Thunder snap 13-game losing streak with 41-39 victory

The win over the Manchester Wolves was just the second on the road for the Thunder in franchise history, and their first since June 2007.

Vindicator staff report

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The Mahoning Valley Thunder snapped a 13-game losing streak against a division rival Friday night.

The Thunder (2-13), whose only preview win came in the season opener, defeated the Manchester Wolves, 41-39, in an af2 game.

The victory also ended a 19-game road losing streak for the Thunder, and was just their second win in franchise history away from the Covelli Centre.

Coach Chris MacKeown also picked up his first win with the Thunder after six losses.

The Thunder snapped Manchester’s three-game winning streak and put a serious dent in the Wolves’ playoff hopes.

Manchester (7-8) could have clinched a playoff berth with a win; now, the Wolves face a must-win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton next Friday.

Quarterback Tom Zetts, the Boardman native and former Youngstown State standout making his first career af2 start for the Thunder, was 12 of 24 passing for 236 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 24 yards and a score. He was intercepted just one time.

Jermaine Moye caught five passes from Zetts for 93 yards and two scores, and Pat Clark had four recepetions for 110 yards and two TDs. Jon Loyte caught the other TD pass from Zetts.

Manchester’s Mike Potts was 31 of 48 for 337 yards and four TDs, and one interception.

The Thunder led by as much as 19-0 in the first half, thanks to three Zetts TD passes, and 26-6 at halftime.

Zetts’ 4-yard run made it 32-20 with 10:29 remaining in the game, but the Wolves scored a little over three minutes later to close to five points.

The Thunder answered with a 36-yard field goal by Brian Palmer to make it 35-27.

Carlton Brown returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown, making it 35-33 with 1:56 to go.

After stopping the Thunder, the Wolves took their first lead of the game, 39-35, on Potts’ 18-yard pass to Emery Sammons.

But the Thunder rallied, with Zetts hitting Pat Clark from 34-yards with 10 seconds to go.

Zetts’ two-point pass failed, leaving the score 41-39.

Manchester got in position to attempt a field goal with two seconds remaining, but it was blocked.