Express Closing in on Division Championship, Playoff Berth
Published on May 5, 2011 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (May 5, 2011) - With the IFL season now past the halfway point, many teams are looking toward the post-season. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the regular-season shakes out. Up for grabs are six playoff spots in each conference. Those spots go to the three division winners, as well as the next three best teams (based on record) in the conference.
While there are some obviously solid teams in the league, i.e. the undefeated Sioux Falls Storm, no team is closer to capturing their division than the Reading Express. Come Sunday night, the Express could have another division championship on the resume.
Two things have to happen this weekend before the Express can celebrate an Atlantic Division title punch their ticket to the IFL playoffs. First, the 1-7 Richmond Revolution need to fall to the 6-3 Chicago Slaughter on Saturday night in Richmond. Then on Sunday, the 6-3 Express need to beat the 1-7 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in Bethlehem, Pa.
Looking at the records of the teams involved, it may seem like a foregone conclusion. However, for the Express to beat the Steelhawks four straight times in the regular-season is an unenviable task. This Sunday's game may be the hardest game yet between the intrastate rivals. Meanwhile, a Chicago win in Richmond is by far a lock, especially after IFL fans saw the 1-6 Wichita Wild upset the 7-1 Bloomington Extreme last weekend.
The weekend scenario makes for great conversation and anticipation for Express fans. Admittedly, though, it's a mute point if the Express cannot pick up another win against the Steelhawks on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem.
In the last game the two played the Express beat the Steelhawks 40-37 after Express kicker Erik Rockhold booted a 13-yard field goal as time expired. While the Express won all three games so far, the team has only outscored the Steelhawks by a total of 15 points.
The stat sheet definitely suggests another close game.
With last week's 49-28 win over the Revolution, the Express offense is now averaging 36.6 points per game, 125.6 passing yards, and about 15 passing completions, with 27 total passing touchdowns on the season. On defense, the Express are averaging 38.1 points against, while giving up 227.6 yards per game on the season. The team has registered 370 tackles and 16 sacks.
As for the Steelhawks, Lehigh Valley is averaging 31.3 points, 129.3 passing yards, and about 13 passing completions per game, with 17 total passing touchdowns. On the defensive side, Lehigh Valley averages 44.4 points against, while giving up 233.6 yards per game. The team has recorded 352 tackles and 10 sacks.
The stat sheet doesn't fully explain what each team is playing for this weekend. We've already noted a possible division championship and playoff berth for the Express. The Steelhawks, for their part, will be trying hard to avenge a 51-0 drubbing by the La Crosse Spartans in Wisconsin last Saturday night.
Sunday's game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. EST at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pa.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
Tickets are now on sale at www.expressindoorfootball.com, or you can call the Express office at 610.372.PASS (7277) or visit the Sovereign Center box office to order.
For more information on the Reading Express, please visit www.expressindoorfootball.com.
Indoor Football League Stories from May 5, 2011
- Wild Look for Winning Streak in OKC - Wichita Wild
- Steelhawks to Participate in Race for Adam - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Game Preview: Express at Steelhawks - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Storm Back at Shelter to Face Extreme - Sioux Falls Storm
- Chicago Slaughter Food Drive Saturday, May 14th - Chicago Slaughter
- Express Closing in on Division Championship, Playoff Berth - Reading Express
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.
