Veteran Defensive Coordinator Helped Lead Baltimore Playoff Run in 2009

BALTIMORE, MD (September 25, 2009) –Baltimore Mariners’ Defensive Coordinator Steve Gaunt, who compiled a relentless ball-hawking defense, which picked off 42 interceptions and grabbed 52 takeaways in the 2009 season, has reached an agreement to return to the professional indoor football team in 2010.

“I am very excited to come back to Baltimore and continue our quest for a championship. With the foundation that has been built I feel strongly that we will be a contender in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) again in 2010,” stated Gaunt a native of Little Falls, New Jersey.

Gaunt started his professional coaching career with the Reading Express in 2006. As their defensive line coach the Express compiled a 12-2 regular season record and advanced to the conference championship. In 2007 Gaunt was promoted to defensive coordinator and Reading finished a successful regular season at 14-2 and won two playoff games before falling in the AIFA championship game. His 2007 defense ranked second in the AIFA in takeaways and third in interceptions and scoring defense.

In 2009 Gaunt took the helm of the Mariners’ defense. The unit ranked first in the AIFA in interceptions with 42 and second with 52 takeaways in helping Baltimore notch a 9-5 record and earns its first playoff appearance. In the season finale against the D.C. Armor, Gaunt’s defense racked up a staggering eight interceptions, including a league record five by Defensive Back Andre Letren.

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Richard Johnson Starred at Milford Mill, Virginia Tech; Mariners Career Tackle Leader

BALTIMORE, MD (September 17, 2009) –Richard Johnson, the Baltimore Mariners’ all-time leader in tackles, an All-American at Milford Mill Academy, and a record breaker for the Virginia Tech Hokies, has re-signed with the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team.

“I am very excited to have Richard back for the 2010 campaign. He is one of the fiercest competitors on the field and also a classy individual off the field. Richard adds firepower to both sides of the ball and will continue to be a dominant force in the Mariners run at an AIFA championship in 2010,” commented Mariners General Manager Greg Justice.

As an All-Metro, All-State, and All-American performer at Milford Mill Academy of Baltimore, Johnson amassed nearly 6,000 yards of total offense during his career, while displaying talent at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. As a senior in 1999 he threw for 1,109 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He finished his career for the Millers with 41 career aerial scoring strikes and 28 rushing touchdowns while emerging as the SuperPrep 5th ranked wide receiver and 28th overall prospect in the nation.

A four-year letterman at Virginia Tech, Johnson led the Hokies in kick returns in 2001 and 2002 and still ranks among the school’s all time leaders with a 21.5 yards per return career average. He also set a Virginia Tech bowl record when he totaled 118 yards on five kickoff returns against Florida State in the 2002 Gator Bowl. During his time at Virginia Tech he totaled 752 yards on 35 returns and pulled in 39 receptions for 421 yards.

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Kenwood Star, Former Maryland Player to Anchor Line in 2010 for Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD (September 14, 2009) –Henry Scott, a standout performer at Kenwood High School of Essex, Maryland and a two-year letterman for the Maryland Terps has re-signed with the Baltimore Mariners indoor football team. The Mariners, who play at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, will be kicking off their third season in early 2010.

From his defensive line position in 2009, Scott helped anchor a Baltimore defensive team that ranked second in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) in takeaways with 52 and led the league with 42 interceptions. While primarily applying pressure as a defensive end, Scott piled up three solo tackles, eight assisted stops, three tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and one blocked kick. With action in only five games in 2008 for the Mariners, Scott had seven solo tackles, one assisted, three takedowns for a loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble.

In addition to his defensive presence Mariners’ Head Coach Chris Simpson expects the 6’3”, 295 pound Scott to bring other positive attributes to Baltimore, “Henry brings a lot of experience to the defensive line. He has a quiet type of leadership that is expressed more in his actions than his words. When he makes the total commitment to his play, I believe that you will see him have one of his best seasons as a professional in 2010.”

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Fan Favorite, All-Time TD Reception Leader Scorpio Brown Signs with Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD (September 10, 2009) –The Baltimore Mariners’ all-time touchdown reception leader, Scorpio Brown, has signed a contract to return to the indoor football team, which calls 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore home.

In 2009 Brown caught 49 passes for 567 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Mariners who finished the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) season with a 9-5 record and earned the team’s first playoff berth. In 2008, Brown pulled in 21 receptions for 227 yards and eight scores while seeing action in only five games. He also added a 40-yard touchdown run in his only carry of the season. Brown has tallied 19 touchdown receptions, tops on the Mariners’ all-time list and ranks second in receptions (70) and yards (794).

Baltimore Head Coach Chris Simpson notes of the 6’4”, 225 pound Mariner, “Scorpio is a big, physical WR. The thing that surprises me is his ability to kick into to gear from a speed stand point. I’m looking forward to seeing more of that speed from him next season. You might see Scorpio on the defensive side of the ball a little bit more next season. “

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Starting QB for 2009 Playoff Run, Looked to Lead Offense in 2010

BALTIMORE, MD (September 8, 2009) – Quarterback E.J. Nemeth who led the Baltimore Mariners to a 9-5 record and the franchise’s first playoff berth in 2009, while passing 36 touchdowns and rushing for 13 more, has been re-signed by the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) club.

In 2009 Nemeth ranked fifth in the AIFA with a total of 49 touchdowns and finished sixth in the league with 2,298 total yards by tallying 2,115 yards through the air and 183 on the ground. The 6’3”, 250 pound New Jersey resident was also viewed as a leader on the team. Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson noted, “E.J. brings a great deal of leadership to the team. He understands our offensive system and is great at minimizing mistakes. I love his competitive spirit.”

Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Nemeth was an all-county performer in both football and wrestling at Notre Dame High School of Lawrenceville, New Jersey and was named the Mercer County Athlete of the Year in 2001. Nemeth then played college ball for Sacred Heart University (2001-2002) and King’s College (2003-2004). Nemeth broke into the pro ranks with the Reading Express in 2007. As the back-up quarterback he saw action in eight games and tossed five touchdowns with no interceptions while amassing a 131.11 QB rating. In 2008 he split time between the San Angelo Stampede Express and the Alaska Wild of the Intense Football League and totaled eight touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.

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VMI Standpoint Yarbough, Bowie State Star Prather Set for 2010 Return

BALTIMORE, MD (September 3, 2009) – The Baltimore Mariners have announced Wide Receiver Aaron Yarbough and Defensive Back T-Wuan Prather have signed contracts to return to the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team in 2010.

Yarbough who was an All-District performer at Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia and a four-year letter winner at Virginia Military Institute, as well as, an All-Conference performer in track and field, will be returning for his third season with the Mariners. Yarbough began his professional football career with the Richmond Speed of Arena Football League 2 (af2) in 2003. In 2004 he was invited to training camp with the Arena Football League’s (AFL) Philadelphia Soul. In 2005 and 2006 he saw practice squad action with the AFL’s Colorado Crush and San Jose Sabercats. In three seasons in the AIFA, including the last two with the Mariners, Yarbough has tallied 61 receptions for 847 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 2009 he led Baltimore, along with Scorpio Brown, with 11 touchdown receptions.

Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson expects Yarbough to play a larger role in 2010, “I expect Aaron to have a bigger impact on the team going into next season. He is a veteran WR that our younger players can go to and become better route runners because of his knowledge and experience.”
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Former Maryland Terps Player and Assistant Returns to Indoor Football Club

BALTIMORE, MD (August 30, 2009) – Offensive Coordinator Mike Moyseenko, who guided the Baltimore Mariners to the league’s number one ranked rushing offense and an average of 48.8 points per game in the 2009 season, has agreed to return for his third season with the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team.

Mariners’ Head Coach Chris Simpson expressed confidence in Moyseenko, “Mike has grown quite a bit as a coach over the last couple of seasons. He has a great grasp of our offense and is a tremendous play caller.”

Moyseenko, starred as a quarterback at South Hagerstown High School in Hagerstown, Maryland and led the Rebels to their first ever playoff berth in 2002. He then made the University of Maryland Terps squad as a walk-on quarterback. After two seasons as a player, he turned his attention to coaching and worked as an assistant to Maryland’s quarterback and wide receiver coaches. In 2007, he graduated with a degree in physiology and neurobiology.

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Former Morgan State Bear Signs Deal with Baltimore Mariners

BALTIMORE, MD (August 25, 2009) – Former Morgan State Bear Joe Taylor, who was one of the Baltimore Mariners top tacklers in 2009 and helped lead the team to a staggering 42 interceptions, has re-signed with the Mariners for the upcoming 2010 season.

Taylor, who was a two-time letter-winner and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week with Morgan, totaled 21.5 tackles (13 solo and 17 assisted), three interceptions, one fumble recovery and scored two touchdowns in just nine games played for the Mariners in the 2009 season.

“It feels great to be back in Baltimore. We started something special last year and I feel we have some unfinished business. The fans in Baltimore are great and you have to show love to the Mariner Maniacs [the Mariners’ Fan Club]. They make the game experience something special and the make road games feel like home,” stated Taylor, who also played for the Mariners in 2008.

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Fast, Furious, Fun Football Action for as Low as $49 at 1st Mariner Arena

BALTIMORE, MD (August 21, 2009) – In 2009 the Baltimore Mariners racked up an impressive 9-5 record, defeated the eventual American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) champions twice during the regular season, and earned the first playoff berth in the franchise’s history. They experienced even more success in front of their hometown fans as the Mariners compiled a 6-1 record and tallied a staggering 58 points per game at 1st Mariner Arena. Now you can be part of this exciting indoor football action as the Mariners have released their 2010 season ticket packages for sale.

With seven-game season ticket packages priced as low as $49 (yes, just $7 per game!) and front row packages, which literally put you in the action at times for $161, there are season ticket packages to meet every fans, and businesses, budget and preference. A family of four can attend every home game and not miss one minute of fast, furious, and fun indoor football action for less then $200! A price typically paid for just one night, and a few hours, of sports viewing. Businesses can also treat special clients to a unique night of football action or reward top employees with front row seats at a game they will never forget.

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AIFA Leading Kicker, Montebello Teacher, Inks Deal with Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD (August 13, 2009) – Garry “J.R.” Cipra who led all American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) kickers in 2009 in scoring with 172 points and helped lead the Baltimore Mariners to a 9-5 record and the franchise’s first playoff berth, signed a deal with the professional indoor football team to return to the squad in 2010. Cipra who has played six seasons of professional football also is a Pre-K to 8th Grade Physical Education teacher at Montibello Elementary/Middle (School #44) located on 32nd Street in Baltimore.

Cipra is excited about his return to Baltimore this season, “I would like to get another ring and I really think the best chance of doing so is with Baltimore. With Muggy [General Manager Greg Justice] and Coach [Chris] Simpson we can’t fail.”

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Grier, Watson Named 1st Team All-Pro, Three Honorable Mention Selections

BALTIMORE, MD (August 11, 2009) – The Baltimore Mariners added to their successful 2009 season, which saw the team compile a 9-5 regular season and the franchise’s first playoff berth, by producing five players who were named to the Vidswap.com/AIFA All-Pro Team. Running Back Isaiah Grier and Defensive Back Armar Watson were named First Team All-Pro and Kicker J.R. Cipra, Defensive Back Richard Johnson, and Wide Receiver Jamaal Stokes were named Honorable Mention AIFA All-Pros.

The Mariners two First Team All-Pros, Grier and Watson, led their respective units to successful seasons. Grier was the featured back in the Mariners’ American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) league leading rushing attack. The Mariners Back also topped the AIFA, individually, in rushing yardage with 514 net yards and was second in the league with 20 rushing touchdowns. Watson sparked a Baltimore defense which led the league with 42 interceptions and returned an incredible 11 pick-offs for touchdowns. Watson tied for the AIFA lead with 17 interceptions; including three which were returned for touchdowns and also led the league in passes defended averaging 2.79 a game with 22 passes broken up to go with his 17 INTs.

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Mariners Address Fans Concerns after End of Arena Football League

BALTIMORE, MD (August 10, 2009) – As former Arena Football League (AFL) coaches, fans, and players the Baltimore Mariners were saddened to here of the AFL’s suspension of operations. After being deluged by phone calls concerning the AFL, the Baltimore Mariners want to ensure indoor football fans that the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) and Mariners are actively working toward a successful 2010 season.

Mariners General Manager Greg Justice commented, “2010 ticket packages are being set and we are signing our 2009 sponsors back for another season. Efforts have already begun to sign new sponsors and add exciting fan experience options for the 2010 season. The Mariners will not go away in the off-season and will be very visible in the community.”

The Mariners recently signed Justice and Head Coach Chris Simpson to new contracts and are in the process of signing coaching and front office staff and players to contracts for the 2010 season, which kicks off this winter. This week the AIFA also announced the Richmond Raiders as the name of its newest expansion franchise. The Raiders will call the Richmond Coliseum, which holds over 11,000 fans, home for the upcoming indoor football season.

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Led Turnaround from Expansion Team to Title Contender in One Season

BALTIMORE, MD (July 29, 2009) – After a successful first season, in which he led the Baltimore Mariners to their first playoff berth in team history, Greg Justice has been retained as the Mariners General Manager.

Justice appreciates the opportunity to continue the progress the team made last season, “From a football operations standpoint, it means that the strides taken last year to insert the ‘Mariner Way’ and change the culture of indoor football in Baltimore can continue and just keep improving.”

Justice took over as general manager for the Mariners following a 4-10 inaugural season in 2008. Under Justice’s leadership the team finished 9-5 in 2009 and earned the club’s first playoff berth. The Mariners made great strides in 2009 including two regular season wins over the eventual American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) champions, the Reading Express.

Annapolis resident Justice brings varied football experience to the Mariners having played for Team USA football in several competitions in Austria, England, France, and Mexico and earning playing spots and workouts for several professional clubs. Justice suited up for Norfolk and Richmond of the Arena Football League 2 (af2), starred in the AIFA for the Express and Mariners, was invited to numerous workouts in the Arena Football League (AFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), National Football League (NFL), and signed a contract with the Austin Wranglers of the AFL in 2007. He also has several seasons of coaching experience at the high school and professional level under his belt, including double duty as the Mariners offensive line coach in 2008.

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Local Businessmen Take Ownership of Baltimore’s Indoor Football Team

BALTIMORE, MD (July 30, 2009) – BRIG Group, LLC, led by two local businessmen, Dwayne Wells and Kevin Fash, has taken the helm as the new owner of the Baltimore Mariners indoor football team, which call 1st Mariner Arena home.

Fash and Wells own Ryco Associates, Inc. which is based in Laurel, Maryland, and The Nest, which is located at 200 W. Pratt Street in Baltimore. Ryco Associates, Inc. which was founded in 1988 has established a solid reputation in the construction industry specializing in mechanical contracting. The mainstay of Ryco’s business has been small and mid-size construction, repair, and alteration projects focusing on commercial and government contracts. The Nest, which is within walking distance of 1st Mariner Arena, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and M&T Bank Stadium has become a favorite bar and restaurant for local sports fans.

The Mariners, who are members of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA), finished the 2009 season with a 9-5 record and earned their first playoff berth in only their second season in the AIFA. They are set to kick off their third season in early 2010. The AIFA is a national indoor football league with teams stretching from Baltimore to Utah and Georgia to Wyoming. The Mariners are in the league’s North Division with the D.C. Armor, Erie Riverrats, Harrisburg Stampede, and Reading Express. The AIFA has current plans to expand to Richmond, Virginia, Trenton, New Jersey, and Washington State in 2010.

For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.

Submitted by John Wolfe
Media Relations Director
Baltimore Mariners

Mariners Drop First Round Playoff Game to Reading Express 50-20

Baltimore, Maryland (July 2, 2009) – As Baltimore Mariners’ coaches, fans, players and staff gathered for one last post-game photo to close out the 2009 season, the Mariners’ Greg Justice stood before the group and said, “As a player, coach, and GM, I am very proud.” And he had every right to be. Despite the Mariners 50-20 loss to the Reading Express, which knocked them from the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) playoff race, the second year team had just completed a remarkable turnaround from 4-10 expansion team to a 9-5 playoff team in just 12 months.

On this night the Mariners would be outplayed by the Express as their star quarterback, Rob Flowers completed 20 of 33 passes for 262 yards, including five touchdown strikes, while the Express defense held Mariners’ QB E.J. Nemeth to 8 of 23 passing for 115 yards and two late touchdown tosses. As the Mariners contingent gathered on the field at Sovereign Center, while disappointment was obvious on the face of many, the post-game gathering became a cathartic experience of sorts as players, coaches, staff, and fans hugged, shook hands, and exchanged thanks for a great season.

As a team, the Mariners experienced many high points during a season, which saw their win tally increase by five from the 2008 season. Highlights included a 2-0 record against the Express, the three-time defending North Division champions, a four-game win streak, in which they averaged 56 points per game, while clinching the organizations first playoff berth. Plus, a season-finale victory against the D.C. Armor, wherein they established team records for points scored and points against in a 70-22 rout. As a unit they also led the 14-team league in numerous categories including: rushing offense, points scored kicking, interceptions, interception return touchdowns, and turnover margin.

Individually there were many monumental performances. Running Back Isaiah Grier led the AIFA in rushing with 514 yards and finished second with 20 rushing scores. Nemeth established himself as the Mariners’ quarterback starting all 14 games and compiling 36 touchdown passes, 2,115 passing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns. Nemeth also relied on a trio of receivers Scorpio Brown, Jamaal Stokes, and Aaron Yarbough who totaled 156 receptions, 1,848 receiving yards, and 32 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mariners played a ball hawking style, which was led by Defensive Back Armar Watson, who topped the AIFA in interceptions (17), interception return yards (295), and finished second with three interception return touchdowns. Fellow defensive back, Andre Letren tied a league record with five interceptions in the team’s final win against D.C., while DB Richard Johnson finished 25th in the AIFA, averaging 3.2 tackles per game.

The Mariners also had some league leaders among the special teams’ corps as Kicker J.R. Cipra led the league in kicking, scoring 191 points, and also led the AIFA in field goal attempts (63) and field goals made (34). Defensive standout Watson also made his mark on the league’s special team rankings as he topped the AIFA in missed field goal returns and yards.

With a cast of league leading stars and a team built on character and unity, the Mariners will now take a brief respite and start building for 2010 when they will resume their quest for a league championship ring.

For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.

Submitted by John Wolfe
Media Relations Director
Baltimore Mariners