The Massachusetts Pirates squeezed out a win with Devonn Brown’s last minute touchdown catch to come from behind and defeat the Carolina Cobras 56-53 keeping their standing of first place in the National Arena League.
The win was a first for the Pirates (10-4) in the three games this season against the Cobras (8-5). On Saturday, July 28th the Pirates will travel to Jacksonville Florida to take on the second place Sharks at 7 pm at Veterans Memorial Center. Local fans can stream the game live through the website.
The action began against the Cobras when Ali Mourtada started the game with a “Duece”putting the Pirates ahead 2-0. On the Cobras first possession Kiante Northington recovered a fumble which led to a four yard touchdown pass from Sean Brackett to Bones Bagaunte. A drop kick PAT by Mourtada put the Pirates ahead 10-0. The Cobras came back with a two yard strike from Charles McCullum to Philip Barnett. Brackett then threw a 30 yard TD pass to Mardy Gilyard. The Pirates scored again on a one-play drive as Lavon Pearson’s 26 yard reception brought the Pirates a 22-6 lead to end the first quarter.
The teams traded touchdowns on four possessions in the second quarter until the Cobras Tyrell Goodman pulled in a six yard reception with 42 second left to put the Cobras ahead 36-34 at the half.
Both teams failed to score in the third quarter leading into an exciting ending for the game. The Pirates scored first when Pearson completed his 18th TD reception of the season putting the Pirates ahead 40-36. Pearson finished with five receptions for 66 yards and two scores. The Cobras came back with a touchdown and another “Duece.” Brackett then threw deep, with Brown racing down 45 yards to make the catch. Brackett then found Gilyard with a two-point conversion pass and Mourtada added a “Deuce” to bring the Pirates ahead 50-45 with 10:38 to play.
McCullum lead the Cobras down the field on a 10 play, 45 yard drive and with a two-point conversion the Cobras led 53-50 with 1:58to play. Brackett connected with Brown on a 14 yard pass and Bagaunte pulled in back to back passes to bring the ball to the nine yard line. Pearson’s two yard reception left the Pirates with a fourth and one on the seven yard line with 1.7 seconds to play. Brackett took a three step drop and threw a perfect pass to Brown who was wide open in the right corner of the end zone. Brown finished the game with six receptions for 105 yards and three touchdowns.
Brackett had an exceptional game, he was 22 of 32 for 273 yards, two interceptions and eight touchdowns. He now has thrown 72 touchdown passes this season.
In this inaugural season the Massachusetts Pirates are positioning themselves as contenders for a league title and recently added two former NFL draft picks to their defense. The Pirates have signed defensive back Khalid Wooten and defensive end Sam Montgomery.
“I thought we left some plays out there and were undisciplined at times, especially in the fourth quarter which is inexcusable. However we made enough plays to pick up the win, which is crucial for playoff seeding. I am very proud of our guys and the work we had put in leading up to the game, and it translated to the field which is always the goal. We are playing good football right now and we’ll strive to continue to do so,” said President Jawad Yatim.
The Pirates final regular season game will be in Worcester at the DCU Center where the team has a 6-1 home field advantage. The team will end the regular season with a match again the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks on August 4.
Fans can also enjoy the games on NESN (New England Sports Network) which is televising all eight (8) Pirates home games during the 2018 season on tape-delay on NESNplus. Each of these games will also air on NESN National and on NESN primary during the week.
NESN is also airing an all access show on the team with behind the scenes footage.
NESN is airing multiple thirty minute documentary specials, following the Pirates as they navigate through their first season of action. The audience gets an in depth look at the lives of the players, coaches and front office members who are at the forefront of Massachusetts’ newest professional sports franchise.
About Massachusetts Pirates
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. Pirate Nation Season Ticket Memberships for the 2018 season are now available. To become a Pirate Nation Season Ticket member or for more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@
