Pioneers Fight Through Blizzard
Jason Moyer
Sunday August 7, 2005
The defense started the scoring for the Pioneers on Green Bay’s first offensive play of the game. Blizzard quarterback Johnny Turman completed a pass to Robert Garth at the 11-yard line, where WR/DB Juron Kelly forced a fumble. The ball was kicked and batted before Leroy McFadden fell on it in the end zone.
McFadden, who was signed to the squad last week to replace injured Offensive Specialist J.R. Thomas, was named Ironman of the Game.
"I’m never off season. I’m always training," commented McFadden. "I was ready to roll when coach called."
The Pioneers led most of the game, but were never able to pull away from the Blizzard. Missed field goals and a fumbled kickoff allowed Green Bay to stay close and tie the game in the final minute.
"Special teams was a concern for us," offered Head Coach Les Moss. "We missed an extra point and some field goals. Also our return game has to get cleaned up."
The Blizzard pulled to within one point on a Brent Holmes touchdown with 51 seconds remaining. Blizzard coach, Bob Landsee, wasted two timeouts while deciding to go for a two-point conversion or kick the extra point. Settling for the single point and tie score, Green Bay was now forced to attempt an onside kick.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton recovered the onside attempt, setting up the offense at the 9-yard line. Roy Olson scored on the next play as Green Bay played the famous "give-up" defense.
The score gave the Pioneers the lead, but was probably a strategic mistake. Had Olson not scored, Green Bay would have been forced to use their final timeout. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton could have run the clock down before attempting a winning score without giving the ball back to the Blizzard.
"That’s my fault," explained Moss. "We didn’t communicate that well to the fullback. We’ll get that cleaned up."
The Pioneer defense, however, made the score stand as they stopped the Blizzard on the games final drive. Jamie Hattley, Glen Davis, and Kyle Grove all batted down balls before a fourth down pass fell incomplete to secure the victory.
"Our defense played great," stated Coach Moss. "The secondary played good and we got some pressure on them, especially in the second half. It’s a big win for the players they did a hell of a job tonight."
Inside the numbers:
Brent Holmes [GB] was named Offensive Player of the Game. Holmes caught eight passes for 131 yards and four touchdowns. The Offensive Specialist also returned four kickoffs for 126 yards.
Leroy McFadden [WB-S] earned the Ironman of the Game award. McFadden hauled in five catches for 41 yards, rushed for a touchdown, and scored on a defensive fumble recovery.
Jamie Hattley [WB-S] was voted Defensive Player of the Game. Hattley recorded seven solo tackles as well as a forced fumble.
Bryan Snyder [WB-S] finished the game 25 of 36 for 253 yards and four touchdowns.
Johnny Turman [GB] completed 25 of 42 passes for 255 yards and five touchdowns.
Looking ahead:
The Pioneers advance to the second round and will take on the defending ArenaCup champion Florida Firecats. In their last meeting, Florida won a 48-47 home victory.
"It’s going to be a heck of a game," stated Coach Moss. "We played them down there and went into overtime and failed on a two-point conversion to beat them. We’re looking forward to playing them again."
Kickoff is set for 7:30 next Saturday and can be heard on AM 980.
Jason Moyer is an elementary school teacher in the western New Jersey area. He is an avid follower of the Arena Football League and has been covering the Philadelphia Soul with ArenaFan.com since 2005. Jason resides in Whitehall, PA with his wife and daughter.
