Game Preview: Reading Express Vs. Arizona Adrenaline
March 17, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (March 17, 2011) - The Reading Express remain at home this weekend, taking on the Arizona Adrenaline at a 4:00 p.m. kickoff Sunday at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.
The Express enter Week 5 with a 1-2 record after an unsettling 44-14 defeat to the Bloomington Extreme last weekend. After losing the past two games, first to the Chicago Slaughter, and then to the Extreme, the Express are hoping to regain the momentum they had after beating the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in the season-opener.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Adrenaline head into this Sunday's game at 0-2 in their first season with the Indoor Football League (IFL), after losing their first two games to the Tri-Cities Fever and the Colorado Ice. The Adrenaline join the IFL this season after a two year hiatus.
Although this is the only time in this year's regular season that the Express and the Adrenaline will compete, the two organizations met back in 2008 while both were members of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA). The Express beat the Adrenaline 47-43 in close game at the Sovereign Center. Sunday afternoon marks the first time the teams will face off in the IFL.
Offensively, the Express are averaging 34 points per game, 121.7 passing yards, about 16 passing completions, and 11 passing touchdowns per game. Although last week's performance was slightly disappointing on offense with just 14 points scored, the Express offense showed signs of promise. Express QB Chris Malleo found two of his top receivers, Nate Romig and Jeff Willis, to collectively post 111 yards on ten completions. The offense displayed a great potential to increase these numbers in weeks to come. On the defensive side, the Express are averaging 43 points against, while giving up 261.7 yards per game on the season with 154 tackles and four sacks registered.
As for Arizona, the Adrenaline are averaging 26.5 points per game, 176.5 passing yards, about 15 passing completions, with seven passing touchdowns per game. On the defensive side, the team averages 55.5 points against, while giving up 198.5 yards per game. The team has recorded 62 tackles and two sacks.
With a lot to prove this game, the Express hope to walk away Sunday night with a win, which will improve the team's overall record to 2-2.
Firefighter Appreciation Night: Sunday's event marks the fifth annual Firefighter Appreciation Night, presented by Berks - Fire - Water Restorations, Inc.=E2=84. This year's event will feature a popular pyromusical display at halftime. The festivities will also include a tribute to all firefighters and emergency responders in Berks and surrounding counties.
Reading Express fans will experience this firefighter event from the moment they arrive at Sovereign Center. Before entering the arena, children will have an opportunity to go through a Kids Safe House and learn some valuable fire safety tips. Fans of all ages will be treated to a display of fire juggling outside the Sovereign Center.
Throughout the event, the Reading Fire Department will showcase some of the city's fire trucks. The Reading Firefighters Honor Guard, the Reading Firefighters Motorcycle Gang, and the Lower Alsace Fire Company will also be part of the game festivities. In addition, Reading Express fans will be treated to video presentations about the admirable work done by our community's first responders.
Game Details: The Sunday kickoff is set for 4 p.m. EST. Tickets start at just $8. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to Sunday's game.
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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