Game Preview: Reading Express Vs. Fairbanks Grizzlies
May 12, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release
Reading, Pa. (May 12, 2011) - Reading Express fans get to greet their new Atlantic Division Champions this Sunday when the Express take on the Fairbanks Grizzlies for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff at the Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa. The Express clinched the division, and a guaranteed home playoff game, last Sunday after beating the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in Bethlehem.
The division championship celebration was short, though. With the Grizzlies on an impressive seven-game winning streak, the Express have been hard at work preparing for this week's game. The Grizzlies are also coming off a dominating performance against a talented Tri-Cities Fever team last Saturday night. This Sunday's game will be a true test for the Express.
On paper, this matchup looks to be the most-exciting one of the season at the Sovereign Center. Both teams are 7-3 at this point. While the Express can breathe easier knowing they already hold the keys to a playoff game, the Grizzlies are still fighting for a guaranteed playoff spot in the IFL's post-season.
Team Statistics
Reading Express Fairbanks Grizzlies
Offense
Average Points Scored 38.0 51.7
Yards Per Game 209.7 207.7
Passing Yards per Game 125.1 113.1
Passing Touchdowns (season) 29 31
Rushing Yards per Game 84.6 94.6
Rushing Touchdowns (season) 18 33
Passing Interceptions 10 10
Total Penalties 63 74
Defense
Average Points Against 35.7 38.1
Yards Against Per Game 217.0 215.7
Passing Yards Against 159.2 180.4
Rushing Yards Against 87.8 35.3
Tackles 413 417
Sacks 18 24
Interceptions 17 20
Defensive Touchdowns 0 4
A quick glance at the numbers tells you that both teams play balanced offensive games, with a nice mix of passing and rushing. It will be interesting to see if this game is won in the air or on the ground.
Sunday's game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field in Reading's Sovereign Center.
Tickets are now on sale. Call the Express office at 610.372.PASS (7277) or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to Sunday's game.
The Reading Express are the 2011 IFL Atlantic Division Champions. The team currently has a 7-3 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 64-20 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.
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