Ingold expects a win over Conquest

Ask Pioneers coach Rich Ingold about the Albany Conquest and you get a slightly diplomatic answer.

“They’re our biggest rival, geographically,” said the Pioneers head coach. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will host Albany in their first of three Eastern Division contests today at 7 p.m. at Wachovia Arena. “This is their biggest game every year.”

But that’s just scratching the surface. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find out what Ingold really thinks of the Conquest.

“We’ve dominated them for the past two seasons,” he said. “We’ve gone 2-1 against them. They’ve assembled a better team this season, I really believe that. But, this is a game I think we can win.”

Albany (3-3) comes to town today fresh off one of the most shocking losses of its season, a 62-53 downer to the expansion Daytona Beach Thunderbirds (2-5). Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defeated Daytona 68-14 earlier in the season, led by a struggling Rod Rutherford and bolstered by a defense that had yet to find its rhythm.

Ingold defended a struggling Thuderbirds team, noting that since that Week 2 win, Daytona has turned over its entire roster and made a coaching change.

“We were able to watch that game on film (Albany’s loss to Daytona),” said Ingold. “Even when we played them, they were good. They were physical up front. Florida has more football players per capita than any other state. That team went out and made some big changes since then.”

But even though the Conquest have been through the wringer this season, it’s certainly not an indication that they will be a walkover for the Pioneers this season.

Albany had only five wins under its belt when it pinned Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s second loss of the season on it in 2007, a 56-42 loss that put the Pioneers at 14-2 heading into the Eastern Division playoffs.

And despite recent losses, Albany sits at or near the top of several offensive categories. Led by quarterback Dan Cole (126-224, 1,574 YDs, 31 TDs, 3 INT) the Conquest have averaged 52 points per game, ranking seventh among af2 teams.

Cole, a backup in Albany when Pioneers’ signal caller Ryan Vena played with the team in 2006, no doubt picked up a thing or two from the league leader.

Cole leads the league in total offense and pass attempts (224) and is second is passing touchdowns with 31. He’s also second in passing yards. Chalk those stats up to Cole’s deep receiving core led by Antwun Williams (36 rec., 518 YDs, 11 TDs).

“They have some dangerous weapons, offensively and defensively,” said Ingold. “We saw that all on the film this week.”

NOTES

Recently acquired fullback Dan Crozier was placed on the injured reserve this week. Crozier was brought in as a part of a trade with Manchester.

Filling Crozier’s slot as backup fullback will be former California University of Pennsylvania defensive end Kirby Griffin. Griffin registered 69 tackles in 2007 (43 solo, 26 assisted), 16.5 for a loss, five sacks, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Griffin also made a brief appearance on offense catching two passes for fourteen yards and scoring a touchdown.

Pioneers’ defensive back and wide receiver Larry Kendrick was named the JLS Ironman of the week for his performance in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s 84-26 win over Quad City. Kendrick caught five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. He also made 2.5 tackles and recovered a J.J. Raterink fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Kendrick also compiled 79 yards in kick returns.

The award is Kendrick’s second ironman of the week award this season and fourth overall.

UP NEXT

Albany (3-3) at Pioneers (6-1)

WHAT’S AT STAKE: For the Conquest: A win snaps a two-game losing streak for Albany, who is coming off a shocking loss to the 2-5 Daytona Beach Thunderbirds. A loss puts the Conquest down four games in the American Conference East. For the Pioneers: A win puts Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in total control of the East Division with a four-game lead over Albany.

Jamie A. Raub is an agate clerk for The Times Leader. He may be reached at 970-7412.