Denayne Dixon (15)

May 9, 2010 (Harrisburg) – A combination of untimely turnovers and a porous first-half defense resulted in a disappointing loss by the Erie Storm of the American Indoor Football Association to the Harrisburg Stampede by the final score of 54-35. The Storm fell victim to four pass interceptions, one of which was returned for a score, and its defense allowed touchdowns on all of its series in the first half, eventually falling behind as much as 28 points in the first half.

Erie quarterback Rod Rutherford completed 23 of 45 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns, but threw a season-high four interceptions, three of them recorded by Harrisburg defensive back Travis Johnson. Wide receiver Denayne Dixon continued an impressive rookie season for the Storm, catching a career-high 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. David Dinkins had five receptions and was responsible for the other two Erie scores.

With the victory, Harrisburg swept the season series from Erie three games to none. The Stampede improved its season record to 6-2 and solidified its hold on second place in the division. Erie’s record fell to 4-4 and is now half one game behind the Reading Express for third place in the North Division. However, the Storm owns the tiebreaker advantage over Reading should the teams be tied at the end of the regular season, by virtue of having won the season series 2-1.

Erie returns home next week on Friday, May 14 to the Tullio Arena when they host for the New Jersey Revolution for the first of two scheduled games on the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM and tickets are available at the Tullio Arena box office and through all Ticketmaster outlets.