Pirates beat Blizzard 50-33
Running Back Justin Stockton ran for three touchdowns as the Massachusetts Pirates defeated the Green Bay Blizzard 50-33 at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center. The victory was the sixth in a row for Massachusetts which equals the longest winning streak in franchise history. The Pirates are now 9-3 while Green Bay Falls to 5-7.
The Pirates jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first quarter as kicker Ali Mourtada connected on a 46-yard field goal on the teams’ first possession. Massachusetts was in position to score the second time it had the ball, but Green Bay defensive back Momodou Mbye intercepted Pirates Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield in the endzone to stop the threat. Stockton closed the quarter with a four-yard TD run and Mourtada, who was six for six on extra points, made it 10-0 as the second quarter began.
Green Bay was able to capitalize on a play that saw the ball exchange hands twice. Blizzard quarterback Brook Bolles was intercepted at the goal line by Ahmad Dixon who returned the ball across midfield only to fumble it away. Running back Kerrion Moore recovered and eight players later Bolles found Keyondre Craig with an 11-yard touchdown pass and the Massachusetts lead was cut to 10-7.
The Pirates answered with an eight play, 37-yard drive with Bennifield scoring his first of two rushing touchdowns on the night with a two-yard plunge to give the home team a 17-7 advantage. After Diego Marquez’ second missed field goal attempt, the Pirates scored again with Mourtada making a 34-yard field goal for a 20-7 halftime lead.
The Blizzard kept the game close to begin the third quarter as Craig, who was the games’ leading receiver with seven receptions for 75 yards, caught his second touchdown of the night from Bolles on a 12 yards pass. On the ensuing kickoff, Pirates returner Laquvionte Gonzalez brought the ball back 44 yards to set up a first and goal from the six. Three plays later Stockton was in the endzone, scoring on a two-yard run and the Pirates led 27-14. After Marquez’ third missed field goal of the game, Massachusetts ended the quarter with Stockton’s third rushing touchdown. His 11-yard run put the Pirates up 34-14 as the final quarter began. After the Massachusetts defense forced a quick four and out, it was Bennifield’s turn to score as he rolled left and cashed in on a six-yard scamper. The Pirates were pulling away with a 41-14 lead.
Damion May entered the game at QB for the Blizzard and took the team down the field in just two plays for a score as Keshaun Taylor pulled in a 19-yard pass for six. After Mourtada missed his only kick of the night, a 59-yard attempt, May worked his magic again as he scored on a four-yard run. The extra point was blocked by the Pirates J.D. Griggs, who scooped up the ball and ran it back for a two-point score and the Pirates led 43-27.
The Blizzard’s last-ditch effort with an onside kick was derailed by the Pirates Santos Ramirez as he tipped the ball to himself and then wiggled his way ten yards into the endzone for a touchdown. The Pirates led 50-27 with 60 seconds remaining in the game. Green Bay found paydirt one final time as May scored from five yards out to make the final score 50-33.
The Pirates defense held Green Bay to just 27 yards rushing with May leading the way with 10 yards on three carries with two scores. Stockton of Massachusetts led all rushers with 46 yards on ten carries, finding the endzone three times. Bennifield ran nine times for 29 yards with two scores.
Bennifield was 11 of 17 passing for 94 yards and one interception. His top target was Gonzalez who had five receptions for 36 yards. Bolles was nine of 24 for 90 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. May finished four of eight for 67 yards and one TD.
Defensively for the Pirates Aarion Maxey-Penton had six tackles while breaking up one pass. Defensive lineman Toby Johnson finished with five tackles, a sack, two tackles for a loss and forced a fumble. Green Bay defensive back Michael Johnson led all tacklers with 10.
The Pirates take to the road to play Northern Arizona next week before returning home to face Iowa in their final home game of the regular season.
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single game tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates. #GetHooked #AllAboard
