Explosion Bolster Roster for Title Defense

March 13, 2014 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) Erie Explosion (Erie, PA)- Erie Explosion Head Coach Shawn Liotta has announced several roster additions over the past week as the team looks ahead to the second half of the CIFL regular season. The 2013 CIFL Champions have announced the return of veteran linebacker Jon D'Angelo. One of the top linebackers in indoor football, D'Angelo was an All-Conference selection for Erie during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. D'Angelo came to Erie following a season in which he led the UIFL in tackles with 107 as a member of the Northern Kentucky RiverMonsters. For his efforts, D'Angelo was named First Team All-UIFL. His impact was noticeable in his first outing of the year with the Explosion as he totaled 12 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions against the Marion Blue Racers.

The Explosion added defensive back Vaughn Carraway who was recently released by the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League. Carraway, native of Reading, PA, played college football at Temple University from 2009-2012. With the Owls, Carraway received numerous on-field honors including Jim Thorp Defensive Back of the Week (2012), CFP Honorable Mention Performer of the Week (2012). In ten games played at free safety as a senior, Carraway recorded 69 tackles. He finished third in the Big East in forced fumbles and 12th in tackles during his final season at Temple.

Veteran quarterback Darmel Whitfield has been added to the roster to provide depth due to the recent injury to Erie starter Aaron Smetanka. The 2014 season will mark his 9th in professional indoor football for the Gannon University Hall of Famer. Whitfield (5'11/190) is Gannon's all-time leader in passing yards (7,156), pass completions (571), completion percentage (57.2), 300-yard games (7), 200-yard games (16), passing touchdowns (53), rushing touchdowns (34), total offensive plays (1,741), total touchdowns-rushing and passing (88), total offense (10,412) and points (210). He ranks second all-time at Gannon in rushing yards (3,256) and third in all-purpose yards (3,365). A Harlon Hill finalist as a senior, Whitfield was a four-time all-region selection and three-time All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) honoree. His accolades include being named to the 2003 D2football.com All-America honorable-mention team and being selected 2003 Independent Football League Offensive Player of the Year.

The Erie Explosion will host the Bluegrass Warhorses on Sunday March 16th at 2:00pm at the Erie Insurance Arena. For more information on the Erie Explosion visit http://www.erieexplosion.com.

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Explosion Bolster Roster for Title Defense