The 2011 SIFL season was the 5th season for the Erie Explosion in the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL).
On December 3, 2010, the team announced its new identity as the Erie Explosion, including a new logo, but retaining the same color scheme as the Storm previously had. After dealing with the legalities of the previous name, the ownership of the Explosion have secured the legal trademark of the new name, ensuring that this will be the last re-brand in the foreseeable future. The Erie Explosion was also one of 6 AIFA teams which were merged with the Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) prior to the 2011 season. The Explosion announced the signing of Quarterback, Adam DiMichele, along with former local Erie Strong Vincent star, Maurice Williams, and college star receiver David Ball.
On May 21, 2011, the Explosion set a single-game franchise record, including an unofficial indoor football record, for the most points scored in a 138–0 blowout win over the Fayetteville Force after the Force was forced to restock its team with scrubs in an ownership change. The margin of victory is the third-highest in all of professional football, and the highest in over 100 years: only the 1903 Massillon Tigers (who won a game 148–0) and 1904 Watertown Red & Black (who won a game 142–0) have had wider margins of victory.
The Explosion finished the season with a 9–4 record, winning the Northeast Division, but were defeated 68–43 by the Albany Panthers in the first round of the playoffs. Despite the playoff loss, DiMichele was named SIFL MVP, finishing the season with 91 touchdown passes.
Roster 2011 Erie Explosion roster Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
Linebackers Defensive backs
Kickers currently vacant Injured reserve currently vacant
Exempt list currently vacant
Practice squad currently vacant
Schedule
Regular season
DateOpponentHome/AwayResultMarch 20Harrisburg StampedeAwayWon 46–25March 26Trenton SteelAwayWon 76–73April 1Carolina SpeedAwayWon 39–36April 9Trenton SteelHomeLost 62–65April 15Harrisburg StampedeHomeWon 89–35April 23Richmond RaidersHomeWon 74–54April 30Harrisburg StampedeAwayLost 40–41May 7Richmond RaidersAwayWon 65–50May 13Trenton SteelHomeWon 90–79May 21Fayetteville ForceHomeWon 138–0May 26Trenton SteelAwayLost 78–53June 4Harrisburg StampedeHomeWon 71–32
Postseason DateOpponentHome/AwayResultJune 18Albany PanthersAwayLost 43–68
Standings Team Overall DivisionWinsLossesPercentageWinsLossesPercentage Eastern Conference Northeast Division Erie Explosion930.750530.625 Trenton Steel840.667620.750 Harrisburg Stampede2100.167170.125 Mid-Atlantic Division Richmond Raiders*660.500310.750 Carolina Speed390.250220.250 Fayetteville Force390.250130.250 South Division Columbus Lions1110.917510.833 Albany Panthers920.818420.667 Alabama Hammers380.273060.000 Western Conference Gulf Division Louisiana Swashbucklers840.667101.000 Mobile Bay Tarpons**230.500010.000 Lafayette Wildcatters***0120.0000120.000 Southwest Division Houston Stallions1201.000801.000 Corpus Christi Hammerheads750.583340.429 Rio Grande Valley Magic660.500360.333 Abilene Ruff Riders480.333160.143
Green indicates clinched playoff berth Purple indicates division champion Grey indicates best league record * = Failed to make the playoffs despite winning division ** = Folded five games into their season. *** = Suspended operations prior to the season due to lack of Worker's Compensation Insurance
References