APRIL 22ND, 2023 MOLINE, IL -

The 3-1 Quad City Steamwheelers hosted the 2-1 Massachusetts Pirates on Saturday, the teams first
match up since the overtime playoff thriller last season. The Pirates entered Vibrant Arena at THE MARK
with vengenous, while the Wheelers sought to keep the "W" streak alive.

The first possession of the game had QB EJ Hilliard Jr. call his own number for the score. PAT missed,
Wheelers 6-0.
The Massachusetts offense, led by QB Anthony Russo, answered with a RB Jimmie Robinson rushing
touchdown. PAT good, Pirates 7-6.
Quad City started the drive on their own 6-yard line. The next snap, Hilliard finds WR Mike Carrigan on a
busted coverage play for a 44-yard touchdown pass. 2 point attempt good, Wheelers 14-7.
Needing to match the score, Russo floated a back shoulder throw to WR Isaac Zico in the end zone. PAT
good, 14 all.

Quad City's third drive of the first quarter resulted in a Carrigan rush for six. PAT good, Wheelers 21-14.
In the back and forth scoring battle of the first half, the Pirates capped off their drive with a wildcat
formation score to RB Ricky Person Jr. PAT good, 21 all.

A promising series for the Wheelers was cut short by back-to-back sacks from DL Ezekiel Rose and LB
Brendon White. Field attempt missed wide left.
Massachusetts took the lead from the second effort of WR Thomas Owens falling over defenders into
Endzone. PAT good, Pirates 28-21.
In a one minute drive situation, Hilliard led his offense to a made field goal attempt from K Chase
Allbaugh before half. Pirates 28-24.
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Kicking off the final 30 minutes, Russo's pass across the middle tipped into the hands of DB Darreon
Jackson.

Trying to capitalize off the turnover, Hilliard dumped it off to speedy RB Jerron McGaw for a 34-yard foot
race to the end zone. PAT missed, Wheelers 30-28.

A surprise onside kick attempt gave the Pirates great field position scoring on the next play with another
Robinson touchdown. PAT good, Pirates 35-30.

Despite the negative starting position, Quad City added three points to the scoreboard. Pirates 35-33.
The sQuad City defense stood tall, generating a turnover-on-downs on the next Pirate offensive series.
With the ball spotted just outside the red zone, Hilliard connected once again to McGaw for the
touchdown to close out the third quarter. PAT good, Wheelers 40-35.

Massachusetts sustained a long drive topped off by Russo trotting in for the score. 2 point attempt no
good, Pirates 41-40.

Midfield start for the Wheelers went all four downs and ended with a made field goal. Wheelers 43-41.
The Pirates next possession had clock management written all over it. The potential go-ahead field goal
attempt made. Pirates 44-43.

0:07 left in the game, Hilliard pump faked and connected with airborne WR Keyvan Rudd to
regain the lead. 2 point attempt no good, Wheelers 49-44.

The Quad City Steamwheelers continue their 4 game win streak thanks to late efforts. Wheelers advance
to 4-1 on the season while the Pirates fall to 2-2. Quad City heads off to Sioux Falls next Saturday in an
Eastern Conference matchup at 7:05 PM CT.