Brigade Drop Low-Scoring Matchup In D.C.

July 22,2017 (Photo Credit: Washington Valor)

Carden throws three touchdowns, Nixon runs for another

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Baltimore Brigade (4-8) fell, 34-30, to the Washington Valor (2-10) Saturday night at Verizon Center in what was the lowest scoring game of the AFL season. QB Shane Carden accounted for a trio of touchdowns while Valor QB Sean Brackett took home the game’s MVP award for his performance.

After a Washington return touchdown on the opening kickoff was negated by a penalty, the Valor wasted no time getting back on the board. Brackett found WR T.T. Toliver for a 45-yard touchdown to give the Valor a 7-0 lead. The Brigade answered with a scoring drive of their own, capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by FB Rory Nixon. A three-yard Brackett touchdown run ended what was a nearly 10-minute scoring drought, giving Washington a 14-7 advantage. Baltimore answered with a touchdown on their next drive, as Carden found WR Milton Williams for an eight-yard score, knotting the score once again. With only 20 seconds remaining in the half, Brackett connected with Toliver for a second time, giving the Valor a seven-point lead at halftime.

Baltimore started the second half quickly, scoring on their second play from scrimmage when Carden found WR Brandon Thompkins for a 36-yard touchdown reception. Both teams would trade scores on their ensuing possessions, but a missed point after attempt by the Brigade left Washington with a one point, 28-27 lead after three quarters. Strong defensive play in the fourth quarter left the score unchanged entering the final minute of play. Brigade K Pat Clarke drilled a 21-yard field goal with 56 seconds remaining in the game, giving Baltimore their first lead of the night, 30-28. The Valor, however, landed the final strike, as Brackett connected with Toliver for the third time with just four seconds left in the game, giving Washington a 34-30 lead. The Valor intercepted Carden’s ensuing Hail Mary attempt to seal the victory.

KEY STAT: The 64 total points were the fewest scored in an AFL game this season and the 34 points by the Valor were the fewest by a winning team this season.

MVP: WAS QB Sean Brackett – 16-31 passing, 175 yards and five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing)

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: WAS WR T.T. Toliver – six receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: WAS DB Michael Knight – game-high eight solo tackles, two interceptions and one pass break-up

The Brigade return to Royal Farms Arena next weekend, looking to earn consecutive victories over the league-leading Philadelphia Soul. The matchup kicks off next Sat., July 29 at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Monumental Sports Network.



JH Otto ·

Works at KIPP DC

If the Soul beat the Brigade next Saturday than the Valor control their own destiny to make the playoffs. Washington can beat Cleveland next Saturday at home and than knock off Baltimore in the final game of the season. I'm hoping the Valor can get the final playoff spot and get a chance to upset the Soul. Great game tonight at the Verizon Center!