The loss was the second straight at home for the ‘Wheelers, something that has happened only one other time in team history. It was 2002 when they lost back-to-back games to Peoria (June 1) by the score of 67-43 and the following weekend against Tennessee Valley by a count of 60-40.

Friday night’s combined 42-point output by both teams ranks as the eighth lowest in af2 history.

The Pirates entered the game as the leagues second best scoring defense and it showed, as they held the Steamwheelers to a career worse 103 yards of total offense.

Heading up the defense assault for the Pirates was ADT Defensive Player of the Game fullback/linebacker Enoch Smith. Smith finished the game with a team high 3.5 tackles, two of which were sacks and he added a pass deflection. He was a part of a Pirates defense that held the ‘Wheelers scoreless for 49 minutes, 19 seconds.

The Steamwheelers scored just three offensive plays into the game when quarterback Ronnie Gordon connecting with offensive specialist Jeff Hewitt for a 25-yard score, just 2:15 into the game.

From there, the Pirates limited Gordon’s production. Gordon finished the night 10-of-31 for 122 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He was sacked three times, including once for a safety which put the Pirates up 22-7 with 11:16 remaining in the third quarter. It was also the first game this season that Gordon had not rushed for a touchdown.

The ‘Wheelers also had a few big plays taken away because of penalties including a 56-yard kickoff return by Hewitt which was called back because of an illegal block in the back.

Steamwheelers wide receiver/linebacker Carmelo Ocasio had stripped Pirates offensive lineman/defensive lineman Joe Peters of the ball right before he crossed the goal line after Peters hauled in a 30-yard pass, but a personal foul negated that play. The Pirates went on to score on that drive.

The Pirates offense, which scored 22 unanswered points, had a new look from the first time the two teams hooked up this season in Peoria. Pirates’ wide receiver/defensive back Jerald Burley had an outstanding night, hauling in nine passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Talmadge Hill was 15-of-31 for 195 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Neither player was on the Pirates roster on May 7, when the teams first met.

Pirates fullback/linebacker Casey Urlacher, brother of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian, rushed for two scores to finish out the Pirates scoring attack.

Heading the list for the Steamwheelers was U.S. Army Ironman of the Game, wide receiver/defensive back Tim Dodge. Dodge finished the night with five receptions for 68 yards and a score to go along with 4.5 tackles, two interceptions and three pass deflections on defense.

Hewitt finished the night with three catches for 44 yards and the touchdown. Defensive specialist Matt Forbes had a game-high 7.5 tackles and a pass deflection on the night.

The Steamwheelers are still a half game ahead in the Midwest Division over the Louisville Fire, who are idle this week. With the win, the Pirates (6-6) took home the “Ruler of the River” traveling trophy.

The Steamwheelers hit the road for another tough contest as they travel to take on the Tennessee Valley Vipers in the biggest rivalry in all of af2. They will then finish the season out at home, first on July 17 against the Birmingham Steeldogs and then after a “bye” week, they will take on the Louisville Fire on July 31. Both games kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Good seats are still available and can be purchased at The MARK box office or through TicketMaster at 563-326-1111 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.