June 2, 2007 was the last time the Mahoning Valley Thunder won a road game.  July 17, 2009  will go down as the beginning of a new streak, a road winning streak as the Thunder upset the Manchester Wolves, 41-39 in front of nearly 5,000 fans hoping to see their Wolves clinch a playoff spot.  The Thunder also canned a 13-game losing streak to pick up their second win of the season.

Tom Zetts, making his first start,  was voted the Russell Offensive Player of the game on 12-24 passing for 236 yards with five TD’s and just one INT.  Manchester QB Mike Potts had better numbers on 31-48 for 337 yardswith four TD’s and one pick.  Zetts, however, continually made the big play when he had to in leading the Thunder upset of the Wolves.

Remember four short weeks ago when the Thunder had a 20-0 lead on the Wolves at the Covelli Centre?  They had a 19-0 lead in this contest, and actually trailed 39-35 with :53 left in the game.  Zetts found Pat Clark for a 34-yard TD lifting the Thunder to a 41-39 lead with ten seconds left.  Mahoning Valley unsuccessfully attempted a two-point conversion.  Mike Alston blocked a 27-yard game-winning field goal attempt to secure the victory for the Thunder.  Alston finished the game with that blocked kick, four tackles, a sack, and a broken-up pass.

Jermaine Moye caught 5 passes for 93 yards and two TD’s.  CJ Brewer injured himself (dislocated finger) on the opening kickoff and never returned.  The Thunder were already playing the game without their biggest weapon, Quorey Payne, who was placed on IR earlier in the week. 

The Thunder close out the year against Green Bay at home this weekend.  Can Zetts lead the team to a two-game season-ending winning streak?  Should be a good week to catch the game.

One Response to “Mahoning Valley Thunder Snap Two-Year Road Losing Streak”