Sam Castronova shines in return as Albany Firebirds outlast Minnesota in AF1 semifinals

Monsters outgunned in AF1 playoff semifinal

Jarvai Flowers scored four touchdowns in the first half, but host Albany stayed in front in a close second half.

Sam Castronova shines in return as Albany Firebirds outlast Minnesota in AF1 semifinals

ALBANY, N.Y. — Quarterback Sam Castronova and the rest of the Albany Firebirds barely had time to shake off the jitters of their Arena Football One semifinal matchup against the Minnesota Monsters on Saturday at MVP Arena. On the first play of the game, a deep ball over the top resulted in quick points for the Monsters, who were ahead 7-0 in the blink of an eye. Someone who hadn’t seen in-game football action since June 20 should have been at le…