GAME TIME Thunder vs. Pioneers

Who: Thunder (3-11) at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (2-12)

When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza (7,950), Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Radio: WBBW-AM (1240)

Series history: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leads 5-0, with two of the wins coming earlier this season: 77-47 at the Chevrolet Centre on May 5 and 33-20 at W-B/S on April 11.

Coaches: Mike Hold is 10-20 in his second season with the Thunder; Rich Ingold is 38-13 in his third season with the Pioneers and 72-29 in six af2 seasons overall.

Scouting report: Talk about discouraging trends: 1. The Thunder go on the road (where they are 2-13 all-time and have lost 11 straight) against a team that has won 20 straight at home; 2. Mahoning Valley faces a team they haven’t come within 11 points of in four meetings all-time, and 3. The Thunder face a team that has serious designs on the af2 championships. The Pioneers lead af2 in scoring and QB Ryan Vena is ranked in the top 10 of af2 in 12 offensive categories. The Thunder did a good job defensively in the April matchup and need that kind of effort again if they hope to pull off the upset.

Up next: The Thunder then conclude the season July 26 at the Chevrolet Centre against the Green Bay Blizzard.

Vindicator staff report