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THE GAME
The Pittsburgh Power (2-6) take on East Division rival Cleveland Gladiators (2-6) for their second straight home game at CONSOL Energy Center. Kickoff is Saturday, May 25, at 7:00 pm EDT.
Last week, the Tampa Bay Storm beat the Power 62-34 at home.
The Gladiators fell to the San Antonio Talons 57-33 at home at the Quicken Loans Arena.
POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: Starting his first game at CONSOL Energy Center, Power quarterback Steven Sheffield led all quarterbacks with 276 passing yards. In 2 games in a Power uniform, Sheffield has completed 53.2% of his passes for 548 yards with 9 touchdowns.
Receiving: Veteran Power wide receiver, Mike Washington heads the offensive stats with 73 catches for 774 yards and 12 touchdowns. Washington has also recorded 2 rushing touchdowns this season for a team high 84 points. Last Week Mike’s lone touchdown grab was his 300th career reception for the Pittsburgh Power.
GLADIATORS TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: Heading the Gladiator’s offense is 3-year AFL veteran quarterback Brian Zbydniewski who has completed 58.2% of his passes for 1,797 yards and 31 touchdowns. Zbydniewski has also tallied 6 rushing touchdowns.
Receiving: Wide receivers Dominick Goodman and Thyron Lewis lead the Gladiators offensive stats with a team high 66 points each. Goodman has caught 60 passes for 526 yards and 9 touchdowns (plus two rushing touchdowns). Lewis has recorded 43 catches for 645 yards and 11 touchdowns.
POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Power defensive back Sergio Gilliam and jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson lead Pittsburgh’s defense going into Week 10. Gilliam has a team high 42 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. Jackson has chipped in 37.5 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
GLADIATORS TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Defensive backs Wicks has a team high 45.5 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass breakups. Fellow defensive back LaRoche Jackson has added 36 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 pass breakups.
POWER TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Stepping in for the injured PJ Berry, defensive back Chris LeFlore has returned 16 kickoffs for 249 yards.
GLADIATORS TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Leading the Gladiators on special teams is wide receiver Dominick Goodman who has returned 32 kicks for 593 yards.
UP NEXT
Next Saturday, June 1, the Power travel to Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL, to take on the Jacksonville Sharks for the second time this season. The Sharks defeated the Power 61-35 in Week 2 of AFL action. Kickoff is 7:00 pm EDT and the game will be aired on thisTV Pittsburgh and broadcast on TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk.
For continuous updates of players, games, and Power news follow the team on social media @AFLPittsburgh. For live in-game updates follow @PowerGameday.
Posted: May 21st, 2013 under news.
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PITTSBURGH, PA (May 21, 2013) – The Pittsburgh Power have teamed with season partner PITT OHIO once again to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Fans attending the Saturday, May 25 Arena Football League game against the Cleveland Gladiators are asked to bring at least one non-perishable grocery item to the PITT OHIO van, which will be located outside the Trib Total Media Gate at CONSOL Energy Center.
PITT OHIO employees along with volunteers from two other charities that PITT OHIO strongly supports, Autism Speaks and The Boys and Girls Club of America, will collect the donations. As an incentive to donate, the first 50 fans to bring a non-perishable item will go down on the CONSOL Energy Center field before the game to welcome the Power with a special “high five tunnel.”
“Giving back to the community is an important part of what we do as an organization,” said Candi Cybator, Manager of Marketing Creative and Public Relations for PITT OHIO. “When we learned from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank that the summertime was just as important to receive donations as the holidays, we thought what a great idea to team up with the Pittsburgh Power, our two corporate charities and our employees to help make that happen. It is really inspiring to see the community working together to help the community,” Cybator remarked.
The Pittsburgh Power and Cleveland Gladiators kick off at 7:00 p.m. EDT. In addition to the 2ndAnnual PITT OHIO Power Food Drive, the first 5,000 fans will receive a free Power freezer mug, courtesy of Esmark.
For more information on PITT OHIO, please visit www.pittohio.com
Posted: May 21st, 2013 under Community, Community, Events, news.
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PITTSBURGH , PA (May 18, 2013) – Tampa Bay’s Adrian McPherson’s seven touchdowns led the Storm to a 62-34 win over the Pittsburgh Power tonight at CONSOL Energy Center in front of 4,625. McPherson, the Russell Athletic Offensive Player Of The Game, was 20-22 for 240 passing and six touchdowns and added 29 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. McPherson’s 24thrushing touchdown of the season set a new Tampa Bay franchise season record and added to his AFL single season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
Pittsburgh fell to 2-6 on the season and 0-5 at home. Tampa Bay improved to 6-3 and 4-1 on the road.
The Storm set the tone of the game early, scoring on their first play from scrimmage, as McPherson found Michael Lindsey for a 25-yard touchdown pass. The Power answered back on their first possession, an acrobatic 28-yard catch by Mike Washington that set up a Steven Sheffield 6-yard touchdown run, to tie the score at 7-7. Tampa Bay would take a 13-7 lead on Greg Ellington’s 13-yard catch. On the final play of the 1st quarter, the Storm’s De’Audra Dix picked off a Sheffield attempt in the end zone.
McPherson and Lindsey connected for a second score on the third play of the 2nd quarter to give Tampa Bay a 21-7 lead. The Power answered with a Kirby Griffin 20-yard touchdown run that made the score 21-14. Joe Hills was on the receiving end of McPherson’s fourth touchdown throw – a 32-yard pass – which put Tampa Bay up 28-14. Sheffield recorded his first touchdown pass of the game on a 39-yard toss to Washington, making the score 28-21. Ellington’s 6-yard touchdown reception, at 2:13 of the quarter from McPherson, gave Tampa Bay a 35-21 lead. The Storm scored on their first five possessions of the game.
The Power opened the second half with two consecutive turnovers, resulting in 13 Storm points. On the second play of the 3rd quarter, Tampa Bay’s James Harrell, the Riddell Defensive Player Of The Game, intercepted Sheffield and returned the ball 38 yards for a touchdown. The play was also the AFL Highlight Of The Game, putting Tampa Bay up by 20 points at 41-21. Chris Smith’s interception set up McPherson’s sixth touchdown pass, a 19-yard throw to Ellington which made the score 48-21. The Power failed to score in the quarter.
The 4th quarter scoring was opened by Alvin Ray Jackson’s over the wall, 3-yard touchdown catch on 4th and goal, which made the score 48-28. McPherson’s first rushing touchdown of the game came at the 8:54 mark, which increased the Storm lead to 55-28. Storm backup quarterback Randy Hippeard replaced McPherson and promptly found Jason Chery for a touchdown, increasing Tampa Bay’s lead to 62-28. Jackson scored a late touchdown from Sheffield, which closed out the game at 62-34. Sheffield finished with 23-of-44 passing, 4 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a game-high 276 yards.
Despite the Power loss this evening, Pittsburgh remains tied for the final AFL American Conference playoff berth, with losses this evening by both the Orlando Predators (2-6) and Cleveland Gladiators (2-6).
Pittsburgh’s next home game is next Saturday, May 25, as they take on Cleveland at CONSOL Energy Center. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Power freezer mug, compliments of Esmark. and as always, $1 Smith’s Hot Dogs and $1 7UP Fountain Drinks will be available for all fans. The game will also feature the second annual Pitt Ohio Power Food Drive. Fans are asked to bring a non-perishable donation to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The first 50 fans to donate will go down on the field before the game to welcome the Power with a special “high five tunnel”.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Adrian McPherson – Tampa Bay
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
James Harrell – Tampa Bay
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
Michael Lindsey – Tampa Bay
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME
Pittsburgh’s Alvin Ray Jackson’s Over The Wall Touchdown Reception In 4th Quarter
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Tampa Bay’s James Harrell’s 38-Yard Interception Return For Touchdown In 3rd Quarter
Posted: May 18th, 2013 under news.
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THE GAME
The Pittsburgh Power (2-5) return to CONSOL Energy Center for Week 9 of AFL action hosting the Tampa Bay Storm (5-3).
Last week, the Power climbed to within 1 game of the American Conference East Division lead with a 53-48 road win at Philadelphia. In his first career AFL start, quarterback Steven Sheffield passed for 6 touchdowns and wide receivers Mike Washington and James Robinson scored 4 times each as the Power pulled off the upset.
Tampa Bay suffered a 64-34 loss at the San Jose SaberCats last Friday night.
POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: In his Power debut last Saturday night, quarterback Steven Sheffield completed 19 passes for 272 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Receiving: Mike Washington heads the Power’s offensive stats with 66 catches for 675 yards and 11 touchdowns. Washington has also added 2 rushing touchdowns, grabbing both of those last week against the Soul, earning both Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game and Cutters Catch of the Game honors. Also contributing is wide receiver James Robinson, who joined the roster for the first time last week after suffering a preseason injury. Against Philadelphia, Robinson earned the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game honor after grabbing 6 catches for 84 yards and 4 touchdowns.
STORM TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: At the front of the Storm’s offense is 3-year AFL veteran quarterback Andrian McPherson who has completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,911 yards and 34 touchdowns. McPherson also leads the League in rushing with 274 yards and rushing touchdowns with 23. After only 8 games McPherson has broken the Arena Football League record for the most rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback.
Receiving: Storm wide receivers Greg Ellingson and Michael Lindsey head Tampa Bay’s receiving corps. Ellingson has tallied 768 yards on 52 catches with 11 touchdowns. Lindsey has chipped in 26 catches for 288 yards and 4 touchdowns.
POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Power defensive back Sergio Gilliam and JAC linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson lead Pittsburgh’s defense with 34 tackles each. Gilliam has also recorded a team high 3 interceptions including an acrobatic pick with 12 seconds remaining to seal the Power’s win at Philadelphia last week.
STORM TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Defensive back Chris Smith heads the Storm’s defense with a team high 36.5 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups. Smith’s 6 interceptions is also a league high. With 32 tackles and 2 interceptions defensive back Jean Fanor is also a stalwart on Tampa Bay’s defense.
POWER TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Stepping in for the injured PJ Berry, defensive back Chris LeFlore has returned 10 kickoffs for 156 yards.
STORM TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Leading the Storm on special teams is wide receiver Michael Lindsey who has returned 35 kicks for 549 yards and 1 touchdown.
UP NEXT
Next Saturday, May 25, the Power return to CONSOL Energy Center hosting the division rival Cleveland Gladiators in a Memorial Day Weekend show down. Kickoff is 7:00 pm EDT and the game will be aired on thisTV Pittsburgh and broadcast on TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk.
For continuous updates of players, games, and Power news follow the team on social media @AFLPittsburgh. For live in-game updates follow @PowerGameday.
Posted: May 13th, 2013 under news.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - (May 11, 2013) - The Pittsburgh Power (2-5, 1-0) and newcomers Steven Sheffield and James Robinson stunned the Philadelphia Soul (3-4, 0-2) in a 53-48 win in front of 8,098 at Wells Fargo Center Saturday night. The win puts Pittsburgh one game back of Philadelphia in the American Conference East Division.
Philadelphia started off the scoring with two straight touchdowns. Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh completed passes to Ryan McDaniel and Larry Brackins to put the Soul up 14-0 early in the first. Sheffield and the Power answered with a 38-yard pass to the newly activated James Robinson. Sheffield then connected on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Mike Washington. The Soul would score once more to end the quarter leading, 21-7.
Pittsburgh showed new life in the second quarter, with Sheffield throwing for three more touchdowns. Two of those were caught by Robinson – his first and second of the season. An apparent third touchdown pass to Robinson was nullified by a Power penalty. Ultimately it was Philadelphia, even with failed back-to-back on-side kick attempts, who came out on top at the end of the half, leading 35-27. The Power’s 27 points were the most scored in a half since their season opener against Utah.
Pittsburgh started the second half on offense, and wasted no time getting back on the scoreboard. Sheffield found Robinson once again to pull within one point of the Soul. Philadelphia answered right back with a 55-yard kick-off return by James Romain, which was the AFL Highlight Of The Game. After an interception in the endzone by Philadelphia’s LaRico Stevenson, the Soul scored once again to lead 48-34. The Power struck back quickly as Sheffield connected with Washington on a 38-yard touchdown pass, which ended up nabbing Cutters Catch of the Game honors. On the ensuing kickoff, the Power got the ball back on a net recovery by fullback Kirby Griffin to end the quarter. Philadelphia led, 48-40.
Starting on Philadelphia’s 4-yard line, Mike Washington, the Russell Athletic Offensive Player Of The Game, ran the ball in for his fourth touchdown of the evening. After another missed extra point attempt – their third of the game – the Power still trailed Philadelphia, 48-46. The Soul then turned the ball over on downs and the Power got the ball back once again. In just three plays, Sheffield found Robinson for the fourth time to give Pittsburgh their first lead of the game, 53-48. The Soul fought back, but were stopped just short of the goal line on a game-changing defensive stand by the Power. Pittsburgh’s defense would come up big one more time, when Sergio Gilliam stopped Philadelphia’s chance at a comeback with an acrobatic interception over the endzone boards, sealing the Power’s second straight road win and second win of the season.
Sheffield finished the game with 272 yards passing and six touchdowns. Washington and Robinson both finished with four touchdowns each. Philadelphia’s Tiger Jones, who earned J. Lewis Playmaker Of The Game honors, had 124 all-purpose yards and quarterback Dan Raudabaugh threw for four touchdowns and 288 yards.
Pittsburgh returns home next Saturday, May 18, to face the Tampa Bay Storm (5-3) at CONSOL Energy Center. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Power t-shirt, compliments of Mr. Rooter Plumbing and as always, $1 Smith’s Hot Dogs and $1 7UP Fountain Drinks will be available for all fans.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Mike Washington – Pittsburgh
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Bryan Robinson – Philadelphia
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
James Robinson- Pittsburgh
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME
Pittsburgh’s Mike Washington’s 38-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd Quarter
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Philadelphia’s James Romaine’s 55-yard kickoff return for touchdown in the 3rd Quarter
Posted: May 11th, 2013 under news.
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PITTSBURGH, PA (May 9, 2013) – The Pittsburgh Power have announced the reinstatement of quarterback Steven Sheffield to their active roster from the AFL’s Refuse to Report list. Sheffield originally signed a three-year contract with the Power last November. Prior to the opening of training camp in March, Sheffield decided to remain in Lubbock, TX, to attend to family matters.
The two-year AFL veteran spent his 2011 rookie season with Spokane Shock before joining the San Antonio Talons last year. With the Talons, Sheffield (6’4”/210) backed up AFL star Aaron Garcia. He played collegiately at Texas Tech, throwing for 1,578 yards and 17 touchdowns for his Red Raider career. In 2009, Sheffield made his first career start against Kansas State and set a school record with 370 yards passing in a half. He finished the game with career highs of 490 yards passing (33-of-41) and seven touchdowns.
Kicker Julian Rauch also joins Pittsburgh’s roster for Week 8 game action. The 5’11” 210 Gastonia, NC, native played at Appalachian State University, winning 3 Division I FCS National Championships with the Mountaineers. Rauch holds school records for career extra points (247) and scoring for kickers (373). The highlight of Rauch’s college career arguably may have been the 24-yard field goal he made with 26 seconds remaining to upset the University of Michigan, 34-32, in 2007 at “The Big House”.
James Robinson (6’3”/215), who was designated for reassignment from the Power’s injured reserve list on Tuesday, has been added to the active roster. The veteran has been a member of the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins practice squads and has appeared with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders in his nine-year professional career.
To make room for Sheffield, Rauch, and Robinson on the roster, the Power have placed kicker Josh Czajkowski, on league reassignment and wide receiver Perry Baker and defensive back Darrell Wolford on injured reserve.
The Power travel cross-state this Saturday night, May 11, facing the East Division-leading Philadelphia Soul. Kickoff at the Wells Fargo Center is 7:05 p.m. EDT. The game will be telecast on thisTV Pittsburgh and broadcast on TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk. The game will also be available via the AFL Live video player on arenafootball.com.
Posted: May 9th, 2013 under news.
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Alvin Ray Jackson
Alvin Ray Jackson, a native of Como, MS, played football, basketball, and track at North Panola (MS) High School. In his senior year, Alvin Ray placed 4th in the State in the 200-meter dash.
Big Play Ray
Alvin started his college career at Northwest Mississippi Community College amassing 45 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 12 touchdowns as a wide receiver.
He finished his college career at Albany (GA) State recording more than 75 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns. A standout punt returner, Jackson ranked no.17 in the nation his junior year.
After college, Alvin Ray went to the AF2, playing for the South Georgia Wildcats and the Albany Firebirds. With the Wildcats in 2007, he first met Power Head Coach Derek Stingley. He was reunited with Stingley in 2010 with the AFL’s New Orleans VooDoo.
VooDoo Records
In two seasons with the VooDoo, Jackson wrote his name in the New Orleans franchise record book nine times, including 14 interceptions in 2012 which also tied the AFL’s single season record.
Career Interceptions
1. 22
Single Season Interceptions
1. 14
Single Season Interceptions: Rookie
2. 8
Single Season Yards Gained
2. 95 yards
Single Season Yards Gained: Rookie
2. 95 yards
Single Season Defensive Touchdowns
1. 3
Single Season Defensive Touchdowns: Rookie
1. 3
Career Tackles
1. 163.5
Single Season Tackles: Rookie
2. 8
Q&A with Alvin Ray Jackson
Q: Who taught you to play football?
A: My dad did when I was really young.
Q: What’s your favorite part about playing Arena Football?
A: I get the opportunity to continue doing what I love- playing football.
Q: What is your proudest football moment?
A: Being apart of 21 straight wins in college.
Q: Do you have a pre-game ritual?
A: Yes, I call my grandma right before the start of every game.
Q: Being a Southern boy, what was your hardest transition moving to Pittsburgh?
A: The cold!
Q: What made you make the move to the Pittsburgh Power?
A: Coach Stingley; he is more than just a coach to me. He is like my big brother. PJ Berry being one of my best friends helped too.
Q: Coach Stingley mentioned that you were one of the leaders on this team, was it easy for you coming into a new team and stepping into the leadership role?
A: Well I didn’t come in trying to establish a leadership roll, but by working hard and helping people your teammates naturally will look to you as a leader.
Have any other questions for Alvin Ray Jackson? Tweet @AFLPittsburgh using #AskAlvin to get your question answered!
Posted: May 6th, 2013 under news.
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PITTSBURGH, PA (May 4, 2013) – Aaron Garcia, the 18-year AFL veteran and the League’s all-time passing and touchdown leader, threw six touchdowns in his Orlando debut, as the Predators won their first game of the season, 52-38, in front of 4,174 at CONSOL Energy Center tonight. Garcia, the Russell Athletic Offensive Player Of The Game, was recently acquired in a trade with the San Jose SaberCats,
The Pittsburgh Power fell to 1-5 on the season and 0-4 at home. The Orlando Predators improved to 1-5.
On the game’s opening drive, the Power’s Jordan Jefferson connected with P.J. Berry for a 47-yard pass on 4th and 13, which brought the ball to the Predators’ 1-yard line. Jefferson found the end zone on the next play to give the Power a 6-0 lead. Orlando would answer the score on a Marlon Moye-Moore 2-yard touchdown run. The point after was good giving the Predators a 7-6 lead.
After stopping Pittsburgh on 4th and goal at the 1-yard line, Orlando would march down the field, and on 4th down and 3 from the Power 12-yard line, Perchae Rodriguez’s acrobatic catch in the corner of the end zone (the Cutters Catch Of The Game) from Garcia extended their lead to 14-6.
Berry would return the ensuing kickoff 36 yards to the Orlando 19, but the Power would go 4-and-out. The Predators would score five plays later when Garcia found Jason Geathers for a 12-yard touchdown to take a 21-6 lead. The Power closed the gap to eight points at 21-13 after Jefferson found Shamar Graves for his first touchdown of the season, a 4-yard score on 4th and goal with 4:47 left in the half. Garcia and Rodriguez closed out the first half scoring on a 38-yard touchdown three plays later to make the score 28-13.
The Power started the second half by turning two Orlando turnovers into touchdowns. On the Predators’ opening drive, Willie McGinnis recovered a Garcia fumble at the Orlando 19-yard line. Jefferson and Graves connected for another touchdown three plays later from 4 yards out to make the score 28-20. On the Predators’ next drive, Alvin Ray Jackson turned a Garcia attempt into a 44-yard pick-6 (AFL Highlight Of The Game) to get the Power within two points at 28-26. The point after was wide right. That was the closest the Power would come the rest of the game.
Rodriguez’s third touchdown of the game gave Orlando a 35-26 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.
The Predators added to their lead with a Mark Lewis 23-yard field goal at 10:37 of the 4th quarter, making the score 38-27. The Power would cut the deficit to six points after Mike Washington’s first touchdown of the game made the score 38-32 with 7:03 remaining.
Garcia threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to T.T. Toliver with 4:31 remaining, making the score 45-32. The Power made it a one-possession game at 45-38 with Kirby Griffin’s rushing touchdown with 1:00 remaining in regulation, but Orlando recovered the Power’s on-side kick attempt and scored on the next play on Garcia’s sixth touchdown pass of the game. Orlando would run out the clock, taking home the 52-38 victory.
Aaron Garcia was 27-36 for 278 yards to go with his six touchdown passes. Jordan Jefferson was 20-38 for 252 yards and three touchdowns. The Power’s Alvin Ray Jackson, the Riddell Defensive Player Of The Game, had 9 total tackles, including 4 solo to go with his interception for touchdown.
Next Saturday, May 11, the Power travel to Philadelphia to take on the division-leading Soul at the Wells Fargo Center. Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m. EDT and will be telecast on thisTV Pittsburgh. The game will also be broadcast on TribLIVE Radio SportsTalk.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Aaron Garcia – Orlando
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Alvin Ray Jackson – Pittsburgh
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
Dominic Jones – Orlando
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME
Perchae Rodriguez’s touchdown in the 1st quarter
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Pittsburgh’s Alvin Ray Jackson’s interception returned for touchdown in the 3rd quarter
Posted: May 4th, 2013 under news.
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THE GAME
The Pittsburgh Power (1-4) take on the Orlando Predators (0-5) this Saturday, May 4, at CONSOL Energy Center for their fourth home game of the season. The Week 7 Net10 Wireless Arena Football League Matchup kicks off at 7:00 pm EDT.
The Power are coming into this on the short end of a 42-37 score to San Antonio at home this past Sunday.
The Predators, the only winless AFL team, lost last week at defending AFL Champion Arizona Rattlers, 82-42.
THE SERIES
The Power currently lead the all-time series with the Predators, 2-1. The last time the Pittsburgh and Orlando met it was an AFL history making night in Pittsburgh, PA, on April 14, 2012.
The Power orchestrated the largest comeback in AFL history, beating the Predators 57-54 in overtime after trailing by 31 points at the half.
The comeback was led by quarterback, Derek Cassidy, who took the team on a 34-10 run in the second half tying the game 51-51 when the clock stopped. By AFL overtime rules, each time is entitled to an offensive possession. The Predators connected a field goal on their possession, taking the lead 54-51. On their ensuing possession, PJ Berry returned a kickoff for 38 yards setting up the Power’s offense on the Predator’s 19-yard line. On the next play, Cassidy found WR Christian Wise for the Pittsburgh winning touchdown.
POWER TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: Power quarterback Jordan Jefferson has thrown for 938 yards and 16 touchdowns, completing 55.7% of his passes for the season. Jordan is currently second in the AFL in rushing yards with 152 on 24 carries with 1 touchdown and has also broke the Power franchise record of rushing yards in a single game with 67 in Week 4 against Chicago.
Receiving: Power wide receivers Mike Washington and PJ Berry continue to lead the team in receiving yards. Washington has amassed 464 yards on 49 passes and 8 touchdowns for a team high 48 points. Berry has caught 22 passes for 274 yards and 4 touchdowns. Berry has also added two rushing touchdowns to his stats this season.
PREDATORS TO WATCH | OFFENSE
Passing: Experiencing some quarterback difficulties early in the season, Orlando has made a noteworthy switch at the starting position for Week 7, acquiring 17-year AFL veteran Aaron Garcia on Monday. In 2012, Garcia was named the No. 3 Greatest Player in AFL History by the League’s Silver Anniversary Committee.
Quarterback, Kyle Rowley, lead Orlando’s offense through Week 6 completing 51.7% of his passes for 1,153 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Receiving: At the forefront of the Predators’ offense is wide receiver Prechae (PREE-shay) Rodriguez with 37 catches for 521 yards and a team high 10 touchdowns. Rodriguez also has a team high 60 points.
POWER TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Power DB Sergio Gilliam leads the defense with a team-high 26.5 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. JAC linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson has also chipped in on the Power defense with 22.5 tackles, 1 sack for a loss of 5 yards, and 2 forced fumble. DL Dominie Pittman currently is seventh in the AFL in sacks with 3 sacks for the season.
PREDATORS TO WATCH | DEFENSE
Defense: Defensive back Dominic Jones and linebacker Marcus Everett lead Orlando’s defense. Jones has recorded a team high 31 tackles, while, Everett has chipped in 14 tackles with 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.
POWER TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Power wide receiver P.J. Berry has returned 30 kicks for 466 yards- including a long of 44 yards in Week 2 against Jacksonville.
PREDATORS TO WATCH | SPECIAL TEAMS
Kick Returns: Leading the Predators on special teams is Dominic Jones who has tallied 577 yards on 27 returns with 1 touchdown. Jones is currently second in the league in return yards and his longest return this season was for 56 yards.
UP NEXT
Next Saturday, May 11, the Power travel to Philadelphia to take on the Division-leading Soul at the Wells Fargo Center. Kickoff is 7:05 pm EDT and will be telecast on thisTV Pittsburgh. The game will also be broadcast on TribLIVE Radio Sports Talk.
For continuous updates of players, games, and Power news follow the team on social media @AFLPittsburgh. For live in-game updates follow @PowerGameday.
Posted: May 1st, 2013 under news.
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Beau Knows Pittsburgh
A Western Pennsylvania native, second-year Pittsburgh Power Center Beau Elliott is truly a homegrown talent. Growing up only 30 miles south of Pittsburgh in Natrona Heights, PA, Beau also chose to stay close to play college football, attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
Beau Knows Football
Elliott was a WPIAL standout at Highlands Senior High School (Natrona Heights, PA). As a sophomore, he was voted All-Greater Allegheny Conference offensive lineman. Elliot ended his high school career earning a spot on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Fabulous 22 team in 2001. After high school, played locally at IUP, and quickly became a star offensive lineman in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, earning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Freshman of the Year in 2002. He was only the second player in IUP Crimson Hawk history to receive this award.
After his collegiate career, Elliott joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers of the AF2, as the team won 17 of 20 games in the 2007 season. Beau advanced to the AFL in 2008 with the Chicago Rush, making the AFL All-Rookie Team. In 2010, Beau also earned All-AFL honors. Elliott helped lead Chicago to the playoffs during all three of his seasons there.
Beau signed with the Pittsburgh Power in 2012 for the team’s second season in the AFL. Upon returning to his Western Pennsylvania roots, Elliott exclaimed, “It’s a great feeling. I always wondered what it would be like to play for my home city at the Professional level.” Beau started eight games for the Power last season as well as the first two games in 2013.
Power Head Coach Derek Stingley shared that, “Beau is a quiet player, his leadership doesn’t come from his words, but his actions. Beau is a big leader on this team.”
Beau Knows: Q&A
Q: Favorite Pittsburgh Power football memory?
A: Creating AFL history when we came back to beat Orlando last year from a 31 point deficit.
Q: What is it like playing in the AFL?
A: I have been playing Arena Football for seven years now. I truly believe in it- I believe in everything that it stands for, from the family entertainment fan value to how completely different than outdoor football it is for players. The nets, walls, and short field are all the things that make up our sport and separate us from any other type of football.
Q: What is the best part about being an Offensive Lineman?
A: You can be 300 plus pounds and still be considered an athlete!
Q: If I could play football (with or against) anyone it would be:
A: Mike Webster or Dermontti Dawson
Q: Most people don’t know I…
A: Am a 300-pound personal trainer.
Q: My favorite movie:
A: The Big Lebowski
Have any other questions for Beau Elliott? Tweet @AFLPittsburgh using #AskBeau to get your question answered!
Posted: April 29th, 2013 under news.
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