until a spark was lit and the Mariners took over the game. The exams are in; let’s see how the Mariners did in their big win against the Reading Express.
Offense: A
The Mariners offense proved why they are the highest scoring offense in the AIFA, putting up huge numbers as usual. Mariners quarterback E.J. Nemeth had another outstanding game, cementing his claim as the best quarterback in the AIFA. Nemeth finished the day with 196 yards passing and five touchdowns. The Mariners receiving corps was outstanding, making some incredible acrobatic catches, led by Scorpio Brown with four receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Jamaal Stokes caught four passes for 63 yards and one touchdown, along with rookie Damon Harrison who had three receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Isaiah Grier was, as usual, outstanding in this game rushing for 68 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense: A
The Mariners defense did exactly what they needed to do in this game, and that was plant Express quarterback Rob Flowers. The Swashbucklers made life miserable for the all pro Reading quarterback, as he was brought down many, many times, especially by linebacker Adam Goloboski who totaled three sacks on the day. Daniel Orlebar also brought down Flowers, and Adam Foley and Melik Brown each recorded half a sack on an outstanding play to get in the backfield and bring him down. Armar Watson added to his league high interception total picking off Rob Flowers once again. Of course, my favorite stat among the defense; eight rushing yards allowed.
Special Teams: A
Mariners’ kicker J.R. Cipra had another solid day for the special teams. The leading scorer in the AIFA booted three unos and a beautiful 37 yard field goal. Cipra is our x-factor and we are lucky to have him on our team as we enter the playoffs.
The Mariners have an opportunity to do what few in professional football have done and that’s finish the season undefeated and as champions. They will rest up now and soon get back to work and let the chips fall where they may. Whether it’s against the Harrisburg Stampede or the Erie Storm, it should be an outstanding football game for the AIFA Eastern Conference Championship. Playoff football has returned to Baltimore, fans! It doesn’t get much better than this!
- Steve McNelly
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
BALTIMORE, MD (June 28, 2010) – For the first time in AIFA history, a team has finished the regular season undefeated; the Baltimore Mariners. Thanks to a 69-35 win over their rivals, the Reading Express, the Mariners can now take their rightful place in history as the only team to go undefeated in the AIFA. They will now enjoy some much needed time off, as they prepare to face either the Harrisburg Stampede or the Erie Storm at the 1st Mariner Arena in the Eastern Conference Championship game. The game was tight in the 1st quarter, as the Mariners were challenged by the Express with an outstanding pass rush and great special teams play to force a safety, as well as a field goal. Baltimore held on to a 7-5 lead coming into the second quarter, until a spark was lit and the Mariners took over the game. The exams are in; let’s see how the Mariners did in their big win against the Reading Express.
Offense: A
The Mariners offense proved why they are the highest scoring offense in the AIFA, putting up huge numbers as usual. Mariners quarterback E.J. Nemeth had another outstanding game, cementing his claim as the best quarterback in the AIFA. Nemeth finished the day with 196 yards passing and five touchdowns. The Mariners receiving corps was outstanding, making some incredible acrobatic catches, led by Scorpio Brown with four receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Jamaal Stokes caught four passes for 63 yards and one touchdown, along with rookie Damon Harrison who had three receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Isaiah Grier was, as usual, outstanding in this game rushing for 68 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense: A
The Mariners defense did exactly what they needed to do in this game, and that was plant Express quarterback Rob Flowers. The Swashbucklers made life miserable for the all pro Reading quarterback, as he was brought down many, many times, especially by linebacker Adam Goloboski who totaled three sacks on the day. Daniel Orlebar also brought down Flowers, and Adam Foley and Melik Brown each recorded half a sack on an outstanding play to get in the backfield and bring him down. Armar Watson added to his league high interception total picking off Rob Flowers once again. Of course, my favorite stat among the defense; eight rushing yards allowed.
Special Teams: A
Mariners’ kicker J.R. Cipra had another solid day for the special teams. The leading scorer in the AIFA booted three unos and a beautiful 37 yard field goal. Cipra is our x-factor and we are lucky to have him on our team as we enter the playoffs.
The Mariners have an opportunity to do what few in professional football have done and that’s finish the season undefeated and as champions. They will rest up now and soon get back to work and let the chips fall where they may. Whether it’s against the Harrisburg Stampede or the Erie Storm, it should be an outstanding football game for the AIFA Eastern Conference Championship. Playoff football has returned to Baltimore, fans! It doesn’t get much better than this!
- Steve McNelly
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.