Thunder done in by turnovers against Albany in 62-28 loss

Alvin Ray Jackson of the Firebirds intercepted five passes, returning one for a touchdown, and he added two receiving scores.

STAFF REPORT

ALBANY, NY. — The Albany Firebirds took advantage of the generosity of the Mahoning Valley quarterbacks, handing the Thunder a 62-28 defeat in an af2 game on Saturday night at the Times Union Center.

Thunder quarterbacks — incredibly — threw 11 interceptions in the game. Five of them were claimed by Albany’s Alvin Ray Jackson, which is a league record.

The loss was Mahoning Valley’s 11th straight after opening the season with a victory at home against Albany.

The Thunder have lost 18 consecutive road games.

Jackson, in his third af2 season out of Albany State, returned one of his interceptions 53 yards for a touchdown. He also scored twice on offense, catching a pair of TD passes.

Brad Roach made his first career start at quarterback for the Thunder but was quickly replaced after throwing interceptions on the first two Thunder possessions.

Backup Davon Vinson didn’t fare any better, throwing a franchise-record seven interceptions. Vinson did throw for two scores, raising his season total to 19.

C.J. Brewer led the Thunder with two receiving scores.

Albany’s offense was paced by quarterback Stephen Wasil, who threw for six touchdowns.

Christian Wise and Jackson each caught two touchdown passes and Jared Jones had one.

E.J. Whitley added three interceptions and Jamel Ramsey picked off two.

The Firebirds had three turnovers but secured their second win of the season over the Thunder.

Albany led 28-7 after one quarter before Jackson’s interception for a TD made it 34-7 early in the second period. The Firebirds led 41-14 entering the final quarter.

Albany improved its record to 5-6 after starting the season 0-5.

Mahoning Valley returns home next Friday night to face the Manchester Wolves on Cortland Banks Field inside the Covelli Centre.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.