Dayton at Guard: Strategy by Generals will prevail
July 9, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Dayton Bulldogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- It's Show Time. Contrary to what some statistics you may believe in the National Indoor Football League, it is time for ¬ËOne And Your Out' gridiron playoff action.
There is very little margin for error when indoor football turns to its playoff system and two teams collide. Some teams move on; others bow out.
As will be the case on tonight at Crown Coliseum, the Dayton Warbirds (8-6) will be visiting the lair of the Fayetteville Guard (7-7).
Here is a quick look at the matchups:
QUARTERBACK - Dayton's Steve Bellisari, the 6-foot-3, former Ohio State Buckeye, is the flight leader for the Warbirds. Through the air he has 38 touchdown passes, but is one of the best running signal callers in the NIFL, with 17 scores on the tarmac.
For the Guard, big Brian Baker (6-5, Austin Peay) and Joe Davis (6-3, Adrian) have shared the general's position. Baker has a pass rating of 107 and has fired 17 shells for hits (TDs). Davis (49-70, 70%) has 11 strikes, 5 TDs on the ground.
EDGE: Bellisari is too versatile with more weapons.
RUNNING BACKS - Warbirds' Keith Brooks 89 missions, 401 yards 14 on target (TDs). Bellisari and Maurice Lee also can be effective.
Guard's Wilmont Perry, who is a refugee from higher leagues, is extremely talented. Has 5 touchdowns on 32 carries in only three games but will not replace permanent party runner Wayne Davis (107-391, 10 TDs).
EDGE: Green & Black (Fayetteville) slightly. Only because of Wilmont's experience.
RECEIVING - When Maurice Lee hits the afterburner, very few defensive backs can lock on to the former Ohio State standout. He has 71 catches and met his target end zone 17 times from Bellisari. Biggest weapon could be Sam Crenshaw (6-3, Penn State) converted from defense recently (16.6 yards a catch).
Brandon McDowell (66-729 yards) has 19 TDs grabs and former San Jose State wide out Tuati Wooden 42 receptions, 14 touchdowns.
EDGE: Warbirds have best go-to target and other secret weapons to go to here.
KICK OFF RETURNS: Again, Maurice Lee has 62 for 1,263 on the flight pattern and two for long-range strikes.
Kelvin Jones can go ground to air and fly. He is just out of league's top 10 with 21.1 yards a return with four of 47 for touchdowns.
EDGE: This appears to be a draw.
DEFENSE: Warbirds' Arden Banks tops cover guy in NIFL with league-leading 23 passes defended (9 picks, 14 pass breakups). Ground crew led by lineman Ryan Terry (34 tackles, 7 sacks). Difference could be in newly acquired defensive back Milt Bowen (2 INT, 1 PBU in one game).
Guard has 3rd-best passes defended soldier in Walter Ford (13 PBU, 7 INT). Alfred Dubose has grounded quarterbacks league-leading 18 times (sacks) and DB Donald Devon 13 PBUs.
EDGE: Even, but this Battle could be won in defensive trenches.
OVERALL: Battle in both trenches could make the difference, although whoever jumps out in front with the first strikes will not retreat in this one.
EDGE: You pick'em. Battles are not always perfect to win wars. Generals King (Matt) for Dayton and Siani (Mike) for Fayetteville can make difference with strategy changes, especially at halftime. Tactically whoever out flanks' the other in second half will have command of the battlefield. Air power versus rugged ground maneuvers is the ploy here.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from July 9, 2005
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- Dayton at Guard: Strategy by Generals will prevail - Dayton Bulldogs
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