Next Man Up: Anthony Russo
 
Karver Jordan
Pirates Writer
May 24th, 2023
 
Pirates quarterback Anthony Russo has stepped up big ever since the injury to starter Alejandro Bennifield in week one.
 
Since taking over, Russo has earned three Player of the Game awards, and led the team to 4 wins. The Philadelphia native has quickly acclimated to the IFL's fast passing game and is continuing to improve. Throughout his first seven games, the Pirates signal caller has attempted 170 passes, completing 103 of them, for 1,198 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. The QB has been extraordinary up to this point, especially this past week vs the Quad City Steamwheelers. Russo was looking for revenge after the Pirates lost to QC earlier this season. The QB led the team to a 63-49 victory over the Steamwheelers, throwing for seven touchdowns and rushing for another. These statics would be just short of a record set by quarterback Taz Wilson last season.

Russo later touched on what the win meant for the team.
 
"It feels great being able to stay undefeated at home and, obviously, this was a personal one for us just because of how we lost to them on a last-second touchdown (earlier this season). I thought we had a great week of preparation and we executed well today and we were able to come out with the win."
 
The QB also talked about what it means to be back in the win column.
 
"It's super important, first off, staying undefeated at home is huge. You got to be able to win at home then just get back on the winning track. We're focused on going 1-0 every single week and we were able to do it this week. Now we got to bring it down to Tulsa."
 
The Pirates are headed to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Oilers on May 27th at 8:05 PM EST.
 
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2023 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.