Believers 2004 season gets underway in road tilt
Published on March 11, 2004 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release
The Show Me Believers begin their 2004 season as the guests of the Fort Wayne Freedom on Sunday, March 14 at 4PM. The Believers are coming off a 4-10 season in 2003 while Ft. Wayne posted an 8-6 mark last year.
The Freedom comes into the game as a 9 ½ point favorite and a pre-season ranking of #7, while the Believers are tied at 17th in the ranking.
"There is no question that it is a difficult season-opening on the road at Ft. Wayne. They are coming off a winning season and have high hopes for 2004. Apparently, they are not the only ones who think they have great potential, as they are ranked 7th out of 26 teams in the league." Stated Believers Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt.
The Believers are coming off a solid defensive performance at Omaha where they lost an exhibition game two weeks ago. They trailed by 21 points in the first quarter, but 14 of those points came after offensive turnovers.
"We fell behind early, much of which can be attributed to our own mistakes, but also, we never really seemed to get into any rhythm. We hope that we won't shoot ourselves in the foot this week." Added Wyatt.
Both teams will be opening division play, as well as play in the NIFL. Other members of the Atlantic North Division include the Lexington Horsemen and the Evansville Blue Cats. Lexington and Ft. Wayne are considered to be the favorites to win the division and advance in the into the 2004 playoffs.
"I know that both our teams have raised their expectation levels for 2004. Of course, it is nice to be well thought of in pre-season prognostications, but in reality, we won't know who the good teams in the NIFL are until about the middle of the season." Wyatt stated .
The Believers also must find a way to be successful in the road, if they hope to improve their stock in 2004. They managed a lone road victory in 2003 and know that to achieve their goals in 2004, they have to be successful on the road.
" Everyone knows that the good teams will win home or away. Of course it is more difficult to win on the road, but the good teams rise to the occasion and get it done. So, in a sense, this game will give us a good early indication, as Ft. Wayne will fill their arena for their season opener." Wyatt noted.
The Believers will return home for their home opener, the 2004 Hall of Fame game that will feature a tribute to the most recent championship teams of the Cardinals and Rams on Sunday, March 21at 1:30PM.
National Indoor Football League Stories from March 11, 2004
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- Believers 2004 season gets underway in road tilt - RiverCity Rage
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