Dayton hosts Marshals for second time Saturday

May 19, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Dayton Bulldogs News Release


DAYTON, Ohio – When the offense is going well, it shows in the record. Dayton's Warbirds have experienced success because of the offense.

Saturday night's opponent, for the third time, is arch-I-75 rival Cincinnati. It will be the second meeting of the two teams in 12 days for the Warbirds (5-3) but it will be another opportunity for a high-scoring game.

In their first meeting, the Marshals (4-3) won 81-74 in the last minute at Cincinnati. When the Warbirds hosted Cincy for the first time on Monday, April 9, Dayton scored a 63-30 win.

Dayton is the 3rd highest scoring team in the league at 56.6 points a game. Only the Everett Hawks (62.4) and the River City Rage (58.2) are ahead of the Warbirds.

The Warbirds also are 3rd in total offense (270.6 yards a game), first in rushing offense (114.2 YAG) and 12th in passing offense (156.4) YAG.

What makes this matchup interesting is Cincinnati ranks 4th in scoring (52.7 points a game) and 8th in total offense (244.9 YAG).

The question then is: Who plays better defensively?

In total defense, Dayton is 8th, giving up 209.1 yards a game while Cincy has allowed 281.4 yards a contest. In pass defense, Dayton is 10th (158.0) and the Marshals (178.1), only two from the cellar.

In rushing defense, Dayton is 7th (51.1 yards a game) and the 6th in pass defense rating (95.6). Cincinnati's 99.3 stands 12th. Individually, the Warbirds again have quarterback Steve Bellisari passing and running. He's the only signal caller in the NIFL's top 10 rushing and ranks 6th with 48 yards a game.

Bellisari has thrown for 29 touchdowns and 151.9 yards a game. The 6-foot-3 Bellisari is 4th in total offense (200.6 YAG) and is 9th in passing yards (151.9) a game.

Defensively, the Warbirds have Arden Banks tied for second in the league in interceptions with 8 and but he leads the league in passes defended with 16, 8 breakups and as many INTs.

Lineman Ryan Terry is 3rd in the league in sacks with 7.

Game time is 7 p.m. in the E.J. Nutter Center for the Cincy-Dayton rubber match ‘war'.

#

For additional information about Centurion Sports Management, LLC, the NIFL, ticket purchasing information, or corporate sponsorship information, please visit our website at www.centurionsportsmanagement.com or call 863-687-8110. Additional information about the NIFL can be found at the league website, www.nationalindoorfootballleague.net or call 888-422-9682.



National Indoor Football League Stories from May 19, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central