Post by fwp on Apr 1, 2010 19:57:16 GMT -5
blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2010/04/stampede_look_to_extend_winnin.html
Fresh off a bye week, the Harrisburg Stampede look to continue their momentum gained after knocking off the defending American Indoor Football Association champions in their house.
Two weeks ago, the Reading Express had a pregame celebration that included a ring ceremony. Once the game began, however, the stunned fans at the Sovereign Center watched as the Stampede handed Reading its second regular season home loss in four years by a 55-42 decision.
Now its back to business for the Stampede.
In the second of three meetings, Harrisburg (2-1) will host the Erie Storm (1-2) in Eastern Division action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Farm Show Arena. The Stampede, riding a two-game winning streak, are scoring points, averaging 48.0, along with playing opportunistic defense.
“Our goal was to be 2-1 entering our bye ... and we accomplished that,” Harrisburg coach Ramon Robinson said. “Our next goal is to go into our next bye 4-1.”
Harrisburg tallied 41 points in the second half, including 20 in the fourth quarter, to dispose of Reading. The defense scored 14 points, the last touchdown coming off a 30-yard interception return by defensive back Jerry Gray with 2:38 remaining.
“The positive thing is that we still have a lot of things to improve on, and we’re still finding ways to win,” Robinson said. “Once everything hits on all cylinders, it’s going to be a beautiful thing. We’re working hard and thriving to be successful.”
Stampede quarterback Kelvin Robinson, a veteran of indoor football, has been away from the game for two years. He currently has thrown for 587 yards and 10 touchdowns (and five picks) for a 101.93 rating. Not bad for someone still shaking off the rust.
Having solid receivers like Keith Stokes, Keith Marion and Silas Daniels, and a runner like Eugene Goodman, doesn’t hurt either.
Harrisburg knocked off the Storm three weeks ago in Erie, 41-34, for its first victory of the season. Erie coach Shawn Liotta feels that his team has been put through some early tough tests.
“Our schedule [Reading and Harrisburg twice each] has been like a buzzsaw,” he said. “Our offense [42.0 ppg] has been doing well, but we need to find a way to win close games. I know that we need to work on our special teams, and find more consistency overall.”
Former Pitt quarterback Rod Rutherford (548 yards, 10 TDs) leads the offense, with former Stampede starter A.J. Roque serving as a capable backup. In last week’s 53-51 loss to Reading, Roque fired three touchdown passes in the first half.
Receivers Eugene Baker (25 catches for 313 yards) and Darm Whitfield (15 for 190) both have five scoring receptions.
“I wouldn’t call this a must-win situation because it’s too early,” Liotta said. “I’m very impressed with the Stampede. They have talent and they’re definitely contenders.”
Fresh off a bye week, the Harrisburg Stampede look to continue their momentum gained after knocking off the defending American Indoor Football Association champions in their house.
Two weeks ago, the Reading Express had a pregame celebration that included a ring ceremony. Once the game began, however, the stunned fans at the Sovereign Center watched as the Stampede handed Reading its second regular season home loss in four years by a 55-42 decision.
Now its back to business for the Stampede.
In the second of three meetings, Harrisburg (2-1) will host the Erie Storm (1-2) in Eastern Division action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Farm Show Arena. The Stampede, riding a two-game winning streak, are scoring points, averaging 48.0, along with playing opportunistic defense.
“Our goal was to be 2-1 entering our bye ... and we accomplished that,” Harrisburg coach Ramon Robinson said. “Our next goal is to go into our next bye 4-1.”
Harrisburg tallied 41 points in the second half, including 20 in the fourth quarter, to dispose of Reading. The defense scored 14 points, the last touchdown coming off a 30-yard interception return by defensive back Jerry Gray with 2:38 remaining.
“The positive thing is that we still have a lot of things to improve on, and we’re still finding ways to win,” Robinson said. “Once everything hits on all cylinders, it’s going to be a beautiful thing. We’re working hard and thriving to be successful.”
Stampede quarterback Kelvin Robinson, a veteran of indoor football, has been away from the game for two years. He currently has thrown for 587 yards and 10 touchdowns (and five picks) for a 101.93 rating. Not bad for someone still shaking off the rust.
Having solid receivers like Keith Stokes, Keith Marion and Silas Daniels, and a runner like Eugene Goodman, doesn’t hurt either.
Harrisburg knocked off the Storm three weeks ago in Erie, 41-34, for its first victory of the season. Erie coach Shawn Liotta feels that his team has been put through some early tough tests.
“Our schedule [Reading and Harrisburg twice each] has been like a buzzsaw,” he said. “Our offense [42.0 ppg] has been doing well, but we need to find a way to win close games. I know that we need to work on our special teams, and find more consistency overall.”
Former Pitt quarterback Rod Rutherford (548 yards, 10 TDs) leads the offense, with former Stampede starter A.J. Roque serving as a capable backup. In last week’s 53-51 loss to Reading, Roque fired three touchdown passes in the first half.
Receivers Eugene Baker (25 catches for 313 yards) and Darm Whitfield (15 for 190) both have five scoring receptions.
“I wouldn’t call this a must-win situation because it’s too early,” Liotta said. “I’m very impressed with the Stampede. They have talent and they’re definitely contenders.”