Arizona and Quad City Get Set to Kickoff the Season
March 13, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
The IFL officially kicks off its 15th season this Friday when the Arizona Rattlers visit the Quad City Steamwheelers. Just last week, both teams entered camp and are working to make cuts from over 70 players down to their 25-man roster.
Only having two weeks in camp, the teams have to use time wisely to make sure that every player is getting a chance to prove themselves.
"We're just going through practice and taking those practice reps, we've been giving everyone an opportunity to put their best foot forward," Quad City head coach Cory Ross said. "It's created an opportunity for us as coaches to watch what they're doing."
Coach Ross also explains that in this camp, there were a few players that were turning heads for the Steamwheelers.
"We have some rookies that are showing promise, they're picking up some stuff and moving around making some big plays, and I can't put my foot on it yet, but there are definitely guys showing that they want to be here and make this roster," Ross said.
The Rattlers came just one game away from making the title game last year, but even with that success they are entering camp with a lot of new faces.
"Every year we want the most competition we can bring in, because we feel that competition breeds success," Guy said. "We've definitely made some changes from staff on down to players."
Finalizing the team is the primary focus of camp. But this must be done simultaneously with preparing to win week one. There are different strategies to this, for some it's to start putting a game plan in as soon as camp opens. For others, nothing is discussed until the team is finalized.
"Obviously you want to make sure you can install the things you want to install so guys can learn it, but with a short turnaround you want to find a way to install formations that you want to run and stuff like that," Ross said.
Both teams will be using this game to start figuring out their identities. It doesn't matter what sport you play, week one is always huge to figure out where you can go.
"Whenever the Arizona Rattlers, it's a measuring stick to see where you are and for us it's definitely going to give us an idea of where we are and what we can do, because that's a championship caliber coaching staff and team every year," Ross said.
On Arizona's side, the disappointment from last season has just made them want to get back on the field as quick as possible.
"It's nice to put a face to the names that we recruited all offseason, but we're still disappointed with how we ended last season," Guy said. "We're making sure they understand the expectations going into this season."
Expectations are high on both sides, as is the level of excitement.
"It's always exciting, you know, we got the schedule early on and we had to fast track some of what we wanted to do because we start early," Ross said. "That's the hurdle you have to get over, and you have to make sure that you aren't underprepared or overprepared."
These two teams will be the first to step onto the field for the 2023 season. The season is a special one for the IFL, and that significance isn't lost on either organization.
"Being one of the first of two games sets the stage for all the other teams, they're all going to be watching and it's going to be a representation of where are as a team," Ross said. "It's a great opportunity for our guys to get out there and try to get a win."
Indoor Football League Stories from March 13, 2023
- Who Will Win the Job? - Bay Area Panthers
- Arizona and Quad City Get Set to Kickoff the Season - Quad City Steamwheelers
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