2009 Erie RiverRats season explained

Team:Erie RiverRats
Year:2009
Record:3-11
Division Place:5th
Coach:Steven G. Fulmar
Stadium:Louis J. Tullio Arena
Playoffs:did not qualify
Next:2010

The 2009 Erie RiverRats season was the third season for the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) franchise.

In August, 2008, Liotta resigned as coach of the RiverRats and left to coach the Wheeling Wildcats.[1] In September 2008, the RiverRats named Steven G. Folmar as the franchise's second head coach.[2] In December 2008, owner Jeff Hauser sold the team to a group of local businessmen, headed by Jeff Plyler, Bob Foltyn and Frank Herman.[3] [4] The RiverRats had to replace many players on the roster, as most of the 2008 roster followed Liotta to Wheeling.[5] As a result of all the changes, the RiverRats struggled all season to score points, resulting in offensive coordinator Paul Pennington's resignation after an 0 - 3 start.[6] After dropping to 0 - 7, the RiverRats got their first win of the season on a last second field goal by Joe Lindway.[7] The RiverRats ended up finishing with a 3-11 record, and missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.[8]

Schedule

Regular season

DateOpponentHome/AwayResult
March 15Baltimore MarinersAwayLost 32-60
March 28D.C. ArmorHomeLost 30-34
April 4Carolina SpeedAwayLost 12-38
April 11Reading ExpressAwayLost 13-47
April 18Harrisburg StampedeHomeLost 31-34
April 26Reading ExpressHomeLost 48-66
May 2Fayetteville GuardAwayLost 28-58
May 10Baltimore MarinersHomeWon 53-50
May 23Harrisburg StampedeHomeWon 54-44
May 30Harrisburg StampedeAwayLost 29-53
June 6Carolina SpeedHomeLost 21-51
June 13Reading ExpressAwayLost 27-45
June 20D.C. ArmorAwayLost 28-47
June 27Florence PhantomsHomeWon 60-20

Standings

TeamOverallDivision
WinsLossesPercentageWinsLossesPercentage
North Division
Reading Express1130.786820.800
Baltimore Mariners950.643820.800
Harrisburg Stampede4100.286460.400
D.C. Armor4100.286370.300
Erie RiverRats3110.214280.200
South Division
Columbus Lions1130.786820.800
Fayetteville Guard860.571550.500
South Carolina Force770.500460.400
Carolina Speed770.500460.400
Florence Phantoms680.429460.400
West Division
Wyoming Cavalry1220.8571220.857
Utah Valley Thunder1130.7861130.786
Ogden Knights4100.2864100.286
New Mexico Wildcats1130.0711130.071

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Liotta resigns as RiverRats coach . August 5, 2008 . CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News . www.goerie.com . December 27, 2013.
  2. Web site: Erie RiverRats Name Steven G. Folmar as New Head Coach . September 2, 2008 . OurSports Central . www.oursportscentral.com . December 26, 2013.
  3. Web site: Area group purchases RiverRats . December 11, 2008 . CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News . www.goerie.com . December 27, 2013.
  4. Web site: Erie RiverRats Sold to Local Business Group . December 16, 2008 . OurSports Central . www.oursportscentral.com . December 26, 2013.
  5. Web site: Wheeling Wildcats Sign QB Rod Rutherford for 2009 Season . December 12, 2008 . OurSports Central . www.oursportscentral.com . December 27, 2013.
  6. Web site: Struggling RiverRats seek new offensive coordinator . April 9, 2009 . CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News . www.goerie.com . December 27, 2013.
  7. Web site: RiverRats kick winless label at buzzer . Bob Jarzomski . May 11, 2009 . CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News . www.goerie.com . December 27, 2013.
  8. Web site: Erie Ends 2009 Season With 60-20 Blowout of Defending Champs . June 29, 2009 . OurSports Central . www.oursportscentral.com . December 26, 2013.