Arena football teams aren’t supposed to be known for their defense but the Pittsburgh Power and their “Lights Out” defense has made a major statement over the past two weeks. One week after holding the San Antonio Talons to 17 points, a league low for the 2014 season, Pittsburgh (3-1) set a new mark by beating the New Orleans VooDoo 56-14.
According to ArenaFan.com’s Tim Capper, the Power also set a league record for largest margin of victory over a two week span of 95 points, breaking the record of 92 points held by the 1992 Orlando Predators.
Virgil Gray led the defensive effort with three interceptions, which puts him at six already in this early part of the season. He has his sights set on the franchise record of nine in a season by Chris LeFlore. Anthony Hoke also had a great day for the defense with a pick-six interception, one and a half sacks and a forced fumble. Overall the Power had five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a safety and two turnovers-on-downs.
Offensively the Power receivers were having some trouble holding onto the ball but the offense still managed to put a nice tally of points on the board. Tommy Grady’s first drive of the game ended in an interception that was deflected into the air by Shaun Kauleinamoku and caught by Cameron McGlenn. Grady would end up throwing two more interceptions but also threw five touchdown passes.
Grady’s favorite target on the night was Aaron LeSue who hauled in 10 catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns. Tyrone Goard also caught two touchdowns and Arvell Nelson and Tommy Taggart both scored a touchdown on the ground.
Things should get a lot tougher for the Power as they go on the road next week for a showdown against the two-time defending champion Arizona Rattlers who are undefeated (3-0) at of the time of this article’s posting. This game will be a chance to see how the Power stacks up against the number one ranked team in the league.
Photo Courtesy of Shawn Mooney
