IPFL Week Five Preview

by IPFL Press Release
May 4, 2000 - Indoor Professional Football League (IPFL)

IPFL Press Release

May 4, 2000 - Several teams will look to maintain streaks during week five in the Indoor Professional Football League (IPFL). The action opens Friday night as Portland (4-0) takes its undefeated record to Mobile (1-2). Kickoff in the Mobile Civic Center is set for 7:30 p.m. Central Time (CT). On Saturday, Louisiana (2-1), fresh off a bye week and riding a two-game winning streak, hosts Mississippi (1-3). Kickoff in the Rapides Coliseum is at 7:30 p.m. CT. In this week's third game, Idaho (1-2) and Shreveport-Bossier (1-2) will square off on Sunday at the Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Through the first four weeks of play, Portland has been the toast of the league. In addition to owning the league's only undefeated record, the Prowlers lead the IPFL in total offense, scoring offense and scoring defense. Quarterback Erik Wilhelm (6-3, 217) leads the Portland offense, which averages 225 yards and 42 points per game. On the season he is 72-114-3 passing for 638 yards and 15 touchdowns. Individually, Wilhelm leads the league in five major passing categories: completions, completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and yards per game average. His two leading targets are receivers Chad Carlson (6-0, 195) and Trent Waibel (6-5, 225). Together, the duo has combined for 35 receptions totaling 343 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The task of slowing down Wilhelm, the IPFL Offensive Player of the Week, will partially fall on the shoulders of Mobile defensive backs Juan Draine (5-11, 175), the reigning IPFL Defensive Player of the Week, and Gabe Davis, III (5-10, 183). Last week the tandem came up with three interceptions to lead the franchise to its first-ever victory, a 30-23 win over Mississippi at the Mobile Civic Center. If head coach Ken Burrough and the Seagulls are to continue their home win streak, they'll need another strong showing from the Mobile defense, which is last in scoring defense (giving up 38.3 points per game) but ranked first in total defense (surrendering just 125 yards per game).

Like two passing elevators, Louisiana and Mississippi are headed in opposite directions. Louisiana has won its last two games, while Mississippi has lost three straight. Last season both teams split the season series 2-2, with each team winning at home.

The Rangers, who will look to maintain their hold on second place in the standings, feature the league's second-ranked scoring offense (37.7 points per game) and third-ranked scoring defense (33 ppg). Defensively, Louisiana will need a strong showing against Mississippi's vaunted passing attack. Heading up the Rangers' defense is the trio of Tremayne Evans (5-8, 175), Anthony Porter (6-0, 185) and Darnell Lee (6-1, 235). Together they have combined for 54 tackles. Elsewhere, James Pennington (6-2, 250) leads the league with four sacks, while Mike Alford (6-0, 195) is tied for the league lead in interceptions with two.

Mississippi's primary offensive target is wide receiver Ken Causey (6-1, 190), the league leader in receptions (22), receiving yards (255) and all-purpose yards (590). Joining Causey at the wideout slot are Martino Theus (6-3, 185) and Lamont Woodberry (6-3, 215). Together the Fire Dogs' trio has combined for 57 receptions totaling 557 yards and six touchdowns. Operating the helm is quarterback John Fourcade (6-2, 225), who is 69-126-8 passing for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. An injured ankle, however, has Fourcade at less than 100 percent.

Idaho and Shreveport-Bossier are both looking to rebound from last week's setbacks. Idaho fell 38-33 to Omaha, while Shreveport-Bossier lost 31-10 at Portland. Although Idaho is ranked last in scoring offense (averaging 26.7 points per game) and Shreveport-Bossier is rated last in total offense (averaging 154.3 yards per game), both squads feature formidable offensive weapons.

Bombers' wide receivers Terry Savannah (6-2, 200) and Tacoma Fontaine (6-0, 190) lead Shreveport-Bossier with a combined total of 28 receptions for 329 yards and four touchdowns. The Stallions counter with the wideout tandem of Ricky Ross (6-0, 195) and Micah Deckart (6-3, 215). Together they have totaled 21 receptions for 286 yards and four touchdowns.

Two of the league's top defensive backs will also be on the field for this matchup. Idaho's Brian Smith (5-11, 225) has made 32 tackles (26 unassisted and six assisted), including three for a loss, one interception and broken up two passes. Shreveport-Bossier's Chris Samson (6-0, 210) has made 24 tackles (14 unassisted and 10 assisted), including four for a loss, two interceptions, broken up three passes and recovered a fumble.

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Indoor Professional Football League Stories from May 4, 2000

• IPFL Week Five Preview - OSC Original by IPFL Press Release

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