Despite Recent Struggles, Wolves Playoff Hopes Remain Very Bright
June 9, 2010 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Stockton Wolves News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif---Saturday's final home game for the San Jose Wolves (7-3) will be more than just fan appreciation.
The game against the Yakima Valley Warriors kicks off at 7:15 in the Cow Palace and is a chance for San Jose to get back to what put them well atop the American Indoor Football Association's Western Division during the first 8 games.
The Wolves are enduring their first rough patch, a two game losing streak and a three game stretch in which they have allowed 188 points.
Still, the Wolves have been playing better football against better opponents. The offense has lit up the scoreboard and wide receiver A.J. Bennett is tops in the A.I.F.A. with 942 receiving yards, 21 touchdown catches, and both yards per game and yards per catch averages at 94.2 and 16.2 yards respectively. "The Slot Machine" also ranks in the league's top five with 58 catches.
Bennett's high school teammate Omar Jacobs is only behind Wyoming's Matt Strand in passing efficiency and yards per game while guiding the Wolves offense to the second highest scoring average in the league.
One area where the Wolves have been beaten up, both literally and figuratively, is on defense. Injuries to several key players have kept the unit from full strength over the past month. Yet, the defense came up with several key stops in Wenatchee last week to open the door for the offense.
The Warriors are the least familiar opponent of the Wolves thus far. San Jose traveled to Yakima back in April, winning handily 82-50. While San Jose has a comfortable lead over all three teams that are mathematically in the playoff hunt, has the most realistic chance of overtaking the Wolves for the final playoff spot. Yakima is the only team that the Wolves have not already taken at least two of the three scheduled meetings from.
The odds are heavily in favor of San Jose as a Wolves' win would eliminate the Warriors. It could also cement the Wolves' playoff appearance in Wyoming come July.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from June 9, 2010
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