Express game preview
Published on April 4, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reading Express News Release
Scouting the Riverhawks:
The Riverhawks come into the game on a two-game losing streak after winning their previous three games. The Riverhawks three wins this season have come against the bottom of the division (Erie, Pittsburgh, and Danville). They are coming off of a heartbreaking loss to rival Pittsburgh 47-42. In that game, Pittsburgh quarterback David Dinkins broke off a 40-yard TD run with 1:33 remaining in the contest to give the Riverrats the win. On the season, the Riverhawks are led by one of the top wide receivers in the league, Quenteen Robinson, who was held to just 21 yards receiving against the Riverrats. He does have 12 TD catches in seven games this season. If the Riverhawks want to win football games, they will have to cut down on their turnovers. Quarterback Waylon Davis threw five interceptions in last week's game.
Scouting the Express:
The recent all-around play of the Express has given them a clear path to secure their second straight division title. The defense (a.k.a. "The Hit Squad") continues to get better every week, allowing fewer than 20 points in each of its last two contests. Last week, they allowed just 18 points to the Huntington Heroes. In that game, the defense recorded four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
The offense continues to put points on the board, although with the way the defense has been playing, they don't need to put up too many. Last week, wide receiver Carmelo Ocasio returned to action after missing the previous four games due to an ankle injury. He did not appear to be hampered by the injury as he caught five passes for 67 yards and three touchdowns. Ian Cooper and Shawn Foxworth also had receiving touchdowns. Running back Isaiah "Zeke" Grier had a 10-yard TD run. Erik Rockhold was 2-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder as time expired in the first half.
Players to Watch:
Heroes
# 4 WR Quenteen Robinson- has 551 yards receiving this season and 12 touchdown receptions and snagged his 100th career TD reception two weeks ago @ Huntington.
# 21 DB Trenton Jones- a mix of skill and speed, he has four interceptions this season to lead the team, and he averages 21 yards on kickoff returns.
Express
# 24 DB Marcus Sargeant- a turnover machine the last few weeks, recording four interceptions in his last two games, he always makes it tough for opposing QB's and WR's.
# 18 WR Carmelo Ocasio- made his presence felt last week, and showed why he is arguably one of the top WR's in the league. He now has 7 TD catches on the season.
# 3 WR Ian Cooper and #1 WR Shawn Foxworth- this duo continues to produce even when Ocasio is putting up all the numbers. Each had a TD catch last week, and they can burn opposing defenses easily.
Keys to the Game:
Riverhawks:
1. Quaranteened- when the best wide receiver on your team and one of the best in the league is held to 21 yards receiving, there is something wrong with the offensive game plan. The Riverhawks need to find a way to get this guy more touches.
2. Strong Start- the Riverhawks have been outscored 92-67 in the first quarter where as the Express has outscored their opponents by 18 in the first.
3. Keeping Up with the Jones'- the leader of the defense, DB Trenton Jones must continue to step up and make big plays if the Riverhawks want to remain in the playoff picture.
Express:
1. Taking Care of Business - with the season halfway over after Friday's game, the Express pretty much control their own destiny. They have six divisional games left, and four of them are at home. Canton seems to be the only real competition in the division, although it didn't seem that way two weeks ago, but they will hook up next Saturday at the Sovereign Center. That being said, if you look at the schedule, the Express should win all of their remaining games this season, they just need to take it one game at a time and not overlook any opponent, no matter their record.
2. "The Hit Squad"- the Chicago Bears had their "Monsters of the Midway" the Pittsburgh Steelers had "The Steel Curtain," and the Express have "The Hit Squad." The defense needs to continue to play smash mouth football and bring meanness against every opponent. The crowd feeds off of the defense's energy, which usually results in turnovers and points on the scoreboard.
Prediction:
In the words of ESPN anchor Dan Patrick, the Express are simply "En Fuego." (on fire) The defense continues to be stingy and the offense continues to light up the scoreboard. With Ocasio coming back to add to an already solid receiving unit, the offense won't be slowing down anytime soon. With the way the defense creates turnovers and the way the Riverhawks create them, this one should be decided by halftime, allowing the reserves to get some reps.
Express 60
Riverhawks 14
GAME PREVIEW
BY: JASON OGLE
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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.
