Milwaukee starts fast, holds on to hand Thunder 9th straight loss, 58-47

STAFF REPORT

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Mahoning Valley Thunder rallied from a three-touchdown deficit in the first half but couldn’t sustain the momentum, losing to the Milwaukee Iron, 58-47, in an af2 game on Friday night at the Bradley Center.

The loss was the ninth straight overall for the Thunder (1-9), who trailed 28-7 in the second quarter before rallying to forge a 34-all tie.

It was also the 17th consecutive road loss for Mahoning Valley.

Leading the charge for Milwaukee was quarterback Todd Hammel, who threw for 337 yards and seven touchdowns without turning the ball over.

Antoine Burns was Hammel’s main target, hauling in eight receptions for 112 yards and three touchdowns. Burns scored a fourth touchdown on a running play.

Bryan Pray added seven catches for 79 yards and one score.

The Iron offense started hot in both halves, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and 20 points in the third quarter.

The Milwaukee defense did its part, holding Mahoning Valley scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The Thunder received a spark from Quorey Payne, who returned both a kickoff and a missed field goal 50 yards for touchdowns.

Payne also added a receiving touchdown.

Thunder quarterback Davon Vinson was 20-of-34 for 222 yards with five touchdowns and one interception.

C.J. Brewer caught a season-high 12 passes for 107 yards and three touchdowns.

The Thunder is back on the road next weekend, battling Albany for the third and final time this year on June 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

The Thunder trailed 28-27 at halftime and 48-47 after three periods. Milwaukee outscored Mahoning Valley 10-0 in the fourth period.

Attendance was listed at 3,735.