Wilkes-Barre, PA- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers held their first contest of the 2005 season against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz at the Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

The Pioneers started their season by kicking off to the visiting Yard Dawgz.  After turning over the ball on downs, the Yard Dawgz regained possession with an interception by #22 Gana Joseph.  The Yard Dawgz finished their drive with a field goal from #20 Dylan Pohlman.

The Pioneers strike back with a field goal of their own kicked by #4 David Davis,tying the score at three a piece with 39 seconds left in the first quarter.

The second quarter proved to be action filled.  The Pioneers scored 29 points to the Yard Dawgz 24.  Pioneers #80 JR Thomas caught three touchdown passes and #28 Ameer Riley caught one along with #7 Rocco Forgione caught a bullet 2 point conversion from QB Kyle Rowley.  The Yard Dawgz #33 Eric Butler and #3 Jarrell Jackson each had one touchdown with kicker Dylan Pohlman adding another field goal.  The half ended 32-27 in favor of the Pioneers.

The third quarter showed JR Thomas with yet another touchdown reception, joined by his teammate #7 Rocco Forgione.  Jarrell Jackson added a TD for the Yard Dawgz late in the quarter.

The final quarter of play showed the Pioneers scoring 13 points with a TD catch by JR Thomas and #34 Demetrius Austrum with a 6 yard rushing TD.  The Yard Dawgz answered with 2 TD’s by Brandon Daniels and  Chris Toney.  Ameer Riley secured the Pioneers victory with an interception with only 24 seconds left in the game.

The game honors were JR Thomas for Offense, Ameer Rile for Defense and Demetrius Austrum for Ironman.