CIFL Signs Erie Explosion

Speculation was put to rest yesterday afternoon as the Erie Explosion announced they had signed with the CIFL for the 2013 season. With multiple leagues vying for the opportunity to sign Erie, owner Bill Stafford weighed out each of his options before making his selection.
"After the past season, four different leagues approached us, knowing that they liked what we did and what (coach Shawn Liotta) was doing and results our players had,'' said Stafford. "We spent two and a half months listening to presentations and eliminating some things, and the Continental (Indoor Football) League is a very good fit."
Jim O'Brien, Co-Owner of the CIFL, was present for the announcement and spoke to the media about the future of the CIFL. "The CIFL is a better place today by having the Explosion become a part of it," said O'Brien, "We intend to make the CIFL stronger with each and every decision we make."
Erie fits the profile that O'Brien and his partners former NFL defensive back Stuart Schweigert and Michigan-based business owner Robert Licht set out to acquire this offseason. With nine players from this past season having ties to the Explosion now playing in the AFL or CFL, this business model is what the CIFL strives to accomplish across each of their markets.
"Our goal since day one has been to help players advance to the next level," said Schweigert (who will be returning to the UFL this fall), "Erie does a great job of that and we will look to echo that throughout the entire CIFL."
The CIFL will begin play in early February, a schedule is set to be announced in October.

Cincinnati Commandos Suffer First Home Loss Ever

For the first time in their three years of existence, the Cincinnati Commandos suffers back-to-back losses as the Erie Explosion came into the historic Cincinnati Gardens to post the 62-18 victory Saturday. It is also the first home loss ever for the Commandos.
The loss drops Cincinnati to 7-2 on the season, while Erie moves to 6-2. Erie also claims the head-to-head point total battle, which is key in the playoff tiebreak scenarios.
Erie raced out to a 38-0 lead through most of the first half before Cincinnati was able to take advantage of one of few Explosion miscues. With Erie trying to run out the clock, they fumbled the snap which was recovered by James Spikes.
Kyenes Mincy caught a touchdown pass from Tyler Sheehan to pull Cincinnati to 38-6, and the Commandos were as close as they would be.
Sheehan finished the game 20-of-47 for 160 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. Receiver Phillip Barnett led the Commandos with 10 catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, while Mincy added seven receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati, in order to have a shot at the first round bye, needs a win next week against Marion, and then have those Blue Racers beat Erie in the season finale. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. June 2 at the Gardens.

Cincinnati Commandos Join Fight against Breast Cancer

The Cincinnati Commandos, in conjunction with SportsCo Apparel, Pure Romance and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, are helping in the fight against Breast Cancer.
During Saturday's game with the Erie Explosion, part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Komen Foundation, while the Commandos will be wearing special uniforms - designed by SportsCo Apparel. The game used uniforms will be auctioned off following the completion of the contest.
Coming off its first loss since 2010, the Commandos still hold their playoff fate in their own hands. A victory over the Explosion clinches the top seed in the UIFL's North playoffs. In the first meeting, Cincinnati dominated the first half en route to the 55-34 win.
The Cincinnati Commandos are the longest-tenured professional indoor football team in the city of Cincinnati. All seven home games are played at the historic Cincinnati Gardens.