Brackett Throws Five Touchdowns in Loss to Baltimore

Saturday June 24, 2017

 Valor fall to Brigade, evening their season series at one apiece

BALTIMORE, MD — The Washington Valor (1-8) dropped a 51-41 decision to the Baltimore Brigade (3-6) Friday night at Royal Farms Arena. Valor QB Sean Brackett tossed five touchdowns, including three to WR Charles McClain, a season high for the wideout.

“We are still making a lot of rookie mistakes,” said Valor Head Coach Dean Cokinos. “We just have to keep learning.”

Baltimore wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as QB Shane Carden delivered a 17-yard strike to WR Reggie Gray for an opening-drive touchdown. The Valor responded with a score of their own, a 44-yarder that deflected off a Brigade defender before being hauled in by WR Greg Carr. The Brigade struck back with just over a minute remaining in the first quarter, bringing the score to 14-7. The Valor started the second quarter strong, finding their way into the end zone thanks to Brackett’s second touchdown pass of the night. A botched extra point attempt would leave the Valor down by one, 14-13. Washington and Baltimore traded scores on their ensuing drives, knotting the game at 20-20. After Brigade WR Brandon Collins took a screen pass 34 yards to the Valor one-yard line, the Brigade were able to punch it in when Gray caught his third touchdown of the game, giving Baltimore a 27-20 lead. Both teams managed to find the end zone again before halftime, giving the Brigade a 34-27 lead going into halftime.

Baltimore opened the second half as Carden scored on a one-yard rush up the middle to extend the Brigade lead to 14 points. The first double-digit lead of the game would not last long, however, as Washington scored on the following drive when Brackett completed a 12-yard pass to McClain. The Brigade took a two-score, fourth quarter lead when Carden found FB Rory Nixon for a seven-yard touchdown. The Valor countered with a touchdown pass of their own, this time with WR Josh Reese on the receiving end. The following extra point kick cut Baltimore’s lead to seven, 48-41. A 21-yard field goal sealed the game for the Brigade with 58 seconds remaining.

KEY STAT: The Brigade possessed the ball for a total of 33:24 compared to the Valor’s 26:36.

MVP: Baltimore QB Shane Carden – 21-31 passing, 251 yards and six total touchdowns
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Baltimore WR Reggie Gray – nine receptions, 110 yards and three touchdowns
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Baltimore DB Varmah Sonie – six total touchdowns and three pass break-ups

The Washington Valor are on the road next weekend, taking on the Tampa Bay Storm on Sat., July 1 at 7 p.m. at Amalie Arena.