Brigade Top Valor in Baltimore
Saturday June 24, 2017
Carden throws for five touchdowns, runs for another in win over Washington
BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore Brigade (3-6) defeated the Washington Valor (1-8), 51-41, Friday night at Royal Farms Arena. Brigade QB Shane Carden took home the game’s MVP award for his six-touchdown performance. Baltimore WR Reggie Gray was named Offensive Player of the Game while teammate DB Varmah Sonie’s six tackles and three pass break-ups were good for Defensive Player of the Game.
“We just try to come out and get better each week,” said Brigade Head Coach Omarr Smith. “We made the correct adjustments to come out and win a hard-fought game.”
Baltimore wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Carden delivered a 17-yard strike to 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 Washington 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 QB Sean 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 Sean Brackett completed a 12-yard pass to WR Charles 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 Baltimore Brigade have their fourth and final bye week of the 2017 season next weekend, but return to action on Sat., July 8 at 7 p.m., hosting the Philadelphia Soul at Royal Farms Arena.