Thunder looking to break Conquest’s "Hart"

David Grimes
Friday April 6, 2007

The Mahoning Valley Thunder will look to use their experience against the rookie-filled Albany Conquest today at the Times Union Center.

Leading the Conquest on their season opener will be QB Ryan Hart who was named the starter for the home opener just two days ago.  

Hart, the former Rutgers starting quarterback last year, will lead 20 new players, 14 of those rookies, who did not play on the Conquest’s roster last season.

Look for Hart to find WR Bakari Brown and WR Antwun Williams who both enter their second season with the team.  If Hart gets into trouble during the game, don’t be surprised to see fellow rookie QB Dan Cole who battled for the starting quarterback job all training camp at the helm.

If the Thunder’s first game is any indication, expect the Conquest rookies to take some time in adjusting to the game. The Thunder, on the other hand, hope to improve and build upon last week’s game against the Tri-Cities Fever.  

Thunder head coach Mike Hold saw his team commit too many penalties in their season opener.

“There were too many penalties.  That is a direct result of the rookies getting adjusted to the league and new rules,” Hold said.  “That stuff will iron itself out.”

Hold also saw his defense falter at times during the second half.  The team let up 40 points after holding the Fever to a goose egg in the first half.  Hold said the Thunder have “plenty of work to do” before today’s game.  And having one game under their belts may give the Thunder an edge.

While the Conquest will be seeing who emerges as the new stars of the team, the Thunder already have an idea who their leaders will be at Albany, NY.  WR Chris Archie and OL/DL Tim Frost combined for five touchdowns in last week’s game.  Archie pulled down the passing touchdowns while Frost rumbled into the end zone for rushing touchdowns.

Archie credits QB Glen Gauntt for his success against the Fever.

“Glen put the ball in the right place all night.  He is a tremendous quarterback and he knows as long as he gives me a chance to catch it, I’ll go and get it,” Archie said.

Frost gives his thanks to the big men up front who created opportunities for his two rushing touchdowns.

“The line did a great job of opening holes and I was able to find a way in,” Frost said.

The Conquest will have to have a quick learning curve and limit their mistakes if they want to earn a win tonight.  The Thunder will lean on their game experience to help them resolve their problems and utilize their strengths on both sides of the ball.