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{{Short description|American indoor football team}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox indoor American football team
| name = Erie Explosion
| logo = ErieExplosion.png
| helmet = Erie Explosion Helmet Logo.png
| founded = 2007
| folded = 2015
| city = [[Erie Insurance Arena]] in [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| colors = Black, Orange, White<br>{{Color box|#000}} {{Color box|#FFA500}} {{Color box|white}}
| coach = [[Shawn Liotta]] (2007–2008, 2010–2015)<br>Steven G. Fulmar (2009)
| owner = Bill Stafford
| president = 
| general manager = Shawn Liotta
| cheerleaders = ERIEsistables
| league =
[[American Indoor Football Association]] (2007–2010)
*Northern Division (2007)
*Eastern Conference (2008)
**North Division (2008–2009)
*Eastern Division (2010)
[[Southern Indoor Football League]] (2011)
*Eastern Conference (2011)
**Northeast Division (2011)
[[Ultimate Indoor Football League]] (2012)
*Northern Conference (2012)
[[Continental Indoor Football League]] (2013–2014)
*North Division (2014)
[[Professional Indoor Football League]] (2015)
| team_history =
* Pittsburgh RiverRats (2007)
* Erie RiverRats (2008–2009)
* Erie Storm (2010)
* '''Erie Explosion (2011–2015)'''  
| no_conf_champs = 0
| conf_champs =
| no_div_champs = 2
| div_champs = 
* 2011, 2013
| no_league_champs = 2
| league_champs =
* {{CIFL Year|2013}}, {{CIFL Year|2014}}
| no_playoff_appearances = 7
| playoff_appearances =
* AIFA: 2007, 2008, 2010<br>SIFL: 2011<br>UIFL: 2012<br>CIFL: 2013, 2014
| arena_years =
*[[Rostraver Ice Garden]] (2007)
*[[Erie Insurance Arena]] (2008–2015)
}}

The '''Erie Explosion''' was a professional American [[Indoor American football|indoor football]] team based in [[Erie, Pennsylvania]]. Founded in 2007 as the '''Pittsburgh RiverRats''', the Explosion played in the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]], the [[United Indoor Football League]], the [[Southern Indoor Football League]], the [[Continental Indoor Football League]] and the [[American Indoor Football Association]] and operated continuously from 2007 to 2015.

==Franchise history==

===2007===
{{main|2007 Pittsburgh RiverRats season}}

The Explosion began play in 2007 as the '''Pittsburgh RiverRats''' at the [[Rostraver Ice Garden]] in [[Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/other-sports/2006/08/05/River-Rats-to-debut-in-American-Indoor-Football-League-in-2007-will-play-in-Rostraver/stories/200608050159 |title=River Rats to debut in American Indoor Football League in 2007, will play in Rostraver |author=Phil Axelrod |date=August 5, 2006 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>

The RiverRats played their first game at [[Tupelo, Mississippi]] on February 3, 2007, losing 54–34 to the [[Mississippi Mudcats]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3423738 |title=RiverRats Fall to Mississippi in Season Opener |date=February 7, 2007 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> Their first home game was on February 18, 2007, which they lost 35–28 to the [[Reading Express]]. Pittsburgh won its first home game on March 4, 2007, defeating the [[Danville Demolition]] 47–21. On May 19, 2007, the RiverRats set an AIFA single-game record when they scored 86 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://triblive.com/x/valleyindependent/news/s_508734.html#axzz2ocXWnIQD |title=RiverRats score 86 to reach AIFA playoffs |author=Jeff Oliver |date=May 21, 2007 |publisher=Trib Total Media, Inc. |work=triblive.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>

===2008: Moving to Erie===
{{main|2008 Erie RiverRats season}}
On January 8, 2008, the RiverRats announced they would be relocating to Erie in time for the 2008 season, rebranding themselves as the '''Erie RiverRats'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3577803 |title=Pittsburgh RiverRats Relocate to Erie, PA |date=January 8, 2008 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref>  They replaced the city's previous AIFA team, the [[Erie Freeze]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080109/FOOTBALL09/801090452/-1/SPORTS |title=Indoor football is back |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=January 9, 2008 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

===2009: Loss of Liotta===
{{main|2009 Erie RiverRats season}}
In August, 2008, head coach [[Shawn Liotta]] resigned as coach of the RiverRats and left to coach the [[Wheeling Wildcats]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080805/FOOTBALL09/653136744/-1/SPORTS |title=Liotta resigns as RiverRats coach |date=August 5, 2008 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> In September 2008, the RiverRats named Steven G. Folmar as the franchise's second head coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3712900 |title=Erie RiverRats Name Steven G. Folmar as New Head Coach |date=September 2, 2008 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> In December 2008, owner Jeff Hauser sold the team to a group of local businessmen, headed by Jeff Plyler, Bob Foltyn and Frank Herman.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081211/FOOTBALL09/312119826/-1/SPORTS |title=Area group purchases RiverRats |date=December 11, 2008 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3752760 |title=Erie RiverRats Sold to Local Business Group |date=December 16, 2008 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> The RiverRats had to replace many players on the roster, as most of the 2008 roster followed Liotta to Wheeling.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wheeling Wildcats Sign QB Rod Rutherford for 2009 Season |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3751399 |date=December 12, 2008 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> As a result of all the changes, the RiverRats struggled all season to score points, resulting in [[offensive coordinator]] Paul Pennington's resignation after an 0&ndash;3 start.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090409/FOOTBALL09/304099871/-1/SPORTS |title=Struggling RiverRats seek new offensive coordinator |date=April 9, 2009 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> After dropping to 0&ndash;7, the RiverRats got their first win of the season on a last second field goal by Joe Lindway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090511/FOOTBALL09/305119925/-1/SPORTS |title=RiverRats kick winless label at buzzer |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=May 11, 2009 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The RiverRats ended up finishing with a 3–11 record, and missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3852527 |title=Erie Ends 2009 Season With 60-20 Blowout of Defending Champs |date=June 29, 2009 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>

===2010===
{{main|2010 Erie Storm season}}
On September 8, 2009, the RiverRats announced that Liotta would return to Erie as the head coach for the 2010 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090908/FOOTBALL09/309089896/-1/SPORTS |title=Liotta returns to coach RiverRats |date=September 8, 2009 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> In December, it was announced that owner Jeff Hauser had sold a stake in the franchise to a local group that included Jeff Plyler (owner of Plyler Overhead Door of McKean, Pennsylvania) and Bill Stafford (owner of several Subway restaurant locations in Erie), among others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3945275 |title=Professional Football Continues in Erie Under New Ownership |date=December 29, 2009 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The team remained in the AIFA, and the team adopted the corporate name "Erie Professional Football, Inc." in December 2009, in anticipation of a new franchise name to be announced in January 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091229/FOOTBALL09/312299918/-1/SPORTS |title=Indoor football a go in Erie for 2010 |date=December 29, 2009 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>

Hauser maintained a smaller stake in the team, which immediately dropped the RiverRats name. On January 5, 2010, the team announced the four finalists of the name-the-team contest; ''Storm'', ''Blizzard'', ''Pulse'', and ''Punishers''. On January 14, 2010, the team was officially named the '''Erie Storm''' via a press conference, in which the team logo and colors were also released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100114/FOOTBALL09/301149876/-1/FOOTBALL |title=New Erie football nickname: Storm |date=January 14, 2010 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

On May 5, 2010, the [[Painesville, Ohio]]-based [[Lake Erie College]] sued the team over the "Erie Storm" name because their athletic teams use the "Storm" moniker.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100507/FOOTBALL09/305079901/-1/SPORTS |title=Lake Erie College sues Storm over nickname |author=Victor Fernandes |date=May 7, 2010 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-date=December 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227231038/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100507/FOOTBALL09/305079901/-1/SPORTS |url-status=dead }}</ref> In July 2010, they dropped "Storm" in favor of "Erie Professional Football", which remains the name of the team's corporate entity.

===2011: SIFL===
{{main|2011 Erie Explosion season}}
[[File:Explosion 138, Force 0.jpg|thumb|right|The Tullio Arena scoreboard following the Explosion's record-setting game from 2011.]]
On December 3, 2010, the team announced its new '''Erie Explosion''' identity, albeit retaining the same color scheme as the Storm. The Explosion was also one of six AIFA teams which merged with the [[Southern Indoor Football League]] (SIFL) prior to the 2011 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101116/FOOTBALL09/311169947/-1/SPORTS |title=Erie's indoor football now in SIFL |date=November 16, 2010 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

On May 21, 2011, the Explosion set a single-game franchise record, including an indoor football record, for the most points scored in a 138–0 decisive win over the [[Fayetteville Force (SIFL)|Fayetteville Force]]. This result was due to the Force's ownership change, with second-string players taking the field.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20110522%2FFOOTBALL09%2F305219895 |title=Erie Explosion set record in 138-0 win |author=Duane Rankin |date=May 22, 2011 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 26, 2013}}</ref> This margin of victory is the third-highest in all of professional football, and the highest in over 100 years. Only the 1904 [[Massillon Tigers]] (who won a game 148–0) and the 1904 [[Watertown Red & Black]] club (who won a game 142–0) have had wider leads.

The Explosion finished the season with a 9&ndash;4 record, winning the Northeast Division, but were defeated 68&ndash;43 by the [[Albany Panthers]] in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110623/FOOTBALL09/306239924/-1/SPORTS# |title=Erie Explosion's record season ended in disappointment |author=Duane Rankin |date=June 23, 2011 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> Despite the playoff loss, DiMichele was named SIFL MVP, finishing the season with 91 touchdown passes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110709/FOOTBALL09/307089905/-1/SPORTS |title=Erie Explosion QB named indoor league MVP |date=July 9, 2011 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

===2012: UIFL===
{{main|2012 Erie Explosion season}}
On August 25, 2011, the Explosion left the SIFL and joined the [[United Indoor Football League]]. The change reunited Erie with Andrew Haines, who founded the city's previous indoor football team, the [[Erie Freeze]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110827/FOOTBALL09/308279931/-1/SPORTS05 |title=Erie Explosion joins new league |date=August 27, 2011 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> (The Explosion's departure came two weeks before the SIFL broke up into the [[Lone Star Football League]] and the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]], neither of which included Pennsylvania in its territory). Erie was tasked with replacing MVP quarterback DiMichele, who had signed with the [[Arena Football League]]'s [[Philadelphia Soul]].<ref name="Hansen">{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120301/FOOTBALL09/303019922/Erie-Explosion-count-on-new-QB-to-lead-way |title=Erie Explosion count on new QB to lead way |author=John Dudley |date=March 1, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The job fell on the shoulders of rookie Colton Hansen.<ref name="Hansen" /> In the second game of the season, Hansen struggled in a loss to the [[Johnstown Generals]], and he was replaced by A. J. McKenna.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120401/FOOTBALL09/304019885/Debut-dynamite-for-Erie-Explosion-QB-McKenna |title=Debut dynamite for Erie Explosion QB McKenna |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=April 1, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> McKenna led the Explosion to an 8–3 regular-season record, losing the top seed in the UIFL North during the last game of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120611/FOOTBALL09/306119940/Explosion-stumble-lose-top-seed-in-playoffs |title=Explosion stumble, lose top seed in playoffs |date=June 11, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> While still securing a home playoff game, the Tullio Arena had begun a 45-million-dollar renovation, which forced the Explosion to find a new place to host the game. The Explosion announced that they would play at [[Erie Cathedral Prep]]'s Dollinger Field.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120612/FOOTBALL09/306129935/Erie-Explosion-to-play-indoor-football-playoff-game-outdoors |title=Erie Explosion to play indoor football playoff game outdoors |date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The Explosion trailed going into the fourth quarter against the [[Marion Blue Racers]], but McKenna ignited the Erie offense to 22 points in the final stanza to advance to the UIFL North Conference final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120617/FOOTBALL09/306169877/Explosion-erupt-in-4th-to-top-Blue-Racers-in-UIFL-playoff-game# |title=Explosion erupt in 4th to top Blue Racers in UIFL playoff game |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=June 17, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

The Explosion faced the [[Cincinnati Commandos]], who had only lost two games all season, one of which was to Erie. The Commandos defeated the Explosion 62–40 to advance to the [[Ultimate Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goerie.com/article/20120624/FOOTBALL09/306239898/Explosion-fall-in-UIFL-playoffs |title=Explosion fall in UIFL playoffs |date=June 24, 2012 |publisher=Cyberlink and Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

===2013: CIFL and Championship===
{{main|2013 Erie Explosion season}}

The Explosion left the UIFL after the 2012 season. The team remained idle for about a month, while fielding offers to join four different leagues. Owner Bill Stafford ultimately decided to join the [[Continental Indoor Football League]] (CIFL).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308309884 |title=Erie Explosion join new indoor football league |date=August 31, 2012 |author=Bob Jarzomski |newspaper=Erie Times-News |access-date=August 31, 2012}}</ref> Liotta needed to replace McKenna, who had left Erie for the [[Saginaw Sting]] (also of the CIFL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20130202/FOOTBALL09/302029939/In-new-league-Explosion-ready-to-open-training-camp |title=In new league, Explosion ready to open training camp |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=February 2, 2013 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> Liotta chose rookie Aaron Smetanka to lead the Explosion offense, and he did not disappoint.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20130218/FOOTBALL09/302189944/Rookie-QB-leads-Explosion-to-win-in-season-opener |title=Rookie QB leads Explosion to win in season opener |date=February 18, 2013 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The Explosion finished with an undefeated regular season record of 10-0 securing the 2013 CIFL regular season championship and the #1 seed in the leagues playoff format.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20130503/FOOTBALL09/305039878/Stokes-makes-big-impact-with-Explosion |title=Stokes makes big impact with Explosion |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=May 3, 2013 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The Explosion hosted the [[Kentucky Xtreme]] in a league Semi-Final game May 5, 2013. They defeated the Xtreme 55–6. The Explosion defense held the leagues number 1 offense to 1 first down in the first half. The Xtreme did not score until 13 minutes remained in the game. The defensive charge was led by Ricardo Kemp who had 2 interceptions in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20130506/FOOTBALL09/305069942/Erie-Explosion-advance-to-CIFL-title-game |title=Erie Explosion advance to CIFL title game |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=May 6, 2013 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref> The Erie Explosion hosted the CIFL championship game on Mothers Day, May 12, 2013, where they beat the Sting, 37–36, to win the 2013 [[CIFL Championship Game]]. The 2013 CIFL Championship is the Erie Explosion's first championship, as well as the city of Erie's first championship in any league of indoor football.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20130513/FOOTBALL09/305139949/Explosion-nips-Sting-for-CIFL-title |title=Explosion nips Sting for CIFL title |author=Bob Jarzomski |date=May 13, 2013 |publisher=CyberInk LP and the Erie Times-News |work=goerie.com |access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>

===2014: Back-to-back champions===
{{main|2014 Erie Explosion season}}
In June, 2013, the Explosion agreed to terms with the CIFL to return for the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw/index.ssf/2013/06/continental_indoor_football_le_1.html |title=Continental Indoor Football League agree to terms with five teams for next season |date=June 10, 2013 |author=Cory Butzin |publisher=MLive Media Group |work=mlive.com |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> The team eventually won a second straight championship over the [[Marion Blue Racers]].

===2015: PIFL===
{{main|2015 Erie Explosion season}}
With the partial collapse of the CIFL in the 2014 season and the exodus of several of its teams to [[X-League Indoor Football]] the following offseason, the Explosion were left without a league to play in. On October 13, 2014, the Explosion announced they would be joining the [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|Professional Indoor Football League]] (PIFL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4883368 |title=Erie Explosion Joins PIFL |date=October 13, 2014 |publisher=OurSports Central |work=oursportscentral.com |access-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> The team experienced a reversal of fortune upon joining the PIFL, losing all but one of their league games in their first season in the league.

===2016: Suspension of operations===
On August 23, 2015, the Explosion announced that they would rejoin the revived CIFL, which was to be a member of the [[Indoor Football Alliance]].<ref name="ciflifa">{{cite web | url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=5037840 | title=Supreme Indoor Football and Continental Indoor Football League Join Forces | publisher=OurSportsCentral | date=August 23, 2015 | access-date=August 24, 2015}}</ref> However, the league disbanded on November 4, leaving it uncertain where the Explosion would play in 2016; the Alliance announced it would continue as a six-team league in and of itself, with the [[Cape Fear Heroes]], Explosion, [[Buffalo Lightning (indoor football)|Buffalo Lightning]], [[Atlanta Sharks]] and two expansion teams playing in the circuit. On January 18, 2016, the Explosion announced they would not participate in a 2016 season, citing an inability to secure medical staff for the upcoming season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/erie-explosion-suspend-2016-football-operations/n-5091176 |title=Erie Explosion Suspend 2016 Football Operations |publisher=Our Sports Central |date=January 18, 2016}}</ref> [[WICU-TV]] reported that the [[Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine]] had pulled its sponsorship of the team after a high number of injuries in the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/30993348/erie-explosion-suspends-operations-for-2016|title=Erie Explosion Suspends Operations for 2016|last=Adams|first=Lisa|work=WICU-TV|date=January 18, 2016|access-date=January 19, 2016}}</ref> With the suspension, 2016 was the first season since 2004 that no indoor football team played in Erie. Professional football has not returned to the city since.

Shawn Liotta went on to become a key figure in the development of [[Fan Controlled Football]], along with his high school coaching.

==Players==

===Final roster===
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="text-align:center; {{NFLPrimaryStyle|Erie Explosion|border=2}};" | Erie Explosion roster
|-
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Quarterbacks'''
{{playern|10|Steffen Colon}}
{{playern|4|''[[Mason Espinosa]]''}}

'''Running backs'''
{{playern|99|Bob Hammer}}
{{playern|13|Richard Stokes}}

'''Wide receivers'''
{{playern|1|''Alex Coleman''}}
{{playern|5|[[Alfonso Hoggard]]}}
{{playern|8|Terry Jackson}}
{{playern|6|Raymond Mack}}
{{playern|3|[[C. J. Tarver]]}}
{{playern|--|Evan Twombly}}

| style="width: 25px;" | 
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Offensive linemen'''
{{playern|78|''Henry Conway''}}
{{playern|52|''Byron Dovales''}}
{{playern|75|Jeremiah Fennell}}
{{playern|78|''Oscar Gonzalez''}}
{{playern|50|''Tyler Worthley''}}

'''Defensive linemen'''
{{playern|--|Serge Augustin}}
{{playern|2|Tim Green}}
{{playern|11|DaJuan Smith}}
{{playern|--|Zach Williams}}

| style="width: 25px;" | 
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Linebackers'''
{{playern|31|Maurice Gibbs}}

'''Defensive backs'''
{{playern|7|''Brian Darden''}}
{{playern|21|''Aunre' Davis''}}
{{playern|9|Johnnie Taylor}}
{{playern|20|[[DeQwan Young]]}}

'''Kickers'''
{{playern|--|Michael Georgetti}}
{{playern|14|Shon Rowser}}

| style="width: 25px;" | 
| style="font-size: 95%;vertical-align:top;" | '''Injured reserve'''
{{playern|12|Greg Betterson}} WR
{{playern|--|''Marcus Fowler'' OL}}
{{playern|31|Marcus Green}} LB
{{playern|75|[[LaRoi Johnson]] OL}}
{{playern|43|Phil Lewis}} DL
{{playern|1|Jayson Nickson}} DB
{{playern|3|''Jeff Sinclair''}} QB

'''Exempt list'''
{{playern|17|[[Maurice Williams (wide receiver)|Maurice Williams]]}} WR

'''Failure to report'''
{{playern|--|Dana Brown DL}}
{{playern|--|Andrew Mathis DL}}
{{playern|--|Brandon McElwee LB}}

{{plainlist|
* ''rookies in italics''
* [http://erieexplosion.com/team.php Roster] updated June 14, 2015
* 28 Active, 11 Inactive
}}
|-
|}

===Awards and honors===
The following is a list of all Pittsburgh/Erie players who won league awards

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
!Season!! Player!! Position!! Award
|-
|2011|| [[Adam DiMichele]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || SIFL MVP
|-
|2011|| Kevin Concepcion || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || SIFL Offensive Player of the Year
|-
|2012|| A. J. McKenna || [[Quarterback|QB]] || UIFL Offensive Player of the Year
|-
|{{CIFL Year|2013}}|| Kwaheem Smith || [[Defensive back|DB]] || CIFL Defensive Player of the Year
|-
|{{CIFL Year|2014}}|| Aaron Smentanka || [[Quarterback|QB]] || CIFL Offensive Player of the Year
|}

==Coaches==

===Head coaches===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="width:140px;"|Name
! rowspan="2" | Term
! colspan="4" | Regular season
! colspan="2" | Playoffs
! rowspan="2" | Awards
|-
! W
! L
! T
! Win%
! W
! L
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Shawn Liotta]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[2007 American Indoor Football Association season|2007]]&ndash;[[2009 American Indoor Football Association season|2008]]<br>[[2010 American Indoor Football Association season|2010]]&ndash;[[2015 PIFL season|2015]]
| style="text-align:center;"|62
| style="text-align:center;"|34
| style="text-align:center;"|0
| style="text-align:center;"|{{winperc|62|34}}
| style="text-align:center;"|5
| style="text-align:center;"|5
| style="text-align:center;"|2012 UIFL North Coach of the Year<br>2013 CIFL Coach of the Year
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|Steven G. Fulmar
| style="text-align:center;"|[[2009 American Indoor Football Association season|2009]]
| style="text-align:center;"|3
| style="text-align:center;"|11
| style="text-align:center;"|0
| style="text-align:center;"|{{winperc|3|11}}
| style="text-align:center;"|0
| style="text-align:center;"|0
| style="text-align:center;"|
|}

===Coaching staff===
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
|-
! colspan="7" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Erie Explosion|border=2}};"|'''Erie Explosion staff'''
|-
|colspan=7 align="right" |
|-
|valign="top"|
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | '''Front office'''
*Director of operations – Bill Stafford
*Director of game day operations – Katie De Pew
*Head coach/director of football operations – [[Shawn Liotta]]

'''Head coach'''
*Head coach – [[Shawn Liotta]]

'''Offensive coaches'''
*Offensive coordinator – [[Shawn Liotta]]

|width="35"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"|
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |
'''Defensive coaches'''
*Defensive coordinator/player personnel – Jeremy Liotta
*Defensive backs – Sam Reynolds
*Defensive Line Coach- Al MaCauley
*Assistant coach- Kirk Rearick
'''Special teams coaches'''
*Special teams coordinator – Ed Marin

|}

== Season-by-season ==
{| class="wikitable"  style="margin:center; font-size:75%;"
|-
|  style="text-align:center; background:#fcc;"|'''League Champions'''
|  style="text-align:center; background:#dfd;"|'''Conference Champions'''
|  style="text-align:center; background:#d0e7ff;"|'''Division Champions'''
|  style="text-align:center; background:#96cdcd;"|'''Wild Card Berth'''
|  style="text-align:center; background:#c8a2c8;"|'''League Leader'''
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
!rowspan="2"   | [[Season (sports)|Season]]
!rowspan="2"   | Team
!rowspan="2"   | [[List of leagues of American football|League]]
!rowspan="2"   | [[Conference (sports)|Conference]]
!rowspan="2"   | [[Division (sport)|Division]]
!colspan="4"   | [[Regular season]]
!rowspan="2"   | [[Postseason]] results
|-
!Finish
!Wins
!Losses
!Ties
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2007 American Indoor Football Association season|2007]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2007 Pittsburgh RiverRats season|2007]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[American Indoor Football Association|AIFA]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| Northern
| style="text-align:center; background:#96cdcd;"| 4th
| style="text-align:center;"| 7
| style="text-align:center;"| 7
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|'''Lost''' Quarterfinals ([[Reading Express|Express]]) 24–32
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2008 American Indoor Football Association season|2008]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2008 Erie RiverRats season|2008]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[American Indoor Football Association|AIFA]]
| style="text-align:center;"| Eastern
| style="text-align:center;"| North
| style="text-align:center; background:#96cdcd;"| 2nd
| style="text-align:center;"| 10
| style="text-align:center;"| 4
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|'''Lost''' Divisional Playoffs ([[Reading Express|Express]]) 57–67
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2009 American Indoor Football Association season|2009]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2009 Erie RiverRats season|2009]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[American Indoor Football Association|AIFA]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| North
| style="text-align:center;"| 5th
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 11
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2010 American Indoor Football Association season|2010]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2010 Erie Storm season|2010]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[American Indoor Football Association|AIFA]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| Eastern
| style="text-align:center; background:#96cdcd;"| 3rd
| style="text-align:center;"| 8
| style="text-align:center;"| 6
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|'''Lost''' Eastern Division Playoff ([[Harrisburg Stampede|Stampede]]) 48–52
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 SIFL season|2011]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2011 Erie Explosion season|2011]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Southern Indoor Football League|SIFL]]
| style="text-align:center;"| Eastern
| style="text-align:center; background:#d0e7ff;"| Northeast
| style="text-align:center; background:#96cdcd;"| 1st
| style="text-align:center;"| 9
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|'''Lost''' Round 1 ([[Albany Panthers|Panthers]]) 43–68
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2012 UIFL season|2012]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2012 Erie Explosion season|2012]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Ultimate Indoor Football League|UIFL]]
| style="text-align:center;"| North
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2nd
| style="text-align:center;background:#c8a2c8;"| 8
| style="text-align:center;"| 3
| style="text-align:center;"| 
|'''Won''' North Conference Quarterfinals ([[Marion Blue Racers|Blue Racers]]) 56–47<br>'''Lost''' North Conference Championship ([[Cincinnati Commandos|Commandos]]) 42–60
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2013 CIFL season|2013]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2013 Saginaw Sting season|2013]]
| style="text-align:center;background:#fcc;"| [[Continental Indoor Football League|CIFL]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| 1st
| style="text-align:center;background:#c8a2c8;"| 10
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
| style="text-align:center;"| 
|'''Won''' Semifinals ([[Kentucky Xtreme|Xtreme]]) 55–6<br>'''Won''' [[CIFL Championship Game]] ([[Saginaw Sting|Sting]]) 37–36
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2014 CIFL season|2014]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2014 Erie Explosion season|2014]]
| style="text-align:center;background:#fcc;"| CIFL
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| North
| style="text-align:center;background:#96cdcd;"| 2nd
| style="text-align:center;"| 8
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|'''Won''' North Division Championship ([[Saginaw Sting|Sting]]) 46–15<br>'''Won''' [[CIFL Championship Game]] ([[Marion Blue Racers|Blue Racers]]) 38–26
|-
! style="text-align:center;"| [[2015 PIFL season|2015]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[2015 Erie Explosion season|2015]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Professional Indoor Football League (2012)|PIFL]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| style="text-align:center;"| 7th
| style="text-align:center;"| 2
| style="text-align:center;"| 9
| style="text-align:center;"| 0
|
|-
! style="text-align:center;" rowspan="5" colspan="6"|Totals
! style="text-align:center;"|'''65'''
! style="text-align:center;"|'''45'''
! style="text-align:center;"|'''0'''
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"|'''All-time regular season record (2007–2015)'''
|- style="text-align:center;" 
||'''5'''
||'''5'''
||-
| colspan="3"|'''All-time postseason record (2007–2015)'''
|-
! style="text-align:center;"|'''70'''
! style="text-align:center;"|'''50'''
! style="text-align:center;"|'''0'''
! style="text-align:center;" colspan="3"|'''All-time regular season and postseason record (2007–2015)'''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Portal|Pennsylvania|American football}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|http://www.erieexplosion.com }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151122211211/http://www.goerie.com/sports/explosion Erie Explosion coverage at] ''[[Erie Times-News]]''

{{CIFL}}
{{SIFL}}
{{PIFL}}
{{UIFL}}
{{Erie Explosion seasons}}

[[Category:Erie Explosion| ]]
[[Category:2007 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:2015 disestablishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American football teams established in 2007]]
[[Category:American football teams disestablished in 2015]]