Game Preview: Reading Express at Green Bay Blizzard
May 20, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (May 20, 2011) - The Reading Express will head to Green Bay to take on the Blizzard for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at the Resch Center, in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. After falling to the Fairbanks Grizzlies 60-45, the Express are looking for momentum as they begin the final stretch of the season going into the playoffs. Not only is the Express looking for momentum, but also redemption after falling to Green Bay 62-19 on April 15.
To make things more interesting, this non-divisional matchup is shaping up to have great implications on the upcoming IFL playoffs. With a 57-38 win over Green Bay last week, the Sioux Falls Storm are projected as the number one seed out of the United Conference, meaning Green Bay is fighting for the all important second seed and a first-round bye. After securing the Atlantic Division title two weeks ago, the Express have clinched a playoff spot, but are also fighting for a second seed and a first-round bye. This Saturday's game is sure to bring the intensity and excitement of what might be a preview to what to see from both teams come playoff time.
As if there wasn't already enough anticipation around the game, the Express have two former Blizzard players, wide receiver Mike McCoy and lineman Angelo Craig, and both are looking for breakout games against their former team. It will be interesting to watch how McCoy and Craig respond to playing in the arena they called home not too long ago.
The Express have been hard at work preparing for the Blizzard, a pass orientated team which averages 216.8 yards in the air a game, while racking up a total 38 touchdowns on the season. Specifically, the Express will look to key on quarterback Willie Copeland, who threw for 138 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to wide receiver Chris Bell, in the previous meeting of both teams. The Express will look to their defense to keep the Blizzard at ease while relying on quarterback Chris Malleo to bounce back from last game's performance and continue his successful season in which he has totaled 30 touchdowns and 1361 yards.
Team Statistics
Reading Express
Green Bay Blizzard
Offense
Average Points Scored
38.6
50.0
Yards Per Game
206.7
216.8
Passing Yards per Game
125.3
176.1
Passing Touchdowns (season)
33
38
Rushing Yards per Game
81.5
40.7
Rushing Touchdowns (season)
19
19
Passing Interceptions
12
15
Total Penalties
63
79
Defense
Average Points Against
37.9
36.3
Yards Against Per Game
222.5
216.5
Passing Yards Against
162.5
160.7
Rushing Yards Against
60.1
55.8
Tackles
459
511
Sacks
21
23.5
Interceptions
17
20
Defensive Touchdowns
0
0
A quick glimpse at the statistics shows both teams lean towards the passing game, with a slight advantage to Green Bay. However, the Express look to have the upper hand when it comes to rushing. Defensively, both teams are averaging about 37 points against per game. All in all, this matchup seems to have the making of an exciting game.
Saturday's game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Reading Express are the 2011 IFL Atlantic Division Champions. The team currently has a 7-4 record this season, and has a guaranteed home game in the 2011 IFL Playoffs. Details are forthcoming about the June playoff game at the Sovereign Center.
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 64-21 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.
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