Wolves stuck in reverse
Chris Koepplin missed what would have been a 37-yard, game-winning field goal with four seconds to play, which allowed the Albany Firebirds to hang on for a 53-51 triumph over the Manchester Wolves on Saturday at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.
It was the third straight loss for the Wolves, who are 3-4 overall. Albany has won three in a row since an 0-5 start.
Manchester outscored Albany 38-14 in the first half, but turnovers helped the Firebirds overcome that deficit in the second half. With under four minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Manchester quarterback James Pinkney (16 of 27, 236 yards and 7 TDs) was sacked behind the goal line for a safety that gave Albany its first lead of the game, 53-51.
The Wolves have allowed a safety in each of their last two games, both of which were two-point losses.
A 43-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Stephen Wasil (26 of 41, 346 yards) to wide receiver Alvin Ray Jackson helped Albany tie the game, 44-44. Manchester re-claimed the lead on Steve Savoy's fifth touchdown reception of the game, but Jackson quickly answered with his third TD catch of the contest.
Albany outscored Manchester 22-6 in the third quarter, and 17-7 in the fourth.
Manchester will play the Mahoning Valley Thunder on Friday night (7:30). That game will be played at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.
