Power Offense rises from the ashes in the Graveyard! Wins 56-49

It was a slow start for the Power offense, as the Power failed to register a point until a few minutes were left in the first half.  Trailing 14-0 Anthony Morelli hit Jason Willis for a 7 yard TD to get on the board.  A big return to midfield by Jerome Mathis helped start that drive off on the right foot.

The Power D came up with a big turnover and Morelli found Willis with the same type of pass to quickly knot the score up at 14 just before halftime. 

New Orleans had a chance to score before the half, but their 4th down pass was tipped at the line by Gary Butler and fell incomplete.

The second half opened with another huge return by Mathis to the VooDoo 17 and a few plays later Lonnell DeWalt made one of his patented highlight reel catches for a touchdown.  Power were up 21-14 at this point.

The teams traded touchdowns and with the VooDoo trailing 28-21 and driving, Anthony DeGrate hit Danny Wimprine hard and forced the third fumble of the game and the Power now had a chance to build a cushion.

Anthony Morelli put the offense on his shoulders with a big 22 yard scramble to the goal line, then executed the QB sneak to give the Power a two touchdown lead. 

The VooDoo fought valiantly to the end, but they weren't able to slow down the Power offense in the second half. 

Morelli has thrown 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his two games as the "fill-in" starter and may have done enough to secure the job full time.  He still makes some errant throws, but I like the progression I have seen from him so far, and he's definitely earned the opportunity to keep showing what he can do.  Look for him to get the nod against the Georgia Force next week.

It was good to see the defense step up and force some turnovers after last week's zero stop performance against the Sharks. 

The Power (3-3) will be on the road against the Georgia Force (3-2).  Georgia can do the Power a big favor by knocking off division rival Milwaukee this week.

Player Awards as voted on by New Orleans Arena Media
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Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Anthony Morelli (PIT)

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game:  Abe Koroma (PIT)

JLS Ironman: Jason Willis (PIT)

NiFTy Playmaker of the Game: P.J. Berry (NO)

Cutter Catch of the Game: Lonnell Dewalt over-the-wall TD (PIT)

Spalding Highlight of the Game:  P.J. Berry 58-yard TD kickoff return (NO)

National Guard Player of the Game: Anthony Morelli (PIT)