Fargo, ND—With Alejandro Bennifield and Isaac Zico sidelined, the Massachusetts Pirates shifted their attention to Conor Degenhardt and Teo Redding. Degenhardt didn't just fill in as a backup quarterback; he performed like a seasoned IFL veteran, reading his options, hitting his checkdowns, and making a few chunk plays downfield. 

In his first IFL start, Degenhardt impressed with 163 passing yards and four touchdowns, leading the Massachusetts Pirates to a thrilling 43-38 victory over the Sioux Falls Storm at the Scheels Arena in Fargo, North Dakota. Additionally, he seemed to establish a strong connection with Teo Redding, who recorded five receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns, emerging as a favored target. 

The Pirates got the ball first and began with a potent opening drive. In just three plays covering 30 yards, they set the tone for the game, culminating in a 17-yard touchdown run by Jimmie Robinson. With this early score, Massachusetts surged ahead 7-0, making a statement in the opening minutes of the first quarter.

Sioux Falls wasted no time answering, orchestrating a swift three-play, 30-yard drive of their own. The culmination came from a precise 26-yard pass from Billy Hall to Kentrez Bell. With the scoreboard now knotted at 7-7, the stage was set for a back-and-forth game. 

On the next drive, the Pirates methodically controlled the game with a sustained drive lasting nearly six minutes. Across eight plays covering 38 yards, Conor Degenhardt orchestrated the offense with precision. Completing three of five passes, he found Thomas Owens twice for 22 crucial yards before connecting with Teo Redding on an eight-yard touchdown pass, reclaiming the lead at 14-7. Energized by the score, Redding leaped over the wall and onto the stage behind the end zone, unleashing an overjoyed roar into the microphone.

In the ensuing Storm possession, Massachusetts showcased their defensive prowess with a pivotal stand. With third down and three looming, they dialed up the pressure, forcing Billy Hall into an incomplete pass. Then, on fourth down, they unleashed a relentless blitz, disrupting Hall's rhythm and forcing a desperation throw downfield, which fell incomplete. This defensive showcase swung the momentum back in favor of the Pirates as they regained possession. 

As the first quarter neared its end, Degenhardt unleashed a powerful pass downfield, connecting with Robinson for a pivotal 17-yard gain. Energized by this momentum, the Pirates pushed forward, steadily advancing to the 12-yard line as the second quarter began. Their drive faltered near the goal line, but Massachusetts managed to salvage points from the possession, courtesy of a clutch 27-yard field goal from Josh Gable.

Loren Thompson electrified the crowd with a dazzling 33-yard kick return, coming inches away from a potential touchdown before a stumble halted his progress. Despite this setback, Sioux Falls gained possession from the ten-yard line. In a quick turnaround, Carlos Thompson made a critical catch for a one-yard touchdown, closing the gap to just one score at 17-14, reigniting the Storm's hopes of a comeback.

In the following drive, Degenhardt showcased his trust in Thomas Owens, targeting him heavily as they connected twice for gains of 18 yards. However, when Degenhardt attempted a deep pass to Redding, Storm defensive back Cedri Williams intercepted the ball in the endzone.

Once again, the Pirates defense stepped up when it mattered most. A high snap that sailed over Hall's head caused chaos in the Sioux Falls backfield. Hall found himself surrounded by three Massachusetts defenders and was brought down agonizingly close to the endzone on fourth down. With the Pirates offense on the brink of a scoring opportunity just a yard away from the goal line, their hopes were dashed when Degenhardt's pass was intercepted for the second time, this time by Ken Gladney Jr.

Despite starting deep in their own territory at the five-yard line, the Storm orchestrated an impressive drive downfield. Capitalizing on two penalties from the Pirates defense, they marched steadily toward the endzone. Billy Hall then punctuated the drive with a 2-yard touchdown scramble, propelling Sioux Falls into their first lead of the night at 21-17, just 45 seconds shy of halftime.

Degenhardt was intent on regaining the lead before halftime like a man on a mission. He orchestrated a masterful series of plays, linking up with Redding for a crucial 13-yard reception before connecting with Robinson for a 6-yard gain. Demonstrating his versatility, Degenhardt then utilized his scrambling ability, dashing for a ten-yard gain. To cap it off, Degenhardt found Owens in the endzone for a six-yard touchdown pass, vaulting the Pirates back into the lead at 24-21 with a mere 13 seconds left in the half.

Despite facing 11 penalties in the first half, the Pirates maintained a narrow lead as they headed into halftime. Conor Degenhardt's dual-threat performance, amassing 107 passing yards and 22 rushing yards, proved instrumental in keeping them ahead. Thomas Owens emerged as the top receiver at the half, tallying five receptions for 46 yards, closely followed by Jimmie Robinson with four receptions for 40 yards, complemented by 26 rushing yards of his own.

Sioux Falls kicked off the second half with possession and embarked on a methodical drive, relying heavily on their rushing game with seven consecutive runs. The drive lasted just over five minutes. Eventually, Hall punched it into the endzone with a four-yard scamper, marking his second rushing touchdown of the game. With this score, the Storm reclaimed the lead at 28-24. 

As the Pirates drive kicked off, Massachusetts began with a run-pass option play. Initially appearing to hand the ball off to Robinson, Degenhardt hesitated, allowing Storm defensive end Dajon Emory to strip the ball and recover the fumble. However, the play was overturned due to an encroachment penalty called against the Storm defense. 

With a fresh set of downs, Massachusetts capitalized on the opportunity. Robinson gained six yards on a run, followed by a nine-yard connection between Degenhardt and Redding. Facing fourth and four, Degenhardt scrambled for five yards, securing the first down. Shortly after, Robinson plunged into the endzone from three yards out, propelling the Pirates back into the lead at 31-28.

The Storm gained excellent field position to begin off their drive, courtesy of a remarkable 43-yard kick return by Cam Harrell. Despite facing several penalties and incomplete passes, the Pirates defense stood firm, limiting the Storm to a field goal. With the score now deadlocked at 31 apiece, the stage was set for a tense and closely contested battle.

In the opening drive of the fourth quarter, Degenhardt and Redding linked up for a spectacular 25-yard touchdown, with Redding snatching the ball away from his defender midair. However, the ensuing point-after attempt fell short, leaving the Pirates with a narrow 6-point lead at 37-31.

Massachusetts staged a critical defensive stand, forcing a fourth and inches situation. Guy Thomas delivered a pivotal tackle for a loss on Storm running back Bryson Denley, granting the Pirates possession on the 16-yard line. Degenhardt connected with Thomas Owens in a single play for an 18-yard touchdown, extending the Pirates lead. The Pirates attempted a two-point conversion, but Cedri Williams intercepted the pass, securing his second interception of the night. Despite this failed attempt, the Pirates maintained a 43-31 lead with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates defense faced a crucial third and ten situation, but Hall's pass found Bell wide open for an 18-yard gain, bringing the Storm to the Massachusetts 11-yard line. Undeterred, the Pirates defense rose to the occasion once more, with Guy Thomas delivering a pivotal sack on Hall, resulting in a loss of six yards. However, a personal foul penalty against Massachusetts nullified their efforts. Hall capitalized on the opportunity, connecting with Bell once again for a nine-yard touchdown strike, narrowing the gap to a five-point game at 43-38, with just one minute remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Storm attempted an onside kick, but it sailed out of bounds, granting the Pirates favorable field position at the 12-yard line to start their drive. Tensions escalated when Storm defensive end Claude Davis received a personal foul penalty and was ejected from the game. Following this, the Pirates wisely ran out the remaining time on the clock, securing their fifth win of the season. Meanwhile, Sioux Falls is experiencing their worst start in franchise history, currently holding a disappointing 0-5 record.

In his first IFL start, Degenhardt completed 15 of 20 passes, amassing 163 passing yards while adding 17 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Thomas Owens emerged as the top receiver, hauling in six receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns, closely followed by Teo Redding, who had five catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Bundage led the defensive effort with ten tackles, closely followed by Matt Elam, who contributed eight tackles of his own. 

For Sioux Falls, Billy Hall showcased his versatility, completing 9 of 16 passes for 85 yards and three touchdowns while leading the rushing attack with 17 attempts for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Amin Black led the team in tackles with nine, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Additionally, Cam Harrell significantly impacted kick returns, accumulating 111 yards on four returns.

With a win under their belt, the Pirates head into their second bye week. They'll resume action on May 11 against the Iowa Barnstormers, marking the conclusion of their three-game road stretch.

About the Massachusetts Pirates:
The 2021 United Bowl Champions: Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates, please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.