Battle in Comerica: Fighters Host Barnstormers
Published on July 7, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
FRISCO, Texas - The Frisco Fighters (5-1) are facing the Iowa Barnstormers (4-3) for the first time in franchise history this Friday night, July 9, at 7:05 p.m. CT at Comerica Center.
With a game on Friday instead of the usual Saturday night time slot, the Fighters are preparing with a short week. Head coach Clint Dolezel is focused on mental work, staying focused, and getting better as a team each day.
Coming off their first loss in franchise history, the Fighters and are fired up and looking to show out in front of a home crowd this week.
"When we win, we show something that might have cost us the game, and last game it actually did," said Dolezel. "We're just reiterating that everybody needs to do their jobs and fix those mistakes. It's not always the plays at the end of the game that cost you, it's all the plays that build up to it as well."
The Fighters are ranked No. 2 in the IFL standings and have produced 1,301 offensive yards on the season, scoring 20 rushing and 15 passing touchdowns. Defense has forced seven fumbles and only allowed six rushing touchdowns this year.
The team is ready for another battle against a talented opponent that's coming off a bye week.
What makes the Barnstormers good?
"That's easy," said Dolezel. "Their quarterback is dynamic. He's a great thrower, he's an unbelievable runner of the football - the focus is on him, without a doubt. They've got a great running game with a running back as well, so we're really focused on him."
Iowa quarterback Daquan Neal is second in the league in rushing with nine rushing touchdowns along with 20 passing touchdowns and 1,502 all-purpose yards. He was named the league MVP in 2019 and led the Rattlers to the United Bowl. Running back Elad Covaliu has eight touchdowns on the ground this season and ranks fourth in the IFL in yards per game (42.2). The Barnstormers are ranked No. 5 in the IFL and have accumulated 1,839 offensive yards on the season.
Frisco's defense has the IFL's sack leader, Charles Williams, on the front lines with 5.5 sacks this season. The team is looking to shut down Iowa's run game early on to limit Neal's rushing abilities. After a strong performance from Frisco's secondary last weekend, the Fighters want to force Neal to rely on his arm.
Fighters Running back DeMarcus Felton continues to show out with 13 total touchdowns and two-time Frisco Player of the Game honors. He is second in the league in rushing touchdowns (12). Quarterback Jonathan Bane leads the offense with 884 total yards and 16 touchdowns on the season.
Live stream the game on the IFL's YouTube channel or tune into KHYI 95.3 to hear Dave Barnett call the game.
Indoor Football League Stories from July 7, 2021
- Gable & Dixon Earn IFL Honors - Massachusetts Pirates
- Barnstormers Weekly on July 8 - Iowa Barnstormers
- Battle in Comerica: Fighters Host Barnstormers - Frisco Fighters
- Shock to Hold YMCA Youth Football Clinic - Spokane Shock
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers at Frisco Fighters - Iowa Barnstormers
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