HARRISBURG, Pa. – (Saturday, January 24, 2009) was a night of firsts in Harrisburg, PA. One of the AIFA’s (American Indoor Football Association) newest franchises, The Harrisburg Stampede defeated the AIFA All-Stars 46-26, in the inaugural game at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.
Both teams, consisting of players with experience at many different levels of collegiate and professional football, came together last night to take the field for the AIFA Kickoff Classic. This was the first contest of the 2009 season.
The arena was packed with excited and animated fans as the game kicked off. AIFA All-Stars quarterback Mike Affleck led the visitors downfield and capped off the opening drive by diving into the end zone for an early touchdown, putting the Stampede on the wrong side of a 7-0 game. Former University of South Carolina and newly introduced Harrisburg Stampede quarterback Syvelle Newton fired back, finding wide receiver, Mores Manoyrine for a long touchdown pass, the first in franchise history. The extra point failed and the Stampede had pulled to within one 7-6.
The balance of the first half was defined by the tenacity of the Harrisburg defense as they held the opposition to only twelve more points at the intermission. The Stampede offense had some trouble finding their rhythm, committing a number of turnovers and was unable to put any more points on the board before the break.
The halftime score was 19-6.
The Stampede turned the offense over to Former Florida Stingrays QB A.J. Roque as the second half began. Roque led Harrisburg into the end zone for a touchdown after wide receiver Dave Dawson recovered a fumble in the end zone. On the ensuing kickoff, the Stampede forced the first of seven second half turnovers by the All-Stars, recovering a fumble deep in the Harrisburg territory.
Four consecutive All-Star turnovers resulting in four Stampede touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing), put the game out of reach. On the following kickoff, kicker Andy Eminger did his part by scoring the first “UNO” in the Stampede’s short history. An “Uno” occurs when the kickoff goes through the uprights and results in the kicking team being awarded an extra point.
The All-Stars played hard for 60 minutes, but the Stampede defense was suffocating, holding them to just seven second half points, while the Stampede offense exploded for 40 points.
The final score was 46-26. The impressive opening win has the Stampede faithful looking forward to a bright future. AIFA co-founder and Stampede co-owner John Morris said, “What a night… I can’t wait for the season to get underway in March!”
THE AIFA ALL-STARS WERE CAUGHT UP IN A STAMPEDE
Michael J. Barrows 1317 Lilly Green Ct. NW Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 551.265.5695 Email: barrowsm17@gmail.com