Conquest End Pioneers Season with Loss
Michael Balakier
Monday July 22, 2002
That news had apparently made its way throughout the locker room before the game, as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton lacked the enthusiasm and consistency it had displayed in their previous two home games.
“I think the guys knew about it, but I don’t know if that’s what affected us,” said Pioneers head coach Terry Karg. “We were a little flat up front and threw a couple picks and turned the all over on a kickoff or two. That led to their success. They got up on us, we battled back, which is what we’ve been doing. We just couldn’t overcome getting down early.”
As Albany quarterback Ryan Vena shined for the Conquest, throwing for 282 yards and 6 touchdowns, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton quarterback Bryan Snyder had what he called his worst Arena Football game ever. Snyder threw three interceptions on the Pioneers first four possessions, fumbled the football once, and tripped on a critical fourth down late in the fourth quarter. However, Snyder gave credit to Albany. “They answered time and time again when they had to score,” said Snyder.
“They just beat us to the punch,” added Karg. “I felt like the guys were hungry to play, but when you turn the ball over four times, it could take some air out of you.”
Despite their early struggles, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton showed some signs of a comeback in the second half, particularly a 50-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Aman Abye, but Albany would not relinquish their lead.
“Everybody just tried to play above themselves,” said Pioneers OS John Knust. “Sometimes people just don’t play to their own potential, and that’s what happened tonight.”
“It’s disappointing to end the season with a loss, but this group has worked hard for four months now,” said Karg. “Our guys have played hard all year. We made some progress. I would have liked to get some more wins, but we played our 16 game season.”
Game notes
Team awards: Prior to the start of Saturday night’s game, the Pioneers held a pre-game award ceremony. Quarterback Bryan Snyder was named offensive player of the year, while Elly Salamo was named defensive player of the year. Snyder also was named the Pioneers booster club player of the year. Quarterback-turned-receiver John Knust was honored as the team’s MVP. Also, although no official award was handed out, Jimmie Kibble was named booster club kicker of the year, at his request might I add. (Later this week I will post my own season-ending awards.)
What’s next: Saturday night’s game may have marked the last time that several players will wear a Pioneers uniform. Just to mention a few: OS John Knust will take part in a tryout with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, perhaps expanding his career as a wide receiver to the NFL…Quarterback Bryan Snyder said that he expects some Arena one offers and will go from there…Opio Gary said that the Atlanta Falcons showed some interest in him.
Just for kicks: Pioneers kicker Jimmie Kibble, who ranks among the league’s top kickers, said that he would like to move up to the AFL or NFL next season. Kibble, however, always puts it best. “ My job is just to keep kicking and wait for that call,” Kibble said.
Sweet revenge: Although not directly associated with Saturday night’s game, former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fullback LaMonte Coleman, who is now playing for division rival Rochester, is partially responsible for the Pioneers being eliminated from the playoffs prior to the start of Saturday’s game. In Friday night’s Rochester/Mohegan game, Coleman dashed for a 23-yard touchdown run, his first with the Brigade. That touchdown ultimately played a key role in Rochester’s 28-18 victory over the Wolves.
Michael Balakier first discovered a knack for writing during his senior year in high school while reporting for his school`s newspaper. Aside from being an Arenaball fan, Michael is an avid Syracuse University athletics follower, which poses a problem for him, as he attends the University of Pittsburgh. Michael plans on using what he has learned through his Arenafan experience to remain as impartial as he can during future Syracuse/Pitt events. Michael also serves as co-Editor of the af2 section of Arenafan Online.
