Thunder still searching for a winning combination

By John Bassetti

Davon Vinson is out after throwing 7 interceptions in last week’s game.

YOUNGSTOWN — Davon Vinson is gone as quarterback after throwing seven interceptions against the Albany Firebirds last Saturday.

It was inevitable.

He was the Thunder’s total offense leader, but also its biggest liability, offensively, with 15 interceptions.

“The rookie [Brad Roach] threw three interceptions [two to start, then one more after a return later], but the veteran threw seven,” coach Chris MacKeown said. “That’s unacceptable.”

Receiver Jermaine Moye was also picked off on a halfback-type pass.

Vinson, technically, is still on the team, but he will be released.

“I told him I was releasing him,” said MacKeown, “but, with his ankle, he’s not going to pass the exit physical, so he’ll have to go on IR [injured reserve].”

Vinson played in three games for Mahoning Valley in 2008 and eight games this season, averaging 178.8 yards per game. He completed 117 of 201 passes for 1,295 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“We have to be better at the quarterback spot,” said MacKeown. “I feel that Brad has all the tools. He is just a rookie, but I’m willing to work with him. I saw improvement last week and improvement during the game after he had a chance to get a feel for the game and watch a little bit.”

The game was an af2 first for Roach, the starter in the 62-28 loss in Albany.

Roach threw two interceptions before Vinson stepped in, then Roach returned late to throw two TDs in a three-series span. The remaining series ended with a third pickoff of a Roach pass.

“It’s not excusable,” said Roach (6-foot-6, 250 pounds), a Catawba (N.C.) College product. “Those were mistakes on my part and I’ve got to put the ball where it needs to be. I’ve got to release it on time and put it where only our guy can get it.”

In his league baptism, the quarterback admitted his surprise at the game’s pace.

“It was a lot faster than I thought. Just the speed of the game, making quicker reads and getting the ball out quicker.”

Now that he has one game under his belt, in af2 light-years, Roach would have to be considered a veteran.

“It’s a new season [personally], but I’ve got to act like it’s my 10th game. This team needs me to come out and make good decisions and get rid of the ball quick and not act like a rookie. They’re depending on me like it’s my 10th game. I’ve got to step it up.”

Brandon Taylor, the Thunder’s leading tackler with 48 solo tackles and 60 total, started his second straight game as defensive back after playing Mahoning Valley’s first nine at the Jack linebacker position.

Taylor, in his first season with the Thunder but second in af2 after spending all 16 games with Albany in 2008, expounded on the difference in assignments.

“I’m more outside of the box [imaginary box on defensive side of scrimmage]. I can cover the whole field. The only thing is, I don’t get a chance to help the front four or front five as much by calling out reads, screens, runs and draws. It’s more me helping out in the secondary and calling out coverages and who’s got who on the run. So, it’s a lot different as far as my responsibilities. I don’t mind moving where I need to help the team out.”

In Albany, Taylor shared the defensive backfield with af2 newcomers Patrick Wells and Ryan Greiser.

“One [Wells] had a little bit of experience and one [Greiser] just came out of college. They’re exceptional athletes, it’s just catching them up to speed,” Taylor said of teaching the rookies the basics of arena coverage. “It’s not a bad situation. I got two back there who know how to play.”

Being a DB was no holiday against the Firebirds, who forced Thunder defenders back on the field frequently.

Although Albany had 11 pick-offs, the returners were stopped near Mahoning Valley’s goal.

“It put a little bit of a bind on us to keep them from scoring instead of having them earn it by going the length of the field,” Taylor said of the Firebirds’ frequency in the red zone (inside 10-yard line).

bassetti@vindy.com