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IFL Indoor Football League

Familiar Face Returns to Top of Coaches Poll

April 24, 2013 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


Richmond, VA - It was a long climb back for the Sioux Falls Storm, but the two-time defending United Bowl Champions have returned to the top spot in the IFL Coaches Poll.

For the majority of the 2013 season, the "Capital of Indoor Football" has been in the unfamiliar position of looking up at other teams atop not only the Coaches Poll, but also the Conference Standings. That all changed this week when the Storm outlasted the Colorado Ice 45-43, moving from #4 to #1 in the Poll and taking sole possession at the top of the United Conference Standings with a 5-2 record. The win marks the 3rd in a row for the Storm and avenged a Week 6 loss in Colorado. Since re-signing with the team, QB Terrance Bryant is completing 70% of his passes and has provided some much needed veteran leadership. The road does not get any easier for the Storm as they travel to Chicago to take on the Slaughter this weekend.

The Ice (5-2) fall from the top spot to #2 in this week's Poll. Trailing 45-37 in Sioux Falls with seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, Ice QB Willie Copeland heaved a Hail Mary to the corner of the end zone. Newly signed WR Rashad Mason (6'6, 230, North Carolina) out jumped the Storm defense to haul in the pass, narrowing the score to 45-43 and giving the Ice a chance to tie the game with the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt. However, the Storm defense rose to the occasion and stuffed the attempt to secure the victory. The loss puts Colorado back into a tie with the Nebraska Danger at the top of the Intense Conference Standings. The Ice and Danger square off this weekend in Grand Island.

The Danger (5-2) remain at #3 this week thanks to a 62-47 victory over the Texas Revolution. After a disappointing performance against Colorado, dual threat QB Jameel Sewell returned to form completing 21 of 30 passes for 260 yards and 5 touchdowns adding 50 rushing yards and another score. LB Pig Brown earned Defensive Player of the Week honors with his 9 tackle, 2 sack performance, limiting the Revolution to just 47 points after scoring 82 against Cedar Rapids a week ago. In the 3rd of 4 matchups between the teams, the Danger host the Ice on Friday night. The winner of this season series could very well determine which team earns home field advantage during the playoffs.

The Chicago Slaughter fall to #4 after their 5 game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the only team to defeat them thus far in 2013. The Cedar Rapids Titans dominated all phases of the game in the lopsided 62-28 victory. The Slaughter sit at 5-3, tied with the Titans for 2nd place in the United Conference. The Titans have been the Slaughter's kryptonite this season, losing 3 of their 4 matchups. The Slaughter sport a 4-0 record against all other opponents. Chicago will look to get back to their winning ways this week when they host the Storm on Saturday night.

The Titans earned their first victory since March 8th with a 62-28 win over the Slaughter. The win breaks the Titans 3 game losing streak, and puts the Titans back in the Top 5. After giving up 82 point to the Texas Revolution in Week 9, the Titans' defense held the Slaughter to 4 scores (2 per half), blanking them in the 1st and 3rd quarters respectfully. All-IFL RB Laron Council continues to impress, ranking 1st in the IFL in all major rushing statistics including, carries (94), yards (468), and touchdowns (16). The Titans are on a bye this week.

Spots 6-9 this week belong to the Texas Revolution, Green Bay Blizzard, Wyoming Cavalry, and Tri-Cities Fever. The Revolution (3-4) fall out of the Top 5 with the loss to the Danger. Turnovers continue to be the Achilles' heel for this talented team. The Blizzard move up to #7 after earning their second win of the season over the Tri-Cities Fever, 66-54. New starting QB Spencer Ohm and his top target WR Ryan Balentine were named Co-Offensive Players of the Week for their performances. Idle in Week 10, the Cavalry (1-5) remain at #8. With a loss to the Blizzard, the Fever (1-6) fall to #9 in this week's Poll. The team that represented the Intense Conference in the previous two United Bowls is in search of answers. Coach Shack will look to right the ship this weekend against the Cavalry.

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