Fever gets back to work
March 23, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release
The Tri-Cities Fever got back to work this week in preparation for its toughest challenge of the season to-date; a Friday night showdown at undefeated Omaha (2-0).
The Fever (2-1) is coming off a bye and in that time off a few new faces joined the roster. Coach Adam Shackleford signed defensive back Dwain Crawford, who played in 10 games for Fever last season and was tied for third on the team with two interceptions. He ranked sixth in tackles with 43.
Crawford was recently released by the Tulsa Talons of the Arena Football League.
Joining Crawford on the roster are defensive linemen Brian Rackley and Jake Killeen. Rackley was with the New Orleans Saints last season, and Killeen was recently cut from the Georgia Force of the AFL.
To make room, the Fever released offensive lineman Kenneth Ackerman and running back Mike McClendon.
"We are trying to find the best players we can and put them on the field," Shackleford said. "I think these moves help us do that."
Shackleford said Friday night's game will be a big test for his team and give him an indication of where they stack up against some of the Indoor Football League's best teams.
"It's going to be more than a test," he said. "It's going to be a battle.
"This is one of those games that I don't see us being the favorite."
Omaha has won two relatively low scoring games this season behind a defense that is only allowing 28 points per game this season. The Fever offense ranks second in the league, scoring 59.3 points per game.
"They are a very good football team," Shackleford said. "They have a great defensive line and are very well-coached."
By the numbers: In addition to ranking second in the league in scoring, the Fever ranks third in the IFL in yards per game (247.3) ... The Fever ranks second in the league with seven interceptions ... Kicker Gary Cismesia is 20 for 21 on extra points this season, tied for second in the league for kickers with more than 10 attempts ... Quarterback Houston Lillard ranks second in the league with 17 touchdown passes ... Joey Hew Len ranks second in the league with eight receiving touchdowns and is 10th in receptions (15) ... Dennis Rogan is tied for first in the league with four interceptions.
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Indoor Football League Stories from March 23, 2011
- "This Week in the IFL" Episode 6 - IFL
- Allen Seeking Revenge - Allen Wranglers
- Fever gets back to work - Tri-Cities Fever
- Over a Cup of Coffee - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
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