National Champs pushed to the brink in a defensive battle
Pittsburgh,PA-The Erie Express the 2021 GDFL National Champions pushed to the brink in a preseason nail biter in Pittsburgh, 7-6. The first quarter ended 0-0 after the Express had a touchdown negated due to a penalty, with 7:41 remaining in the first quarter.
The Saints get on the board first with 11:54 remaining in the second quarter on a 14 yard run. The point after try was no good.
The Express defense would close out the half with a sack by Kristopher Ford and an interception by Kameron Rubin with 24 seconds before the half.
Beginning of the 3rd quarter: Erie's Shannon Jackson recovered a blocked punt but the Express was unable to capitalize on the special teams turnover. Both defenses are playing well.
Start of 4th quarter: the Saints fumble the football away and is recovered by Josh Nelson. Erie continues to squander opportunities making critical mistakes and would have a second touchdown called back do to a holding penalty.
Express gets the ball back but fumble it back away to the Saints with 12:38 in the 4th once again the Express defense rise to the occasion as Torrey Benning gets his first interception to kill another Saints drive.
The score would remain the same until the 2:00 mark of the fourth. QB Marquelo Suel scores from 5yds out with Jay Glus adding the extra point to put the Express up 7-6.
All-Pro defensive back Ashton Jones would intercept the Saints on their final possession and the Express would run out the clock to secure the victory 7-6.
The Express traveled well to Pittsburgh but were missing 7 All Pro players from last years championship team on offense.
Erie will look to remedy those absences and correct the mistakes before their GDFL season opener.
The Express will be in action again June 4th at home versus the Pittsburgh Colts.