EXPRESS KNOCK OFF #1 SEED IN UNIQUE FASHION TO ADVANCE TO PAFL CHAMPIONSHIP

Two heavyweights went at it in Detroit, Michigan this evening as the #1 MIchigan Hurricanes hosted the #5 Erie Express in the Conference Finals with a trip to the PAFL Championship on the line.

Erie defeated the #4 Steel City Bobcats last week 20-15 to advance to the Conference Finals. The Hurricanes came in perfect with a 7-1 record. Their only loss was to the PFA Runners up Motor City Rams (the #3 ranked team in the nation). They earned a first round bye.

The Canes would take the opening kickoff and begin their drive. Erie would create a turnover on the Hurricanes first possession when Cam Sanders caused a fumble that was recovered by Kris Ford. Erie would march down to the Hurricanes 4yd line before an Express fumble on 2nd and G stalled the drive. Both teams would play tremendous defense and the first quarter would end 0-0.

The Hurricanes would score first in the second quarter from 35yds out. The 2pt try was good and the "Island Boys" were up 8-0 with 6:02 to play in the half.

Erie appeared to score on a 33yd strike from Marquelo Suel to Ryan Whitman at the end of the half. The result of the play was ruled offensive pass interference and negated. The Hurricanes would take an 8-0 lead into the half.

Marquelo Suel would find Trevon Tate on a 43yd TD. 2pt try by John Amon was good and we had a tie game 8-8 with 9:33 to play in the 3rd. The 3rd would end with the teams tied 8-8.

John Amon would score from 5yds out to give Erie their first lead of the night. The XP was no good. Erie led 14-8 with 14:04 to play in the game.

The Hurricanes would score with just over 5min to play on a 26yd pass. The 2pt try was no good and we were once again tied 14-14.

Erie would march down and attempt a 33yd FG with :04 to play in regulation. The kick was blocked and we headed to overtime tied 14-14.

Erie had the ball first in overtime and turned the ball over. The Hurricanes would throw a pass two plays later which was intercepted by Ty Tate and returned for a touchdown. The play was whistled dead by the refs thus negating the return and subsequent victory.

The teams would head to double overtime. Erie had possession and were told the next score wins. The field where the game was held does not have lights and visibility was extremely low. The head official ruled it was unsafe to continue play. The league made an official judgement and their statement is below.

"Due to the Michigan Hurricanes fields not having lights the Erie Express Football team will be awarded the win in overtime due to no more visibility. Having lights is the responsibility of the home teams. Erie Had possession in 2nd OT. We never want a game to end this way but unfortunately this was the outcome today. Express advance final score 14-14 OT. Erie will face the Beaver County Bengals in the 3A PAFL Championship"-PAFL OFFICIAL RULING

We will travel to Akron, Ohio on August 29th to face off against the Beaver County Artic Bengals in the PAFL 3A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. Kickoff is set for 6pm at Ellet, HS (tentative)

The Bengals will be in all black uniforms. Erie will be in red jerseys and white pants.

Thank you to all who have helped get us to this point. One game away. We hope to see you there. GO EXPRESS!