Massachusetts Pirates Look to Repeat in 2022
In modern football, it’s hard enough to win one championship, let alone chase back-to-back championships. Now when you consider the number of players that have won championships in more than one league, we are talking about an especially elite company. Craig Peterson is chasing that feat in 2022 with the Massachusetts Pirates.
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Albany Empire Win NAL Championship
Craig “The Leg” Peterson the kicker for the Massachusetts Pirates, is a long-time arena football kicker. Last season as a member of the Albany Empire of the National Arena League he helped win the first-ever league championship in Albany Empire history.
Following the season he didn’t return to Albany. Peterson is 36 years old and was looking to again compete for a title in 2022. He decided his best opportunity to do so was to sign with the defending Indoor Football League Champions the Massachusetts Pirates.
Sure enough, Peterson and his Pirates find themselves sitting in prime position for a late-season playoff push at 7-3. Their 7-3 record places them fourth in the league, but they are just a game out of first place with three separate teams sitting at an 8-2. They also are tied for the best in conference win percentage at just over 85%.
Close Victories a Key to Success
Over the last two weeks in particular Peterson has shown just how valuable he is. With their last two victories coming with just a 4 point deficit total. However, it was the Bucks’ kicker who missed a key field goal attempt that led to the loss this weekend at the hands of the Pirates.
The Pirates face key matchups against conference opponents still in the playoff hunt over the next few weeks. With the 5-5 Sioux Falls Storm led by defensive back Famous Hasty return to avenge the one-point loss, they had a couple of weeks ago. The 4-6 Green Bay Blizzard also will try their best to unseat the current number two seed in the Eastern Conference. The Iowa Barnstormers currently sits at 6-4 and will be facing the Pirates in about a month’s time.
Also looking to collect victories are the 5-5 Duke City Gladiators who are very much still in the playoff hunt themselves. They will also face two western conference teams looking to close out the season with some dignity in the San Diego Strike Force, and the Bay Area Panthers who have collected just three wins collectively.
It could be two trap games to end the season for the defending champion Massachusetts Pirates. However, with clutch kicker Peterson leading the special teams unit, as long as the offense and defense keep the game close, they know they can rely on Peterson to be the difference. Check out my interview with Craig Peterson below:
Game Recaps:
