READING, PA. — The Huntington Heroes were hoping to sneak up on Reading and steal a win. Reading had other ideas.

The Reading Express solidified their first place spot in the North Division as they handled the Heroes 48-18, in American Indoor Football Association action Saturday night.

The Heroes were able to jump out to an early 3-0 lead, as Nick Kelly made a 26-yard field goal with 7:24.

After exchanging turnovers, the Express took the lead on a 13-yard pass from Tom Stetzer to Carmello Ocasio.

Huntington’s Donte Newsome scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to cut the score to 14-9 with 2:22 left in the first half.

This proved to be the closest the Heroes would be the rest of the night, as the Express scored 10 points to close out the first half to take a 24-9 lead.

Huntington took its opening drive of the second half and grinded out a 10-play drive, but were forced to settle for another Kelly field goal to make it 24-12.

Stetzer and the Express then went on to score 18 straight unanswered points as they built them a 42-12 lead with 11:28 left in the game.

Jimmy Skinner connected on his only touchdown throw of the night, as he hit Rod McNeal on a 45-yard bomb to cut the score to 42-18.

Stetzer put the game away for good as he hit Ocasio for the third time of the game on a 1-yard swing pas.

Skinner struggled again as he finished the game 13 of 35 for 135 yards. He also had 4 interceptions.

Shane Holsinger finished with 5 catches for 39 yard for the Heroes.

Stetzer, who is 4-0 against Huntington, finished the night 14 of 27 for 190 yards and 5 touchdown passes.

Huntington now falls to 3-3. Reading improves to 6-1.

The Heroes are on the road again this week as they face bitter divisional rival Erie (Pa.) Saturday. The Heroes will then return home April 13 as they will again face Erie.