Danger, Ice Set to Battle for Intense Conference Lead
Published on March 6, 2013 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Nebraska Danger News Release
GRAND ISLAND, NE - Coming off the biggest win franchise history, the Nebraska Danger hope to keep their momentum going on Saturday in a key Intense Conference matchup against the Colorado Ice. Kickoff is set for 7 pm at the Heartland Events Center.
In their opener last Saturday, the Danger ended the Sioux Falls Storm's 21-game win streak when they topped the two-time defending league champions 30-21. The Storm had not lost since the final regular season game of the 2011 season when they fell to the Omaha Beef.
"It was a great effort by our guys," head coach Mike Davis said. "But, in the end, it was just one game. We didn't win anything last week and Colorado has our full attention. We expect it to be a really good football game on Saturday night."
It was a balanced effort that propelled the Danger against Sioux Falls. IFL special team's player-of-the-week Marcus Barnett returned the opening kickoff 58 yards for a touchdown to get the Danger rolling. A stingy defense, led by Pig Brown's 14 tackles held the high-powered Storm offense out of the end zone for the first three quarters. The Danger defense recorded two sacks, nine tackles for a loss and two interceptions in the game.
After a slow start, the Danger offense scored three times in the second half on a pair of passes from Jameel Sewell to Kayne Farquharson, before Sewell's 4-yard run with under five minutes left helped seal the win. Farquharson had six receptions for 73 yards in the win.
"We knew coming into the season that our defense would have to carry our offense for a little bit," Davis said. "We hope to see more improvement from the offense this week and the same great effort from our defense."
Colorado, coming off an 8-7 season a year ago where they lost to Tri-Cities in the first round of the playoffs, beat the Fever 42-38 in their opener a week ago. The Danger won the only meeting a season ago, 45-33, in Fort Collins.
Ice quarterback Willie Copeland threw for four touchdowns last week in the victory, including a 41-yard strike to former Nebraska-Kearney wide receiver Kyle Kaiser. Running back James Jones ran for 62 yards and the game-winning touchdown with 14 seconds left. Kaiser led the Ice with 59 yards receiving in the opener and is part of a receiving crew that will have another local player as well. This week, the Ice signed former Danger and Hastings College receiver Maurice Mansfield to their team.
Saturday's game is part of a light IFL schedule for week three. In other action, Cedar Rapids will the Wyoming Cavalry on Friday night in the only other game to be played this week. The Titans are already off to 3-0 start, while the Cavalry will be playing their season opener.
Kickoff is set for 7 pm on Saturday night at the Heartland Events Center, where Danger fans have been named "Best Fans in the IFL" during both Nebraska Danger seasons. Doors open at 6:00 with pre-game activities beginning at 6:30.
Tickets for Saturday night are available at area Pump & Pantry stores, the Heartland Events Center Box Office, or via Ticketmaster. Theme for the night is GREEN OUT. The game will be broadcast live on 2DayFM 103.1 with veteran sports announcer Brad Fossberg on the play-by-play, or streamed live at www.2dayfm1031.com
Special events during the game:
Pre-game entertainment by Little Danger Football
The Nebraska Danger Danger Dolls Fan tunnel by Bandits Baseball, Foster Parents, Home Federal Bank, and Autism Group
Pre-game song by Hastings Middle School
National Anthem by Zion Lutheran School
Coin Toss by Miss Nebraska & Team Jack Lees
Appearance by Bones
Halftime performances by the Danger Dolls Throw for Dough contest benefitting the United Way! (Buy a mini-football from their booth on the Concourse Level for $1 for a chance to win!)
T-shirt shooter throughout game
Pizza Eating Contest with The Bunkhouse Section contests for Nebraska Lottery
Following the game, an autograph party/dance party with Players, Danger Dolls, Ball Babes, Mascots, Coaches and Staff will take place.
Indoor Football League Stories from March 6, 2013
- Danger, Ice Set to Battle for Intense Conference Lead - Nebraska Danger
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