Game Preview: Reading Express at Green Bay Blizzard
April 13, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (April 13, 2011) - The Reading Express indoor professional football team heads out on its second of three straight away games this week, this time headed west to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Blizzard. The two United Conference members will battle for the first time ever Friday night at the Resch Center at 8:30 p.m. EST.
The Express are currently 4-2, while the Blizzard have a 4-1 record. Friday's game is surely going to be a match that will leave fans on the edges of their seats, with both teams vying for a coveted divisional transfer spot in the IFL playoffs. An Express win will widen their lead in the Atlantic Division, and a Blizzard win will tighten the playoff race with the Bloomington Extreme and Chicago Slaughter in the Great Lakes Division.
The Express are coming off a victory last week in Virginia against the division rival Richmond Revolution. The game marked the first time the Express played the indoor game outside. However, the wind and rain had no effect on the Express, who showed yet again why they are on top of the division by shutting down the Revolution 25-14.
Meanwhile, the Blizzard, which are currently on a four-game win streak, are coming off of a bye week. Thus far this season, the Blizzard have beaten the Wichita Wild, Nebraska Danger and Richmond Revolution. They have also split a two-game set against the Bloomington Extreme.
Looking at the stat sheet, Express fans can expect an exciting and challenging football game.
The Blizzard are averaging 51.4 points per game, 211.8 passing yards, and 21 passing completions, with 19 total passing touchdowns. On the defensive side, Green Bay averages 43.6 points against, while giving up 237.8 yards per game. The team has recorded 242 tackles and four sacks.
The Express, meanwhile, continue to improve and impress on offense. The drenched affair in Richmond sagged some of the stats. However, the Express are still averaging 36. 8 points per game, 123.3 passing yards, about 15 passing completions, and have 20 total passing touchdowns on the season. On defense, the Express are averaging 36 points against, while giving up 217.3 yards per game on the season. The team has registered 262 tackles and ten sacks.
Looking at the schedule this will certainly be one of the more challenging games for the Express this season; however a win over Green Bay will continue to build momentum as the Express head into the heart of its season.
Next Up: After Friday night's game the Express have one more away game against the Leigh Valley Steelhawks on May 23, then return home to the Sovereign Center for a rematch against the Revolution on Saturday, April 30.
The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five 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.
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