The Massachusetts Pirates’ Road to the Indoor Football League’s United Bowl begins on Phoenix Field at the DCU Center this Saturday night at 7:05 against the Bismarck Bucks. The Pirates earned the second seed in the field of eight teams in the IFL Playoffs going 11-3, the best record in team history. Massachusetts ended its first season in their new league as the hottest team in the IFL with a franchise best eight game winning streak, which is also the longest in the league this season.
They say defense wins championships. If that is true, the Pirates are poised for a title as they gave up the fewest points in the IFL, just 33.1 per game. Massachusetts also allowed the fewest yards per play at 4.1 and yielded the least passing yards per game at 120.9.
High scoring action is a hallmark of indoor football and the Pirates are no exception as they have scored 50 or more points in each of the last five games.
If fans are looking for star power the Pirates have plenty. Massachusetts is led by quarterback Alejandro Bennifield who was second in the IFL with 37 touchdown passes and third in passing yards with 1,750. Wide Receiver Thomas Owens led the league in receiving yards with 911 and was second in receptions with 66, touchdowns with 22 and receiving yards per game with 65.1.
The Pirates special teams were special. Kick returner Laquvionte Gonzalez had a league best three kickoff returns for touchdowns this season and averaged 21.3 yards per return. Kicker Ali Mourtada had a 54-yard field goal this season, the longest in the IFL.
On defense, Massachusetts had three of the top ten defensive backs in Harlan Miller, Khalid Wooten and Aarion Maxey-Penton who were among the leaders in passes defended. Miller and Maxey-Penton had five interceptions each. D-back Chucky Williams led the IFL with three fumble recoveries and defensive lineman Toby Johnson topped the charts with three forced fumbles.
Tickets for the Pirates opening round game at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center are available at ticketmaster.com.
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