Pirates claim victory over Chupacabras in IFL Cup Semifinal

Sunday afternoon was a big one for the Orlando Pirates and New Mexico Chupacabras.

With third place in the inaugural IFL Cup on the line, Orlando was the team that brought the intensity.

Paxton DeLaurent threw for 140 yards and three touchdowns as the Orlando Pirates blew out the New Mexico Chupacabras 41-11 at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey in the IFL Cup Consolation Game.

The Pirates were looking to make a statement early as Nyqwan Murray scored a rushing touchdown to give Orlando (5-3) a 6-0 lead as Alejandro Mata missed the extra point. The Chupacabras (1-7) drove into Pirates territory on their opening possession, but Damon Street coughed up the ball and Orlando's Destin Mack recovered. The Pirates took advantage of the miscue as Paxton DeLaurent found Ja'hki Douglas in the end zone to give Orlando a 13-0 lead, and the Pirates weren't done yet in the opening fifteen minutes as DJ Daniel picked off Harrison Roubidoux on the ensuing possession. That led to DeLaurent finding Murray on a deep pass inside the red zone on the first quarter's final play.

The second quarter opened with similar fireworks as DeLaurent found Murray again; this time in the end zone, to give the Pirates a 20-0 lead. New Mexico finally got on the board on their ensuing possession as Ben Derby cashed in on a field goal attempt. The Chupacabras scored, but that led to another Orlando touchdown drive. Highlighted by a one-handed catch from Murray, the Pirates made their way into the end zone again as DeLaurent tossed it to Douglas to give Orlando a 27-3 halftime lead.

There was brief optimism for the Chupacabras as backup quarterback Donovan Porterie scored a rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-11 after Damon Street scored the ensuing two point conversion on the ground. However, Murray made another big play as Paxton DeLaurent rolled to his left and found Murray in the end zone for his third total touchdown of the game to give the Pirates a 34-11 lead going into the fourth quarter.

There was brief optimism for the Chupacabras as backup quarterback Porterie scored a rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 27-11 after Damon Street scored the ensuing two point conversion on the ground. However, Murray made another big play as DeLaurent rolled to his left and found Murray in the end zone for his third total touchdown of the game to give the Pirates a 34-11 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The offensive struggles continued for New Mexico in the fourth quarter as a drive stalled out and Ben Derby missed a field goal attempt. The agony was prolonged as Pirates backup James Blackman threw a touchdown pass to Teo Redding, who made the catch against the wall, capping a frustrating game and IFL Cup for the reactivated team.

The Pirates came away with third place in the inaugural IFL Cup thanks to big-time plays from Murray and an impressive performance from their defense. The Chupacabras continue to struggle offensively in their first season back from a one-year hiatus. They were averaging just 26 points per game entering the IFL Cup Consolation Game and scored well below that against the Pirates. New Mexico will need more from its offense if it wants to finish the season strong.

La'james White had 42 yards rushing on 13 carries, while Isaiah Crocker hauled in seven passes for 53 yards for the Chupacabras.

Murray had 103 yards receiving on 7 catches to go with three total touchdowns. Ja'hki Douglas had a touchdown catch and 25 yards receiving on three catches.

The Chupacabras will be at home to battle the San Diego Strike Force on May 31 with kickoff set for 1 p.m. The Pirates will head across the country to take on the Tucson Sugar Skulls on May 30 for a 5 p.m. Times listed are mountain daylight time.

Both games, as well as all IFL games this season, will be available on the IFL's broadcast and streaming platforms. SctoC will present previews of those, and all, games this season. Those previews will be posted on the board of the home team in each game.

Both games, as well as all IFL games this season, will be available on the IFL's broadcast and streaming platforms. Sports Coast to Coast will present previews of those, and all, games this season. Those previews will be posted on the board of the home team in each game on the site.