Bloomington Comes in With 'League's Best Player'
May 30, 2008 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
RiverCity Rage News Release
St. Charles, MO - The RiverCity Rage will find themselves in strange surroundings tomorrow as they play their first home game in four weeks this Saturday against the Bloomington Extreme. The Rage (4-7) are coming off their first win since March 22nd, a span of seven games, as they trounced the Wild 41-13 in Wichita, KS last week. It was the first time in a long while that the team played to the liking of their Head Coach Ken Stills.
"We have been preaching all season to finish every game," said Stills. "We have come close over the last couple of weeks. But we hadn't been able to get over that hump. We put together a great game on offense and defense but we still need a little help in the kicking game. I'm not banking our whole season on this win, though. We need to put together another great effort this week to beat one of the best teams in the league."
The Extreme (6-5) are coming into the weekend off their bye week and sit atop the Eastern Division. The two teams have met twice this season with the Extreme narrowly winning both contests. The Extreme won in St. Charles 41-38 on April 12th and took the game at home 51-42 on May 3rd. Bloomington brings the fourth ranked scoring offense in the league, 44 points per game, a full 10 points more than the second ranked Rage defense allows.
Bloomington is led by their star quarterback, Dusty Burk. The Truman State alum ranks second in the league in passing (195 yards per game) and third in touchdown passes (37). His favorite target is receiver James Walton who tops the league in touchdown catches (21) and receiving yards (808) and ranks second in catches (60). Stills has seen enough of the Bloomington offense to know that his defense will have a battle on their hands come Saturday night.
"Burk is the best player in the league," said Stills. "I have already challenged my defensive line to get after him all night. If he has time to sit comfortably in the pocket, it could be a long game for us. We need to pressure him from the start and not let up. He can beat you so many ways it makes him tough to stop, let alone slow down. Our offense will have to step up to the plate as well. Bloomington has been putting up big numbers against everybody this year. We will need our best effort this week. It may just come down to which team has the ball last."
Fans make sure to get to the Family Arena early for the 2008 RiverCity Rage Pre-Game BBQ. This special event begins at 4:00 and will run until 6:00. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with all of your favorite Rage players, coaches and cheerleaders in a fun, relaxed setting. Take pictures and get autographs while enjoying all of the excitement of the Rage Pre-Game BBQ. There will be discounted food and drinks for everyone! No outside food or beverages are allowed.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from May 30, 2008
- United Indoor Football Week Thirteen Preview - UIF
- Omaha Beef Look to Tame Wild for Third Time This Season on Saturday - Omaha Beef
- Bloomington Comes in With 'League's Best Player' - RiverCity Rage
- Storm and Bandits to Re-New Rivalry on Saturday - Sioux Falls Storm
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