(Courtesy of Alex Holcomb, CIFL)
PORT HURON, MI – Not many people were expecting a good game with Erie’s talent and the uncertainty of Detroit playing their first home game. But the fans were treated to not one, but two games; Erie against Detroit, and Detroit’s offense against Detroit’s defense. Detroit quarterbacks, Mike Akwari and Dan Richards, were picked off three times, with all interceptions being brought back for touchdowns. The Explosion defense outscored the Thunder, five touchdowns to four.
Dan Richards threw 20/33 and threw for 120 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Mike Akwari relieved Richards in the fourth quarter and completed 3 passes and threw one interception. Mark Carter recorded the only Detroit rushing touchdown on his first carry. Despite Detroit’s poor play on offense the Detroit defense held Erie’s offense to only four touchdowns. Musa Odeh, kicker and defense back, intercepted a Smetanka pass and was perfect on extra points.
Erie quarterback, Aaron Smetanka came into the game without throwing an interception. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t last this week as he threw two interceptions and three touchdowns. Alfonso Hoggard had another big game with two aerial touchdowns and one on the ground. Kwaheem Smith had another amazing game; he intercepted Richards and Akwari taking them both back to the house. Jon D’Angelo took an interception back to the house after Erie was stopped on downs. Not to be out done defensive linemen Zach Williams sacked Richards in the end zone for a safety after than he wanted to score some more points and he recovered a fumble for a touchdown. Andre Portis also contributed to the point’s bonanza for the defense with a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Erie takes on the Kane County Dawgs at home on Sunday March 3rd at 2:00 pm.
